The cover of Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies boasts that it's "nine books in one." That's a stretch--it's really a book about Microsoft Windows XP for novices, with supplementary information about America Online and MSN--but cover claims aside, this book represents a good value for someone new to computing. Woody Leonhard--a respected Windows authority who writes with enough humor to keep things light but not so much as to obscure the facts--begins with how to use a mouse and works all the way through installing printers and setting up a little network in a home or small office. Granted, if you've found this page on the Internet you probably don't need Leonhard's "how-to-click" tutorial, but you may be shopping for someone unfamiliar with Windows. This book is good for such people.

While the nine separate indexes (one at the end of each included "book") will annoy you--the unified one at the back of this book is much easier to find and use--Leonhard's style will compensate. He's very good at explaining how to do what Windows XP was meant to do, up to a certain level. Want to add a music file to a Windows Media Player playlist? There's a procedure for that. Want to cancel AOL because you can't stand it? He explains how. He does not, however, provide detail on more complicated jobs like setting up a cable modem or dealing with the specific security risk posed by Universal Plug and Play. Overall, this is a nicely written, friendly book that covers Windows XP well, but to a limited depth. --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP for home users, particularly novices. Windows XP fundamentals (like windows and the mouse pointer), customization, Internet tools (including Outlook Express and Internet Explorer), America Online (AOL), Microsoft Network (MSN), printers, small networks, and Internet connectivity are all addressed.


Book Description
Windows XP is one of the more sophisticated computer programs ever made. It cost more money to develop and took more people to build than any computer program. For many people, Windows XP rates as the first must-have version of Windows ever – which is not to say the software's absolutely "intuitive" or "seamless" or "user friendly" or (fill in most often-observed marketing jargon).

Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies not only takes you through the introductory material and stuff any computer newbie can comprehend, but also ventures into more advanced areas, where you can really put Windows to work every day. Without dwelling on technical mumbo-jumbo and baffling jargon, this nine-books-in-one reference tackles the tough problems you’re likely to encounter, shows you the major road signs, and gives you lots of help with Personalizing your Desktop Organizing your Windows XP interface Connecting to the Internet Finding and installing the hardware you want Joining the multimedia mix Building your network

In the majority of cases, Windows XP works far more reliably than any other version of Windows. One of the main reasons why: Windows XP successfully protects itself from programs that try to overwrite its crucial files. Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies shares insight into protecting your network and your privacy, and delivers invaluable information on Upgrading from your current version of Windows Befriending the Help and Support Center Using sneaky key commands Differentiating between XP/Pro and XP/Home Getting started with Outlook Express Finding your way around the Internet Explorer window Acquiring and installing AOL in Windows XP Sending and receiving e-mail with MSN Explorer Discovering digital cameras and video devices

With a couple dozen computer books under his belt, six Computer Press Association awards, and a handful of fiercely independent electronic newsletters covering Microsoft products, this All-in-One's author lays it all out in simple, sensible, often funny terms: Your Windows of opportunity is wide open for a stress-less computing experience.


Download Description
The ultimate reference for Windows users who have recently upgraded and are looking for a comprehensive guide to installing Windows XP, setting it up, and taking advantage of all of its new features, in addition to anyone who is downloading the new service pack (SP2) or purchasing a new PC
* The nine minibooks include Windows XP basics, customization, the Internet, Internet Explorer, America Online, Microsoft network, hardware, multimedia, and home networking
* This edition covers new security features (including Windows Firewall), the new wireless user interface, Windows Media Player 9, Windows Movie Maker 2, and changes to Internet Explorer
* Includes an entirely new chapter on Windows Media Center
* The new edition also boasts a full chapter devoted to broadband Internet connections, coverage of new of MSN and AOL versions, and expanded coverage of wireless networking and wireless security


Book Info
Covers absolutely everything you need to know about Windows XP. Packed with exclusive troubleshooting tips. Softcover.


