Mastering^TM Windows^? XP Professional, 3rd Edition

by Mark Minasi; Quentin Docter; Faithe Wempen (Computer Support Technician and Trainer)

• ISBN13: 9780782143829
• ISBN10: 0782143822
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-11-01
• Publisher: Sybex

Summary

Complete Coverage of Windows XP Professional The latest from the world's leading Windows authority, Mark Minasi, Mastering Windows XP Professional is the premier resource for anyone installing, configuring, and administering Windows XP, from corporate networks to small businesses and home. Depend on it for step-by-step instruction in hundreds of key techniques--not to mention a thorough look at all of XP's new features and troubleshooting advice that will save you time, money, and countless headaches. Coverage Includes * Using the new Start menu and Control Panel * Setting up broadband Internet connections * Configuring a peer-to-peer network * Securing your PC and network from intruders * Running programs designed for previous versions of Windows * Transferring files and settings from one computer to another * Sharing your desktop with remote users * Connecting to remote computers using Remote Desktop Connection * Constructing wireless networks with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) * Using Windows Media Player 10 * Communicating in real time using the newest version of Windows Messenger * Using Windows XP on Portable Computers * Preventing disaster; backing up and recovering data * Using the Services and MMC administration tools Bonus Coverage: XP Digital Media Tips and Tricks Includes full-color visual, step-by-step instruction on the most popular XP digital media skills. In minutes, you'll learn how to burn a CD, buy/download/play audio CDs, listen to radio stations, watch DVD movies, and much more.

