Absolute Beginner's Guide to Windows XP

Upgrade to a digital lifestyle! Absolute Beginner's Guide to Windows XP, Second Edition is not just about using Windows, but also about how to live in a digital world where you can share pictures over the Internet, download music from websites, communicate with long-distance family and friends on the computer, and more. Step-by-step instructions will show you how to accomplish key tasks and take precautions to protect your computer from viruses and spyware. Some of the tasks covered include:

• Starting programs
• Understanding file management basics
• Getting wired for communication
• Working with photographs
• Playing music and videos
• Improving your computer's performance
• Upgrading Windows

Updated to include information on Service Pack 2, Absolute Beginner's guide to Windows XP, Second Edition will show you how to work with Windows XP to make your life easier!

List of contents

Introduction.
    Some Key Terms
    Some Things to Keep in Mind
    The Basic Structure of This Book
    Conventions Used in This Book
I. THE BASICS.
1. Getting Started with Windows XP.
    Checking Out the Desktop
    Displaying the Start Menu
    Working with Desktop Icons
    Viewing the Taskbar
    Viewing the System Tray
    Working with Windows
    Opening and Closing Windows
    Changing the Size of Windows
    Arranging the Windows
    Starting a Program
    Starting a Recent Program
    Listing All Programs
    Starting a Program from a Shortcut Icon
    Switching Between Programs
    Working in a Program
    Selecting Commands
    Using the Toolbar
    Exiting a Program
2. Saving and Printing Your Work.
    Saving a Document
    Switching Folders
    Creating a New Folder
    Tips for Saving a Document
    Saving Backup Copies
    Saving in a Different File Format
    Closing a Document
    Opening a Document
    Creating a New Document
    Printing a Document
    Viewing and Canceling Print Jobs
    Printing Tips
3. Managing Files.
    Opening My Computer
    Opening Drives and Folders
    Navigating Folders
    Using the Folders Bar
    Using the Task Pane
    Creating a New Folder
    Displaying and Selecting Files
    Deleting and Undeleting Files and Folders
    Deleting a File or Folder
    Undeleting a File
    Emptying the Recycle Bin
    Renaming a File or Folder
    Reorganizing Folders and Files
    Copying Folders and Files
    Copying with the Copy Command
    Copying Files to a Floppy Disk
    Copying Files to a CD
4. Troubleshooting Common Problems.
    Closing Stuck Programs
    Is the Program Busy?
    Closing a Program from the Taskbar
    Closing a Program from the Task Manager
    Restarting and Shutting Down the Computer
    Restarting with a Command
    Restarting by Turning Off the Computer
    Shutting Down the Computer
    Getting Help
    Browsing Help Topics
    Searching for Help
    Using the Help Window Toolbar
    Handling Printer Problems
    Dealing with Viruses and Other Security Problems
II. COMMUNICATIONS.
5. Getting Wired for Communication.
    Understanding the Internet
    Getting the Right Equipment
    Describing Modems
    Finding an Internet Service Provider
    Selecting a Connection Type
    Selecting Browser and Email Programs
    Getting Connected
    Stepping Through the New Connection Wizard
    Starting Your Connection
    Exiting and Disconnecting
6. Setting Up Wireless Connections.
    Understanding How Wireless Networking Works
    What You Need To Set Up a Wireless Network
    Wireless Network Cards
    Wireless Access Point Router
    Setting Up a Wireless Network
    How To Ensure Wireless Network Security
7. Sending and Receiving Email.
    Setting Up Your Email Account
    Setting Up an Outlook Express Account
    Setting Up a Web Mail Account
    Checking Your Email
    Sending Messages
    Responding to Email
    Creating New Mail
    Sending New Messages
    Sending and Handling Attachments
    Attaching a File to a Message
    Opening a File Attachment
    Saving a File Attachment
    Checking a File Attachment
