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Written by one of the world's best known and well-respected Windows gurus, this revised edition includes all the changes that come with Windows XP Service Pack 2. One-third of this new edition is updated to cover the latest software changes, including invaluable tips on the new security, anti pop-up, and media features that come with the SP2 upgrade. Other topics include streamlining maintenance, managing passwords more effectively, and setting security to prevent virus problems.

Introduction.

Part I: No-Bull Installation and Setup.

Technique 1: Getting the Latest Version of Windows.

Technique 2: Running the Activation Gauntlet.

Technique 3: Retrieving Your Product Key.

Technique 4: Installing a Legal Copy of Windows XP over a Bootleg.

Part II: Making Windows Lean and Clean.

Technique 5: Making Windows Work Faster.

Technique 6: Shut Down, Restart, and Switch Users Quickly.

Technique 7: Saving Time (And Your Eyes) On-Screen.

Technique 8: Stopping a Thief with Your Welcome Screen.

Technique 9: Rapid Power Passwords.

Technique 10: Windows Power Management.

Technique 11: Keeping Programs from Starting Automatically.

Technique 12: Removing and Reinstalling Programs.

Part III: Convincing Windows to Work Your Way.

Technique 13: Streamlining the Start Menu.

Technique 14: Building a Power Desktop.

Technique 15: Tricking Out the Taskbar.

Technique 16: Launching Your Most-Used Programs Quickly.

Technique 17: Making Programs Run Your Way.

Technique 18: Using Built-In Keyboard Shortcuts.

Technique 19: Making Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts.

Technique 20: Exploring Effectively.

Technique 21: Finding the Files You Want Fast.

Technique 22: Listing Files Quickly.

Part IV: Making the Most of Internet and E-Mail.

Technique 23: Customizing Internet Explorer.

Technique 24: Saving Time with Google.

Technique 25: Locating and Sharing Files on the Internet.

Technique 26: Keeping Messenger in Line.

Technique 27: Polyglot IMing with Trillian.

Technique 28: Streamlining Outlook Express.

Technique 29: Zapping Junk Mail.

Technique 30: Protecting Your Kids.

Part V: Optimizing Your Musical Entertainment.

Technique 31: Using Windows Media Player.

Technique 32: No-Nonsense Music Gathering.

Technique 33: Buying Music on the Web.

Technique 34: Tuning In the Radio.

Technique 35: Creating Your Own Music CDs.

Technique 36: Transferring Music to MP3 Players.

Part VI: Having Fun and Saving Time with Visual Media.

Technique 37: Taking Snapshots with a Webcam.

Technique 38: Recording Video with a Webcam.

Technique 39: Editing Your Home Movies.

Technique 40: Managing Pictures from a Digital Camera.

Technique 41: Doing More with Your Pics.

Technique 42: Decreasing Picture Download Times.

Technique 43: Printing and Posting Pictures.

Technique 44: Using a Scanner Effectively.

Part VII: Ensuring Peak Network Performance.

Technique 45: Installing a Small Network.

Technique 46: Securing Your Wireless Network.

Technique 47: Adding and Configuring a New User.

Technique 48: Sharing Drives and Folders.

Part VIII: Fast Security Techniques.

Technique 49: Protecting Your PC from Viruses While You Sleep.

Technique 50: Plugging and Unplugging Windows Firewall.

Technique 51: Building a Better Firewall.

Technique 52: Zapping Scumware.

Technique 53: Canning Adware and Obnoxious Cookies.

Technique 54: Checking Your Security Perimeter.

Part IX: Keeping Your PC Alive.

Technique 55: Updating Windows on Your Own Terms.

Technique 56: Running Disk Chores While You Sleep.

Technique 57: Keeping Your Hard Drive in Shape.

Technique 58: Updating Drivers Safely.

Technique 59: Running Periodic Maintenance.

Technique 60: Making Backups — Fast.

Technique 61: Requesting Remote Assistance.

Technique 62: Getting Help Fast.

Part X: Fast (Nearly Painless) Disaster Recovery.

Technique 63: Getting Your PC to Boot When It Doesn’t Want To.

Technique 64: Restoring Your System after Calamitous Change.

Technique 65: Recovering a Lost Password.

Technique 66: Surviving the Blue Screen of Death.

Technique 67: Creating a Startup Disk.

Part XI: The Scary (Or Fun!) Stuff.

Technique 68: Changing the Registry without Getting Burned.

Technique 69: Updating Windows’ Registered Owner.

Technique 70: Speeding Up Scanning for Squishable Files.

Technique 71: Using Program Compatibility Modes.

Technique 72: Fast, Easy, and Safe Online Shopping.

Index.

What is included with this book?

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The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.