Author Biography

Mark Minasi, MCSE, is recognized as one of the world's best teachers of NT/2000. He teaches NT/2000 classes in 15 countries and is a much sought-after speaker at conferences. His firm, MR&D, has taught tens of thousands of people to design and run NT networks. Among his eight other Sybex books are Mastering Windows 2000 Server 3rd Ed., Mastering Windows NT 4 7th Ed., and The Complete PC Upgrade and Maintenance Guide, which has sold a million copies and been translated into 12 languages.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. xxvii
Installation and Setup	p. 1
Introducing Windows XP Professional	p. 3
What Is Windows XP Professional?	p. 3
What's New in Windows XP Professional?	p. 5
Should You Upgrade to Windows XP Professional?	p. 19
How Is Windows XP Professional Different from Other Operating Systems?	p. 21
What Are the Features of Windows XP Professional Architecture?	p. 22
Summary	p. 25
Installing Windows XP Professional	p. 27
The Order of Business	p. 27
Will Your Computer Be Able to Run Windows XP Professional?	p. 28
Checking System Compatibility	p. 29
Choosing an Installation Method	p. 30
Preparing for Installation	p. 31
Upgrading to Windows XP	p. 35
Performing a New Installation of Windows XP	p. 38
Performing a Clean Install of Windows XP	p. 42
The Installation Paths Converge	p. 47
Applying Your Files and Settings	p. 50
Uninstalling Windows XP and Reverting to a Previous Version of Windows	p. 51
Removing Your Old Version of Windows	p. 52
Keeping Windows Updated	p. 52
Summary	p. 54
Using the Desktop and Getting Help	p. 55
Logging On and Logging Off	p. 56
Using the Desktop and Start Menu	p. 60
Using the Winkey	p. 60
Managing Multiple Users	p. 61
Shutting Down Windows	p. 68
Help and Support Center	p. 69
Using Remote Assistance	p. 78
Microsoft Online Support (Get Help from Microsoft)	p. 88
Windows Newsgroups (Go to a Windows Web Site Forum)	p. 89
Using the Troubleshooters	p. 89
Finding Help on the Internet and Web	p. 89
Summary	p. 90
Customizing the Interface	p. 91
Working with the XP Control Panel	p. 91
Changing the Date and Time	p. 93
Adjusting Video Settings	p. 94
Customizing the Windows XP Display	p. 101
Customizing the Taskbar	p. 109
Setting Start Menu Options	p. 112
Adjusting the Keyboard and Mouse	p. 114
Choosing System Sounds	p. 116
Using Accessibility Options	p. 116
Summary	p. 123
Installing, Running, and Managing Applications	p. 125
Multiuser Considerations	p. 126
Installing a Program	p. 129
Removing a Program	p. 131
Adding and Removing Windows Components	p. 134
Setting Program Access and Defaults	p. 134
Running Programs	p. 135
Dealing with Unresponsive Programs	p. 137
Program Compatibility Issues	p. 138
Exchanging Data Between Programs	p. 149
Organizing the Start Menu	p. 155
Summary	p. 158
Using Windows XP Professional on Notebook PCs	p. 159
How Notebook PCs Are Physically Different	p. 159
Using Built-In and External Monitors	p. 160
Working with PC Cards	p. 161
Working with Hardware Profiles	p. 162
Monitoring and Optimizing Battery Usage	p. 164
Using Multiple Dialing Locations	p. 169
Synchronizing Files with Other PCs	p. 170
Troubleshooting Notebook PC Problems	p. 176
Summary	p. 180
Managing Applications, Files, and Folders	p. 181
Managing Files and Folders	p. 183
Using Explorer	p. 183
Organizing Your Files and Folders	p. 190
Understanding the Multiuser Environment	p. 194
Customizing the Explorer Interface	p. 195
Setting File and Folder Properties	p. 199
Searching for Files and Folders	p. 200
Working with Compressed Files and Folders	p. 201
Using Encrypting File System (EFS)	p. 203
Setting File Associations	p. 207
Creating CDs	p. 208
Summary	p. 212
Installing and Working with Printers and Fonts	p. 213
How Windows XP Handles Printing	p. 213
Installing Local Printers	p. 215
Installing Remote Printers	p. 222
Managing Installed Printers	p. 225
Managing the Printing Process	p. 229
Managing Fonts	p. 234
Faxing in Windows XP	p. 240
Creating a Cover Page	p. 244
Summary	p. 247
Installing and Configuring Hardware	p. 249
How Hardware Interacts with Windows XP	p. 249
Using Hot-Pluggable Devices	p. 253
Using the Hardware Wizards	p. 254
Disabling a Device	p. 261
Uninstalling a Device	p. 261
Working with Device Properties	p. 261
Using Multiple Monitors	p. 274
Configuring Windows to Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply	p. 275
Summary	p. 279
XP Digital Media	p. 281
Windows Media Player	p. 283
Introducing Windows Media Player	p. 283
Working with Audio and Video Clips	p. 286
Working with Audio CDs and DVD Movies	p. 294
Tuning into Internet Radio	p. 303
Applying Skins	p. 305
Working with Content Licenses	p. 305
Working with Portable Devices	p. 308
Setting Output Volume and Recording Volume	p. 312
Recording Audio Files with Sound Recorder	p. 316
Summary	p. 319
Digital Media and Movie Maker	p. 321
Acquiring Images	p. 321
Viewing Images	p. 328
Using Windows Movie Maker	p. 334
Summary	p. 341
The Internet and E-mail	p. 343
Connecting to the Internet	p. 345
Types of Internet Connections	p. 346
Connecting to the Internet with an Analog Modem	p. 346
Connecting to the Internet with a Cable Modem	p. 348
Connecting to the Internet with DSL	p. 352
Connecting to the Internet with Satellite	p. 355
Protecting Your System with a Firewall	p. 356
Using the Network Setup Wizard to Share an Internet Connection	p. 359
Using a Shared Internet Connection	p. 373
Troubleshooting Internet Connectivity Problems	p. 373
Summary	p. 374
Web Browsing with Internet Explorer	p. 375
Starting Internet Explorer	p. 375
Moving around the Web	p. 376
Working with the Links Bar	p. 378
Keeping Track of Your Favorite Sites	p. 378
Adding a Site to Your Favorites List	p. 379
Maintaining Your Favorites List	p. 381
Working with the History List	p. 381
Downloading Files	p. 391
Customizing Internet Explorer	p. 392
Customizing the Internet Explorer Toolbar	p. 401
Changing Text Size	p. 402
MSN Explorer	p. 403
Using Built-In Internet Utilities	p. 405
Summary	p. 410
Using the Communications Programs	p. 411
