Review of PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

I've had the book for a couple of weeks now, and I keep learning new tricks.Most recently the book taught me how to create screen capture movies that I can e-mail to others.I'm using this trick mostly to create "here's how you do this" videos for my parents, which is a lot easier than trying to talk them through the computer challenge du jour over the phone.

Probably the next most useful sections of the book for me have been the parts covering User Profile managment.I've never found those tasks to be intuitive in WinXP, and the book does a great job of showing me how I can finally get some benefit out of Profiles, rather than the headaches they've been giving me since I got WinXP.

The book has other chapters on these topics, too:
*Working With Digital Cameras
*Making Videos
*Recording & Ripping Music
*Remote Control of Windows XP via the internet
*Using Windows XP as an Internet Server

Plus, of course, chapters on security, backups, installing hardware/software, and the other sorts of topics you'd expect from PC Magazine.

Product Description
* The practical, proven solutions Windows XP users have been looking for-from the source trusted by more than six million readers worldwide, PC Magazine
* Written like the magazine's popular "Solutions" feature, the book helps experienced Windows users work faster and smarter by customizing the interface, circumventing annoying features, and fixing common glitches
* Topics covered range from building a better Start Button and Task Bar, eliminating the new program notification on the Start menu, and cleaning up the Registry after an uninstall to safely removing old drivers, using the recover console after a crash, and dealing with DSL and other broadband connection problems
* Well written and organized for easy reference, the book shows the sixty-seven million Windows XP users how to save time and frustration-and make their PCs work the way they want them to

From the Back Cover
In the event of system failure

Sometimes a Windows XP installation can fail to the point where you can do nothing to save it. You have a number of options open to you, such as attempting to repair the installation and, at the other extreme, reformatting all your hard drives and starting over. However, often the easiest approach is to install a fresh instance of Windows XP on a new hard disk partition and then work from the new installation to recover data from the old installation.
--From Chapter 11, Locating and Migrating User Data

They say there's a solution to everything. When it comes to Windows XP, PC Magazine knows 'em all

Ever wish they'd consulted you before they designed Windows XP? Sure, it's a great system, but there's this one feature that makes you crazy. Or that annoying problem that keeps occurring. Well, you can rely on Neil Randall and your friends at PC Magazine to correct that oversight. Here's the complete compendium of solutions to the things that bug you, threaten your security, slow you down, or other-wise prevent Windows XP from achieving perfection.

You can redesign Windows XP

• Create the interface that works for you
• Tweak your taskbar and control your folders
• Remove the stuff that gets in your way
• Install what you want; dump what you don't
• Unlock hidden settings in Media Player
• Use Group Policy Editor to change the way users interact with their PCs
• Reinstall Windows without losing important files
• Lock it down with the Encrypting File System
• Find helpful features hidden in Outlook Express
• Dig into the Registry to remove every last trace of spyware

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Review of PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

I've had the book for a couple of weeks now, and I keep learning new tricks.Most recently the book taught me how to create screen capture movies that I can e-mail to others.I'm using this trick mostly to create "here's how you do this" videos for my parents, which is a lot easier than trying to talk them through the computer challenge du jour over the phone.

Probably the next most useful sections of the book for me have been the parts covering User Profile managment.I've never found those tasks to be intuitive in WinXP, and the book does a great job of showing me how I can finally get some benefit out of Profiles, rather than the headaches they've been giving me since I got WinXP.

The book has other chapters on these topics, too:
*Working With Digital Cameras
*Making Videos
*Recording & Ripping Music
*Remote Control of Windows XP via the internet
*Using Windows XP as an Internet Server

Plus, of course, chapters on security, backups, installing hardware/software, and the other sorts of topics you'd expect from PC Magazine.