    Handling Messages
    Deleting and Undeleting Messages
    Printing Messages
    Organizing Messages
    Finding Messages
    Handling Junk Mail
    Blocking Senders
    Using an Antispam Program
    Exiting and Disconnecting
8. Browsing the Internet.
    Getting Started with Internet Explorer
    Understanding the Internet Explorer Window
    Using the Toolbar
    Viewing the Page Content
    Using Links to Navigate
    Typing a Web Address
    Using Shortcuts for Web Browsing
    Setting Up a Favorites List
    Using the History List
    Working with Web Pages
    Emailing Web Pages
    Printing Web Pages
    Working with Text and Images
    Downloading Files
    Ensuring Internet Security and Privacy
    Turning On Windows XP Firewall Systems
    Setting Privacy Options
    Dealing with Spyware
    Exiting and Logging Off the Internet
9. Searching the Internet.
    Searching with Internet Explorer
    Getting the Most from the Search Results
    Fine-Tuning the Search
    Using Other Search Sites
    Refining Your Search
    Searching for Images or News
    Browsing Through Directories or Channels
    Using Other Search Site Tools
10. Sending and Receiving Faxes.
    Setting Up the Fax Console
    Sending a Fax
    Sending a Fax with the Send Fax Wizard
    Faxing from a Program
    Receiving and Handling Faxes
    Opening Faxes
    Handling Faxes
III. ENTERTAINMENT.
11. Playing Music.
    Playing Audio CDs with Windows Media Player
    Playing a CD
    Working with Windows Media Player Controls
    Changing the Appearance of the Window
    Changing the Visualization
    Playing Music and Videos from the Internet
    Finding Music Online
    Viewing Videos
    Tuning the Radio
    Using Other Media Players
    Creating Your Own Music CDs
    Copying Music Files
    Creating a Playlist
    Burning a CD
    Playing and Recording Sounds with Sound Recorder
    Playing Sounds
    Recording Sounds
12. Working with Photographs and Movies.
    Using a Digital Camera
    Setting Up Your Digital Camera
    Transferring Pictures
    Working with Picture Files
    Managing Picture Files
    Editing Pictures
    Inserting a Picture into a Document
    Printing Pictures
    Printing Pictures on a Printer
    Ordering Photo Prints from the Internet
    Emailing Pictures
    Using a Scanner
    Setting Up a Scanner
    Scanning an Image
    Creating Digital Movies
IV. YOUR OWN PERSONAL WINDOWS.
13. Customizing Windows XP.
    Customizing the Taskbar
    Customizing the Desktop
    Using a Desktop Theme
    Using a Background Image
    Customizing Desktop Icons
    Using a Screen Saver
    Changing the Color Scheme
    Setting Resolution and Color Settings
    Customizing the Mouse
    Customizing Sounds
14. Setting Up Programs.
    Creating a Shortcut to a Program
    Customizing the Start Menu
    Pinning a Program to the Start Menu
    Unpinning a Program to the Start Menu
    Rearranging Programs on the Start Menu
    Changing the Appearance of the Start Menu
    Installing Programs
    Using the Automatic Install
    Using the Add or Remove Programs Control Panel Icon
    Completing the Installation
    Configuring the Program Lineup
    Uninstalling Applications
    Removing Programs
    Removing Programs Manually
    More Tips on Starting Programs
    Starting Programs When You Start Windows
    Tips for Switching Among Programs
    Using the Run Command
15. Customizing Email and Internet Explorer.
    Setting Mail Options
    Working with the Address Book
    Adding Addresses
    Setting Up Contact Groups
    Using the Address Book as a Contact List
    Customizing Internet Explorer
    Setting Your Home Page
    Organizing Your Favorites List
V. EVERYDAY PC MAINTENANCE.
16. Viewing and Finding Files.
    Viewing and Sorting Files
    Changing the View
    Sorting Files
    Grouping Files
    Choosing File Details
    Setting Up Folder Options
    Searching for Documents
17. Securing Your PC.
    Backing Up Your Work
    Selecting Backup Programs and Equipment
    Tips for Backing Up
