Windows XP for Dummies [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ (Author) "One way or another, you've probably already heard about Windows, created by the Microsoft company and owned by one of the richest men in the..." (more)
Key Phrases: freebie programs, rest your mouse pointer, click the green arrow, Internet Explorer, Control Panel, Outlook Express (more...)

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Wiley Publishing; illustrated edition edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764508938
• ISBN-13: 978-0764508936
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #253,402 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

160 of 172 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

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.

31 of 31 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 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.

104 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Graham Douglas Lincoln "The Truth is Absolute... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews

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.