Product Description
* The practical, proven solutions Windows XP users have been looking for-from the source trusted by more than six million readers worldwide, PC Magazine
* Written like the magazine's popular "Solutions" feature, the book helps experienced Windows users work faster and smarter by customizing the interface, circumventing annoying features, and fixing common glitches
* Topics covered range from building a better Start Button and Task Bar, eliminating the new program notification on the Start menu, and cleaning up the Registry after an uninstall to safely removing old drivers, using the recover console after a crash, and dealing with DSL and other broadband connection problems
* Well written and organized for easy reference, the book shows the sixty-seven million Windows XP users how to save time and frustration-and make their PCs work the way they want them to

From the Back Cover
In the event of system failure

Sometimes a Windows XP installation can fail to the point where you can do nothing to save it. You have a number of options open to you, such as attempting to repair the installation and, at the other extreme, reformatting all your hard drives and starting over. However, often the easiest approach is to install a fresh instance of Windows XP on a new hard disk partition and then work from the new installation to recover data from the old installation.
--From Chapter 11, Locating and Migrating User Data

They say there's a solution to everything. When it comes to Windows XP, PC Magazine knows 'em all

Ever wish they'd consulted you before they designed Windows XP? Sure, it's a great system, but there's this one feature that makes you crazy. Or that annoying problem that keeps occurring. Well, you can rely on Neil Randall and your friends at PC Magazine to correct that oversight. Here's the complete compendium of solutions to the things that bug you, threaten your security, slow you down, or other-wise prevent Windows XP from achieving perfection.

You can redesign Windows XP

• Create the interface that works for you
• Tweak your taskbar and control your folders
• Remove the stuff that gets in your way
• Install what you want; dump what you don't
• Unlock hidden settings in Media Player
• Use Group Policy Editor to change the way users interact with their PCs
• Reinstall Windows without losing important files
• Lock it down with the Encrypting File System
• Find helpful features hidden in Outlook Express
• Dig into the Registry to remove every last trace of spyware

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Review of Microsoft Windows XP Step by Step (Cpg-Other) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Whenever a new Operating system from Microsoft comes along I like to make sure that I understand the basics to ensure that I can support the end user community when the transition takes place. Microsoft Press step by step series is a great way to work with the application and learn what it takes to support it at the same time.

The book begins right at the very beginning with the login process to both the Professional and Home versions of the software. The book has you working with the desktop and the user profiles. I found that the coverage of both versions is good but there could have to separate books produced.

Setting up user accounts, the taskbar, shortcuts are the next areas you will work with. From there you move to the hardware section, working with local and network printers, scanner and cameras to name a few of the hardware components.

Files management is given serious coverage and well as folders and the personalization of the XP environment. Working with the communication section you'll be able to link up to others, the internet and a network.

Games, Music, Photos and troubleshooting round out this very complete book. With the practice files on cdrom included and the ability to learn at your pace maybe the new trend in the learning process.

Product Description
MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP STEP BY STEP offers self-paced instruction to the beginning-to-intermediate user who wants to get the most out of Windows XP. This personal training system offers easy-to-follow lessons full of clear objectives, a wealth of task-oriented procedures, and dozens of real-world business scenarios. MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP STEP BY STEP consists of friendly, straightforward instruction with dozens of full-color screenshots and illustrations to help you learn exactly what you need to know at your own pace. A companion CD-ROM includes practice files that are tightly integrated with the lessons, plus movie-style demonstrations of key procedures. Other features include a "QuickLook Guide" for easy visual navigation, a "Finding the Best Starting Point for You" section to help you decide how to get the most out of the book, and a special lay-flat binding to keep the book open during lessons.

