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.

Windows is the world’s most popular operating system, and Windows For Dummies is the bestselling computer book ever. When you look at Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition, it’s easy to see why. Here’s all the stuff you want to know, served up in plain English and seasoned with a few chuckles. But make no mistake, this book means business. Author Andy Rathbone listened to what you wanted to know, and this edition is loaded with additional information about E-mail, faxing, and troubleshooting Maximizing security features Customizing and upgrading Windows XP Multimedia applications—CDs, digital music and photos, video, and more Answers to questions asked by thousands of Windows users If you’re just getting started with Windows XP, you’ll find Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition is a lot easier than trying to get the fourth-grader next door to explain it to you. (Andy Rathbone is a lot more patient.) There’s a whole section devoted to “Windows XP Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know,” so you can get the hang of the basics quickly and in the privacy of your own home. And if you’ve been around a couple of generations of Windows, you’ll be especially interested in how to squeeze maximum security from the beefed-up anti-spam and firewall features in Service Pack 2. Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition is sort of like a buffet—you can sample everything, or just stick with the stuff you know you like. You’ll find out how to Locate programs and files, organize your information, and fax, scan, or print documents Get online safely, send and receive e-mail, work with Internet Explorer’s security toolbar, and steer clear of pop-ups, viruses, and spam Make Windows XP work the way you want it to, share your computer while maintaining your privacy, set up a network, and perform routine maintenance Transfer and organize pictures from your digital camera, edit digital video, and create custom CDs of your favorite tunes Use Windows XP’s troubleshooting wizards and become your own computer doctor With its task-oriented table of contents and tear-out cheat sheet, Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition is easy to use. You can quickly find what you want to know, and you just may discover that this book is as important to your computer as the power cord.

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

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.

Whether you’re a veteran cruiser or have never set foot on an ocean-going vessel, this is the book for you. Up-to-date and comprehensive, it will guide you through everything from choosing a cruise to clearing Customs on your return. Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2005 includes information on: Getting the best deal (few people pay full boat; consider the brochure price like a “sticker” price) Choosing the best cruise for your interests, schedule, and budget Ways to make your cruise more romantic Planning a family-friendly cruise What to expect onboard—from cabin size to spas, sports, entertainment, and gambling Popular cruise destinations, including the Carribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and more The major cruise lines and their vessels Mainstream ships, luxury ships, and alternative and sailing ships Cruise Vacations for Dummies 2005 was written by Jerry Brown and Fran Wenograd Golden; cumulatively, they’ve been on more than 100 cruises. Fran is a columnist for concierge.com and the Boston Herald travel section, and co-author of Frommer’s European Cruises and Ports of Call and Frommer’s Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call. With their vast cruise experience, the authors give you tips and tidbits on: Travel insurance, packing tips, passport requirements, tipping, and more Top attractions and best shore excursions at major ports of call Wining and dining (a main attraction in itself) Activities onboard The “Quick Concierge” appendix and comprehensive index help you find what you want to know fast.