Connecting with HyperTerminal	p. 411
Using Windows Messenger	p. 413
Configuring Messenger	p. 414
Signing Out and Signing Back In	p. 420
Adding a Contact	p. 421
Removing a Contact from Your Contacts List	p. 423
Chatting	p. 423
Adding Voice to a Conversation	p. 425
Adding Video to a Conversation	p. 426
Blocking and Unblocking Users	p. 427
Changing Your Status	p. 427
Transferring Files	p. 428
Using Remote Desktop Connection	p. 431
Summary	p. 442
Using Outlook Express for E-mail and News	p. 443
Using Outlook Express as Your Mail Reader	p. 444
Using Outlook Express as Your Newsreader	p. 460
Customizing Outlook Express	p. 463
Summary	p. 464
Home Networking	p. 465
Windows XP Professional Networking and Network Design Primer	p. 467
Defining a Network	p. 467
Networking Vocabulary	p. 472
A Little Theory	p. 473
Network Relationships	p. 484
Building Your Own Network	p. 488
Summary	p. 494
Setting Up and Configuring Your Own Small Network	p. 495
Planning a Network	p. 495
Connecting Your Ethernet Network	p. 497
Configuring Your Network	p. 498
Creating Shares	p. 507
Attaching to Network Resources	p. 511
Using Profiles	p. 514
Troubleshooting Windows XP Professional Networking	p. 519
Summary	p. 530
Wireless Networking	p. 531
Wireless Standards and Hardware	p. 531
Wireless Windows XP Professional	p. 536
Summary	p. 541
Windows XP Security	p. 543
Understanding User Accounts in Windows XP Professional	p. 543
Setting Permissions	p. 550
Understanding Ownership	p. 560
Security Center	p. 562
Summary	p. 562
Advanced Networking	p. 565
Connecting to Domains	p. 567
Setting Up a Domain	p. 567
Requirements on the Domain Server	p. 569
Connecting to a Domain	p. 570
Attaching to Network Resources	p. 580
Using Profiles	p. 583
Troubleshooting Domains	p. 585
Summary	p. 586
Working with Windows Server 2003	p. 587
The Five Flavors of Server 2003	p. 587
XP Integration Is Here!	p. 589
Free E-mail Server and SQL Server "Lite"	p. 590
Networking Enhancements	p. 591
Active Directory Improvements	p. 591
Better Security	p. 593
Other Improvements	p. 595
Connecting to a Windows Server 2003 Domain	p. 597
Summary	p. 603
Connecting to Non-Microsoft Networks	p. 605
CSNW Features	p. 606
Novell Directory Services versus Bindery-Based Servers	p. 606
Using Novell Administration Utilities	p. 608
Running NetWare and Windows Networking Together	p. 611
Printing to Novell Printers	p. 614
Enabling Long Filename Support on the Novell Server	p. 615
Choosing a Novell Client Solution	p. 616
Installing the Novell Client	p. 616
Configuring the Novell Client	p. 617
Entering the Dark World of Unix	p. 618
Macintosh Networks	p. 621
Summary	p. 622
Network Administration	p. 623
Administrative and Diagnostic Tools	p. 625
Using Disk Management	p. 625
Using Event Viewer	p. 633
Monitoring Performance	p. 637
Using Task Manager	p. 647
Task Manager Applications	p. 648
Task Manager Processes	p. 648
Task Manager Performance	p. 649
Task Manager Networking	p. 649
Summary	p. 650
Active Directory Essentials	p. 651
Security: Keeping Track of Who's Allowed to Use the Network and Who Isn't	p. 652
Searching: Finding Things on the Network	p. 655
Creating New Types of Subadministrators	p. 656
Delegation: Subdividing Control over a Domain	p. 657
Satisfying Political Needs	p. 658
Connectivity and Replication Issues	p. 658
Scalability: Building Big Networks	p. 659
Simplifying Computer Names or Unifying the Namespace	p. 660
Satisfying the Lust for Power and Control	p. 661
Connecting a Windows XP Professional Machine to an AD Domain	p. 661
Summary	p. 664
Understanding and Using the Registry	p. 665
What Is the Registry and What Does It Do?	p. 665
Why Work with the Registry?	p. 666
Preparing to Access the Registry	p. 666
Running Registry Editor	p. 667
Working in the Registry	p. 669
An Example: Changing Your Windows Name and Organization	p. 676
Using Registry Favorites to Quickly Access Keys	p. 676
Summary	p. 676
Scripts for Automation	p. 677
What Is Scripting?	p. 677
Shell Scripting with BAT and CMD Files	p. 678
Introduction to the Windows Script Host	p. 684
Advanced Concepts	p. 689
Scripts for Common Administrative Chores	p. 691
Summary	p. 696
Disaster Prevention and Recovery	p. 697
Avoiding Windows XP Professional Crashes	p. 697
An Ounce of Prevention	p. 701
Restoring a Configuration	p. 703
The Recovery Console	p. 709
The Driver Verifier-a Babysitter for Your Drivers	p. 716
System File Checker	p. 718
The Registry Entry That Lets You Force a Blue Screen (Core Dump)	p. 719
Backing Up and Restoring	p. 720
Summary	p. 725
Auditing Security	p. 727
Deciding What to Audit	p. 727
Setting Up Auditing in Windows XP	p. 729
Monitoring Security	p. 733
Summary	p. 735
Advanced Topics	p. 737
Secure Telecommuting	p. 739
Telecommuting Overview: Risks and Rewards	p. 739
Protecting against the Interception of Data	p. 740
Protecting against the Impersonation of a User	p. 746
Protecting against the Abduction of Data	p. 749
Summary	p. 751
The Microsoft Management Console	p. 753
The Basic Features of MMC	p. 753
MMC Terms to Know	p. 754
The MMC Console	p. 755
The Computer Management Console	p. 762
Additional Customization Options	p. 764
Summary	p. 769
Managing Windows XP Professional Services	p. 771
The Purpose of a Service	p. 771
The Service Management Console	p. 772
Windows XP Professional Services	p. 773
Configuring Services	p. 778
Troubleshooting Service Issues	p. 784
Summary	p. 785
Hosting Web/FTP Servers	p. 787
Installing Internet Information Services	p. 787
Windows XP Professional Limits on IIS	p. 790
The Internet Information Services Console	p. 790
Configuring the Web Server	p. 792
Configuring the FTP Server	p. 808
Configuring the SMTP Server	p. 812
Troubleshooting IIS	p. 818
Summary	p. 819
Advanced Troubleshooting Methodology	p. 821
The Tao of Troubleshooting	p. 821
Troubleshooting Printing	p. 824
Troubleshooting Windows XP Professional Setup	p. 828
Troubleshooting Stop Errors	p. 833
Boot Process Troubleshooting	p. 837
Summary	p. 838
Index	p. 839
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