Synopses & Reviews
Computers were supposed to save us time, but Windows XP users know how often the opposite seems to be true. What if you could get a list of shortcuts that would save you time every single day?
Windows XP Timesaving Techniques For Dummies, 2nd Editionincludes 70 of them, great tips and tricks that make Windows work faster, more reliably, and more like the way
youwork.
Collected and tested by Windows guru Woody Leonhard, these timesavers are organized into groups of related tasks so you can quickly find the ones that will help you at any given time. You can set up your desktop and launch your programs in the way that makes sense for you, take back control of the Internet and e-mail, manage your music and visual media, and protect your system in a few simple steps. You’ll find no-nonsense advice on
- Eliminating irritating programs that start automatically
- Speeding up the restart or shutdown process
- Streamlining searches, the Start menu, and Outlook Express
- Strengthening your firewall and zapping scumware
- Adjusting your monitor to reduce eyestrain
- Reducing download time for photos
- Enhancing the performance of your network
- Making online shopping faster as well as safer
- Scheduling maintenance chores to run while you sleep
From the most basic to somewhat advanced tricks designed for power users, this grocery list of timesavers has something for every Windows XP user— including you!
Review
“…Windows For Dummies has long been the standard for Windows references…[now] to make Windows work faster have this title…” (Computer Business Review, September 2003)
Synopsis
- The for Dummies series is the #1 Windows reference series in the world. Windows for Dummies is the best selling technology reference of all time while Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies and Windows XP for Dummies Quick Reference are best sellers in the category.
- Windows XP Timesaving Techniques for Dummies is one of the first books aimed squarely at experienced Windows users who want real instruction on how to make their machines work faster with Windows XP.
- Windows XP Timesaving Techniques for Dummies breaks Windows XP into over 70 easy-to-follow techniques, including some not in any other book and a few the Microsoft engineers haven't even figured out yet.
- Answers the questions and solves the problems Woody's readers have been asking him for years about setting up multiple Windows users, working with the Outlook Express e-mail client, dealing with digital photos and video, and making sure your PC is operating correctly.
- Author Woody Leonhard is one of the best-known gurus for first time PC users. His tips Web site and e-mail subscriptions reach over 500,000 readers weekly.
Synopsis
Improve security, find files faster, and post pictures online
Over 70 techniques that help you save time by:
- Customizing the desktop and Start menu
- Speeding the restart or shutdown process
- Preventing automatic program launches
- Streamlining Outlook® Express
- Strengthening your Windows XP firewall
- Decreasing download time for pictures
- Zapping spyware, adware, and unwanted cookies
Synopsis
* For the millions who already know the basics of Microsoft Windows, this handy reference shows how to make it work faster and better through quick, easy-to-follow lessons loaded with screen shots and step-by-step instructions
* Explores more than sixty Windows XP tasks, including customizing the Windows desktop, protecting online privacy, creating CDs and DVDs with Windows XP, working with the Outlook Express e-mail client, dealing with digital photos and video, and setting up a home network
* Along with the normal Windows tools, Windows XP is packed with rich media features and networking options previously available only through separate software packages; this book helps readers make the most of these exciting additions
* Author is one of the best-known gurus for first-time PC users, and maintains a Web site and e-mail subscriptions that reach more than 500,000 readers weekly
Synopsis
Find the faster, easier ways to work with Windows
Build a better desktop, automate maintenance, can the spam, and make your network work
Whos in charge here you, or the computer? Take back control with Woody Leonhards to-the-point tips for teaching your system to work your way. Hell help you open your Windows to simpler setup, faster file management, safer, saner Internet use, ways to cheat the Blue Screen of Death, and a whole lot more.
The Dummies Way
- Tricks and tips for working smarter
- Explanations in plain English
- "Get in, get out" information
- Contents arranged by technique
- Advice that goes beyond the basics
- A dash of humor and fun
About the Author
Woody Leonhard:Curmudgeon, critic, and perennial “Windows Victim,” Woody Leonhard runs a fiercely independent Web site devoted to delivering the truth about Windows and Office, whether Microsoft likes it or not. With up-to-the-nanosecond news, observations, tips and help, AskWoody.com has become the premiere source of unbiased information for people who actually use the products.
In the past decade, Woody has written more than two dozen books, drawing an unprecedented six Computer Press Association awards and two American Business Press awards. Woody was one of the first Microsoft Consulting Partners and is a charter member of the Microsoft Solutions Provider organization. He’s widely quoted — and reviled — on the Redmond campus.
