Absolute Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP

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 does computer training and teaches writing classes. In addition to tech writing, O'Hara has also published a romantic comedy called The Marriage Trifecta.

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. Upgrading to Microsoft Windows XP.


Taking a Tour of Whats New. Installing Windows XP. Setting Up User Accounts. Transferring Settings.

2. Getting Started with Windows XP.


Whats on the Desktop? The Start Menu. Working with Desktop Icons. Viewing the Taskbar. Viewing the System Tray. Working with Windows.

3. Starting Programs.


Starting a Program from the Start Menu. Starting a Program from a Shortcut Icon. Switching Between Programs. Trying Fancier Methods for Starting. Working in a Program. Exiting a Program.

4. Saving Your Work.


Saving a Document. Closing a Document. Opening a Document. Creating a New Document.

5. Printing.


Adding a Printer. Printing a Document.

6. Understanding File Management Basics.


Understanding Why File Organization Is Important. Opening My Computer. Creating a New Folder. Displaying and Selecting Files. Deleting and Undeleting Files. Renaming a File.

7. Troubleshooting Common Problems.


Closing Stuck Programs. Restarting and Shutting Down the Computer. Getting Help.

II. COMMUNICATIONS.

8. Getting Wired for Communication.


Understanding the Internet. Getting the Right Equipment. Getting Connected. Exiting and Disconnecting.

9. Sending and Receiving Email.


Setting Up Your Email Account. Checking Your Email. Sending Messages. Sending and Handling Attachments. Handling Messages. Exiting and Disconnecting.

10. Browsing the Internet.


Getting Started with Internet Explorer. Using Links to Navigate. Typing a Web Address. Using Shortcuts for Web Browsing. Emailing Web Pages. Exiting and Logging Off the Internet.

11. Searching the Internet.


Searching with Internet Explorer. Using Other Search Sites.

12. Sending and Receiving Faxes.


Setting Up the Fax Console. Sending a Fax. Receiving and Handling Faxes.

III. ENTERTAINMENT!

13. Playing Music and Videos.


Playing Audio CDs with Windows Media Player. Playing Music from the Internet. Using Other Windows Media Player Features. Playing and Recording Sounds with Sound Recorder. Using Windows Movie Maker.

14. Working with Photographs and Movies.


Using a Digital Camera. Setting Up Your Digital Camera. Transferring and Working with Pictures. Printing Pictures. Emailing Pictures. Ordering Photo Prints from the Internet. Using a Scanner.

IV. YOUR OWN PERSONAL WINDOWS.

15. Customizing Windows XP.


Customizing the Taskbar. Customizing the Desktop. Customizing the Mouse. Customizing Sounds.

16. Setting Up Programs.


Creating a Shortcut to a Program. Customizing the Start Menu. Installing Programs. Uninstalling Applications. More Tips on Starting Programs.

17. Customizing Email and Internet Explorer.


Setting Mail Options. Working with the Address Book. Customizing Internet Explorer. Setting Internet Security Options.

18. Customizing Your Printer.


Setting Printing Preferences and Properties. Viewing and Installing Fonts.

V. EVERYDAY PC MAINTENANCE.

19. Organizing Files.


Working with Folders and Files. Saving Space by Compressing Files.

20. Viewing and Finding Files.


Viewing and Sorting Files. Setting Up Folder Options. Searching for Documents.

21. Securing Your PC.


Back It Up! Checking a Disk for Errors. Using System Restore. Checking Your Computer for Viruses.

22. Improving Your Computers Performance.


Displaying Disk Information. Cleaning Up Your Disk. Increasing Performance by Defragmenting Your Disk. Cleaning Up the Desktop.

23. Handling PC Maintenance.


Scheduling Maintenance Tasks. Setting Up New Hardware.

24. Upgrading Windows.


Installing Windows Updates. Installing or Removing Windows Components.

VI. WINDOWS XP FOR SPECIAL SITUATIONS.

25. Using Windows Accessory Programs.


Checking Out the Accessories. Using WordPad. Using Paint. Using Calculator. Playing Games.

26. Setting Up Windows XP for Multiple Users.


Setting Up a New Account. Logging In and Out. Modifying an Account.

27. Using Accessibility Options.


Using the Accessibility Accessory Programs. Using Accessibility Control Panel Options.

28. Setting Up Windows XP on a Home Network.


Home Networking Basics. Sharing Resources on a Network.

Index.