Synopses & Reviews
In an ideal world, an operating system would do its job in the background, while you did yours in the foreground. In reality, though, operating systems often get in the way, fouling up the process at the most inopportune times. And Windows XP is no exception.O'Reilly's popular series for customizing and troubleshooting Windows once again comes to the rescue with Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks. Offering dozens of on-target tips, workarounds, and warnings, Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks allows users to improve their overall experience with the Windows XP operating system in every way possible.You'll learn how to use the Registry Editor; how to customize the interface beyond Microsoft's own intentions; and how to master Windows' built-in networking capabilities, including advanced technologies such as Internet Connection sharing, Remote Desktop sharing, and virtual private networking. And now, with this updated edition, you can also expect detailed coverage of the newly released Service Pack 2 (SP2) technology.SP2 is designed to make your work with the Windows XP operating system even easier and safer by providing superior protection against viruses, hackers, and worms. Among the core SP2 components covered in Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks are Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Internet Explorer, and the new Windows Security Center.David Karp, veteran author of several titles in the Windows Annoyances series, is behind the wheel of this comprehensive guide, as well. Karp points out numerous SP2-related quirks and unaccountable behaviors that are guaranteed to increase your level of perplexity and frustration. By recognizing these shortcomings, Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks arms you with the knowledge to overcome them.Karp leaves no stone unturned in providing the ultimate resource for the ever-expanding Windows XP market. As a result, you'll be able to seize complete control of the Windows XP operating system--instead of the other way around.
About the Author
Windows expert David Karp is the author of O'Reilly's bestselling "Windows Annoyances" series of books, including his latest, "Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks". He also co-authored "Windows XP in a Nutshell". A clear and engaging writer, he is a consistent voice for empowering Windows users to get more out of their operating system, and his annoyances.com web site has garnered a sizeable following. David has also written "eBay Hacks" and "eBay: The Missing Manual".
Table of Contents
Preface; What IS an Annoyance?; How This Book Came to Be; Organization of This Book; Getting the Most Out of This Book; Software Depository; Using Code Examples; Conventions Used in This Book; Request for Comments; Acknowledgments; Chapter 1: Getting Started with Windows XP; 1.1 A Brief History of Time, Re: MS Windows; 1.2 Windows Editions and Service Packs; 1.3 What You Get with Windows XP; 1.4 Installing Windows XP; 1.5 Migrating to Windows XP; Chapter 2: Basic Explorer Coping Skills; 2.1 Working with Explorer; 2.2 Handling Files and Folders; 2.3 Customizing the Interface; Chapter 3: The Registry; 3.1 The Registry Editor; 3.2 The Structure of the Registry; 3.3 Registry Procedures; Chapter 4: Tinkering Techniques; 4.1 Customizing Your Desktop; 4.2 Covering Your Tracks; 4.3 File Types: The Link Between Documents and Applications; 4.4 Cool Things You Can Do with Drives and Folders; Chapter 5: Maximizing Performance; 5.1 Trimming the Fat; 5.2 Hard Disk; 5.3 System Hardware; Chapter 6: Troubleshooting; 6.1 General Troubleshooting Techniques; 6.2 Specific Software Issues; 6.3 Dealing with Drivers and Other Tales of Hardware Troubleshooting; 6.4 Fixing Device-Specific Problems; 6.5 Preventive Maintenance and Data Recovery; Chapter 7: Networking andGoing Wireless; 7.1 Getting Started with Networking; 7.2 Build a Workgroup (Local Area Network); 7.3 Connect to the Internet; 7.4 Stuff You Can Do with a Network; 7.5 Go Wireless; 7.6 Securing Your System on a Network; Chapter 8: User Accounts and Administration; 8.1 Managing Users; 8.2 Permissions and Security; 8.3 Logon Options; 8.4 Sharing Files and Printers; Chapter 9: Scripting and Automation; 9.1 Building a Script with VBScript; 9.2 Object References; 9.3 Development Tips; 9.4 Wacky Script Ideas; Chapter 10: The Command Prompt; 10.1 DOS Commands; 10.2 Batch Files: The Other Way to Do It; 10.3 Command Prompt Integration; Appendix A: Setting Locator; A.1 Alphabetical Listing of All Windows XP Settings; Appendix B: BIOS Settings; Appendix C: TCP/IP Ports; Appendix D: Class IDs (CLSIDs) of System Objects; Colophon;