This book is arranged to be used as a learning tool, as well as a reference. It covers a wide range of topics, some informational and some instructional. It is structured so that you can progress easily from one topic to the next. You can jump to any topic as needed. It does not require sequential reading. Most topics are presented as problems or annoyances with a corresponding solution or solutions. You don't often find topics presented here in other references.

The Author tried not to make a solution dependant on add-on software. Where solutions depend on add-on software they are usually available on the Internet. Specifically, http://www.creativelement.com/powertools/.

What is an annoyance? An annoyance is a way of looking at a problem or an unfamiliar task. It's an attitude that gives you the fortitude and patience to solve any problem, rather than ending up frustrated and feeling like a dummy. Whether any particular thing in XP is actually new to you depends on which version of Windows you were using previously.

Drag-and-drop of EXE files finally makes sense. In XP, dragging an .EXE file works the same as dragging any other type file.

Enhances file dialog boxes. All most all of the file dialog boxes in Windows XP are resizable.

A new look for Find, uh...I mean Search. Not an improvement.

Folder Shortcuts. It is finally possible to create a shortcut to a folder what behaves like a folder, instead of a file.

Say goodbye to DOS. In previous versions of Windows, DOS was always a sort of safety net: an easy way to replace system files, reinstall the operating system or affect other repairs in case Windows wouldn't start. The death of DOS is a blessing in disguise and is responsible for the stability and security that Windows XP offers. XP is much more stable than previous versions of Windows.

Better hardware support. Each new version of Windows comes with more drivers and any of its predecessors, supporting a wide range of hardware.

Dynamic system resources. Every time you open an application, it loads all of its visual components, such as windows, menus, text boxes, buttons, check boxes and lists into memory. Thence windows keeps track of it all.

Performance, for better or worse. Anyone familiar with software upgrades has come to expect that any new version of an application or operating system will require more disk space and will run slower than its predecessor on the same hardware. Windows XP is no exception.

    Chapter One....... Making the Most of Windows XP. (See above)
    Chapter Two...... Basic Explorer Coping Skills
    Chapter Three...The Registry
    Chapter Four.....Tinkering Techniques
    Chapter Five..... Maximizing Performance
    Chapter Six.......Troubleshooting
    Chapter Seven...Networking and Internet working
    Chapter Eight ...User Accounts and Administration
    Chapter Nine.....Scripting and Automation
    Chapter Ten......Installing Windows XP

    Appendix A......Setting Locator
    Appendix B......BIOS Settings
    Appendix C......Command Prompt Crash Course
    Appendix D..... TCP/IP Ports
    Appendix E..... Error Messages (Blue Screen of Death)
    Index

Chapter 1 - Making the Most of Windows XP

Chapter 2 - Basic Explorer Coping Skills

Sixty seven pages discussing many, many ways of setting up EXPLORER to make XP work as you wish it to work. As a user of XP you will be using EXPLORER more than any other part of XP. By following some of the solutions in the book, you can make your experience with XP a lot more pleasurable. The ideal user interface should adapt to you rather than the other way around. One of the primary goals of the book is to change the way Windows looks, feels, and operates so that it is more closely in tune with the way you think and work. There are some fundamental features of the interface that can't be changed, so you will have to settle for the best compromise between the ideal solution and what is actually possible.

One of the primary roles of Explorer is to provide the basic working interface that allows you to manage the files, folders and applications on your system. The Windows desktop, the MY Computer window and the Start Menu are all services provided by the single Explorer application.

The term Explorer refers specifically to the window that has the hierarchical tree view in the left pane. All the other windows used to browse folders – such as those windows acceessible from the My Computer window–are commonly referred to as siingle folder windows.

Learn how XP works. Then use chapter 2 to make it work as you wish it to work.

Chapter 3 - The Registry

Twenty eight pages discuss the registry. Chapter 2 did not require a knowledge of the Registry. The rest of the book requires knowledge of the Registry. These twenty eight pages are important.

Every time you change a setting in Control Panel, add hardware to your system, install and application, or even rearrange icons on you desktop, Windows stores the corresponding data in your Registry. The Registry is a database containing all the settings for Windows XP, as well as the plications installed in your system. Knowing how to use the Registry is important for improving performance in Windows, troubleshooting all kinds of problems, and most importantly, customizing Windows XP beyond what is possible with the dialog boxes scattered throughout the interface.

You probably have been told, as has your reviewer, DON'T FOOL AROUND WITH THE REGISTRY. A word to the wise: you can irreversibly disable certain components of Windows XP –or even prevent Windows from runnning by changing certain settings in the Registry. The vasst majority of settings in the Registry are mostly harmless, but nonetheless, take the steps outlined n the Registry before you edit a single value. Furthermore , back up your entire system will ensure that none of your valuable data or programs are compromised. It will save hours of hassle in the event of a stupid mistake.

Study this chapter and understand the structure of the Registry, the Register Editor, the Values, the Right Register Keys and other components. Do Not Make Changes to your Register until you understand it and know how to make Registry Patches of the area in which you are going to make changes. Make Registry Patches, then you can always correct what you have done, if you make a mistake. Chapter 4 - Tinkering Techniques Fifty seven pages of things to do to your program. First, go back and read chapter 3 again, to make sure you are familiar with it. The most important part of software design is the interface. The interface is the only link we humans have with the machines we use -- the better the interface, the better the link, and the more useful the machine will be. Because the Windows XP software has already been designed and written, the most we can hope to do is to tinker with it so that it works more like we think it should.

