Next to your keyboard and mouse, this could be your most important accessory. Just keep it next to your keyboard and your mouse and refer to it to capitalize on the terrific capabilities at your fingertips with Windows XP. Windows XP For Dummies Quick Reference Second Edition covers the latest updates to Windows XP, including enhanced security and changes to Internet Explorer. It starts with the basics for true beginners, goes through everyday stuff, and progresses to the Web, accessories, and the control panel. After a quick introduction to the desktop, My Documents, dialogue boxes, and other basic info, you’ll explore: Customizing your desktop Saving music with Windows Media Player Browsing drives, folders and files Dragging, dropping, cutting, and pasting Playing music, videos and movies Browsing with Internet Explorer Sending and receiving e-mails Using Windows Accessories Written by Greg Harvey, author of Excel 2002 For Dummies and more than 50 other computer books, Windows XP For Dummies Quick Reference, 2nd Edition is so clear and concise it turns computer phobes into computer geeks with step-by-step guides to: Using the Home Networking Wizard so two or more home computers can share a single Internet connection and other resources Creating slideshows with your graphics files Producing videos with Windows Movie Maker accessory program Downloading Microsoft Reader free and then downloading eBooks (many are free) and saving them in My Library Using the link to the Photo Printing Wizard to format and print your digital photos Using Windows Media Player to play audio, video, and animation files you’ve saved, play Internet radio stations, view trailers for upcoming movies, and play MP3 audio files you’ve downloaded Complete with a glossary and index, Windows XP For Dummies Quick Reference doesn’t delve into the technology and terminology: it sticks to exploring the things Windows XP lets you do and describing how to!

Windows XP is the most powerful of Microsoft’s Windows software – software that’s been updated many times since starting to breathe in January 1985. XP is short for Experience, but Microsoft calls it Windows XP to give it a more modern-day, "at-this-happening-moment" sound. Someday, sometime, something in Windows XP will eventually leave you scratching your head. No other program brings so many buttons, bars, and babble to the screen. Windows XP For Dummies is for everyone who has a clue about what they want to do with their computers. Bypassing the technical hoopla, this friendly reference comes to the rescue when Windows XP stumps you or when you're feeling spunky and want to dig into deeper details of the ever-popular operating system. In either case, you can expect to pick up information on Finding the file you saved or downloaded yesterday Moving those little windows around on the screen with the mouse Making Windows XP run like your older versions of Windows Starting and closing programs by clicking the mouse button Making Windows XP work again when it’s misbehaving Beginning with the basics, this book explains all the Windows XP stuff that everybody thinks they already know – until the program starts tossing them stumbling blocks. Windows XP For Dummies clears the way to Navigating the new Start menu and taskbar with ease Setting up a secure Internet connection Having a good time with digital photos, music, and videos Personalizing XP for each member of your family Fixing common problems using System Restore and online resources Most people meet up with Windows XP by something other than choice. Their new computer probably came with a version already installed; maybe the workplace introduced a Windows XP update; or perhaps the latest version of their favorite program required Windows XP. Any in case, Windows XP For Dummies helps you adjust easily to the new Windows kid in town – and even enjoy his company!

If you aren’t a proficient PC pro and you want to get answers and get going, this is your practical reference. In a concise, no frills style, it gives you the vital information on: Setting up and connecting your PC and peripherals, including your keyboard, digital camera, joystick, modem, monitor, printer, scanner, wireless gizmos, and more Installing hardware and software Creating, managing, naming, opening, saving, and finding files Organizing your stuff, with info on folders, Windows Explorer, Compressed (ZIP) folders, and more Networking, including accessing another computer or a shared folder, connecting to the network, and workgroups Creating your own CDs, including building and burning a playlist, importing music, and more The printer, keyboard and the mouse With step-by-step instructions and lots of screen shots, this book helps you walk the walk. In case you want to talk the talk, there’s a glossary with clear definitions of common PC terms. A detailed index helps you find the how-to you need fast. If you want to know the history of the PC and all of its intricacies, get a big book. If you want to know how to get your PC to do what you need it to do, get this handy little reference and get to work fast.

Offers an overview of the fundamentals of the new operating system, as well as information on such topics as computer management, networking, security, accessories, Internet Explorer 8, Media Center, and Windows Live Essentials.

Readers will save themselves time and energy by using this handy, A-to-Z reference to quickly find answers regarding the exciting new release of Windows Vista Includes helpful information on the new features of Vista, such as the task-based interface, sidebar, gadgets, new "Aero" interface, 3D-look option, heightened security, new search capabilities, and much more Covers navigating the desktop, launching programs, adding programs, removing programs, creating files, copying files and folders, and deleting files and folders Accessible organization of topics also shows readers how to create shortcuts, connect to the Internet, search the Web, add favorites, use the new file management system, and more

Demonstrates the operating system's features, covering managing files, installing programs, troubleshooting, networking, and security.