Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: avg free, desktop search, image resizer, Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer, Control Panel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Ever feel as though Windows XP was running YOU, instead of the other way around? Maybe it's time to show Windows who's boss. Make it run YOUR way. Get rid of the stuff that doesn't help you do what you want to do. Soup up security so you're better protected against spyware and other nasties. Find things faster with more efficient searches.  Woody Leonhard shows you exactly how to do it in Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies.

Don't let the word "hack" intimidate you. Woody walks you through every suggested adjustment step by step. He even provides plenty of explanation about what's involved and what tools you need. Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies even gives you a convenient list of common hacks you should avoid because they don’t accomplish much. You'll discover how to:

• Eliminate the annoying features that came pre-installed on your PC
• Speed up your system performance
• Pin programs, folders, files, and Web pages so they appear on your Start menu
• Launch applications more quickly
• Boost the performance of your favorite games
• Get the most from your iPod and Windows Media Player
• Navigate peer-to-peer file sharing safely
• Find free virus protection

In the fun and friendly Dummies style, Woody Leonhard gives you tons of helpful advice to make your relationship with Windows XP a lot more rewarding.

From the Back Cover

Make Windows XP look, feel, and act the way you want

Simplify searches, find free virus protection, and make Windows love your iPod®

Hacks? Mods? Don't be frightened — this book walks you through each and every one, and even steers you clear of well-known hacks that don't really accomplish anything. See how some simple tools can help you take control and create settings you can actually use, shortcuts that simplify your life, security measures that really work, and lots more.

Discover how to

• Remove features you never use
• Speed up system performance
• Launch applications more quickly
• Fight spyware more effectively
• Get peak performance from your XP games

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (September 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471748978
• ISBN-13: 978-0471748977
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #648,238 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and fun..., February 5, 2006

By	Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

If you run Windows XP and you're annoyed by the number of things you can't do (or so says Microsoft), you'll love this book... Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies by Woody Leonhard.

Contents:
Part 1 - The Nuts & Bolts of Hacks & Mods: Windows XP - What's Not to Love?; Tools of the Hacking Trade; A Quick XP Makeover
Part 2 - Controlling the Look and Feel of Windows XP: TweakUI, the Power User's PowerToy; Pinning Down the Start Menu; Taking On the Taskbar; Decking Out the Desktop
Part 3 - Adjusting Everyday Activities: Reining In Windows Explorer; Cool Keyboard Hacks and Menu Mods; Searching on the Desktop; Switching to Better Online Software; Pulling Off Pictures
Part 4 - Modding to Monitor and Manage: Seeing What's Happening; Decoding IDs, Accounts, and Passwords; Using Remote Assistance; Retooling Disks
Part 5 - Protecting Yourself (And Your PC): Changing (In)Security Settings; Taking the "Mal" out of Malware; Keeping Your Privates Private
Part 6 - Entertaining Yourself: Making the Most of Media Player; Buying Music and Videos; Trading Music and Videos; Getting Games to Work
Part 7 - The Part of Tens: Ten Steps to Mastering the Registry; Ten Speed-Up Hacks - Maybe
Index

This was one of the most entertainingly informative books I've had the pleasure of reading in awhile. Leonhard is not at all a fan of Microsoft and his cynicism drips on every page. Things I normally take for granted as "that's just the way it works" are dissected, and ways to hack around them are outlined. For instance, perhaps you don't like the way that the roller wheel on your mouse scrolls more than one line at a time. Woody shows you how to download the TweakUI powertoy from Microsoft, which has the ability to tweak that setting and seemingly a hundred more. He also suggests a number of other software packages (non-Microsoft, of course) to allow you to have a more safe and secure computing experience. Substitute Firefox for IE. Switch out MSN for Trillian or Gaim. Basically, you'll find dozens of gems in these chapters that will quickly pay back your investment in time and dollars with the book. Plus, you'll have fun reading it. Leonhard's a great writer...

Definitely a recommended volume to have at hand for your Windows XP computing experience...

4.0 out of 5 stars WINDOWS XP HACKS AND MODS, March 20, 2008

By	Rudolph J. Antalek (LISLE NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

WELL IF YOU GET WINDOWS XP FOR DUMMIES IT DOSEN'T HURT TO GET AS MANY BOOKS ON THE SYSTEM THAT YOU ARE GOING TO DEPEND ON TO RUN YOUR BOX. I USE TO WORK FOR A COMPANY AND WHEN EVER WE ADDED A NEW SYSTEM, I ALWAYS GOT ALL THE DOCS FOR IT, JUST TO TRY TO UNDERSTAND IT. THIS SERIES FOR DUMMIES MAKES IT A LOT EASIER TO GET ALL YOU CAN FROM WHAT YOU INVEST IN.