The methodology behind the design of the Windows interface is that its supposed to be usable by the lowest common denominator: the person that has never seen windows before. There are three main problems with this approach if not done correctly. One such an interface is inherently condescending. Two, no one remains a beginner forever. Three, users are not all the same. A dumbed down interface is not the answer. This chapter gives the user many ways to improve the performance and sefulness of Windows XP.

Chapter 5 -Maximizing Performance

Fifty eight pages of things to improve you program. First, go back and read chapter 3 again. Make sure you are familiar with it. The computer spends 99.9% of its time waiting for you to do something. What concerns us is the other 0.01 of the time when 8 seconds may seem like an eternity. A common misconception is that a computer with a fast processor will automatically be faster than a computer with a slower processor. Processor speed is an obvious benefit in some special instances, such as when performing intensive statistical calculations, modeling software, or playing high end games. The real-world performance is measured differently. A qualitative assessment of a computer's speed is based on its ability to respond immediately to mouse clicks and keystrokes, start applications quickly, open menus and dialog boxes without delay, start up and shut down Windows quickly, and display graphics and animation smoothly. For the most part, all of these things depend more upon correctly optimizing software, the amount of installed memory, and the amount of disk space rather than raw processing power. This chapter is devoted to solutions that will help improve the performance of your existing system without requiring any monetary investment. Optimize your current computer and see if it adequately performs as you wish it to perform, before rushing out and purchasing a new machine.

Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting

Sixty three pages of what to do when your computer malfunctions. You probably consider the barrage of incomprehensible error messages and crashing to be the operating systems biggest annoyance. While the two items are major problems, but the problems vary widely from simple features not working to massive data loss, with a whole range of quirks in between.

Two pearls of wisdom: 1. 99% of all computer problems are solved by pressing the computer's Reset button. 2. Insanity can be defined as repeating the same actions over and over again, expecting different results. (Or, worse, repeating the same actions over and over again, knowing you'll never get different results.) Naturally, a corollary to these principles is the resetting your computer repeatedly will get you nowhere. What do you do during the remaining 1% of the time when restarting your computer doesn't help. This chapter will help you with this situation.

Chapter 7 - Networking and Internetworkding

Sixty four pages of knowledge about networking and Internet working. This chapter concerns itself with networking – IE – facilitating the exchange of information betwetween computers. There are several different kinds of networks, each with its own limitations and advantages. A simple "peer-to-peer" workgroup can comprise as few as two computers connected with a single cable. Large organizations deploy networks based on the client/server topology. Client/server networks differ from peer to peer etworks not so much in technology as in the roles the different computers play. For most of us, the peer to peer network is of primary interest. This chapter will assist you in handling this situation.

Chapter 8 - User Accounts and Administration

Thirty five pages of information about user accounts and administration.

User accounts have a much more prominent roll in Windows XP than they have had in previous versions of Windows. Microsoft main aim in Windows XP was for multiple user functions controlled by server-type operations. But Windows XP is also intended to be suitable for "home" users, who typically have little or no interest in user accounts and administration. Proper use of user accounts can protect your computer from unauthorized intruders, whether they are sitting at your keyboard or connecting remotely from thousands of miles away. Separate accounts for each person allows them to protect their personal and sensitive documents from others using the machine. Very useful.

Chapter 9 - Scripting and Automation

Forty Two pages of information on scripting and automation. This is a new subject for your reviewer, so let me define it for me and for you. One of the ways to improve your experience with Windows XP is to reduce the time it takes to perform repetitive tasks, whether that involves backing up important files once a week, or generating custom web pages once ever three seconds. Scripting is a very simple form of programming that is well suited to quick-and-dirty tasks, such as simple file operations, managing network connections, or even starting several programs at once.

Chapter 10 - Installing Windows XP

Forty two pages of information on installing Windows XP. Much of the information is not contained in the Windows XP documentation that comes with Windows XP when purchased.

Installing an operating system is not an especially pleasant activity for most Windows users. Just booting the setup CD can be a headache. Then you have to type the 25 digit CD key, and then make a bunch of choices about your network. You must sit and wait...and wait... for Windows to copy all its thousands of files to your hard disk, then go through the excruciating process of "configuring" your computer. When it finally boots – assuming you make it this far – then you must download and install more than one hundred megabytes worth of fixes and updates. Then you have to go through and turn off many annoying "features" littered throughout the interface. All the time you are anticipating what will not work when setup is complete.This chapter offers much help in installing the operating system.

Appendix A - Setting Locator

Thirty three pages of settings. The appendix contains more than 700 individual Windows XP settings and where to find them. Settings made in the registry are not included here because of their complexity.

Appendix B - BIOS Settings

Seven pages of Basic Imput-Output system information. BIOS is the program(stored in a chip on your motherboard) responsible for booting your computer and starting your operating system. It also handles the flow of data between the operating system and your peripherals (keyboard, mouse, had disk controller, video adaptor, etc). Your BIOS has a special "setup" screen that allows you to customize its settings to enable or disable motherboard features, improve performance, and sometimes, fix problems.

Appendix C - Command Prompt Crash Course

A fourteen page review of the Command-Line Interface.

Appendix D - TCP/IP Ports

Two pages discussing TCP/IP ports. When you web browser or email program connects to another computer on the Internet, it does so through a TCP/IP port. Important from a security standpoint to know when considering security of your system.

Appendix E - Error Messages

Six pages of error messages. The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is aptly named because it means death for whatever you were working on before it appeared. Error messages are explained here.

Index

This book contains many, if not all, of the things that you should have learned in a comprehensive course on the use and management of Windows XP. Highly recommended.