Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization

Product Description

Want a Faster and More Powerful PC? It's There on Your Desk.

Eventually, it will be time to buy a new PC or put money into an upgrade, but Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization shows you how to get the most out of your current equipment right now, simply by tuning your Windows setup. These professional techniques range from the basic to the advanced, and they can be used to achieve both targeted improvement and better overall system performance. In every area, the gains can be immense, and the time it takes is minimal. Coverage includes:

* Enhancing performance by removing unneeded items
* Making smart tradeoffs
* Safely removing unneeded registry entries
* Using command-line utilities
* Keeping Internet Explorer under control
* Making simple but effective system tweaks
* Creating a comprehensive archival system
* Monitoring your system for performance concerns
* Keeping your system in peak operating condition
* Understanding the connection between user activity and system performance
* Automating cleanup and maintenance tasks
* Keeping your PC safe from viruses and human intruders
* Catching and correcting mistakes

System Optimized—What's Next?
Once you've helped your system live up to its potential, help yourself by turning to Microsoft Windows XP Power Productivity, also from Sybex. You'll find expert instruction on harnessing native Windows functionality and third-party utilities to work faster and smarter.
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1443143 in Books
* Published on: 2005-02-11
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Paperback
* 379 pages


Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
Want a Faster and More Powerful PC? It's There on Your Desk.

Eventually, it will be time to buy a new PC or put money into an upgrade, but Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization shows you how to get the most out of your current equipment right now, simply by tuning your Windows setup. These professional techniques range from the basic to the advanced, and they can be used to achieve both targeted improvement and better overall system performance. In every area, the gains can be immense, and the time it takes is minimal. Coverage includes:

* Enhancing performance by removing unneeded items
* Making smart tradeoffs
* Safely removing unneeded registry entries
* Using command-line utilities
* Keeping Internet Explorer under control
* Making simple but effective system tweaks
* Creating a comprehensive archival system
* Monitoring your system for performance concerns
* Keeping your system in peak operating condition
* Understanding the connection between user activity and system performance
* Automating cleanup and maintenance tasks
* Keeping your PC safe from viruses and human intruders
* Catching and correcting mistakes


System Optimized—What's Next?
Once you've helped your system live up to its potential, help yourself by turning to Microsoft Windows XP Power Productivity, also from Sybex. You'll find expert instruction on harnessing native Windows functionality and third-party utilities to work faster and smarter.

About the Author
John Mueller is an author and technical editor who has produced 63 books and over 300 articles, most recently Mining Amazon Web Services, Mining Google Web Services, and Mining eBay Web Services for Sybex. He has also contributed articles to technology magazines, such as InformIT, SQL Server Professional, Visual C++ Developer, and Visual Basic Developer. John runs a consulting firm offering services, including specialized application development, to small and medium-size businesses.
Customer Reviews

Great Information - Easy to Use - Well worth the price5
This is a great book for someone who is tired of paying out mega-bucks to "computer gurus" in order to get some speed out of their computer.

With careful attention to the well described information, the common person can do it themselves!

Skinning Windows XP

Product Description

When you pick out something to wear in the morning, you choose the clothes that best fit your mood and personality that day. Same with the music we listen to and even the cars we drive. We instinctively surround ourselves with the things that are reflective of our personalities, so why not our computers? Skinning Windows XP will show you how to take the Microsoft Windows Graphical User Interface to a whole new visual and functional level. Through step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to customize your Windows XP theme, icons and backgrounds using skinning software. Not sure what skinning software is or where to find it? You'll learn about that, too. You will become familiar with the Windows desktop structure and components and learn how to alter the elements to create a personalized desktop experience. Along with a 16-page, full-color insert with before and after shots of skins for inspiration, Skinning Windows XP will help you technologically express yourself.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1634065 in Books
* Published on: 2005-04-25
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Paperback
* 336 pages

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Skinning Microsoft Windows XPAbout the Authors

Joe Habraken is a best-selling author, information technology professional, and educator. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of New England, where he teaches a variety of information technology classes introducing undergraduate students to computer basics, software applications, web design, and the use of personal computers in business settings. His books include Microsoft Office 2003 All in 1; Absolute Beginner's Guide to Networking, Fourth Edition; and Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Server 2003 in 24 Hours.

