Product Description

Focusing on Windows XP functionality, this Bible is value–packed and covers the basics (e.g., navigating a computer) as well as how to use the most popular Internet features; customize the work environment; maintain and tweak the system; use general techniques for working with text, numbers, and graphics. The Desktop Edition offers the very best content from the Windows XP Bible, combined with new coverage of Media Player, Movie Maker, and Service Pack 1, and features sidebars with annoyances, workarounds, solutions, and tips.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #318703 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 720 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Comprehensive in its treatment of Microsoft's latest and greatest operating system for the masses, Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible has an answer to most "How do I..." questions that are likely to arise in the minds of Windows XP users, particularly those who aren't too familiar with recent versions of Windows. If you're going to buy a Windows XP reference book for your office, this would be a good choice. The author--the respected Alan Simpson, who's put out similarly comprehensive books before--must have incredible patience, because he manages to document almost every Windows procedure down to the last option and the final "OK" click. Most people won't need this level of handholding--almost everyone has gained knowledge of the basic Windows conventions by now--and perhaps this book could have been more compact (as it is, it's pretty hefty) or contained more obscure details without it. But don't accuse Simpson on neglecting details.

No one will read this book front to back. Most visits will begin with the table of contents (which is very detailed) or the index (which is even more so). A page-flip or two later, readers will have explanatory prose (which is clear and detailed, and almost always strictly business-like without being off-putting) and a procedure or two with numbered steps. The procedures have a particularly good design when it comes to options--it's clear what happens if you make different choices in dialog boxes. Again, coverage is absolutely comprehensive, with detailed explanations and procedures extending even to Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) and the new Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). --DavidWall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP (Professional Edition and Home Edition) for beginning and intermediate-level users of the operating system, with a few bones thrown in for more advanced users. Internet connectivity (standalone and shared), file management, administrative duties such as backing up files and uninstalling programs, local-area networks (LANs), and all other user-level aspects of Windows XP are covered. Chapters on portable computer issues and security are particularly nice.

Review
"...The word ′comphrehensive′ certainly applies to this one.... We liked the writing style..." (Software World, 1 July 2002)

From the Back Cover
"Finally, a comprehensive and approachable guide to Windows XP!"
––Paul Thurrott, Windows & .NET Magazine

If Windows XP can do it, you can do it too...

If you have just come face to face with your first computer, or if you’re new to Windows XP, this desktop reference will boost your confidence within minutes. You will start at the very beginning, learning the basic skills, and then advance at your own pace as you discover the Internet, multimedia features, and finally how to customize and expand your system–when you’re ready.

Inside, you’ll find what you need to know about Windows XP

• Learn to navigate your computer, understand the terms, and use basic programs
• Begin using the Internet and e–mail, and learn how to protect your system
• Work with cameras, scanners, and photo editing, play music, and use the newest versions of Media Player and Movie Maker
• Organize your work and manage files and folders
• Take advantage of the new features of Service Pack 1
• Customize your desktop and programs to fit the way you work
• Find workarounds, solutions, and tips for solving common Windows XP problems

What’s a Desktop Bible?
Wiley Desktop Edition Bibles are power–packed, streamlined versions of the standard Bibles. They include everything you need to know for practical application, concisely written and conveniently designed for day–to–day use.

Customer Reviews

Easy steps in plain, simple language.
Like others in the 'Bible' series,this book is beautifully written, using simple language. It contains many clear illustrations which will greatly assist both the newcomer and the more advanced user. All of the many components of Windows XP are seperated into sections, making them easier to understand. I thought that I already had a good knowledge of XP, but this book taught me many new tricks.

its for people NEW to using XP
as it states in the first chapter, this is not an upgrade book for someone who has been using windows for years. its a book for newbies and for people who have neverr touched a computer, he says on the first page of the introduction - if you can understand the following, this book is not for you : "right-drag the selected items to the destination folder, drop , and then choose Copy Here or Move here, depending on which you want to do, from the shortcut menu". This is a book for people who can read the above sentence and honestly say, " I have no idea what he's talking about". having used this book It can answer any question you need on the user side of XP. a good user guide and reference for learners

Great for all
I bought and read this book a year ago when I first bought a computer, it proved helpful then and now nearly a year later I am re reading it, ok not word for word, and it is proving very helpful. Some of the info that I didn't understand then I do now! It is a useful reference book, and well worth getting!