Windows XP is the latest, most reliable, and best-looking version of the world's most widely used operating system. The new Windows combines the same stress-tested, extremely stable engine that drives Windows 2000-Microsoft's corporate operating system-with the far superior compatibility of Windows Me. Windows XP offers dozens of important new features. In addition to the vastly more elegant user interface, it offers drag-and-drop CD burning, powerful built-in features for viewing and managing digital photos and music, and a Remote Assistance feature that lets invited PC gurus or help-desk technicians see and even manipulate what's on your screen over the Internet. But one major failing of Windows remains unaddressed in the XP edition: It comes without a single page of printed instructions. In Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual, New York Times technology columnist (and Missing Manual series creator) David Pogue provides the friendly, authoritative book that should have been in the box. It's the ideal users' guide for the world's most popular operating system. The book begins at the beginning: with a tour of the Desktop, the new, two-column Start menu, and instructions for customizing the Taskbar and toolbars. A special focus: Organizing files, folders, and windows for maximum efficiency and minimum clutter. More advanced chapters explore each control panel and built-in application; walk through every conceivable configuration (setting up a PC for Internet use, peripheral equipment, laptop life, and so on); and setting up a small network, including how to share a single Internet connection among several PCs. Finally, special chapters are dedicated to standard rituals of Windows life: troubleshooting, installation, and upgrading. Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual is a one-stop reference for the Windows user. In keeping with the high standards of the Missing Manual line, the book features superb writing, special features for both absolute novices and power users, and complete coverage. If Microsoft could wave its magic software wand and wish for the perfect guide to its flagship product, Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual would appear like magic.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 31 Ratings

good book - 2008-01-19
Reviewer Rating:
I recommend this book.

It is well organized, and informative, without being too informative. The author strikes a good balance between skipping important stuff, and getting the reader stuck in excessive detail. After reading the book, I felt comfortable in the new OS.

Another thing I liked about this book was its style. Manuals such as this can be so dull your eyes glaze over. The author uses a light-hearted style which makes you chuckle a few times. It is an easy read.

I liked the book so much that I actually went to the publisher's website to see if they had any other books I would be interested in.

If you are getting started in XP, this is a good book to read.

Windows xp -old OS but some do not know how to operate - 2009-11-19
Reviewer Rating:
I use a Mac but I purchased this for a recently widowed lady who only knew e-mail and she was frantic to try to see where her deceased husband had put "stuff" . Her actions are beginning to get the hang of XP,

Windows XP Home Edition - 2009-02-06
Reviewer Rating:
Excellent manual ... keep on my desk all the time. Has saved me some headaches that for sure.

Wonderful Series - Missing Manuals! - 2009-01-21
Reviewer Rating:
Pogue's idea of the Missing Manual series keeps rolling along. This is another of the great issues from the MM notion. Pogue has contributed something to the computer world that few can do - the idea of the Missing Manual.

This selection is just as good as the others. Pogue's Windows XP Home Edition is just as good as the others. No one, and I mean no one, can go wrong with a Missing Manual title - especially this one. Buy it!!!

Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual (2nd EDition) - 2008-08-31
Reviewer Rating:
Now, this is a must have for anyone with XP. It is well written, well researched, and totally understandable.Written in plain English with a humorous style,plenty of illustrations and easy to follow instructions.A 'newbie' like me, needs all the help he can get and this fills the bill.I have the Windows Vista Edition by the same author, have only had a quick look through it, but it should be just as enlightening.

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