Windows XP for Dummies [Paperback]

Andy Rathbone (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764508938 | ISBN-13: 978-0764508936 | Publication Date: September 15, 2001

Windows XP is the most powerful of Microsoft’s Windows software – software that’s been updated many times since starting to breathe in January 1985. XP is short for Experience, but Microsoft calls it Windows XP to give it a more modern-day, "at-this-happening-moment" sound. Someday, sometime, something in Windows XP will eventually leave you scratching your head. No other program brings so many buttons, bars, and babble to the screen.

Windows XP For Dummies is for everyone who has a clue about what they want to do with their computers. Bypassing the technical hoopla, this friendly reference comes to the rescue when Windows XP stumps you or when you're feeling spunky and want to dig into deeper details of the ever-popular operating system. In either case, you can expect to pick up information on

• Finding the file you saved or downloaded yesterday
• Moving those little windows around on the screen with the mouse
• Making Windows XP run like your older versions of Windows
• Starting and closing programs by clicking the mouse button
• Making Windows XP work again when it’s misbehaving

Beginning with the basics, this book explains all the Windows XP stuff that everybody thinks they already know – until the program starts tossing them stumbling blocks. Windows XP For Dummies clears the way to

• Navigating the new Start menu and taskbar with ease
• Setting up a secure Internet connection
• Having a good time with digital photos, music, and videos
• Personalizing XP for each member of your family
• Fixing common problems using System Restore and online resources

Most people meet up with Windows XP by something other than choice. Their new computer probably came with a version already installed; maybe the workplace introduced a Windows XP update; or perhaps the latest version of their favorite program required Windows XP. Any in case, Windows XP For Dummies helps you adjust easily to the new Windows kid in town – and even enjoy his company!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Windows XP for Dummies does a good job in its role as the flagship of the Dummies line, providing Windows novices with a guided introduction to Microsoft's latest and most feature-rich operating system for everyday computer users. Its treatment of computer, Windows, and Internet fundamentals is among the best on the market, and author Andy Rathbone has an appealing way of writing that's simultaneously fun and detail-rich. If you're a Windows novice--meaning you don't know how to undelete a file that's been sent to the Recycle Bin, or what a Web browser is, or what it means to "cut and paste" text--you will get a lot out of Rathbone's work.

Some aspects of this book could be better, such as the part of the networking chapter that calls for an Ethernet hub without noting that a switch, though possibly more expensive, would do the job better, without any additional hassle. The networking coverage also does an inadequate job of explaining how to share a cable modem or DSL connection among several computers. This is a serious shortcoming, and we're getting to the point in our evolution as a society of computer users at which we can assume that everyone knows what the "Cancel" button does and would rather read about the newer, more exciting things that Windows XP can do. Even the dummies aren't that dumb anymore.

But that said--and Rathbone does confine a lot of the really elementary stuff to a skinny introductory chapter--this book is a boon to people who aren't familiar with Windows XP or its immediate predecessors (including Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me). It's also great for people who have learned a little about Windows on the job or from their kids, and want to expand on what they know. --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP for people completely unfamiliar with the operating system and other recent versions of Windows. Coverage includes how to run programs, move and delete files, connect to the Internet, and use applications like electronic mail programs, Web browsers, and multimedia players.

Review

"...humorous and irreverent approach...user-friendly instructional tool that will guide even the most apprehensive user through a number of basic tasks..." (Personal Computer World, October 2002)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Wiley Publishing (September 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764508938
• ISBN-13: 978-0764508936
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've written more than 50 books in the past 20 years, including the "Windows For Dummies" series, "Upgrading and Fixing PCs For Dummies," and "Motorola Xoom For Dummies."

Feel free to visit my Web site at www.andyrathbone.com, where I answer a reader's question each week.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

169 of 181 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Only if you're new to Windows, November 12, 2002

By 

eco_lady "eco_lady" (Seattle, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Windows XP for Dummies (Paperback)

A better title for this book would be "Any Windows for Dummies". I bought this book because I am new to XP. Some of the reviews including one from an "IT" person stated that there was good information on XP specifically.

I found it to cover a lot of basic information on how to use Windows such as "start" button, icons, and control panel. Another example is the Networking chapter which in essence says "use the network wizard" and little else. It is well-written and methodical in its presentation of the subject but the subject matter is very basic. If you are an end-user that is comfortable with any version of Windows from 3.1 on, you will likely be unhappy with this book.

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learn the Basics, August 18, 2004

By 

S. Brady (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows XP for Dummies (Paperback)

This is the book for you if you are new to Windows. Covers most Windows functions and shows you where they are in Windows XP as well as introducing new Windows features. Very Basic in that it covers things such as Copy and Paste, etc. Limited in explainations about how to change things, customize, etc..
For me this was not the correct book, being experienced in all previous Windows and Mac operating systems. However, for a splash start, you can't do better than the "Dummies" books with excellent writing style, simple procedures with pictures.

108 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Make Your life Easier. Upgrade to XP !, June 23, 2002

By 

Frater V "The Truth is Absolutely Not Absolut... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Windows XP for Dummies (Paperback)

Sure, you can read all the thick Egghead books, if you want, but the average user can simply purchase a copy of this great little book, to learn the basics of the XP Operating System, and use it for reference, occasionally.

The Windows XP Operating System is so Wonderful, that a user will not have much trouble, at all. This "Dummies" book should suffice for any questions that arise while using this Fantastic O.S.

Do yourself a Favor, and Upgrade from Windows '98 or, preferably, Windows 2000. Install "Microsoft Office XP Professional Upgrade, by Microsoft," and watch 98% of your computer woes vanish before your eyes ! Do the Updates, and watch the remaining 2% disappear, without a trace.

This book is really all the average Home user needs to run with XP. I work in IT, troubleshooting computers, and I strongly recommend this simple reference guide. I am not afraid to admit I was a "Dummy," in regards to XP.

Furthermore, I am using a "Dummies" book to help study for the A+ Exams. These books are fantastic. If you do not have the time to dig-through complicated information to find the answer to a dilemma, use the Index & Glossary to quickly get back to your work. The Screen Shots and Succinct Commentary will have you rolling right along, singing the Praises of XP.