The Complete Idiot's Guide to Windows XP [Paperback]

Paul McFedries (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2001 | Series: Complete Idiot's Guide to...(Computer)

The Complete Idiot's GuideA (R) to Windows XP is not a book for nerds, geeks, or anyone else who regards a pocket protector as the height of fashion. Instead, this book is aimed squarely at people who, through no fault of their own, have ended up with Windows XP installed on their computer and they want some guidance on how to tame this new beast. This completely revised edition covers both Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. It includes all the new Windows XP features, including the new interface, the latest versions of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, Windows Media Player 8, the new digital media features, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Become a Windows XPert in no time! You're no idiot, of course. You're computer literate, but it seems you need a Ph.D. in Geek Speak to read most books on Windows XP. Don't worry! You don't have to learn another language to understand The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Windows XP. This is not a book for those who think the pocket protector is the height of fashion. Written for anyone who may be the proud yet bewildered new user of Windows XP, this Complete Idiot's Guide give you: @BULLET1=Advise to help you master the basics of navigating Windows XP. @BULLET2=Information on all the new Windows XP features, including the new interface and the latest versions of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. @BULLET3=Ways to put Windows Media Player 8, the new digital media features, and other cool applications to work for you. @BULLET4=Excellent instruction on how to set up and maintain a network using Windows XP.

About the Author

Paul McFedries has been wrestling with computers (metaphorically speaking) for over 25 years. He has a degree in mathematics, can swap out a computer circuit board in seconds flat, and once even used the phrase "paradigm shift" in a sentence. Despite all of this, McFedries still, inexplicably, has a life. He is the author of more than 40 computer books that have sold over two million copies throughout the solar system. His most recent titles include The Complete Idiot's Guide to Windows Me, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Web Page, and Special Edition Using JavaScript. When asked what made him an expert on Windows XP, McFedries responded: "If XP crashes, I know how to get it started again with a well-aimed kick." "My mouse skills are terrifyingly advanced." "I'm a close, personal friend of a guy who almost went to the same high school as a woman who has the same last name as Bill Gates." Although primarily a freelance writer by day, at night McFedries wears other hats, including president of Logophilia Limited and head spy of the world-famous Word Spy Web site (check out http://www.logophilia.com/WordSpy/). He lives with Karen, the love of his life, and Gypsy, the kissing dog. His favorite hobbies are building large wooden structures, taking naps, and talking about himself in the third person. He can be reached via the Internet (compliments and kudos preferred) by sending an e-mail missive to this book's address: [e-mail]. You-yes, you-are also encouraged to drop by his Web site: http://www.mcfedries.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028642325
• ISBN-13: 978-0028642321
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,928,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul McFedries runs Logophilia Limited, a technical writing company, and has been writing computer books for more than 17 years. He is the author or coauthor of more than 60 books that have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. Paul is also the proprietor of Wordspy.com, a website that tracks new words and phrases as they enter the language.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sick of your computer,feeling out of your depth,ready to give up. I know exactly how you feel ,and then I read this book., January 24, 2007

By 

A. Harvie (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

this guide does not assume as so many others do,that you have some understanding of computers. Paul McFedries knows computers inside out,but his greatest achievement is that he knows you do not,so he starts right at the very beginning, he knows you are going to make mistakes and,he leads you through these,explaining in a very amusing style the confusing language of computers, allowing you all the time in the world to practise.If you cannot make your computer do what you want it to then this book really is for you. You don,t understand now but you will

5.0 out of 5 stars An Idiots review., July 6, 2011

By 

rjrx - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

This is a well writen guide for the non-tech user, informative, funny, entertaining,and Amazon's price and service can't be beaten.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for computer illiterate grannys, September 5, 2010

By 

dorcus247 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

Hi,

This is a very handy book to have for those of us who are older and haven't learned a lot about how the computer operates, This information doesn't come with the computer or at least not with mine. Sometimes the grankids are not around to help and this book just about covers it all. A really great buy.