About the Author
Online Training Solutions, Inc. (OTSI) is a traditional and electronic publishing company specializing in the creation, production, and delivery of computer software training. OTSI publishes the Quick Course® and Practical Business Skills™ series of computer and business training products.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Review of Linux User's Guide: Using the Command Line & Gnome With Red Hat Linux (Paperback)

When asked to suggest a new textbook for our new OS course, I recommended this book.
After speaking with a Franklin-Beedle editor, who allowed us to work closely with the author to help produce this book, it proved to be not only a good fit for our course but an excellent beginner's guide to Linux, the Gnome windowed environment and Red Hat Linux distro.
I highly recommend this text for anyone who is new to and would like to see side-by side examples of the command-line and windowed environments that make Linux such a stable and reliable computing solution.
Bob Ruby II (mentioned in the "Acknowledgements" of this book)
www.bobrubyii.com
bobrubyii.ning.com



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Review of Windows® 98 Secrets® (Paperback)

I found this Windows Secrets book just as helpful as its predecesors. I had used the Windows 3.1 Secrets years ago, in order to become more accuainted with the OS and learn some tricks that don't come welldocumented, and it certainly helped to do so.

However, if your goal isto become an EXPERT of Windows 98, i.e. learning the whereabouts of theRegistry, you might be disappointed.

One last thing: this book does NOTdeal with the Second Version of Windows 98. For example, it mentions tonsof times a VERY useful un-documented tool called TweakUI, which is notsupported by the Second Edition (sadly enough.)

Product Description
Windows 98, the ballyhooed new Microsoft operating system, is finally here and the best-selling Windows author duo ñ Brian Livingston and Davis Straub ñ mark this momentous software release with their seminal guide, Windows® 98 Secrets®. Livingston and Straub divulge undocumented features and time-saving shortcuts designed to maximize your Windows 98 experience.

Windows 98 Secrets explains how to connect directly to the Web using the Active Desktop, take advantage of dynamic communication advances, optimize new security options, tweak the registry, customize your desktop, and much more.

You can also sample 200 Windows 98 software programs hand-picked by Livingston and Straub on the Windows 98 Secrets bonus CD-ROM. There is also a bevy of handy resources packed onto the CD including FTP clients, HTML editors, database managers, automation tools, and Internet suites. Thanks to Livingston and Straub, the Windows 98 wizard has been exposed and with Windows 98 Secrets, you can reap the rewards.

From the Back Cover
Windows® 98 secrets® "If you buy only one Windows book this year, make it this one … [it] towers above the competition." - PC Magazine on Windows® 95 Secrets® Fully revised to uncover the latest features of Windows 98 Second Edition, Livingston and Straub's internationally acclaimed guide reveals dozens of expert techniques and timesaving shortcuts that will help you unlock the capabilities of Windows 98 - from customizing your desktop to editing the Registry. Realize the Full Potential of Windows 98

• Customize your system to suit your unique style
• Save time using the Active Desktop's direct connection to the Net
• Optimize performance with shortcuts to programs, folders, printers, Web sites, and more
• Download Web pages, sound, and images easily from the Internet
• Make use of the latest communication advances in e-mail, networking, and more
• Find out how to transfer files back and forth from your laptop to your desktop - without hassle
• Exploit new security options
• Manipulate the Registry - edit, backup, import, and export

Sample Livingston's and Straub's top 200 software picks for Windows 98

• Automation tools
• File managers and compression tools
• Memory and system management tools
• Virus protection software
• Calendar and time management programs
• Personal finance managers
• Database managers
• Graphics and text editing tools
• Mail clients and utilities
• Dial-up networking tools
• Remote computing tools
• FTP clients
• Internet suites
• Web browsing and authoring tools
• HTML editors
• Networking tools

Shareware programs are fully functional, free trial versions of copyrighted programs. If you like particular programs, register with their author for a nominal fee and receive licenses, enhanced versions, and technical support. Freeware programs are free, copyrighted games, applications, and utilities. You can copy them to as many PCs as you like-free-but they have no technical support.

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Review of Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible (Paperback)

I picked this book up because I was looking for details on Microsofts "latest and greatest."I have to admit I should have done more research.
This book is probably suitable for someone new to windows(any flavor) and computers.

It is full of basic information and is well written,
however if you have no difficulties maneuvering in previous versions of Windows or consider yourself a poweruser...look elsewhere.



