graphic design books
Design Graphics Photoshop Multimedia Web Type Photography Business

Windows XP For Dummies

by Andy Rathbone

Windows XP for Dummies does a good job in its role as the flagship of the Dummies line, providing Windows novices with a guided introduction to Microsoft's latest and most feature-rich operating system for everyday computer users. Its treatment of computer, Windows, and Internet fundamentals is among the best on the market, and author Andy Rathbone has an appealing way of writing that's simultaneously fun and detail-rich. If you're a Windows novice--meaning you don't know how to undelete a file that's been sent to the Recycle Bin, or what a Web browser is, or what it means to "cut and paste" text--you will get a lot out of Rathbone's work.

Some aspects of this book could be better, such as the part of the networking chapter that calls for an Ethernet hub without noting that a switch, though possibly more expensive, would do the job better, without any additional hassle. The networking coverage also does an inadequate job of explaining how to share a cable modem or DSL connection among several computers. This is a serious shortcoming, and we're getting to the point in our evolution as a society of computer users at which we can assume that everyone knows what the "Cancel" button does and would rather read about the newer, more exciting things that Windows XP can do. Even the dummies aren't that dumb anymore.

But that said--and Rathbone does confine a lot of the really elementary stuff to a skinny introductory chapter--this book is a boon to people who aren't familiar with Windows XP or its immediate predecessors (including Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me). It's also great for people who have learned a little about Windows on the job or from their kids, and want to expand on what they know. --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP for people completely unfamiliar with the operating system and other recent versions of Windows. Coverage includes how to run programs, move and delete files, connect to the Internet, and use applications like electronic mail programs, Web browsers, and multimedia players. More:

See also:

 

Don't miss
click hereWindows XP For Dummies
by Andy Rathbone

Paperback: 432 pages; Publisher: For Dummies; 2 edition (September 27, 2004); List Price: $21.99 - buy now: Price: $14.95 and You Save: $7.04 (32%)

See similar titles in the Business department Keywords: Business, Marketing, eCommerce, Office management, promotion, security,

For Adobe Photoshop help and support see the Photoshop Tips & Tricks department; or, ask questions and read answers at Photoshop911.com where the Photoshop 911 Blog keeps you up to date!

Participate in your Design BOOKSHELF

Lots of fun and information for all... we don't review or recommend any books we haven't seen and read.

BOOK PUBLISHERS: remember that we do not review nor endorse books not evaluated by our reviewers. If you wish to have your book included in the Design Bookshelf, then be sure to . contact us for media kit and review information.