Mastering Windows XP Home Edition (Mastering)

This comprehensive guide to Windows XP Home Edition is designed for novices buying their first PCs, as well as experienced users upgrading to the latest version of Windows XP. A short crash course on Windows basics helps new users get up to speed quickly. Detailed coverage of intermediate and advanced topics helps experienced users transition to an expert level. Everyone benefits from the discussions of the new features of `Reloaded`. Topic-centered jump tables help you quickly find instructions for important tasks, such as sending and receiving e-mail and various troubleshooting procedures, as well as learning the new features of `Reloaded`.

User review
Great first edition companion
This is a excellent companion for those of us who bought the first edition of this book when XP was originally released. The first edition had a very nice `hand holding` section at the beginning to get new users up and running quickly and confidently. It also included a CD of some useful utilities and the text of book for online searching.
This Third edition includes a lot of new material not available when XP was first released, as one would expect with a developing product. It clearly shows a user with some familiarity with XP much of what lies `behind the curtain.` There is no accompanying CD.
So, while there is a lot of duplication between the two editions, this Third edition represents a major updating of information and techniques.

User review
OK, but . . .
Get the Osborne book `The Complete Reference: Windows XP` by John Levine & Margaret Levine Young instead.

I've got both. I only grab this one second.

User review
Perfect XP Reference for the non-Geek
When I first bought my XP Home machine two years ago, I went to the book store and picked up Mastering Windows XP, and I have been congratulating myself with my good choice ever since.

I started out with average knowledge about using Windows 95 and nothing on XP. This book has been invaluable to me from day one. Mr. Hart-Davis writes in a friendly, chatty tone, but still succinct enough not to drown you in words. He patiently describes the most basic concepts (all the basic stuff is grouped in the beginning pages with screen shots, very inviting to total computer beginners) all the way up to advanced features like dual boot and disaster recovery. Why, I needed the chapter on disaster recovery during the first week of owning XP!

With Mastering Windows XP I learned so much about how to get the most out of my computer, such as running explorer offline, setting up restore points, and customizing the taskbar. I recently even learned about emulation - how to install Windows 95 within Windows XP with the help of Microsoft Virtual PC, so that I can run some old games that XP considers below itself. Almost always, whenever I have a need, I can find the answer in this book.

I feel like I am a bit of a master of XP now - nothing compared to the real pros, of course, but compared to my friends and relatives, I have the confidence of a true geek in front of my computer!


User review
Excellent reference for the novice
Well written book for the novice home user who just needs to know how to get the most (and best) from Windows XP Home Edition. This book does a good job covering the features of the Home Edition, such as using the built-in CD burner and fax in language for the non-techie.

If you are a more experienced computer user, you'll be disappointed in this book. Windows XP Inside Out or Special Edition Using Windows XP would be a better choice for you.

User review
Introduction to XP
I'd consider this more of an introduction to
XP rather a reference for mastering XP.
If you want to know how to change the default
settings, use some of the XP tools or why chat
programs are good then this book is good for you.
If you want to know how to work around XP or
nitty gritty detail this book does not
help much