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
“…the most well-known range of computer books…” (Computer Active, January 2005)

“Readers will enjoy reading this bouncy, overwhelming accessible text….gives a peek at the next generation of Windows genius.” (Good Book Guide, December 2004)

“…sure to be a huge seller…” (Publishing News, July 2004)


Review
“…the most well-known range of computer books…” (Computer Active, January 2005)

“Readers will enjoy reading this bouncy, overwhelming accessible text….gives a peek at the next generation of Windows genius.” (Good Book Guide, December 2004)

“…sure to be a huge seller…” (Publishing News, July 2004)


Book Description
The bestselling computer book of all time -- with more than eight million copies sold in all editions -- has been revised to cover updates in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and popular Windows applications. With 50ew content, this book includes a fully revamped, "task-oriented" table of contents, expanded coverage of e-mail, anti-spam tools, faxing, troubleshooting, customization, multimedia, and CDs and DVDs, and more. If youre a first-time Windows XP user, youll appreciate being walked through signing on, using basic applications, working with files, handling Internet functions, setting up peripherals, and fixing basic problems. And if youre a more experienced user, youll appreciate the brief look ahead to the next generation of Windows.


Book Info
Covers the essentials that new and experienced Windows users need to become familiar with the latest release of the Windows operating system and to use its basic and brand new features. Softcover.


Hungry Minds
Windows XP for Dummies covers the essentials that new and experienced Windows users need to become familiar with the latest release of the Windows operating system and to use its basic and brand new features. This friendly guide covers the enhanced features of the new release including making your way around the new interface and the enhanced media and connectivity features.


From the Back Cover
Covers the latest Windows XP updates including Service Pack 2

Fully revised to quickly answer your XP questions

You asked for more coverage of Outlook Express, scanning and faxing, CD burning, and more in Windows XP For Dummies — and we delivered! This updated edition is packed with answers to your Windows XP questions, from getting files and programs to work to troubleshooting common problems. Best of all, it's written in author Andy Rathbone's fun and friendly style that's made this book a bestseller for over 10 years.

Praise for Windows For Dummies

"This book feels your pain and prescribes a chuckle." — G. David Wallace, Business Week

"Informative, friendly, conversational, and slightly irreverent. . . . It could help save you time and ease your frustration level." — Suzanne A. Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune

"Written in a humorous style that gets the job done." — Don Crabb, Chicago Sun-Times

Discover how to Burn CDs, scan, and fax from your desktop Increase security with a firewall Exchange instant messages over the Internet Block annoying pop-ups, viruses, and spyware Customize your computer screen with your own photos


About the Author
Andy Rathbone may be the bestselling technology author ever. He has written 35 For Dummies books and is also an authority on PC hardware and entertainment technology.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Even beginners know more than they used to. And they certainly want to do different things with their computers than they used to. So Andy Rathbone has thoroughly overhauled his bestselling Windows XP for Dummies. The new edition is ideal for the 21st-century Windows XP newcomer -- and for millions of non-experts who wouldn￯﾿ﾽt call themselves beginners anymore.

Nearly 50 percent of Windows XP for Dummies, Second Edition is new. For instance, Rathbone￯﾿ﾽs expanded email chapter includes setting up Outlook Express for AOL and for free webmail services like Yahoo! and Hotmail. Also covered here: finding lost mail; managing your contacts with Address Book; and (by popular demand) Windows instant messaging.

Rathbone￯﾿ﾽs rewritten his digital media coverage to reflect Microsoft￯﾿ﾽs WMP 10; he covers everything from playing MP3s to duplicating music CDs. (Nifty tip #1: how to update your song￯﾿ﾽs tags to make sure your MP3 player recognizes them. Nifty tip #2: how to turn off copy protection so you don￯﾿ﾽt accidentally prevent yourself from playing your own ripped music.)

Of course, all the basics are still here: using the Windows XP interface, working with Windows￯﾿ﾽ applets, managing files, getting onto the Internet, and so forth. But this edition also covers everything from Windows XP Service Pack 2￯﾿ﾽs firewall to anti-Spam tools. Nice touch: a full chapter of Windows￯﾿ﾽ most common error messages, and how to react to them (panic is not necessary). If you don't need this book, chances are you know someone who does. Bill Camarda

Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2003 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER