The book that should have been in the box. This is the subtitle to Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual. This book is the comprehensive guidebook that is needed to learn about all the features and functions in Windows XP Home Edition, so it is in fact, the book that should have been in the box. At 584 pages, there is plenty of relevant information, but you don’t have to read the entire book. The book is divided into sections that can be quickly scanned for pertinent information. My only lament is that the book did not come with an electronic version on CD-ROM, since this would make it easier to look up search terms.
The What’s New in Windows XP section pinpoints changes from previous versions of Windows and explains how to perform common tasks. Those who have used other Windows operating systems will this section quite useful. The section entitled: The Dark Side of Windows discusses privacy issues and Microsoft’s Windows XP’s activation feature.
While most of you will not want to curl up in bed with this book, it is a good guide that you may want to keep next to your computer. It is not for absolute beginners, and also not for high-tech geeks. Rather, it is written for the person who has some computer experience, who understands the basics of how Windows works, but who still have a ton of questions….and that description seems to fit many computer users. This book gives step-by-step instructions and screen shots where needed and tries to avoid techno-babble as much as possible.
While the book focuses on basic Windows functions, it also touches on a few slightly advanced topics. It covers topics from installing XP Home to backing up, troubleshooting, and networking. The sections on organizing Windows XP will be welcome by many. Important Internet-related topics are given quite a bit of emphasis as are areas related to troubleshooting.
Microsoft could have saved a lot of money on tech support if that had included this book with Windows XP. At just $24.95, it’s a great resource for all XP Home users.
Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual, only $17.47 at Amazon. Click Here.
To purchase Windows XP Pro: The Missing Manual, Click Here.