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Review of Complete Idiot's Guide to UNIX (The Complete Idiot's Guide) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This is a very well written book as an intro to Unix. I know just about nothing on Unix and wanted to learn what Unix is about. After finishing this book, I found myself understanding how and what Unix is. It usessimple language to explain the OS to you instead of technical terms ofwhich leaves you scratching your head in sheer frustration. I found it veryenjoyable reading about how Unix was born and the different flavors of Unixout there. It also teaches you the basic shell commands to get around theOS. After finishing this book and practicing what you've learned in thebook, you're definitely able to move around a little bit better on Unixthan before. It won't turn you into an expert by any means but it will giveyou a good foundation for you to head toward that direction. I am usuallyvery skeptical about the Idiot or Dummy book series but this one is anexception to the rule. This is not one of those books which leaves youcompletely exhausted for you feel the task of learning Unix is going to bebeyond you. It leaves you feeling that Unix isn't all that tough. The bookdoes not go into details about any of the Unix flavors and what each istruly about, the security features or why one might be more suitable forcertain tasks you might want to do.

Product Description
You know that UNIX is the standard operating system of the Internet, and you want--no, you need-- to get on board. You're no moron. It's something you can figure out. You would like a little lift, though. The Complete Idiot's Guide to UNIX is what you need to get up to speed quickly, and in good humor. This book gives you the straightforward scoop with the most real-world impact.

From the Back Cover
You know that UNIX is the standard operating system of the Internet, and you want--no, you need-- to get on board. You're no moron. It's something you can figure out. You would like a little lift, though. The Complete Idiot's Guide to UNIX is what you need to get up to speed quickly, and in good humor. This book gives you the straightforward scoop with the most real-world impact.

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Review of Master Active Directory VISUALLY [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I read Curt Simmons'Creating Active Directory Infrastructures book andbought this one as well. This book is very easy to read and covers AD in avisual way. The book crawls all over the AD tools and shows you how to andwhy to configure this or that. It also has info about design and planningas well as DNS, DHCP, and other networking services. It's kind of adifferent way to learn a high level topic, but I liked it, and it will be agreat reference book.

Product Description

• Step-by-Step Instructions
• 1200 Screenshots
• The Revolutionary Way to Learn

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Review of Microsoft Windows 98 Step by Step (Step By Step (Microsoft)) (Paperback)

I wish I'd never upgraded from 98, This worked great for an IBM Thinkpad with W98-SE and a desktop PC also, good book with lots of explanations for the computer n00b

Product Description
MICROSOFT WINDOWS 98STEP BY STEP provides a procedural, personal training system for those who want to get up and running on Microsoft Windows 98 as quickly and easily as possible. The easy-to-follow lessons include clear objectives and real-world business examples so users can learn exactly what they need to know, at their own speed.

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Review of Running Microsoft Windows 98 (Paperback)

I finished this book last month and really enjoyed reading. This sounds strange but, I looked foward to getting off work, going home and reading this book. I have read a number of MSPress books and found this to be themost enjoyable and informative. This book covered most features in 98without going into too much depth. This is one book that I will not donateto the public Libary! I just started reading "Running MS Excel97" co-authored by Mr Stinson. I hope this book is as good as Win98.

Product Description
Microsoft Windows 98 will change the way people access information on the desktop and the Internet. Packed with information about what's new with the new version, this book provides concise help with Internet access, using Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, and with using new features.

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Review of Red Hat Linux 9 Bible (Paperback)

I have been attempting redhat since release 6.1 have never come across a good reference manual, bought over 6 books,today finally someone has taken the initiative to write a well documented manual, anything that you can think of is pretty much covered in the book, I best like the guidance on how to setup redhat to perform according to certain situations, the writer simply puts it across in english.

+980 pages of information, the book was so simple to read I managed to complete it in 2 days.

Alot of other boks simply point to online references this book is what you require, you will be referring to it on daily basis, I think the best approach is to read the whole book first then go through it once again step by step chapter by chapter.

The most important aspects of securing the server the network setups, mysql apache and sendmail all covered as well as non bias information to other 3rd party applications the writer simply puts across his point of view and lets you decide from the option paths yo want to take.

