While what you create using your computer is a unique expression of who you are, how you use your computer probably isn't. Nearly every Windows XP user follows the same Start menu path to launch programs, uses the same standard techniques in programs like Windows Explorer and Outlook Express, and performs the same customizations that don't go much beyond changing the wallpaper. However, there are those of us who qualify as the "post-novice" user, who think that doing things the "official" way is too slow, less efficient and less powerful than there is potential for with Windows XP. Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed will take you beyond the standard-issue default settings and program wizards to shortcuts, new customization techniques, workarounds for common problems, and warnings on how to avoid the pitfalls of Windows XP, including those associated with Service Pack 2. Along the way, you'll learn about all kinds of insider details, undocumented features, powerful tools, and background facts that help put everything about Windows XP into perspective.

Microsoft® Windows 7 Unleashed gives IT professionals, serious power users, and true geeks the powerhouse Windows 7 tweaks, hacks, techniques, and insights they need: knowledge that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Top Windows expert Paul McFedries dives deep into Windows 7, returning with the most powerful ways to handle everything from networking to administration, security to scripting. McFedries begins with advanced customization, covering everything from startup/shutdown to the file system. He introduces new ways to tune Windows 7 performance, police Windows via Group Policies, tweak the Registry, make the most of Windows 7s management tools, and control Windows 7 from the command line. You’ll find thorough coverage of securing Windows 7, including detailed guidance on web and email security and hardening both wireless and wired networks. You’ll also discover better ways to troubleshoot devices, networks, and startup; add Macs to Windows networks; and automate Windows administration with state-of-the-art scripting techniques. This book is packed with expert tips, tricks, and troubleshooting techniques drawn from McFedries’ unsurpassed Windows experience. If you want maximum value and performance from your Windows 7 PCs, you won’t find a more valuable resource. Customize everything about Windows 7: IE8, startup/shutdown, file systems, the Start menu, Taskbar, and more Systematically monitor, tune, and optimize Windows performance–including practical techniques for accelerating startup Set up an easy, automated 9-Step maintenance schedule for any Windows 7 PC Unleash Windows 7s power user tools, including Group Policies, the Registry, MMC, and the command line Secure Windows 7 with security settings: auto-lock, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, parental controls, BitLocker encryption, and more Protect your web privacy with Windows 7s new InPrivate Browsing Solve problems with Windows 7, startup, networking, and hardware Set up reliable Windows 7 networks, and manage them efficiently Safely provide remote access and VPN connectivity Use Windows 7 as a Web server Program the Windows Scripting Host and Windows PowerShell ON THE WEB: Free Online Edition! When Microsoft releases the final product, you can get an updated edition of this book absolutely free! All examples and source code presented in this book

The book will instruct the advanced user on how to exploit all of the features of XP, creating a finely tuned system, optimized for top-notch performance. Comprehensive coverage of Windows XP Professional. Features secrets to optimization with explanations not normally found in user manuals accompanying software. Coverage of advanced topics to benefit the IT Professional. Terry guides the advanced reader through nearly every Windows XP topic imaginable giving ideas and solutions practical to typical problems encountered by professionals. Here are a few examples: installations, use, and maintenance; performance tuning; optimizing memory; detailed registry info; pushing hardware profiles to their limits; XP system tools; how to build network bridges between Dissimilar operating systems; working with compatibility modes to enable older o/s to interact with XP; device driver rollback; automatic driver up20011219; ensuring perfect printing always; maximizing XP for the Internet and intranets, and security, and more! As a consultant, Terry Ogletree travels the world, consulting with major corporations on nearly every imaginable computer topic, from disaster recovery to operating systems. His clients include Bristol-Myers Squidd, Digital Equipment and AT&T. Terry is well known for his magazine articles and devotion to writing computer books. Recent publications include: Windows NT Server 4.0 Networking (Vol. 4 of Sams Windows NT 4 and Website Resource Library) Sams Computer Publishing, 1997, 0672309947; Practical Firewalls (Que Publishing, June 2000), 0789724162, Upgrading and Repairing Networks, Second Edition (Que Publishing, December 1999), 0789720345, and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating Your Own CDs (Que/Alpha Books), 0789724928.

Journeys inside Windows Vista to explain how to get the most out of the operating system, discussing its key components and features and discusses installation, multimedia applications, networking, Web integration, Internet Explorer 7, and other essential topics.

Discusses how to install, run, and configure Windows XP for both the home and office, explaining how to connect to the Internet, design a LAN, and share drives and printers, and includes tips and troubleshooting techniques.

Covers the newest version of WHS! This is the most comprehensive, practical, and useful guide to the brand-new version of Windows Home Server 2011. Paul McFedries doesn’t just cover all facets of running Windows Home Server: He shows how to use it to simplify everything from file sharing to media streaming, backup to security. With real-world examples, McFedries guides you through using new features ranging from the Dashboard and Launchpad to Remote Web Access and Alert Viewer. You’ll find network configurations and step-by-step solutions you can easily understand and use, even if you have no server experience. Then, when you’re ready, McFedries reveals how Home Server’s hidden business-class features can help you save more time and get even better performance. Packed with exclusive tips and tricks, this go-to guide will help you every step of the way...as you create a home network that does more and runs perfectly! Quickly set up networks, user accounts, devices, and storage Add any computer to your network: Windows 7, Vista, XP, Mac, or Linux Efficiently share folders, files, and digital media Set up passwords and users and protect your sensitive information Reliably automate backups, so you never lose an important file Centrally manage all your storage, so you never have to buy more than you need Stream and share your digital images, audio, and video--even on your Xbox 360 or other devices Use Home Server’s built-in web server to create powerful, flexible websites Use Windows SharePoint Foundation to help everyone coordinate their busy lives Automatically apply up-to-date security fixes to all your Windows computers Remotely access your content from any Internet-connected computer–safely and securely Use Home Server power tools, including Local Group Policy Editor, Computer Management snap-ins, and scripting Efficiently monitor, maintain, tune, and troubleshoot Windows Home Server

TechTV's Microsoft Windows XP for Home Users is written in a lighthearted and conversational style but at the core is clear, practical information. This book shows readers how to customize and configure their systems, how to prevent and fix problems, how to add hardware and software, and how to have fun with Windows XP by exploring its many features. The entertaining style makes it fun to read, but readers will come away feeling as if the have learned a lot, too. It is assumed that most readers will have this software, although someone might buy the book as an introduction to Windows XP before upgrading from an earlier version. This book focuses almost exclusively on Windows XP and how earlier versions worked differently.