Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition documents everything there is to know about the world's most widely used operating system. Updated to include information on Service Pack 2 (SP2), this compact guide is the ultimate resource for IT professionals and Windows XP power users everywhere. Written in O'Reilly's time-tested in a Nutshell format, Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition cuts through the hype and delivers practical details in a no-nonsense manner. At the heart of the book is an invaluable 200-plus-page section titled Windows XP Application and Tools. In it, readers will find: * A list of available commands and utilities, including Start Menu accessories, command prompt tools, and hidden system administration utilities * A Task and Setting Index for quick access to hundreds of XP settings * A complete reference to XP's command prompt, including advanced commands and scripting features Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition also includes a primer on files, folders, and windows" control panels and built-in applications" how to set up a PC for Internet use" and the standard Windows rituals of troubleshooting, installation, and upgrading. And, of course, this greatly expanded second edition also includes all the need-to-know details about the security technologies featured in SP 2, so you can better defend yourself against viruses, worms, and hackers. Readers even receive guidelines and instructions for installing SP2 on their PC, or across a network of computers. With its wealth of tips, careful instruction, and expert advice, this must-have desktop reference is dedicated to making your time at the computer safer, easier, and more fun.

Written for the advanced user, this detailed guide alphabetically lists each major component of the Windows XP home and professional editions, identifies where to find tasks and settings, provides instructions for configuring a network, and describes the registry and Windows script host. The second edition covers service pack 2.
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