From the Back Cover
Learning Microsoft® Windows XP®
through Applications & Exercises - Each lesson contains short exercises designed for using Windows XP in real-life business, school, and home settings.
- Exercises include key terms, concise notes, conceptual descriptions of Windows XP features, and hands-on mouse and keystroke procedures.
- Exercise Directions offer step-by-step instructions to put skills to work.
- Exercises suitable for both Windows XP Professional and Home editions.
From Beginner to ExpertThe Skills You Need in the Workplace - Learning Windows XP starts with Windows basics. You will become familiar with starting Windows and the Windows desktop environment. Then you will learn the essentials of making Windows work, including creating folders, files, starting programs, and using the many new features of Windows XP.
- In each exercise, you will develop and practice new skills, and then build on previous skills.
- By the book's end, you will be able to manage, use, and enjoy your computer with more ease, confidence, and security than ever before.
- You will also learn how Windows XP offers new levels of customizing the appearance and performance of your computer environment.
Learn by Doing; Not Reading - Learning Windows XP launches you into a setting that can take place in the home office, the school, and the workplace. Each exercise begins On the Job with a brief description of how you would use the features of that exercise in many Windows task settings.
- Each exercise ends with an exercise that simulates a school, workplace, or home office task in which you will apply newly learned skills that can be used again and again for using Windows XPas well as the many applications designed for it, such as Microsoft Office XP.
We'll Teach You Getting Started with Windows
Logging On
Using the Mouse and Keyboard
Shutting Down
Start Menu
Taskbar
Organizing with Windows
Storage Devices
Folders
Files
Windows Explorer
The Recycle Bin
Using Programs
Start Programs
Switch between Programs
Exit Programs
Use and Locate Windows Accessory Programs
Getting Help
Search with Windows
The Help and Support Center
Customizing Windows XP
Capture Desktop Pictures
Control Panel
Screen Savers
Color Schemes and Themes
Mouse and Keyboard Settings
Folder Views
Classic View
Maintaining a Computer
Add/Remove Programs
Printing
Resources
Copying and Formatting Disks
Restoring System Files
Power Conservation
Visual Effects
Using Digital Media
Play Music
Burn CDs
Play DVDs
Internet Radio
Viewing Picture Files
Networking with Workgroups
Manage User Accounts
Setting Passwords
Shared Access
Remote Desktop/Assistance
... and more
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Microsoft® Windows® XP is the newest version of the Windows operating system. It is designed to enable you to access information and control your computer system quickly and easily. There are three versions of Windows XP: XP Professional, a full-featured program designed for use on large network; XP Home, which is designed for small business and home use; and XP Server, which is designed for use on network server systems. This book will help you get up and running with any of the three versions, but it specifically covers XP Professional.
How We've Organized the Book
Microsoft® Windows® XP is made up of eight lessons:
- Lesson 1: Getting Started with Windows XP
This lesson introduces essential Windows XP skills, including logging on and off, using the mouse and keyboard, and controlling windows. It also introduces basic concepts such as what is an operating system, and what are computer components. - Lesson 2: Organization
In this lesson you learn how Windows XP makes it possible for you to store and access information on your computer. You learn how to see what's stored on your disks and how to use folders and files. - Lesson 3: Use Windows Programs
Once you learn the basic commands for one Windows XP program, you can transfer that knowledge to all Windows XP programs. In this lesson you learn how to start and exit programs, as well as how to use a program to enter data, save data, and print data. - Lesson 4: More Windows Programs
Learn how to make the most of the programs that come with Windows XP, including Windows Explorer, the Search Companion, and the Help and Support Center. - Lesson 5: Customize Windows XP
You can make Windows XP fit your preferences and your work habits. In this lesson you learn how to change the way Windows looks and works, including customizing the mouse and keyboard settings and selecting a color scheme. - Lesson 6: More Customization
In this lesson you learn more about personalizing your Windows work environment. In addition to more information about changing the appearance of items on-screen, you also learn how to add and remove programs and Windows components and how to install new hardware devices. - Lesson 7: System Maintenance
One primary purpose of Windows XP is to help you maintain your system so it runs effectively and reliably. In this lesson you learn how to keep your computer and data safe and secure using such tools as the Defragmenter and System Restore. You also learn how to troubleshoot problems that may occur. - Lesson 8: Digital Media and Workgroups
This lesson covers the tools that Windows XP offers for accessing and using digital media, and for communicating with other computers via a local area network. You learn how to import and manage music, DVD video, and digital images such as photographs. You also learn how to share files and data with others, and how to keep information private.