"Windows XP is the latest, most reliable, and best-looking version of the world's most widely used operating system, combining the extremely stable engine of Windows NT and 2000 with the user friendliness of the Windows 98 and Me consumer models. In its first year, XP became the fastest-selling Windows OS ever. But one major failing remains unaddressed: XP Pro comes without a single page of printed instructions."

This is the way this book is reviewed from Amazon and the publisher. I agree with this statement. However, this book still does not constitute as a reference manual. I tried to use a few of the hints and tricks that the book claims to work and was frustrated to no end. The first few chapters are fine and easy to read and understand but when you get into the meat of the book you start to run into trouble.

When you try to set up a network between too machines and you have trouble, the book tells you to call Microsoft for help. A manual is supposed to be all the help you need. If you do everything the book tells you to then you should not get into trouble. I did everything the book said until it told me to call Microsoft. I then wiped out my network and started over without the book and followed Microsoft's directions and the network worked fine. The book neglected to tell you of some very important settings that must be made in order for the network to function.

I cannot recommend this book to anyone. The best part of the book is the beginning chapters and they are for real beginners. If some one is into networking or doing anything the least bit complicated I would not use this book. The book is poorly presented, with multiple errors and glaring omissions.

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