Spring Into Windows XP Service Pack 2

by Culp, Brian

• ISBN13: 9780131679832
• ISBN10: 013167983X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-01-01
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional

Summary

A concise, fast-paced guide to getting the most out of Windows XP Service Pack 2, for power users and technical professionals alike.

Table of Contents

Preface	xx
About the Author	xix
About the Series Editor	xix
New Features in Service Pack 2	1	(20)
What's a Service Pack?	2	(1)
New Features of Service Pack 2	3	(2)
How Does Outlook Express Now Combat Spam?	5	(1)
Defense Against Spam	6	(1)
New SP2 Security Tools	7	(2)
Why SP2 Will Improve the Computing Experience	9	(1)
Get Ready to Install SP2	10	(2)
Install with Automatic Updates	12	(2)
Install with Windows Update	14	(1)
Other Installation Methods	15	(1)
Post Installation Tasks	16	(1)
Remove Service Pack 2	17	(2)
The Security Center	19	(1)
Wrap Up	20	(1)
Windows Installation and Upgrade	21	(18)
A Tale of Two Families	22	(2)
XP Professional v. Home v. Tablet v. Media Center	24	(2)
XP's New Features	26	(1)
Install or Upgrade?	27	(2)
Upgrade to Windows XP	29	(1)
Files and Settings Transfer	30	(2)
Finish XP Migration	32	(2)
Activate Windows XP	34	(1)
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer	35	(2)
Wrap Up	37	(2)
Startup and Shutdown	39	(16)
Set XP Startup Options	40	(1)
Set Startup and Recovery Options	41	(2)
Use the Power Button	43	(1)
The Startup Folder	44	(2)
Bypass the Startup Items	46	(1)
Restrict Shutdown	47	(2)
Fast User Switching	49	(2)
The System Configuration Utility	51	(2)
Clean Up the Desktop	53	(1)
Wrap Up	54	(1)
Disk and File System Management	55	(28)
Add Hard Drive to Increase Storage	56	(2)
Partition a Drive	58	(2)
Format a Drive	60	(1)
Manage the XP File Systems	61	(1)
FAT16	62	(1)
FAT32	63	(1)
NTFS	64	(1)
Considerations for Dual Booting	65	(2)
Convert from One File System to Another	67	(1)
Basic Storage	68	(2)
Dynamic Storage	70	(2)
Upgrade a Basic Disk	72	(2)
Create a Volume on a Dynamic Disk	74	(2)
Extend a Volume	76	(1)
Run Disk Cleanup	77	(2)
Defragment a Volume	79	(2)
Govern AutoRun Behavior	81	(1)
Wrap Up	82	(1)
Customizing the Windows Interface	83	(32)
Use Desktop Themes	84	(1)
Change the Appearance	85	(2)
Change the Desktop Background	87	(2)
Choose a Screen Saver	89	(1)
Use the My Pictures Slideshow	90	(2)
Change Monitor Settings	92	(2)
Improve Monitor Performance	94	(2)
Change the Date and Time	96	(2)
Change the Start Menu	98	(2)
Create Desktop Icons from the Start Menu	100	(2)
Use the Quick Launch Toolbar	102	(1)
Pin a Program	103	(1)
Start Menu and the Classic Theme	104	(1)
Change the Start Menu with Group Policy	105	(1)
Edit the Start Menu with a GPO	106	(2)
Edit Start Menu Contents	108	(2)
Use the Explorer Window to Edit the Start Menu	110	(2)
Add Other Content to the Start Menu	112	(2)
Wrap Up	114	(1)
The Command Line and Other Advanced Techniques	115	(24)
Get Started with the Command Prompt	116	(2)
Command.com v. Cmd.exe	118	(2)
Use the Command Prompt's Online Help	120	(1)
Tips for Using Console Commands	121	(2)
AutoComplete at the Command Prompt	123	(2)
The Command Console and the Clipboard	125	(2)
Open the Command Prompt for a Specific Target	127	(1)
The Tree Command	128	(1)
Disk Quotas	129	(2)
Use Offline Files, Part I	131	(2)
Use Offline Files, Part II	133	(2)
Device Manager	135	(1)
Driver Signing	136	(2)
Wrap Up	138	(1)
Clicking Less	139	(30)
Windows Explorer Defined	140	(2)
Change the Task Pane	142	(1)
Work with Explorer Views	143	(2)
Modify the Details View	145	(1)
Understand the New Views	146	(2)
Use the Same View for All Folders	148	(1)
Add Album Art to Music Folders	149	(1)
Open Explorer for Specific Targets	150	(2)
Control the Explorer Bar's Contents	152	(2)
Customize Explorer	154	(1)
Navigate the Folder Structure	155	(1)
Customize the Places Bar in the Open Dialog Box	156	(2)
Customize the Send To Menu	158	(2)
Use Ctrl and Shift Keyboard Shortcuts	160	(2)
The Windows Key	162	(1)
Recycle Bin Options	163	(1)
Eliminate Confirmation of Delete Operations	164	(2)