Kudus to the writer simply the best buy.

Product Description
"The definitive work on Red Hat Linux. Chain it to your desk. You'll browse others, but you'll wear this one out."
-Nicholas Petreley, Founding Editor of LinuxWorld
If Red Hat Linux 9 can do it, you can do it too...
Activate the power of Red Hat Linux 9, the most popular distribution of this practical, economical operating system, with the in-depth information in this comprehensive reference manual. If you're exploring Linux for the first time, the hands-on instructions for installing, configuring, and customizing the system will get you going with confidence. If you're a Red Hat veteran, Linux expert Christopher Negus gives you everything you need to administer the latest desktop, server, and networking enhancements, plus much more.
Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Red Hat Linux 9
* Explore GNOME and KDE desktop menus, panels, file managers, workspaces, and themes
* Configure a firewall to share your Internet connection and protect your LAN
* Run applications for Internet browsing, publishing, music, video, and gaming
* Construct your own public Internet server, complete with mail, DNS, FTP, and Web services
* Administer users, manage backups, and automate system tasks
* Create dial-up connections, wireless LANs, and virtual private networks (CIPE)
* Set up Windows (Samba), Mac (netatalk), or NetWare (mars-nwe) file and print sharing from Linux
* Use the Red Hat Network up2date facility to easily get software updates
Special 3 CD-ROM version of Red Hat Linux 9, with 260 additional packages not included in the standard 2 CD Publisher's Edition
Red Hat Linux 9 core includes: Linux kernel, GNU C compiler, GNOME desktop, Apache Web server, Samba Windows file/print sharing, CUPS print service, Sendmail mail server, and BIND DNS server
Additional packages include:
* KDE desktop
* samba-swat
* vsftpd
* spamassassin
* sendmail-cf
* Legacy UNIX network services
* Tripwire
* sndconfig

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Review of Master Visually Windows XP (With CD-ROM) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Here's an oddity.A computer book that's both comprehensive and easy to use.For anyone wanting to learn all about Windows XP without intimidation, look no further.The book is well organized, starting with elementary basics (such as general computer basics), then moving on to a wide range of topics:

Working with digital cameras
Setting up a home network
Web publishing
Creating/editing videos
Creating audio CDs
Customizing your computer
And much more.

Each task is explained in easy-to-read text and, of course, with visuals.Very helpful, but written primarily for beginners, NOT for XP or computer veterans.

CD-ROM contains an evaluation version of Paint Shop Pro, FreeAmp music player,
AbyssAudio Collection, and an e-version of the book.

621 pages

Product Description
Step-by-step instructions and hundred of screenshots provide you with ultimate topic coverage. Master VISUALLY Windows XP uses the VISUAL approach to cover new features of Windows XP including: the new interface, enhanced start menu, the My Pictures digital image organizer, the My Music digital music organizer; and Media Player 8, which plays video, DVD, and music.

From the Back Cover
"One picture is worth a thousand words."

If you prefer instructions that show you rather than tell you, then this comprehensive reference is for you. Hundreds of succinctly captioned, step-by-step screen shots reveal how to accomplish over 230 Windows XP tasks, including:

• Using the new Windows interface
• Setting up a home network
• Working with digital cameras
• Publishing files to the Web
• Restoring your computer
• Getting remote assistance
• Creating and editing videos
• Copying songs to your computer
• Using Windows Messenger
• Creating audio CDs

• "Master It" tips answer questions and present shortcuts
• High-resolution screen shots demonstrate each task
• Succinct explanations walk you through step by step
• Two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules

Bonus software on CD-ROM!

• Paint Shop Pro evaluation version
• FreeAmp music player
• AbyssAudio Collection and more
• AbyssAudio Collection and more
• Plus a fully searchable e-version of the book

System requirements: PC running Windows 9x/2000/Me/XP, Windows NT 4 or later. See the "What's on the CD-ROM" appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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