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Introduction

With the release of Windows XP, Microsoft provided a radically different approach to the customization of the Windows graphical user interface (GUI) by providing a built-in visual style engine. A visual style controls the color scheme and the bitmap graphics that are used for such Windows interface elements as the Start menu, the taskbar, and the objects we find on a typical window (such as the title bar and control buttons). Although Windows XP shipped with only one visual style—the XP style—the fact that the visual style engine exists makes it possible for any user to radically alter the look and feel of the Windows interface.

Through the manipulation of Windows themes (the icons, mouse pointers, desktop background, and other GUI elements we interface with when we use Windows) and visual styles, we can actually "skin" the Windows interface (a skin being the combination of modified theme elements and visual style items). This means you can create a custom interface, and the limits on the possibilities are really up to you and your artistic inclinations.

Theme elements can be easily modified using tools built in to the Windows XP environment. For more radical interface modification, a number of third-party software packages make it easy to create any number of extremely unique "looks" for the interface.

Skinning Windows XP provides both a primer and an advanced user guide to creating your own Windows themes, visual styles, and skins (whether you are using Windows XP Home or Windows XP Profesisonal). Although this book is designed for the novice as well as the more advanced Windows user, its logical step-by-step approach provides a learning environment ideal for the novice and provides the more experienced user with a breadth of details because more advanced skinning topics are discussed.

Although this book takes its subject matter very seriously, the material itself is approached in a straightforward, conversational manner that should help you digest the information without dozing off or developing a horrible migraine headache. It will also provide you with the knowledge base you need to further explore the concept of skinning Windows and enable you to advance your own creative sensibilities when you have set the book down after reading the last chapter.
Conventions Used in This Book

Certain conventions have been followed in this book to help you digest all the material. At the beginning of each chapter, you'll find a list of the major topics covered in that chapter. And because this book explores the visual aspects of skinning Windows XP, ample screen captures have been provided to ground you in each process as you create themes, visual styles, and skins. You will also find several icons used throughout this book. These icons denote additional information on a subject, supply asides that provide useful insight, or give warnings that can help you steer clear of problem areas related to Windows themes, visual styles, and skins. These icons are as follows:
How This Book Is Organized

This book has been organized so that a novice user can explore basic to intermediate to advanced subject matter as each chapter is read. However, the chapters have been written to be primarily self-contained so the intermediate or advanced user can pick up the book and jump to a particular chapter and take full advantage of the topics covered in that chapter.

The book has been configured so the reader can first explore Windows themes (the simplest way to modify the Windows XP interface) and learn how to modify default themes as well as download themes available on the Web. Information is also provided on the various types of skinning software and how to acquire that software. Skins and visual styles can then be downloaded from the Web, making skinning Windows a matter of installing a simple application and then downloading any number of premade skins.

For users with a more artistic bent, you learn how to create your own skins and looks and the software options that are available. Finally, an appendix includes an introduction to software that enables a very advanced user to actually hack Windows resources and create skins without the use of additional skinning software.

Skinning Windows is fun and allows you to take the Windows environment to a whole new visual level. Whatever your current knowledge level is related to Windows, you will be able to use this book to personalize the look and feel of the XP interface. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

The ideal introduction and continuing reference to utilizing Windows XP5
In just 336 pages, Skinning Windows XP by Windows expert Joe Habraken provides even the most novice user with all of the information necessary to take the Microsoft Windows Graphical User Interface to a whole new visual and functional level. Readers of the book will be provided with an understanding of how the Windows desktop and its various components are actually represented on the computer screen and how through the use of add-on software and other special design tools a whole new visual environment can be created. Skinning Windows XP is the ideal introduction and continuing reference to utilizing Windows XP.

Windows XP for Starters: The Missing Manual

Product Description

Windows XP powers millions of PCs and is without a doubt the most widely used operating system in the world today. This rock solid operating system offers dozens of features for consumers, plus powerful applications and integrated networking tools all blended into an elegant interface. But working your way through all of these features and applications can be complicated. Whether you use this software at home or at work, sometimes you just want to learn the most commonly used features, not every option and nuance.

For anyone interested in zeroing in and learning just the information they need without all the complicated jargon, Windows XP for Starters: The Missing Manual provides just the solution.

Author David Pogue delivers an accessible and much needed guide with his trademark humor and friendly style. Windows XP for Starters: The Missing Manual provides clear explanations, with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of illustrations that make for a refreshingly simple approach to XP.