Change the Size of the Recycle Bin	166	(1)
Wrap Up	167	(2)
Print Management	169	(22)
Printing Vocabulary	170	(1)
Printer Types	171	(1)
Use Printers and Faxes	172	(1)
Set Up a Printer	173	(2)
Make a Printer Available to All	175	(2)
Connect to a Network Printer	177	(2)
Set Permissions on Network Printers	179	(2)
Manage a Printer	181	(1)
Use Two Printers, One Device	182	(1)
Set Hours of Availability	183	(1)
Print Priority	184	(1)
Set up a Print Pool	185	(1)
The Print Queue	186	(1)
The Print Spool	187	(1)
Redirect Print Jobs	188	(1)
Wrap Up	189	(2)
Playing Nicely with Others	191	(26)
TCP/IP Fundamentals	192	(2)
TCP/IP's Big Three	194	(2)
Default Gateway	196	(1)
Automatically Configure TCP/IP	197	(2)
Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing	199	(1)
Alternate Configuration	200	(2)
IPCONFIG.EXE	202	(2)
PING.EXE	204	(1)
Repair a Connection	205	(2)
Connect Using Dial-Up Networking	207	(2)
Lend a Hand with Remote Assistance	209	(2)
Request Remote Assistance	211	(1)
Remote Assistance Network Considerations	212	(1)
Remote Desktop	213	(2)
Wrap Up	215	(2)
Setting Up a Wireless Connection, or How to Check Your Email in a Coffee Shop	217	(22)
Types of Wireless Access	218	(2)
What's Down the Road	220	(1)
Wireless Network Adapters	221	(2)
Connect to an Existing Wireless Network	223	(2)
Additional Wireless Connection Considerations	225	(2)
Connect Automatically	227	(1)
Connect to a Secure Network	228	(1)
Connect to an ``Unseen'' Network	229	(1)
Disable the Existing Network Connection	230	(1)
Secure the Wireless Connection with 802.1x Authentication	231	(2)
Secure the Wireless Access Point	233	(2)
Infrared Communication	235	(2)
Wrap Up	237	(2)
Sharing and Securing Information	239	(26)
What's a Server?	240	(2)
So What's a Share?	242	(1)
Allow Network Sharing	243	(2)
Share with Simple File Sharing	245	(2)
Classic Sharing in XP Professional	247	(2)
Control Access to Shared Folders	249	(2)
Share Permission Interactions	251	(1)
Secure Files and Folders with NTFS Permissions	252	(2)
Connect to a Shared Resource	254	(2)
Map a Drive	256	(2)
Firewall Settings for Sharing	258	(2)
Lock Your Computer	260	(1)
Work with Apple Computers	261	(2)
Wrap Up	263	(2)
Email and Internet Browsing Tricks	265	(32)
Use Email Stationery	266	(2)
Email a Web Page	268	(2)
Access Web-Based Email in Outlook Express	270	(2)
Set Up Outlook Express with AOL	272	(2)
Back Up Your Email Files	274	(2)
Back Up Outlook Email	276	(1)
Restore from Backup	277	(1)
Protect Your Email: Disable Virus Scanning	278	(1)
Avoid Virus Hoaxes	279	(2)
Start Outlook Express from an IE Window	281	(2)
Stop Automatically Adding to Your Address Book	283	(1)
Use Multiple Outlook Express Identities	284	(2)
Use a Messenger Service	286	(2)
Block People from Contacting You in Messenger	288	(2)
Prevent Automatic Messenger Sign-In	290	(1)
Configure the Windows Firewall to Allow IM	291	(1)
Use ``Find On Page''	292	(1)
Share Your Internet Favorites	293	(1)
Clear AutoComplete	294	(1)
Wrap Up	295	(2)
XP Backup and Recovery	297	(26)
Backup Utility Basics	298	(2)
Select What to Back Up	300	(1)
Use Advanced Mode	301	(2)
Types of Backups	303	(2)
Create an Automated System Recovery	305	(1)
Restore with an ASR	306	(1)
Automate Backup	307	(2)
Change an Existing Scheduled Job	309	(1)
Use Existing Backup Settings	310	(1)
Restore a File from Backup	311	(2)
Understand System Restore	313	(2)
Use a Restore Point	315	(2)
Customize the System Restore Interval	317	(1)
Clean Up after System Restore	318	(2)
Other Backup Options	320	(1)
Wrap Up	321	(2)
Common Problems--Easy Fixes	323	(20)
Add Yourself to the Administrators Group	324	(1)
Never Forget Your Password	325	(1)
Remove a Stored Network Place Password	326	(1)
Program Compatibility	327	(2)
Trouble Using Remote Assistance	329	(2)
Disable an IE Add-On	331	(1)
Diagnose Slow Performance	332	(2)
Disable Pop-Up Balloons	334	(1)
Manage SP2's Pop-up Blocker	335	(2)
Capture Screen Contents	337	(1)
Close a Frozen Application	338	(2)
Disable Error Reporting	340	(1)
Allow Active Content	341	(1)
Wrap Up	342	(1)
Index	343

