This compact and comprehensive book systematically unveils what resolute users of the new Windows XP operating system will find interesting and useful, with little-known details, utility programs, and configuration settings all captured in a consistent reference format. A hands-on guide, Windows XP in a Nutshell cuts through the hype and gives practical details you can use every day. It's written by David A. Karp, the best-selling author whose no-nonsense "Annoyances" books and web site (Annoyances.org) have helped thousands of users solve problems and improve their experience with Windows®. The co-author is none other than Tim O'Reilly, founder of O'Reilly & Associates, whose books have revolutionized computer book publishing with their commonsense approach and depth of detail. At the heart of the book is a 200-plus-page reference section titled "Windows XP Applications and Tools," containing:

• Detailed information on most of the commands and utilities available with Windows XP, including Start Menu accessories, command prompt tools, hidden system administration utilities such as the Registry Editor, Microsoft Management Console, and TweakUI.

• A comprehensive "Where to Find It?" section designed to give Windows 9x/Me and Windows NT/2000 users a guide to the XP counterparts to previously familiar features, plus information on installing and upgrading.

• The Task and Setting Index, which provides users with quick access to locations of the hundreds of settings in Windows XP, organized alphabetically.

• A complete reference to the command prompt-- not only covering the basics of the command line and the different ways to use it, but also the advanced commands and scripting features at Windows XP's disposal.

Packed with numerous tips and tricks, while warning of potential pitfalls, Windows XP in a Nutshell enables anyone to get the most out of all the resources available in XP.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 19 Ratings

Windows XP from a Macintosh User - 2005-06-25
Reviewer Rating:
I have a confession to make... I go both ways. That's right, I'm bi-directional. I bat for both teams. I use Windows just as much as I use a Mac. The dirty little secret is that I'm not that unusual; there are a lot of Mac users that have to work with Windows (my involvement is voluntary, which might be an oddity.)

A few weeks ago, I was handed a copy of Windows XP in a Nutshell. What the heck would a Mac user do with a book about Windows? Like I said, there are more than a few Mac users who have to work with Windows on occasion, and many of them won't use Windows enough to get fully comfortable with it. A book like this may be helpful for those kinds of people.

Part 1 (The Big Picture)
This section is the smallest of the book (beside the preface). It covers a bit of the history of Windows, some of the features of Windows XP and finishes with a brief walk through of the Windows' desktop. This part lays the groundwork for the rest of the book, which is more of a reference book than tutorial.

Part 2 (Alphabetical Reference)
This is the heart of the book and the largest section. It's an encyclopedic listing of the programs and features of Windows XP. It's broken up into four parts (the user interface, applications and tools, task and setting index and a list of commands for the command prompt.) This section is definitely not intended for reading from end to end. However, it is a good section to graze through (just flip though the pages, stopping on anything that catches you eye.) and, of course, good for when you're trying to find a specific topic.

Part 3 (Advance Topics)
This is a semi-tutorial on some of the more arcane aspects of Windows XP; networking, the registry and Windows Scripting. The chapter on networking is especially useful for people who haven't had the joy of setting up a Windows machine for a network. The chapter on the Windows Scripting Host, however,
isn't very useful for someone who is tangentially familiar with Windows.

Part 4 (Appendices)
This part has a mix of some very useful info, such as the chapters on installing and upgrading Windows, to the extremely arcane, like the listing of Windows Services. It's worth going through, at least until your eyes glaze over.

Dislikes
There are a couple things that turned me off, about the book, both as a reader and a Windows user.
The book is poorly organized, alternating throughout the book from tutorial to reference. I think that it would have been better if the material to be read were kept to the front of the book with all of the reference material in the back (appendix.)

I would have also liked it if the alphabetical reference were broken up and grouped (i.e. control panels would have their own section as would games.) One of the biggest things this book lacks is a discussion of Windows security. Any comprehensive discussion of Windows needs to include security, especially if the book is targeted (such as this one) toward neophyte users. While the authors to talk some about security, it's broken up and spread throughout the book.

Likes
One of the things that I really like about the book is that the authors seem to have followed the idea that "Brevity is the soul of wit" and give each of their topics just enough coverage and not get bogged down in the minutiae. While the book covers some topics, such as Internet Explorer, more than others, it doesn't go overboard (they cover IE in about six pages, half of which is the changes that came with Service Hack, er I mean Pack, 2.)
The other thing I like is that they continually write about the command line. The command line is an integral part of the Windows' OS (as much as it is with the Mac OS,) yet it's regularly regarded as some mysterious artifact, or else they deal exclusively with the command prompt, and end up in a game of one upmanship with the GUI. Seeing someone deal with the command prompt as just another part of the OS is quite refreshing.

What do I think?
If the book were better organized, I would heartily recommend the book to any Mac user who occasionally needs to use a Windows machine, but the book is a little too confusing for the kind of people who need confusing the least. Still the book has a good deal of useful information, especially the networking and Windows installation guide, and is worth considering if you're looking for a Windows reference

K. Burby - Michigan Apple User Group

Five starts for a well done book - 2007-02-18
Reviewer Rating:
Well written, not excessively wordy, not shallow, full of real content, even has a decent index. I've seen many much larger XP books with much less content. Vastly better than anything from MS-Press.

OK, if you're a beginner, you might want to get one of the "Idiot" books first, but that would be the only argument against this one.

Really good book, really good transaction - 2008-10-04
Reviewer Rating:
This is a really nice book that I received in a short amount of time from seller. Recommend the book and seller.

Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition - 2007-12-31
Reviewer Rating:
I think this book is one of the better ones written. I give it a 5 star rating.

Windows XP in a Nutshell - 2007-12-07
Reviewer Rating:
It is a well written reference book and every time I have used it, it has been very satisfactory.

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