Far more than a skimpy introduction but much less daunting than a weighty tech book, Windows XP For Starters: The Missing Manual unveils easy tips and tricks for making the most of the XP experience.

Whether you're a first-time user who just wants the basics, or an experienced user who simply needs a quick overview, our new Windows XP For Starters: The Missing Manual is designed from the ground up to save you time and deliver what you need to know. Find out why this book is exactly what you need.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #421391 in Books
* Published on: 2005-11-10
* Format: Illustrated
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Paperback
* 404 pages

Editorial Reviews

About the Author
David Pogue is the personal-technology columnist for the New York Times. With nearly 3 million books in print, he is also one of the world's bestselling how-to authors, having written or co-written seven books in the "for Dummies" series (including Macs, Magic, Opera, and Classical Music), along with several computer-humor books and a technothriller, "Hard Drive" (a New York Times "notable book of the year").
Customer Reviews

No one should run XP without this help!5
Belive This one contains a lot of info and instructions for Win XP
Shold be a inluded manual with the program!
Shame on Windows for not including it!
George

Only For The Most Novice Of Windows Users4
After writing 2 glowing reviews for other books in the Pogue Press series I knew that the only way to go was down. Well, that might be a little harsh. I don't have any problems with this book by David Pogue himself, it's just I don't know how useful this book is. Microsoft really outdid themselves when they released Windows XP, and it was developed with the most novice of users in mind. Even at the low retail price that this book lists at, I just don't know how necessary it really is. Nicely written, good content, but only the greenest of computer users would probably find this book useful.

Microsoft Windows Xp Power Productivity

Product Description

The Keys to Your Productivity Are Right There, Inside Windows

Windows XP is packed with utilities and other features that can help you work smarter and faster. The trick is knowing what they are and how and when to use them. Microsoft Windows XP Power Productivity teaches you how to leverage these tools to automate, customize, and troubleshoot your system, and to harness its power most effectively. This is a must-read book for power users and system administrators; it also offers a path that ambitious beginners can follow to achieve expertise. Coverage includes:

* Performing network, automated, and unattended installations
* Controlling Windows XP startup and shutdown
* Managing printing
* Auditing the system
* Adding and removing OS components
* Understanding and managing the Registry
* Working with Device Manager
* Setting up and troubleshooting incoming and outgoing connections
* Hosting FTP sites
* Performing backups and recovering from disasters
* Managing users and groups
* Setting up, monitoring, and managing remote access
* Configuring and optimizing TCP/IP
* Managing certificates
* Configuring VPN connections
* Encrypting your files

Is Your PC Holding You Back?
Don't settle for making yourself more productive; do the same for your PC. Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization, also from Sybex, shows you how to get more speed and power out of your current equipment, simply by tuning your Windows setup.
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #998199 in Books
* Published on: 2005-02-11
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Paperback
* 637 pages

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
The Keys to Your Productivity Are Right There, Inside Windows

Windows XP is packed with utilities and other features that can help you work smarter and faster. The trick is knowing what they are and how and when to use them. Microsoft Windows XP Power Productivity teaches you how to leverage these tools to automate, customize, and troubleshoot your system, and to harness its power most effectively. This is a must-read book for power users and system administrators; it also offers a path that ambitious beginners can follow to achieve expertise. Coverage includes:

* Performing network, automated, and unattended installations
* Controlling Windows XP startup and shutdown
* Managing printing
* Auditing the system
* Adding and removing OS components
* Understanding and managing the Registry
* Working with Device Manager
* Setting up and troubleshooting incoming and outgoing connections
* Hosting FTP sites
* Performing backups and recovering from disasters
* Managing users and groups
* Setting up, monitoring, and managing remote access
* Configuring and optimizing TCP/IP
* Managing certificates
* Configuring VPN connections
* Encrypting your files

Is Your PC Holding You Back?
Don't settle for making yourself more productive; do the same for your PC. Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization, also from Sybex, shows you how to get more speed and power out of your current equipment, simply by tuning your Windows setup.

About the Author
Jim Boyce has written and co-written over 40 computer books, many of which are for Windows power users. Jim has been a contributing editor for Windows Magazine and WinMag.com, and continues to write numerous articles for such publications as Tech Republic, PC Mag, and InfoWorld. Jim has been working with computers since the late 1970s.