Excerpts

Spring Into Windows XP Service Pack 2 Preface So let's get one thing straight right from the start: You're no dummy, and this isn't a book for dummies. Just because you weren't born with an intrinsic knowledge of computer operating systems doesn't give anyone the right to call you an idiot, dummy, dimwit, or otherwise insult your intelligence. One can fit only so much information into the human noodle. Anyway, that's the long version; that's what I wantto tell people who ask me about this book I'm writing. Instead, the conversations go something like this: INTERIOR SOCIAL SETTING--NIGHT. THEM: ...writing a computer book? Cool. So what's it about? ME: Windows XP, especially about Service Pack 2. THEM: Oh yeah? Is it like one of those books for dummies? ME: Not really. No, it's not. This book is not for simpletons, and neither are computers. Operating systems are relatively complex tools, certainly more so than a toaster. The book is in no way "dumbed down." Rather, it assumes you are both a) smart, and b) busy. This book allows users to quickly find information about what makes Windows tick, and it shows you ways to use the operating system in ways that will help you not think about using the operating system. I'll say this throughout: the topics will help you work with your computer, not on your computer. The information herein is presented in a straightforward manner, using plain, concise language. Technical concepts are discussed, yes, but technical knowledge is not required. Where necessary, I include important background information so that you'll know not only which buttons to click, but also what's going on "under the hood." For example, if I were relaying instructions about how to change your oil, I would of course include a brief explanation of why this is beneficial. In other words, I'm trying to give the topics their proper context, which will ultimately aid in your ability to understand and perform the task at hand. Who Should Read This Book This book is aimed at a professional audience who wants task-based information about working more efficiently with Windows XP. Also, it assumes that this same audience has plenty of other things to read at night. If you spend a good portion of your day in front of a Windows XP computer, whether at the job or at home, then you'll find lots of useful information in these pages. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, vets, salespeople, stockbrokers, policemen...just about anyone looking to more efficiently use Windows XP will find something they like. Will you find every single topic of interest? Of course not. No computer title can be all things to all people. If you've used a computer before, you'll probably find a few things that you already know how to do, and a few things that you don't want to know about anyway. Easily fixed--don't read those parts. And, if you've never used a computer before, then quite frankly this book will be a little over your head, and you need to look for another title. Don't let anyone call you dumb, though. Just remember: at one time, Bill Gates didn't know a thing about Windows XP, either. How This Book Is Organized This book is organized so that, generally speaking, one chapter builds on the next. However, each chapter, and indeed almost every chunk, can serve as a self-contained entity--in other words, you won't have to read the thing cover to cover (as entertaining as that might prove to be) to get the information you need. One of the things that sets this book apart is its focus on the latest Service Pack from Microsoft. Therefore, I start with an overview of Service Pack 2 so that you'll have a better understanding about all the changes wrought by SP2. The other 14 chapters incorporate the latest changes into the discussion when necessary. Here is what the book covers: New Features in Service Pack 2 Windows Installation and Upgrade Startup and Shutdown Disk and File System Management Customizing the Windows Interface The Command Line and Other Advanced Techniques Clicking Less Print Management Playing Nicely with Others Setting Up a Wireless Connection, or How to Check Your Email in a Coffee Shop Sharing and Securing Information Email and Internet Browsing Tricks XP Backup and Recovery Common Problems--Easy Fixes Online Bonus!--Help and Support Options (To download this chapter, go tohttp://www.awprofessional.com/title/013167983X) That's right. There's a bonus chapter for folks who register online. As the chapter title suggests, the extra chapter is for those who are looking for additional help when using, well, the Windows XP Help system. What's Unusual About This Book This book--like the other books in the Spring Into series--provides the following eccentricities: Each topic is explained in a discrete one- or two-page unit called a "chunk." Each chunk, from the author's purview anyway, builds on the previous chunks in that chapter. Most chunks contain one or more examples. The authors of this series believe that good examples provide the foundation for almost all useful understandings of conceptual material. Many chunks contain sidebars that provide helpful, if sometimes digressive, ancillary material. I assume that you are a very busy person for whom the time spent in the act of buying this book was excruciatingly painful. To repay that incalculable opportunity cost, we've adopted the chunk-style of presenting information so that you can learn as rapidly as possible. Finally, you'll find this book fun to read. Okay, maybe not to the point where milk gushes from your nose, but you'll likely manage a grin from time to time. Don't worry; I've opted for interesting over humorous whenever possible, and I know you didn't pick up this book because the video store was out of Monty Python or because Dave Barry has stopped doing his columns. But you have parted with some hard-earned money for this book, and boring text--no matter what the topic--is a slap in the face. Who Helped Me Write This Book This title was created with the aid and patience of many people, all of whom share a singular job description: they have to clean up after my messes. These people include: Barry Rosenberg Mark Taub Jennifer Blackwell David Fugate Christof Falk Dr. Neil Roodyn Lori Lyons Ben Lawson I can't begin to describe the contribution that each of these individuals made in creating this book. They all helped make the book you're holding right now immeasurably better than the one I first submitted for review. I owe them all a debt of gratitude. Any errors or omissions in content, language, or exposition that remain are a byproduct of the author's wanton carelessness. Then again, it could be your own faulty comprehension skills. Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.