Windows XP Timesaving Techniques for Dummies

Woody Leonhard9780764578830, 0764578839

Find the faster, easier ways to work with WindowsBuild a better desktop, automate maintenance, can the spam, and make your network workWho’s in charge here – you, or the computer? Take back control with Woody Leonhard’s to-the-point tips for teaching your system to work your way. He’ll help you open your Windows to simpler setup, faster file management, safer, saner Internet use, ways to cheat the Blue Screen of Death, and a whole lot more.The Dummies Way * Tricks and tips for working smarter * Explanations in plain English * “Get in, get out” information * Contents arranged by technique * Advice that goes beyond the basics * A dash of humor and fun* For the millions who already know the basics of Microsoft Windows, this handy reference shows how to make it work faster and better through quick, easy-to-follow lessons loaded with screen shots and step-by-step instructions* Explores more than sixty Windows XP tasks, including customizing the Windows desktop, protecting online privacy, creating CDs and DVDs with Windows XP, working with the Outlook Express e-mail client, dealing with digital photos and video, and setting up a home network* Along with the normal Windows tools, Windows XP is packed with rich media features and networking options previously available only through separate software packages; this book helps readers make the most of these exciting additions* Author is one of the best-known gurus for first-time PC users, and maintains a Web site and e-mail subscriptions that reach more than 500,000 readers weeklyAuthor Biography: Woody Leonhard is a Windows guru and author of Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. He publishes several e-mail newsletters, including Woody’s Office Watch and Woody’s Windows Watch.

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Table of contents :
Team DDU……Page 1
Table of Contents……Page 12
Introduction……Page 20
Part I: No-Bull Installation and Setup……Page 26
Technique 1: Getting the Latest Version of Windows……Page 28
Technique 2: Running the Activation Gauntlet……Page 44
Technique 3: Retrieving Your Product Key……Page 50
Technique 4: Installing a Legal Copy of Windows XP over a Bootleg……Page 55
Part II: Making Windows Lean and Clean……Page 60
Technique 5: Making Windows Work Faster……Page 62
Technique 6: Shut Down, Restart, and Switch Users Quickly……Page 76
Technique 7: Saving Time (And Your Eyes) On-Screen……Page 80
Technique 8: Stopping a Thief with Your Welcome Screen……Page 91
Technique 9: Rapid Power Passwords……Page 99
Technique 10: Windows Power Management……Page 108
Technique 11: Keeping Programs from Starting Automatically……Page 113
Technique 12: Removing and Reinstalling Programs……Page 121
Part III: Convincing Windows to Work Your Way……Page 130
Technique 13: Streamlining the Start Menu……Page 132
Technique 14: Building a Power Desktop……Page 145
Technique 15: Tricking Out the Taskbar……Page 159
Technique 16: Launching Your Most-Used Programs Quickly……Page 166
Technique 17: Making Programs Run Your Way……Page 172
Technique 18: Using Built-In Keyboard Shortcuts……Page 177
Technique 19: Making Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts……Page 182
Technique 20: Exploring Effectively……Page 194
Technique 21: Finding the Files You Want Fast……Page 208
Technique 22: Listing Files Quickly……Page 218
Part IV: Making the Most of Internet and E-Mail……Page 228
Technique 23: Customizing Internet Explorer……Page 230
Technique 24: Saving Time with Google……Page 248
Technique 25: Locating and Sharing Files on the Internet……Page 258
Technique 26: Keeping Messenger in Line……Page 265
Technique 27: Polyglot IMing with Trillian……Page 273
Technique 28: Streamlining Outlook Express……Page 277
Technique 29: Zapping Junk Mail……Page 287
Technique 30: Protecting Your Kids……Page 296
Part V: Optimizing Your Musical Entertainment……Page 300
Technique 31: Using Windows Media Player……Page 302
Technique 32: No-Nonsense Music Gathering……Page 308
Technique 33: Buying Music on the Web……Page 315
Technique 34: Tuning In the Radio……Page 318
Technique 35: Creating Your Own Music CDs……Page 321
Technique 36: Transferring Music to MP3 Players……Page 325
Part VI: Having Fun and Saving Time with Visual Media……Page 328
Technique 37: Taking Snapshots with a Webcam……Page 330
Technique 38: Recording Video with a Webcam……Page 334
Technique 39: Editing Your Home Movies……Page 338
Technique 40: Managing Pictures from a Digital Camera……Page 345
Technique 41: Doing More with Your Pics……Page 352
Technique 42: Decreasing Picture Download Times……Page 360
Technique 43: Printing and Posting Pictures……Page 364
Technique 44: Using a Scanner Effectively……Page 369
Part VII: Ensuring Peak Network Performance……Page 374
Technique 45: Installing a Small Network……Page 376
Technique 46: Securing Your Wireless Network……Page 386
Technique 47: Adding and Configuring a New User……Page 390
Technique 48: Sharing Drives and Folders……Page 402
Part VIII: Fast Security Techniques……Page 410
Technique 49: Protecting Your PC from Viruses While You Sleep……Page 412
Technique 50: Plugging and Unplugging Windows Firewall……Page 420
Technique 51: Building a Better Firewall……Page 428
Technique 52: Zapping Scumware……Page 436
Technique 53: Canning Adware and Obnoxious Cookies……Page 439
Technique 54: Checking Your Security Perimeter……Page 447
Part IX: Keeping Your PC Alive……Page 452
Technique 55: Updating Windows on Your Own Terms……Page 454
Technique 56: Running Disk Chores While You Sleep……Page 461
Technique 57: Keeping Your Hard Drive in Shape……Page 470
Technique 58: Updating Drivers Safely……Page 477
Technique 59: Running Periodic Maintenance……Page 485
Technique 60: Making Backups – Fast……Page 492
Technique 61: Requesting Remote Assistance……Page 501
Technique 62: Getting Help Fast……Page 506
Part X: Fast (Nearly Painless) Disaster Recovery……Page 512
Technique 63: Getting Your PC to Boot When It Doesn’t Want To……Page 514
Technique 64: Restoring Your System after Calamitous Change……Page 524
Technique 65: Recovering a Lost Password……Page 529
Technique 66: Surviving the Blue Screen of Death……Page 535
Technique 67: Creating a Startup Disk……Page 540
Part XI: The Scary (Or Fun!) Stuff……Page 546
Technique 68: Changing the Registry without Getting Burned……Page 548
Technique 69: Updating Windows’ Registered Owner……Page 555
Technique 70: Speeding Up Scanning for Squishable Files……Page 558
Technique 71: Using Program Compatibility Modes……Page 561
Technique 72: Fast, Easy, and Safe Online Shopping……Page 566
Index……Page 574