- This wide-ranging guide helps ordinary users fight back against Windows slowdowns, glitches, and annoyances
- Windows is the world's dominant desktop operating system, with 93.8 percent of the market as of 2002
- Packed with savvy tips for decluttering a system, speeding up access to programs and data, customizing the interface, rooting out resource hogs, tuning up e-mail and Web browser performance, protecting against viruses, and more
- Focuses on Windows XP and covers the new Service Pack 2, but many techniques are applicable to older Windows versions
Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))
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Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Streamline your system and safeguard your computer
Eliminate unused programs, organize data, dump stale cookies, and pick up speed
If you can brew a pot of coffee while your programs load, it’s time to clean the Windows! Here's how to clear out stuff you don't need, create an orderly desktop, scrub away Internet gunk, and keep your system clutter-free by setting up a regular cleaning schedule. Through sparkling clean Windows, you’ll see faster, safer computing that’s a lot more fun.
The Dummies Way
- Explanations in plain English
- "Get in, get out" information
- Icons and other navigational aids
- Tear-out cheat sheet
- Top ten lists
- A dash of humor and fun
Discover how to:
- Make your programs run faster
- Archive old data and remove duplicate files
- Eliminate spyware and adware
- Manage Internet information safely
- Shut down unused services
- Optimize Service Pack 2's security features
About the Author
Allen Wyatt, an internationally recognized expert in small computer systems, is president of Discovery Computing, Inc., a computer and publishing services company located in Mesa, Arizona. He has worked in the computer and publishing industries for almost two decades, writing more than 50 books and numerous magazine articles. Allen’s popular lectures and seminars have reached audiences throughout the United States, as well as throughout Mexico and Costa Rica.
Besides writing books and technical materials, Allen helps further the computer book industry by providing consulting, production, and project management services. He publishes two free weekly newsletters, WordTips and ExcelTips (www.VitalNews.com).
Allen can be reached by e-mail at awyatt@dcomp.com.
Besides writing books and technical materials, Allen helps further the computer book industry by providing consulting, production, and project management services. He publishes two free weekly newsletters, WordTips and ExcelTips (www.VitalNews.com).
Allen can be reached by e-mail at awyatt@dcomp.com.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
142 of 144 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I run a technical support web site, and this is a book I'd wish I'd written. Since Allen got to it first, I expect I'll be pointing people to it frequently as I answer their questions.
One of the major reasons Windows becomes unstable over time is something I've heard referred to as "software rot". Do nothing but use your computer in normal ways, and over time, it will slow down, and possibly even become unstable. The system will "rot" out from underneath you.
Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is a great step-by-step guide to not only "cleaning up" your Windows programs, data, processes, disks and more, but more importantly, keeping your system clean and preventing that rot from happening. It's as much about slightly altering how you use your computer to keep it clean, as much as it is about that initial remedial clean-up.
Advanced topics include how Windows uses memory, getting a handle on Security, Windows Networking, the Windows Registry and more. The book closes with 4 "Top Ten" lists ranging from troubleshooting ideas to online resources.
The book is an easy read, and targeted at the novice or less experienced user. There are plenty of examples, as well as warnings along the way when you might venture into areas that require caution.
I've always been a little leery of the "for dummies" types of books. I've been concerned that they would take too simplistic an approach for the material to actually be useful in the long run. I'm happy to say that Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is not only a useful how-to book for the average user interested in getting the most out of Windows XP, but will also serve as a handy reference for the life of your Windows XP installation.
One of the major reasons Windows becomes unstable over time is something I've heard referred to as "software rot". Do nothing but use your computer in normal ways, and over time, it will slow down, and possibly even become unstable. The system will "rot" out from underneath you.
Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is a great step-by-step guide to not only "cleaning up" your Windows programs, data, processes, disks and more, but more importantly, keeping your system clean and preventing that rot from happening. It's as much about slightly altering how you use your computer to keep it clean, as much as it is about that initial remedial clean-up.
Advanced topics include how Windows uses memory, getting a handle on Security, Windows Networking, the Windows Registry and more. The book closes with 4 "Top Ten" lists ranging from troubleshooting ideas to online resources.
The book is an easy read, and targeted at the novice or less experienced user. There are plenty of examples, as well as warnings along the way when you might venture into areas that require caution.
I've always been a little leery of the "for dummies" types of books. I've been concerned that they would take too simplistic an approach for the material to actually be useful in the long run. I'm happy to say that Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is not only a useful how-to book for the average user interested in getting the most out of Windows XP, but will also serve as a handy reference for the life of your Windows XP installation.
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
There are lots of tips and resources to make windows XP run faster and to clean the harddrive.
Unfortunately one of the recommended programs for doing most of the things for you is System Mechanic (do not forget to read all the comments for this software in Amazon -at the moment 20 ratings with one star for the version 7- I wish I had read them prior to use it) which made my windows work worse than before and broke most of links of programs with the System Registry.
Good Luck.
