Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible [Paperback]

Alan Simpson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 076455722X | ISBN-13: 978-0764557224 | Publication Date: March 5, 2004 | Edition: Desktop Edition

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.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com 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 of 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 businesslike 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). --David Wall

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"...The word 'comphrehensive' certainly applies to this one.... We liked the writing style..." (Software World, 1 July 2002) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 720 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; Desktop Edition edition (March 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076455722X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764557224
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,383,041 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Childrens Bible perhaps..., October 22, 2001

By 

Dereck Matthews "thorshammer" (Hillsborough, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible (Paperback)

I picked this book up because I was looking for details on Microsofts "latest and greatest." I have to admit I should have done more research.
This book is probably suitable for someone new to windows(any flavor) and computers.

It is full of basic information and is well written,
however if you have no difficulties maneuvering in previous versions of Windows or consider yourself a poweruser...look elsewhere.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hardly a 'bible', October 1, 2001

By 

Rose Vines - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible (Paperback)

I've found some of Alan Simpson's earlier books useful, but his Windows XP Bible is a disappointment. If you're fairly new to Windows, then you'll probably find it useful, as it provides a good introduction to the new operating system. But this is hardly an XP 'bible'. It's extraordinarily light on for details, insights or advanced tips. It was also written while XP was still very much in beta testing, so there are large holes and even some incorrect information. Had it been called A Beginner's Introduction to XP I'd have given it the thumb's up; as it is, this book is something of a sham. Experienced Windows users seeking info on XP should look elsewhere.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good reference material, January 6, 2002

By 

Mike Eason (Schererville, Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible (Paperback)

This is a great book for reference in general. It covers XP across the board and gives some good defenitions.

I was impressed at how it gives you step by step instructions for installing all versions of XP. Including OEM versions on a new hard drive.

It also explains some of the new technologies that Microsoft has incorporated into XP such as the NTFS file system.

This book has helped me as a newbie to XP navigate my way around this new OS. I would buy this book if you are new to XP Home or Pro.