Customer Reviews

Master VISUALLY Windows XP Service Pack 2 Edition

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here's an oddity. A computer book that's both comprehensive and easy to use. For anyone wanting to learn all about Windows XP without intimidation, look no further. The book is well organized, starting with elementary basics (such as general computer basics), then moving on to a wide range of topics:

Working with digital cameras
Setting up a home network
Web publishing
Creating/editing videos
Creating audio CDs
Customizing your computer
And much more.

Each task is explained in easy-to-read text and, of course, with visuals. Very helpful, but written primarily for beginners, NOT for XP or computer veterans.

CD-ROM contains an evaluation version of Paint Shop Pro, FreeAmp music player,
AbyssAudio Collection, and an e-version of the book.

621 pages

This book is an excellent way to learn how to configure and use Windows XP from basics such as desktop, files, multimedia (playing and creating), setting up an internet connection and outlook express to more advanced topics such as networking. Between the pictures and the simple verbal description you are never at a loss to figure out what to do. Also it's simplicity can be misleading. It tells you about the windows built-in firewall which you can turn on or off--I keep it on because it never causes me any problems--as well as the great built-in fax program which you can install without using the Windows CD. I have been using this fax program and it works very well, but I could not find it mentioned in the index of Microsoft's own "Windows XP Inside Out" book. I can strongly recommend this book. It is excellent for the average user. I have used other books in the "Master" series and they are all excellent.

Many neophites who know that Windows XP exits but not yet sure how it exists to what makes it tick -- this is especially dificult for Mac users who are also working with Windows now that the new Apple MacBooks make it possible to work with Mac OS X and Windows XP at the same time. The differences between the two OSs can be confusing. "Master VISUALLY Windows XP Service Pack 2 Edition" can be very helpful in this regard. The author goes a long way to help the reader understand Windows XP and how to make it work to their advantage.

I bought this book two or three years ago for use as a reference book to keep next to my computer when the inevitable Win XP question rises. It has been very beneficial to me and now I plan to buy one for a relative who I think will also benefit from it.

I would never attempt to read my way through it (650+ pages)and it is a very hefty book but it contains useful info if you don't know where to start to answer a Win xp question. It is extremely cheap on a per pound basis.

This book has helped me very much. I keep it next to the computer and pick it up almost daily. I have purchased the Master Visually books everytime a new OS system comes out .

Great book to have when you have a question about your computer. Easy to look up questions in. Would not get a computer without getting this book.

Come on everyone needs some help on most everything and I sure do. This is easy to use and easy to understand which is very important.You won't be sorry getting it to help you out.

I think the Teach Yourself Visually books are useful books for beginners. Many (but not all) of the "Teach Yourself Visually" series books are good -- check reviews first on the one you are considering. This one (not a TYV exactly, "Master Visually XP) is a so-so... I don't like it as well as the TYV Windows XP.

I had purchased Teach Yourself Windows 98 Visually and thought it was great so I purchased Master Visually Windows XP. I was very disappointed in the presentation and content. In addition, the book weighs enough to cause a hernia. What on earth happened? Also I paid $40.00 which I feel is a gross overpayment. This will obviously fall on deaf ears but I thought I would get it off my chest