Justin Leonhard:Lives with his dad in Phuket, Thailand. Justin contributed to Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. He frequently helps Woody with various writing projects and keeps the office network going. Justin is an accomplished scuba diver, budding novelist, and the best video game player for miles. He was admitted to Mensa International at the age of 14.
Table of Contents
Introduction.Part I: Making Windows Lean and Clean.
Technique 1: Getting Windows Running in a Flash.
Technique 2: Making Windows Work Faster.
Technique 3: Running the Activation Gauntlet.
Technique 4: Saving Time (And Your Eyes) on the Screen.
Technique 5: Stopping a Thief with Your Welcome Screen.
Technique 6: Rapid Power Passwords.
Technique 7: Windows Power Management.
Technique 8: Retrieving Your Product Key.
Technique 9: Keeping Programs from Starting Automatically.
Technique 10: Removing and Reinstalling Programs.
Part II: Convincing Windows to Work Your Way.
Technique 11: Streamlining the Start Menu.
Technique 12: Building a Power Desktop.
Technique 13: Shut Down, Restart, and Switch Users Quickly.
Technique 14: Tricking Out the Taskbar.
Technique 15: Launching Your Most-Used Programs Quickly.
Technique 16: Using Built-In Keyboard Shortcuts.
Technique 17: Making Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts.
Part III: Timesaving File Handling Techniques.
Technique 18: Exploring Effectively.
Technique 19: Finding the Files You Want Fast.
Technique 20: Listing Files Quickly.
Technique 21: Running Disk Chores While You Sleep.
Technique 22: Keeping Your Hard Drive in Shape.
Part IV: Making the Most of Your Internet Time.
Technique 23: Customizing Internet Explorer.
Technique 24: Saving Time with Google.
Technique 25: Giving Pop-Ups the Brush-Off.
Technique 26: Locating and Sharing Files on the Internet.
Technique 27: Controlling Cookies Quickly.
Technique 28: Keeping Windows Messenger in Line.
Technique 29: Streamlining Outlook Express.
Technique 30: Zapping Junk Mail.
Technique 31: Protecting Your Kids.
Part V: Ensuring Peak Network Performance.
Technique 32: Installing a Small Network.
Technique 33: Sharing an Internet Connection.
Technique 34: Adding and Configuring a New User.
Technique 35: Sharing Drives and Folders.
Part VI: Fast Security Techniques.
Technique 36: Protecting Your PC from Viruses While You Sleep.
Technique 37: Fast, Easy, and Safe Online Shopping.
Technique 38: Thwarting Internet Intruders.
Technique 39: Checking Your Security Perimeter.
Part VII: Keeping Your PC Alive.
Technique 40: Running Periodic Maintenance.
Technique 41: Keeping Windows Up-to-Date Automatically.
Technique 42: Making Backups — Fast.
Technique 43: Requesting Remote Assistance.
Technique 44: Getting Help Fast.
Part VIII: Optimizing Your Musical Entertainment.
Technique 45: Using Windows Media Player.
Technique 46: No-Nonsense Music Gathering.
Technique 47: Creating Your Own Music CDs.
Technique 48: Transferring Music to MP3 Players.
Technique 49: Tuning In the Radio.
Part IX: Having Fun and Saving Time with Visual Media.
Technique 50: Taking Snapshots with a Webcam.
Technique 51: Recording Video with a Webcam.
Technique 52: Editing Your Home Movies.
Technique 53: Managing Pictures from a Digital Camera.
Technique 54: Doing More with Your Pics.
Technique 55: Decreasing Picture Download Times.
Technique 56: Printing and Posting Pictures.
Technique 57: Using a Scanner Effectively.
Part X: Fast (Nearly Painless) Disaster Recovery.
Technique 58: Getting Your PC to Boot When It Doesn’t Want To.
Technique 59: Restoring Your System after Calamitous Change.
Technique 60: Recovering a Lost Password.
Technique 61: Surviving the Blue Screen of Death.
Technique 62: Creating a Startup Disk.
Part XI: The Scary (Or Fun) Stuff.
Technique 63: Changing the Registry without Getting Burned.
Technique 64: Making Programs Run Your Way.
Technique 65: Updating Drivers Safely.
Technique 66: Using Program Compatibility Modes.
Technique 67: Getting the Most from Windows Solitaire.
Technique 68: Cracking Windows Minesweeper.
Technique 69: Setting Winning Streaks in Spider Solitaire.
Technique 70: Cheating at Hearts.
Index.