It doesn't seem possible for a pocket book of 180 pages to contain as much information as Windows XP Pocket Reference, but it does. Admittedly some of the answers, steps and tips are very brief, but the subjects are covered and can be easily followed. Author David Karp eliminates the excessive verbiage found in most manuals and at times, even condenses the information into terse one-sentence instructions.

The book is divided into seven parts:

1. Introduction – A Crash Course in the Basics of Windows XP
2. Shortcuts – Working With Files; Helpful Explorer KKeystrokes; Keyboard Accelerators, by Function and by Key Components
3. Setting Index – Alphabetical List of Windows XP Seettings
4. Registry Tweaks – Registry Editor Crash Course; Reegistry Tweaks
5. Command Prompt – Wildcards, Pipes and Redirection;; Commands; Windows Recovery Console
6. Security Checklist – Closing Back Doors in Windowss XP; Scan for Open Ports

Part 1 briefly covers the description and navigation of Desktop, Point & Click, Windows & Menus and Files, Folders, Disks, Type and Extensions. It is a short and surprisingly complete course in using the computer.

Part 2 goes into more detail about working with files, creating shortcuts, copying, dragging and dropping and using keystrokes to simplify and speed up the functions. The latter is broken up into lists so they can be found by FUNCTION and by KEYS, very helpful. Keep the book handy and you'll be using shortcut keys like a computer professional in no time.

Part 3 provides an alphabetical list of every component of Windows XP, from ACCESSIBILITY to WORDPAD. It incorporates a unique method of clearly showing the route to a component. Instead of writing the common steps of Click THIS, then click THIS, then click THIS, the author uses arrows between the steps, i.e. Start / All Programs / Games / Freecell. Simple but effective, and he saves many words and pages. There are concise descriptions of the components and functions and tips are given about their use.

Part 4 again uses the steps and arrows method to provide the locations of over 700 hundred Windows XP settings, in alphabetical order. For example, to add a new printer, find Printer, Install in the Setting list. The Location list shows the steps, Control Panel / Printers and Faxes / Add Printer. Another example, to access the Screen Saver setting, find Screen Saver Settings, the steps shown are Control Panel / Display / Screen Saver Tab.

Part 5 covers the Registry Tweaks. I'm not qualified to try fooling around with the Registry, but this section gives a clear explanation of the many parts and what they do, and how to make changes. Maybe you….but not me! If anything needs fixing in this department, I call for an expert.

Part 6 on Command Prompt is another component of Windows that I avoid. I had never mastered the use of DOS commands back in the dark ages and I will use very few of those available in XP. The Command Prompt can be accessed by using the steps Start /Programs / Accessories / Command Prompt but an easier sequence is Start / Run, type cmd.exe in the box and click OK. The Pocket Reference lists many of the DOS commands that can be used to copy, move or delete files rather than use Windows Explorer. They certainly accomplish the functions in less time and safer - if you know what you're doing.

Part 7 is devoted to Security, certainly a very important issue in our use of a computer. It briefly describes the concerns and then the simple steps to take to close some of the doors to intrusions.

As I wrote in beginning, this little book is packed with information that can easily be found and used to enhance our computer and make its use more pleasurable. David Karp has done it again, here's written a book the way we want it, clear and simple.

List price is $12.95 but remember, User Group members can get 20% off when buying direct from O'Reilly, code DSUG. Order online at www.oreilly.com or by phone 800-998-9938.