How to Do Everything with Windows XP: Third Edition

reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Whether we like it or not, the Windows operating system is used on a majority of the computers in the US and World. Many computer users still donÕt use the most updated version for a variety of reasons. However to run more multimedia and applications, the latest version is needed. While many others are using Linux, Mac OS X, most people use their computers with Windows. The latest version is Windows XP.

The author is a technology expert and has worked with Windows XP since its early testing. He states that this book is about Ò the best operating system Microsoft has produced.Ó What caught my about this, the text said ÒMicrosoft.Ó Needless I found that statement interesting (does that mean he hasnÕt looked at others, compared them?).  The characteristics for this version of Windows profess it to be  Òfriendly, easy to use, best use of the Internet and digital imagery.Ó Well letÕs see what the book shows regarding is OS, this version and the ideas in this book.

This 407-page book is nicely divided into four chapters. The text, is "plain jane,Ó for the most part black text on white. Tips and note inserts are found throughout the chapters and are insightful.   Part 1 is Ò Get to know Windows XPÓ; Part 2 Ò Get ConnectedÓ; Part 3 Ò Cool things you can duo with Windows XPÓ; Part 4   Ò Optimizing, troubleshooting and Fix Windows XPÓ; The Appendix installing Windows XP.

Chapter 1,  ÒExplore the XP Desktop,Ó deals with acquainting yourself with the desktop. The recycle bin is the ÒtrashÓ I noticed.

Chapter 2 ÒManage your computer with the control panelÓ includes much about the control panel. Now these can be divided into categories (long overdue.) Microsoft considers the tools found in Category the most common. In Microsoft common fashion, flexibility is not afforded unless you find out what else can be done. The author nicely points out (p.16). In the CP Options, switch to Classic view and you see more. A host of keyboard options are explained in detail and well done. The author does a good job elaborating upon the Pointer options and task start menu.

Chapter 3, ÒConfigure system settingsÓ demonstrates how to customize the start menu, reduce clutter, add menu shortcuts, configure display, how to remove themes. With Chapter 4 ÒManage components, programs, folders and files Learn in this sections about file types, settings, configure folder views, customize the toolbar, and mange the programs. Dealing with many files and deleting files. A cautionary note warns (p.74) not to change folders or files etc in the Windows folder.

Chapter 5 ÒUse the accessories that come with windows: teaches how to utilize the tutorial like Òwizards.Ó Accessory modes are explained. It is here that there is more about Windows Explorer. Since Windows ME, this Explorer is considered an Accessory. Even though some common ones are on the control panel these can be changed and the instructions are included.  Chapter 6, ÒManage hardware,Ó has some important XP golden rules. Also included is how to install drivers, working with device management. With Chapter 7, ÒUse printers, fax machines, scanners, and digital cameras,Ó you learn to do just that.

Part 2 Ò Get ConnectedÓ covers chapters 8-13. It has more specific information about the Internet. Chapter 8 Òsurf the internet. Learn to use Chapter 10 ÒRun outlook express,Ó the email client service. Chapter 11,  ÒCreate a home network,Ó has information about home networking. Chapter 12 ÒManage users and groups,Ó is helpful as it details how customizes groups. Chapter 13 ÒWindows XP security and remote connections,Ó has much information about the prime concern for many, security. For Windows this is important because of the many viruses that can infect the system.

Part 3 (14-18), starts off with Chapter 14, ÒPlay games.Ó Game screenshots, learning how to install the games, troubleshooting (game controller issues, gamelocking up troubles) are discussed.  Chapter 15 ÒUse windows media player 10, has the information about playing multimedia (included music visualization options P.249). Music players on the iTunes or with this Media player and like many people, with one or both of these application, many do not know the visualization to tools exist.

However  Chapter 16, ÒCreate movies with windows Movie maker 2.1,Ó focuses on video application. I was curious to find (p.260) that while there was much about the video process, the information focused upon analog video. Later (p.262) the author points out there are capture devices to convert analog to digital format but does not mention there are higher grade camcorders that take video in digital video (DV) format that save some from this headache.  Nothing is mentioned about DV use outright without analog. But then I read (page 261) what some of the weaknesses were. It is free application, which is good but can only be saved in Windows Media Video (WMV) format. Specifically it is pointed out (page 261) if you want to play a WMV movie imported from a Windows (XP) you might have capability problems. If you are reading this book and want to do more video work, you need to find out more information then is offered in this book. But the focus is the Operating system not just the video section. But more information would have been good.

Chapter 17, ÒManage digital photos in Windows XP,Ó informs about photo tool use. \Chapter 18 ÒExplore XP Plus packs and powertoys,Ó (must be bought), is a CD based set of goodies has some extra features for XP (themes, screen savers, games and more).

Part 4 (chapters 19-21) has Chapter 19, ÒTake care of Windows XP, Chapter 20 ÒManage disks, Chapter 21 ÒSolve problems with XP. This is a fairly good chapter for troubleshooting and managing problems.

The book is comprehensive and has much information. The author covers most of the topics. Most topics are in depth Much is said that this version of Microsoft, is the best yet (compared to previous versions). Since most people use this OS, versus Mac OS X, Linux and others. Since the new version has been delayed, this is the best version for now. Whether it is the best operating system to use on the market or is just the best Microsoft offers for now is not really said. But the book does speak for itself in being a readable and informative book to learn about XP. It seems like a good book to start one needs help with XP. A good starting point indeed. The price is right also for learning about XP and most of the operating system but not video recording.