* The bestselling computer book of all time-more than eight million copies sold in all editions-now revised to cover the updates in Windows XP Service Pack 2 as well as updates in popular Windows applications * This fifty percent revision includes a fully revamped , "task-oriented" table of contents as well as expanded coverage of e-mail, anti-spam tools, faxing, troubleshooting, customization, multimedia, and CDs and DVDs-plus a brief look ahead to the next generation of Windows, codenamed "Longhorn" * Walks first-time Windows XP users through signing on, navigating the interface, using basic applications, finding and working with files, handling Internet functions, setting up peripherals, and fixing basic problems * Written in the friendly, accessible For Dummies style by Andy Rathbone-one of the bestselling tech authors of all time
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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Windows for Dummies:
Received the item "Windows for Dummies", 2nd. Edition fast and in perfect condition. I would not hesitate to order from this seller again!
Windows:
The book was shipped directly to someone else so I do not have complete information as to when it was received by the individual. They were very pleased with the content and condition of the book and how it was shipped.
WINDOWS XP FOR DUMMIES:
HAD BOUGHT WINDOWS XP TO UPGRADE MY WIN 98 AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ENOUGH OF A DIFFERENCE THAT I NEEDED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP. I JUST STARTED USING COMPUTERS AGAIN AFTER BEING AWAY FOR 13 YEARS AND THEY HAVE REALLY CHANGED. I HAD TO UPGRADE BECAUSE ALL THE NEWW EQUIPMENT THAT I BOUGHT HAD TO HAVE XP, 2000, OR BETTER TO RUN. THIS BOOK HAS THE HINTS THAT I NEED TO GET ME FROM STUCK TO UN-STUCK IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. TOO MANY OTHER BOOKS ARE TOO TECHNICAL FOR THE AVERAGE JOE TO UNDERSTAND.
The Dummy Helped:
I have a friend who is in her 80's, relatively inexperienced in computers and dependent on grandchildren to help, that is when she could find them. I saw this and sent it to her. Her comments were very enthuiastic. She claims that it substituted for a grandchild quite well on several occasions.
