Book Review - Windows XP MVP by John Barnett
Category Book Reviews
Unless you're a complete and total desktop OS geek, there's a good chance that you'll run into things you want to do but can't figure out in Windows XP. I received a review copy of a book that would definitely assist in those cases... Windows XP MVP by John Barnett with Curt Simmons, Alan Simpson, and David Dalan.
Contents:
Part 1 - Configuring and Personalizing Windows XP: Configuring the Windows XP Interface; Managing Programs; Installing and Configuring Hardware; Managing Power Options; Customizing Startup and Shutdown; Customizing and Using Folders; Managing Files and File Type Associations; Compressing and Encrypting Folders and Files; Organizing Archiving and Remotely Storing Files and Folders; Personalizing and Managing User Accounts; Fun Tools for Customizing Windows XP
Part 2 - Internet and Networking with Windows XP: Creating Internet Connections; Configuring and Customizing Internet Explorer; Configuring and Customizing Outlook Express; Using Windows Manager; Wired Networking; Wireless Networking and Virtual Private Networking; Managing Network Security and Access; Sharing Resources; Configuring and Using Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance
Part 3 - Multimedia Solutions with Windows XP: Organizing and Managing Digital Photos and Video Files; Using Windows Media Player 10; Making Movies with Windows Movie Maker 2; Printing Digital Photos with Windows XP; Custom Projects and Fun Activities with Digital Photos
Part 4 - Hacking Windows XP: Hacking Your System; Expert Tips and Tricks; Scripting With Windows XP
Part 5 - Securing and Troubleshooting Windows XP: Managing Local Security; Keeping Your Computer Safe on the Internet; Managing Disks and Drives; Taking Care of Windows XP and Automating Tasks; Using Event Viewer and Performance Monitor; System Information, System Restore, and Windows Help; Tips and Tricks for Speeding Up Windows XP; Recovering from a Crash or Other Serious Problem;
Appendix: A Primer on Registry Editing; Index
As you can see from the contents, there's not a whole lot that's left uncovered. The book is packed with plenty of step by step instructions on how to accomplish whatever task you need to do, such as sharing folders and drives or learning how to make a video with Microsoft Movie Maker. In fact, I just played with that software this weekend, and I'm looking forward to digging into it a bit deeper with this material. If you've got even a smattering of computer savvy, there's not much in this book that should intimidate you. And if you're more into messing with areas not normally messed with, Part 4 (Hacking Windows XP) will give you plenty to enjoy.
Personally, this is the type of book I need with me when working with Windows XP. As a software developer, I just want my OS to work without having to worry about it. And since I don't spend a lot of time having to deal with things at that level, I don't get the day-to-day exposure and repetition to remember how to do some of this stuff. As a result, Windows XP MVP ends up getting a lot of use as my own personal guru.
Unless you're a complete and total desktop OS geek, there's a good chance that you'll run into things you want to do but can't figure out in Windows XP. I received a review copy of a book that would definitely assist in those cases... Windows XP MVP by John Barnett with Curt Simmons, Alan Simpson, and David Dalan.
Contents:
Part 1 - Configuring and Personalizing Windows XP: Configuring the Windows XP Interface; Managing Programs; Installing and Configuring Hardware; Managing Power Options; Customizing Startup and Shutdown; Customizing and Using Folders; Managing Files and File Type Associations; Compressing and Encrypting Folders and Files; Organizing Archiving and Remotely Storing Files and Folders; Personalizing and Managing User Accounts; Fun Tools for Customizing Windows XP
Part 2 - Internet and Networking with Windows XP: Creating Internet Connections; Configuring and Customizing Internet Explorer; Configuring and Customizing Outlook Express; Using Windows Manager; Wired Networking; Wireless Networking and Virtual Private Networking; Managing Network Security and Access; Sharing Resources; Configuring and Using Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance
Part 3 - Multimedia Solutions with Windows XP: Organizing and Managing Digital Photos and Video Files; Using Windows Media Player 10; Making Movies with Windows Movie Maker 2; Printing Digital Photos with Windows XP; Custom Projects and Fun Activities with Digital Photos
Part 4 - Hacking Windows XP: Hacking Your System; Expert Tips and Tricks; Scripting With Windows XP
Part 5 - Securing and Troubleshooting Windows XP: Managing Local Security; Keeping Your Computer Safe on the Internet; Managing Disks and Drives; Taking Care of Windows XP and Automating Tasks; Using Event Viewer and Performance Monitor; System Information, System Restore, and Windows Help; Tips and Tricks for Speeding Up Windows XP; Recovering from a Crash or Other Serious Problem;
Appendix: A Primer on Registry Editing; Index
As you can see from the contents, there's not a whole lot that's left uncovered. The book is packed with plenty of step by step instructions on how to accomplish whatever task you need to do, such as sharing folders and drives or learning how to make a video with Microsoft Movie Maker. In fact, I just played with that software this weekend, and I'm looking forward to digging into it a bit deeper with this material. If you've got even a smattering of computer savvy, there's not much in this book that should intimidate you. And if you're more into messing with areas not normally messed with, Part 4 (Hacking Windows XP) will give you plenty to enjoy.
Personally, this is the type of book I need with me when working with Windows XP. As a software developer, I just want my OS to work without having to worry about it. And since I don't spend a lot of time having to deal with things at that level, I don't get the day-to-day exposure and repetition to remember how to do some of this stuff. As a result, Windows XP MVP ends up getting a lot of use as my own personal guru.
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