From the Back Cover
9 books in 1 — your key to Windows XP success! Your one-stop guide from the one and only Woody Leonhard Windows guru Woody Leonhard tells it like it is — no punches pulled, no holds barred. In this all-in-one guide, Woody gives you the lowdown on Windows XP — plus savvy tips on the Internet, service providers like AOL, digital music and photos, home networking, and more. The Dummies WayCovers the essentials and beyondExplanations in plain English"Get in, get out" informationThumbtabs and other navigation aidsTear-out heat sheetIndividual topic indexesA dash of humor and funGet smart! @ www.dummies.comFind listings of all our booksCreate your own personalized book with Hungry Minds a la Carte™Sign up for daily eTips at www.dummiesdaily.com


About the Author
Woody Leonhard is the winner of an unprecedented eight Computer Press Association awards. He publishes Woody's Windows Watch and other e-newsletters, writes regularly for PC Computing and Ziff Davis Smart Business, and is the author of 24 acclaimed books.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Great FREE tip for Windows XP users: Subscribe to Woody Leonhard's no-charge electronic newsletter on Windows at http://www.woodyswatch.com/windows/index.asp. Every week, you'll get up-to-the-nanosecond news and tips about Windows XP, unfiltered, unvarnished, unofficial, and incredibly useful.

Great not-quite-free tip for Windows XP users: check out Woody Leonhard's Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies®.

It's more than 700 pages of equally useful stuff, covering every nook and cranny of the massive Windows XP: basics, customization, the Internet, Internet Explorer, MSN, hardware, multimedia, home networking -- even running AOL under Windows XP.

When something's good about XP, Leonhard says so. When Microsoft's fouled up, he tells you that, too. As he puts it, "The Truth is out there. But it ain't in the documentation."

It is in here. Where else would you discover that Microsoft included Backup software in Windows XP Home, but didn't include Restore? Sheesh.

Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies® manages to stay consistently easy (and funny) throughout, while still uncovering all sorts of gems that most casual Windows XP users would never find on their own.

For example, there's a full chapter on finding the stuff that's buried on your hard drive -- including some pretty slick techniques using wildcards, and some neat tricks Windows XP's search feature can do when it's looking for multimedia content. Speaking of searching, Woody shows you how to change Internet Explorer's default web search engine to Google, so you actually might find what you're looking for.

Thankfully, the book doesn't take you painfully through every dialog box of every applet. Instead, it tells you the stuff you don't already know. How to transform the Windows calculator into a scientific calculator (great for high school math and up). How to use WordPad to edit Microsoft Word documents without scrambling them hopelessly (very useful in a pinch, if you haven't bought Microsoft Office). How to install Windows XP's built-in fax application (bet you didn't know there was one: Microsoft doesn't install it by default. How to maintain contact lists in Windows XP's Address Book (maybe you don't need Outlook after all).

Oh, and check this out: Woody tells you how to cheat in Solitaire (and how to hide the new Spider Solitaire instantly so the boss won't know you're goofing off -- just press the Esc key).

Of course, you're too busy messing with Windows XP's advanced digital media tools to be playing Solitaire anymore, right? This book contains a full section (the publisher calls it a separate "book") on multimedia. Jammin' with Windows Media Player 8 (have you tried listening to Internet radio yet? Woody shows you how). Working with Windows Movie Maker. Printing photos from the My Pictures folder.

Upgrading hardware? Buying certified Windows XP-compatible gear should go a long way towards keeping you out of trouble. But maybe not all the way. Woody shows you how to install your new printer in the event Windows doesn't notice you've attached it; how to choose the right digital camera; even how to set up your home network. Speaking of networking, there's a chapter on protecting your computers (and privacy) against the bad guys: what's a hoax, what's serious, and what to do. You'll discover how to encrypt your email, and the No. 1 rule if you think you've been hit by a virus: don't reboot!)

If you're not a PC expert, aren't looking to become one, but still want to have a great experience with Windows XP, this is the book for you. (Bill Camarda)

Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer with nearly 20 years' experience in helping technology companies deploy and market advanced software, computing, and networking products and services. He served for nearly ten years as vice president of a New Jersey–based marketing company, where he supervised a wide range of graphics and web design projects. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

9 books in 1 ￯﾿ﾽ your key to Windows XP success!

Your one-stop guide from the one and only Woody Leonhard Windows guru Woody Leonhard tells it like it is ￯﾿ﾽ no punches pulled, no holds barred. In this all-in-one guide, Woody gives you the lowdown on Windows XP ￯﾿ﾽ plus savvy tips on the Internet, service providers like AOL, digital music and photos, home networking, and more.

The Dummies Way
*Covers the essentials and beyond
*Explanations in plain English
*"Get in, get out" information
*Thumbtabs and other navigation aids
*Tear-out heat sheet
*Individual topic indexes
*A dash of humor and fun