Unfortunately one of the recommended programs for doing most of the things for you is System Mechanic (do not forget to read all the comments for this software in Amazon -at the moment 20 ratings with one star for the version 7- I wish I had read them prior to use it) which made my windows work worse than before and broke most of links of programs with the System Registry.
Good Luck.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
First, let me start by saying I am an intermediate computer user and I purchased this book in tandem with "Master Visually - Optimizing PC Performance" by Joe Kraynak.
This book, "Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies" is a fine read. It has plenty of useful information and is well written and concise. The only catch is that it really is made for a computer novice. Wyatt does an excellent job of writing for someone who is not very familiar with how Windows XP really works, but anyone with an average knowledge of computing may find this book a little simplistic (as the title implies).
For someone who has very little computer knowledge (especially with Windows XP) I would recommend this book. If you are looking for something that goes just a little bit more in depth and is not quite as "dumbed-down" I would point you towards the book I referenced previously.
This book, "Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies" is a fine read. It has plenty of useful information and is well written and concise. The only catch is that it really is made for a computer novice. Wyatt does an excellent job of writing for someone who is not very familiar with how Windows XP really works, but anyone with an average knowledge of computing may find this book a little simplistic (as the title implies).
For someone who has very little computer knowledge (especially with Windows XP) I would recommend this book. If you are looking for something that goes just a little bit more in depth and is not quite as "dumbed-down" I would point you towards the book I referenced previously.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
No Help
I'm a computer novice. This book didn't help me at all trying too clean up and speed up my computer. I was really disappointed. I wasted my money. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ba En Asaru
understanding computers
Having previously purchased other books in this line: I find them helpful and easy to understand for someone who is not a computer whiz. The book arrived in fine condition.
Published 5 months ago by bob
Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies
I am very happy with my purchase. The book was in
good condition, better than I had expected to receive.
good condition, better than I had expected to receive.
Published on February 28, 2010 by MKKB
A must have for XP users
Simple, easy to follow and understand manual for Windows XP. A must have for anyone wishing to keep expensive Technical Assistance at a minimum.
Published on June 4, 2008 by Nancy Creed
Really cleans up
I found this book excellent for these reasons:
- It explains what XP does, to the level you need. Read more
- It explains what XP does, to the level you need. Read more
Published on March 6, 2008 by Elizabeth Wright
Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies
Most of the things in this book are on the tutorial that comes on your computer, for basic maintenance. Read more
Published on April 2, 2007 by Dan Bailey
Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies
This is an excellant book for keeping your computer in tip top condition,
you should have some knowledge of computers, and really should read most of the book, before... Read more
you should have some knowledge of computers, and really should read most of the book, before... Read more
Published on March 19, 2007 by Kathy Carmichael
Great Book!
I thought it was excellent. It had alot of helpful tips and has enticed me to buy other dummies books.
Published on February 22, 2006 by B. Beatty
Inside This Book
(learn more)
First Sentence:
A computer is nothing but a tool. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
cleaning your system, installed program list, orphan data, uninstall files, spyware programs, program inventory, unused programs, unwanted programs, data everywhere, programs run faster, installation discs, restore point, notification area, removing programs, multiple hard drives, system tray, duplicate files, system restore, temporary files, archiving data, cache files, dialog box, startup files Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Control Panel, Internet Explorer, Recycle Bin, Disk Cleanup, System Mechanic, The Basics of Cleaning Your System, Security Center, Windows Explorer, Task Manager, Computer Management, Banishing Internet, Cleaning Up the User, Internet Options, Outlook Express, Recovery Console, Becoming Security, Getting Rid of Old Programs, Identifying What You Have, Making Your Programs Run Faster, Managing Internet, System Properties, Tackling E-Mail, The Operating System Figure, Desktop Cleanup Wizard, File Signature Verification New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
A computer is nothing but a tool. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
cleaning your system, installed program list, orphan data, uninstall files, spyware programs, program inventory, unused programs, unwanted programs, data everywhere, programs run faster, installation discs, restore point, notification area, removing programs, multiple hard drives, system tray, duplicate files, system restore, temporary files, archiving data, cache files, dialog box, startup files Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Control Panel, Internet Explorer, Recycle Bin, Disk Cleanup, System Mechanic, The Basics of Cleaning Your System, Security Center, Windows Explorer, Task Manager, Computer Management, Banishing Internet, Cleaning Up the User, Internet Options, Outlook Express, Recovery Console, Becoming Security, Getting Rid of Old Programs, Identifying What You Have, Making Your Programs Run Faster, Managing Internet, System Properties, Tackling E-Mail, The Operating System Figure, Desktop Cleanup Wizard, File Signature Verification New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 8
books:
See all 8 books this book cites
- Fighting Spam For Dummies by John R. Levine on page 112, and page 135
- Computer Viruses For Dummies by Peter H. Gregory CISA CISSP on page 135
- Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein on page 280
- Home Networking For Dummies, Third Edition by Kathy Ivens on page 273
- Home Networking: The Missing Manual by Scott Lowe on page 273
See all 8 books this book cites
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