Fixing Windows XP Annoyances by David A. Karp

Product Description

Windows XP is the most popular operating system on the planet--and the most annoying. From incomprehensible error messages to inexplicable crashes, from wonky wireless setups to just finding a file, Windows can make your computing life a nightmare. But thanks to Fixing Windows XP Annoyances, you can banish the bugs, speed up operations, and just make Windows work right.

Inspired by author David Karp's Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks, this all-new tome pulls together tips, tricks, insider workarounds, and fixes for PC novices and pros, in a handy, accessible Q&A format that lets you find the solutions in a flash. Fixing Windows XP Annoyances will not only increase your productivity but lower your blood pressure. Karp's new book covers:

* Setup and Hardware-Update Windows, reinstall Windows safely, speed up start up, resolve driver-hardware conflicts, and more.
* Windows Interface-Navigate quickly, fix screen resolution problems, customize the desktop, and switch applications more quickly.
* Windows Explorer-Force XP's file & folder management application to remember your view settings, save your default application choices, and get XP's Search tool to behave.
* Multimedia-Having a problem playing a video or burning a CD? Want to do more with your digital photo collection? We have the answers.
* Web and Email-Get a handle on spyware, spam and pop-ups; protect your privacy online; learn how to improve your online experience.
* Wireless and Home Networking-Connect all your PCs; share Internet connections; share files and drives securely; make your wireless network purr; share network printers; and more.

If you're having a problem, just look through the Table of Contents for the annoyance that most closely matches your problem, or feel free to start thumbing through the pages. You'll likely find a fix to a problem you didn't even know could be solved.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #238211 in Books
* Published on: 2006-03-15
* Format: Illustrated
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Paperback
* 219 pages

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Microsoft Windows XP may be the latest in a popular family of operating systems, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. However, the designers of Windows XP have built enough flexibility into their product and provided users with a sufficiently large toolkit to overcome most shortcomings. In Windows XP Annoyances David Karp reveals his ideas about how to use Windows XP most effectively, for maximum fun and productivity and as little aggravation as possible. If you're comfortable working with Windows XP (or any of its recent predecessors) but find certain aspects of it, well, annoying, you'll find this book to your liking. Karp guides his readers through potentially risky procedures, such as editing the Registry and adjusting hardware device drivers, with skill and precision.

The author's tone is to the point and professional without being dry, without any of the phony, forced humor that appears in a lot of operating-system books. Though he inexplicably ignores the Windows XP Power Toys--some very handy utilities you can get from Microsoft's Web site--he does a great job of handling important questions. Case in point, the important issue of which files can be deleted to free up disk space, and which you shouldn't touch even though they look like pointless garbage. Similarly useful attention goes to the question of which background processes can be safely halted, and which are important. There's fine coverage of scripting with the Windows Script Host (WSH), as well. --David Wall

Topics covered: How to get the most out of Windows XP, even when it appears that the operating system is working against you. Troubleshooting techniques, hardware advice, Registry hacking, interface customization, and advanced networking subjects all find a place in this book.

About the Author
Windows expert David Karp is the author of O'Reilly's bestselling "Windows Annoyances" series of books, including his latest, "Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks". He also co-authored "Windows XP in a Nutshell". A clear and engaging writer, he is a consistent voice for empowering Windows users to get more out of their operating system, and his annoyances.com web site has garnered a sizeable following. David has also written "eBay Hacks" and "eBay: The Missing Manual".
Customer Reviews

Not the clearest sometimes, but...4
While some of the content wasn't easy to implement, I got quite a bit of use out of it. I tend to go back to it from time to time, even.

Why does XP need so much fixing?4
There are many things about Windows "professional" that isn't. It has puppy dogs and talking paper clips. All files gravitate towards "My Documents" and "My Pictures" and often the only way to get to "My Engineering Files" is to click first the desktop icon, then "My Computer" icon, then the drive letter... I want the operating system to get out of my way and let me work. And yet Windows is notorious for putting all sorts of settings in obscure locations that are the last place you might look for them. Hence there are so many utilities for configuring your system the way you want it. Unfortunately, these utilities just do it without telling you how it is done.
This book directly addresses most of these annoying features and explains how (and why) to fix them. In so doing it provides a great deal of insight into the MS mentality. There are of course other annoyances not covered in the book, but I now have a much better idea where to look for them.

Fixing Windows XP Annoyances1
Purchasing this book was a mistake. I expected something similar to
"Windows 98 Annoyances" by the same author. There was no chapter on the Registry, and little or no information about the Registry.