Hacking Windows XP (ExtremeTech)

* Get ready for some down-and-dirty hackin'! Over 200 serious hacks readers can use to force Windows XP to do it their way, written in the ExtremeTech no-holds-barred style
* Sinchak doesn't waste time tweaking Movie Maker or Instant Messenger-these hacks are heavy-duty, detailed instructions for squeezing every drop of power from Windows XP and maximizing speed, appearance, and security
* Not for the faint of heart! This book is written for users who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves, risk voiding their warranties, take total control of the task bar, uninstall programs that are supposedly permanent, and beef up boot speed
* Mines gems like unlocking hidden settings, customizing boot screens, supercharging online and program launch speed, maximizing the file system and RAM, and dumping hated features for good
* Written by the creator of TweakXP.com, a site considered Mecca for Windows hackers and trusted by more than ten million Windows XP users worldwide
* Includes a hacker's dream CD-ROM with a set of ready-to-install hacks, theme creation tools, custom boot screens, `undo` files that help the reader tinker with Windows XP's registry, and a whole lot more

User review
It's not about hacking, it's about tweaking Windows XP
I grabbed this book because I thought it might be about, well, hacking. (Well okay, that and the fact that it was cheap). As a professional hacker I can assure you that there is nothing about hacking in here. (In fact, there are a few suggestions, such as making user accounts with no passwords, that made me cringe). Most of the information in here is available in other places, and could be found relatively quickly with google if you knew what it was you were looking for. Most average users though don't know what they're looking for and therefore having a book which tells them that they can change their logon screen, startup screen, disable timestamps, and turn off unneeded services is useful. If you're a power user or sysadmin this book is a waste of your time. If you're a casual home user that just wants to have more control over your OS environment, this book is probably a good fit.

User review
Worthless
This book's title is analogous to having scantily clad women on book covers to lure adolescent boys into buying. There is no hacking of Windows. No information that you would not already know if you were an experienced user or can obtain for free using a web search. Do not waste even a penny on this book. It is truly junk.

User review
A model of clarity - and very useful.
Strikes a perfect balance between explaining too much and explaining too little. An XP manual for Everyman, - and Everywoman. A huge goldmine of technique. Down-to-earth and practical, Sinchak's book gives clear rote instructions for people in a hurry. But context is never ignored, and the author makes you feel safe by providing the pros and cons before you act. The book is designed to be read from beginning to end but also works well if you pick and choose. I formerly thought the O'Reilly books were the model of usability; but now I wish all computer books were like this one. I think it is a treasure.


User review
Excellent
Always wanted to go deep into Windows XP and this book helped me to really do away with alot of frills I didn't need. It also helped me to secure my computer, security is of course #1. I found it to be a really great book, especially if you don't mind going into the registry and changing things which I don't. Great book!

User review
Not worth purchasing; this information is free.
Most - if not all - of the information in this book is available for free online with a quick search.