The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Windows XP Books - For the bookshelf Major Keary |
WinXP For Beginners
The Absolute Beginners's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP is designed for novice to
intermediate-level users who are upgrading to WinXP. It is not intended to make
the reader expert, but focuses on the least one needs to know about installing
and using WinXP.
Most users expect an operating system to function, unseen and trouble free,
while they get on with their chosen tasks (using the Internet, writing,
manipulating digital images, and so on). They don't want to be bothered with
obtuse technical information, but look for plain-language information about the
essentials.
That is what the author delivers in this book. The language is clear, the
essentials are covered, and there is a wealth of side comments by way of tips
and warnings.
The book is in six parts, each of which relates to a theme: the basics;
communications; entertainment; customising Windows; housekeeping; and WinXP for
"special situations" (accessory programs, multiple users, accessibility options,
and home Networking).
The first part discusses upgrading to WinXP, using WinXP, and the basic
functions: start a program, save files, printing, file management, and dealing
with common problems.
Part 2 is about using the Internet (email, Web browsing, searching, and
send/receive faxes). Part 3 covers multimedia (playing music and videos, digital
photos, editing movies, using a scanner, how to e-mail pictures). Part 4 shows
how to set up WinXP to suit personal preferences, create short-cuts, set up
e-mail programs, set security options, set printer preferences, and so on.
Part 5 is about housekeeping: organising files, how to save space using data
compression, how to find files and view them, using software tools for data
back-up, checking the hard disk for errors, check for viruses, and restoring the
system. Understanding this aspect of computer use is important; the author has
done a good job of making it easy to understand.
Part 6 explains the use of accessories such as the calculator, the paint
program, and playing games. Accessibility options refers to utilities that can
make the system more friendly to users with disabilities. Networking in the home
environment can have significant advantages; a chapter explains how it is done
and used.
Throughout there are good illustrations that support the text. The index is of a
high standard, and a detailed table of contents adds to the ease of finding
information.
Well designed and well written. For users with modest needs this may be the only
book they will need. A copy will be in the library, so take the time to examine
it.
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Shelley O'Hara: Absolute Beginners's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP ISBN 0-7897-2856-7 Published by QUE, 371 pp., RRP $39.95 incl. GST |
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WinXP Hacks
The hacks series is an outstanding example of the innovation that has become a
hallmark of O'Reilly & Associates. These titles bring together
"industrial-strength tips and tools" and are written primarily for 'power
users'; however, they are well suited to the needs of a much wider audience,
such as people who man help-desks or who assist or teach other computer users,
and less-experienced users who are keen to learn.
The language used in this particular title, Windows XP Hacks, is not overly
technical, making it suitable for novices interested in mastering the WinXP
operating system. Readers at that level should not expect a slick hand-holding
tutorial, but provided one is prepared to put some effort into studying the
hacks this should prove to be a rewarding book. Some of the hacks fall into the
'advanced user' category, but readers with limited experience should not be
frightened to dabble. The chapter on the Registry is the best plain-language
guide I have seen: an excellent example of technical communication, explaining
the mechanics of the Registry and how it is organised.
The hacks are arranged in groups: startup and shutdown; the user interface;
Windows Explorer; the Web; networking (includes WiFi); email; the registry;
basic utilities (defrag, backups, build a better clipboard); applications
(includes how to force XP-incompatible applications to run); graphics and
multimedia; system performance; and hardware.
Each hack is a stand-alone article with self-contained explanations and
examples. Those that deal with topics related to the Internet (web, email, etc.)
and networking (including wireless) will be of particular interest to users of
all levels.
If you run WinXP make a point of looking at this title; it is worth a visit to
your local bookshop. A must for libraries. A copy will be in the Melb PC
libarary.
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Preston Gralla: Windows XP Hacks ISBN 0-596-00511-3 Published by O'Reilly, 392 pp., RRP $55.00 incl. GST. |
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Reprinted from the December 2003 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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