Book Description
-Finally! A book for computer-savvy users who want the straight scoop and want to learn the fastest way to do things. -Well-known author, Dan Gookin faces tough issues head-on, poses uppity questions few dare to ask, and isn’t the least bit shy when it comes to sharing funny, razor-sharp opinions. -Topics include configuration, file applications/management, getting the most from Windows XP’s multimedia features, automation, communications, and utilities.


Book Info
A book for users who want to work faster, easier, and smarter. Deals with Windows XP's imperfections. Learn how Windows works so that you can always remain one step ahead. Softcover.


From the Back Cover
At Last! A Book for Intermediate Users! Do you find Windows XP frustrating? You're not alone. Best-selling author Dan Gookin lays bare the best (and worst) of Windows XP in this book for users who want to work faster, easier, and smarter. If you want real help dealing with Windows XP's imperfections, take a deep breath and let Dan be your guide. Using easy-to-follow instructions, Dan reveals alternative (and better) ways of completing particular tasks, shows you how to use powerful productivity-increasing commands, and teaches you how to configure Windows to suit your needs. You'll also learn how Windows works so that you can always remain one step ahead of it. Dan Gookin's Naked Windows XP transforms you into a more expert, dynamic, and headache-free user. Expert Advice That Will Change Life As You Know It (for the Better) Why the System Configuration utility is a buried treasure...and what it can do for you Whipping Internet Explorer into shape Dinking with and wrangling the Taskbar Sending the Quick Launch bar to obedience school Fixing, pruning, and grafting menus Making the Desktop your own Protecting files from death, destruction, or mere accidental erasure Teaching the Notification Area to obey your whim Secrets and solutions for working with images and graphics How MediaPlayer's playlists can make your life easier Curing those Internet connection blues How to say "No!" to spam Disk management chores you really need to do And much more!


About the Author
A PC enthusiast for almost twenty years, Dan Gookin has written over eighty computer books, many of them bestsellers. Known for books that are instructional and yet fun to read, he strives to help everyday people get the most from their computing experience. Dan and his wife, Sandy, live in snowy Idaho and are active in the local theater.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Dan Gookin invented the ...For Dummies® format almost singlehandedly. His explanations of technology were fun to read back when computer books were supposed to be thoroughly technical -- and deadly serious. Well, Gookin's gotten his hands on Windows XP, and a few subheads will tell you he hasn't lost his touch:

"How to avoid 'window slop.' " "How to tell if a program needs killing and how to kill it." "I am only one human being and would like to dispense with the multiple user horsedoody." "Does tracking performance really help or is it just a joke like so many other things in Windows?"

Gookin is superb at identifying the stuff normal folks need to know: the aggravations, the workarounds, the well-hidden productivity tips. How to close a whole batch of windows fast. How to turn the Desktop Cleanup Wizard off (and while you're at it, turn off the Fade effect). Why your scanned images are so gigantic on screen, and what to do about it. How to clean out the list of web sites you've visited. If you're running Windows XP, this book's a treat -- no joke. (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

At Last! A Book for Intermediate Users!

Do you find Windows XP frustrating? You're not alone. Best-selling author Dan Gookin lays bare the best (and worst) of Windows XP in this book for users who want to work faster, easier, and smarter. If you want real help dealing with Windows XP's imperfections, take a deep breath and let Dan be your guide. Using easy-to-follow instructions, Dan reveals alternative (and better) ways of completing particular tasks, shows you how to use powerful productivity-increasing commands, and teaches you how to configure Windows to suit your needs. You'll also learn how Windows works so that you can always remain one step ahead of it. Dan Gookin's Naked Windows XP transforms you into a more expert, dynamic, and headache-free user.

Expert Advice That Will Change Life As You Know It (for the Better) Why the System Configuration utility is a buried treasure...and what it can do for you Whipping Internet Explorer into shape Dinking with and wrangling the Taskbar Sending the Quick Launch bar to obedience school Fixing, pruning, and grafting menus Making the Desktop your own Protecting files from death, destruction, or mere accidental erasure Teaching the Notification Area to obey your whim Secrets and solutions for working with images and graphics How MediaPlayer's playlists can make your life easier Curing those Internet connection blues How to say "No!" to spam Disk management chores you really need to do And much more!