    Checking a Disk for Errors
    Using System Restore
    Understanding Restore Points
    Setting a System Restore Point
    Restoring Your System
    Checking Your Computer for Viruses
    Checking System Security with Windows Security Center
    Using a Virus Protection Program
    Handling an Infected File
    Scheduling Maintenance Tasks
    Adding a New Task
    Modifying Scheduled Tasks
18. Improving Your Computer's Performance.
    Displaying Disk Information
    Cleaning Up Your Disk
    Saving Space by Compressing Files
    Compressing Files
    Uncompressing Files
    Increasing Performance by Defragmenting Your Disk
    Understanding The Basics of Disk Storage
    Running Disk Defragmenter
    Cleaning Up the Desktop
19. Upgrading Your Computer.
    Adding a Printer
    Automatic Setup
    Manual Setup Using Windows's Drivers
    Manual Setup Using the Printer's Drivers
    Customizing Your Printer
    Printing Preferences and Properties
    Changing Printing Preferences
    Changing Printing Properties
    Installing New Fonts
    Where Do Fonts Come From?
    Viewing Your Installed Fonts
    Installing New Fonts
    Setting Up New Hardware
    Setting Up New Hardware Automatically
    Using the Manufacturer's Install Program
    Installing New Hardware Manually
    Troubleshooting Hardware Problems
20. Upgrading Windows.
    Checking Your Windows Version
    Installing Windows Updates
    Running Automatic Updates
    Checking for Updates
    Setting Automatic Update Options
    Installing or Removing Windows Components
VI. WINDOWS XP FOR SPECIAL SITUATIONS.
21. Using Windows Accessory Programs.
    Checking Out the Accessories
    Using WordPad
    Taking a Look at the Program Window
    Typing and Editing Text
    Using Paint
    Using Calculator
    Playing Games
22. Setting Up Windows XP for Multiple Users.
    Setting Up a New Account
    Logging In and Out
    Logging Off
    Switching Users
    Logging On
    Modifying an Account
    Changing the Account Name
    Adding a Password
    Assigning a Picture
    Changing the Account Type
    Deleting an Account
23. Using Accessibility Options.
    Using the Accessibility Accessory Programs
    Using Magnifier
    Using Narrator
    Using On-Screen Keyboard
    Using Accessibility Control Panel Options
    Using the Accessibility Wizard
    Modifying Accessibility Options
24. Setting Up Windows XP on a Home Network.
    Home Networking Basics
    Planning Your Network
    Installing and Configuring Network Hardware
    Running the Windows XP Network Setup Wizard
    Sharing Resources on a Network
    Enabling File Sharing
    Browsing Shared Files
    Sharing Printers
    Sharing Internet Connections
    Controlling Network Security
Index.

About the author

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP, Second EditionAbout the Author
Shelley O'Hara is the author of more than 100 books, mostly dealing with computers. She has written some of the all-time best-selling computer books, including Easy Windows XP Home Edition and Easy Windows 98. She also conducts computer training and teaches writing classes. In addition to tech writing, O'Hara has also published a romantic comedy called The Marriage Trifecta.

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

Summary

Talks about using Windows and also looks at how to live in a digital world where you can share pictures over the Internet, download music from websites, communicate with long-distance family and friends on the computer, and more. This book shows you how to accomplish key tasks and take precautions to protect your computer from viruses and spyware.

Product details

• Authors: John B. Kramer, Shelley O'Hara, Larry Sabato
• Publisher: Pearson Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2005
• EAN: 9780789734327
• ISBN: 978-0-7897-3432-7
• No. of pages: 384
• Weight: 540 g
• Series: Que; Absolute Beginner's Guides (Qu; Que
• Subject: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > IT, data processing > Operating systems, user interfaces