Bigger, better, and broader in scope, the Big Book of Windows Hacks gives you everything you need to get the most out of your Windows Vista or XP system, including its related applications and the hardware it runs on or connects to. Whether you want to tweak Vista's Aero interface, build customized sidebar gadgets and run them from a USB key, or hack the "unhackable" screensavers, you'll find quick and ingenious ways to bend these recalcitrant operating systems to your will. The Big Book of Windows Hacks focuses on Vista, the new bad boy on Microsoft's block, with hacks and workarounds that also work for Windows XP. You can read each hack in just a few minutes, saving countless hours of searching for the right answer. The step-by-step instructions let you apply the solutions in no time. This book takes you beyond the operating system with hacks for applications like Internet Explorer 7 and Office 2007, and hardware such as the Zune, your wireless router, and the PC itself. The Big Book of Windows Hacks includes:

• Expanded tutorials, new background material, a series of "quick hacks", and informative sidebars

• Security hacks, including protection at wireless hotspots, hacking Vista file permissions and user account protection, and more

• Efficiency hacks, such as tweaking your PC hardware, troubleshooting hardware problems, and speeding up system performance

• Fun hacks, like building a custom Media Center PC or turning a PC into a digital video recorder

• "Beyond Windows" hacks for running Linux inside Vista, dual-booting Linux/Windows or XP/Vista, or emulate classic video games on your PC

In all, this remarkable book contains more than 100 hacks so that the power user in you never again needs to be at the mercy of systems and hardware run by Microsoft's omnipotent Vista and XP operating systems.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 7 Ratings

A 'must' for any collection catering to patrons behind the novice stages. - 2008-01-06
Reviewer Rating:
PC users who would understand the underlying power behind the Windows system will appreciate the weighty, information-packed Preston Gralla Big Book of Windows Hacks, a coverage packed with time-saving tips and hints. From how to save regularly-used searches to disabling Windows Mail's splash screen, stopping Firefox memory leaks, and backing up Vista hacks, THE BIG BOOK OF WINDOWS HACKS is a 'must' for any collection catering to patrons behind the novice stages.

Hacking for the Rest of Us - 2008-12-28
Reviewer Rating:
When O'Reilly says "big book," they mean Big Book. And when they say "windows hacks" they mean Anything You Can Run Or Plug Into Your PC. Officially there are 188 hacks, ranging from modifying Windows XP or Vista, making a DVR from an old PC you don't use any more, and creating your own search engine. But beyond the big chapter sized hacks (all of which have more than a few different ways to fix your system the way you want, and not they way you got it), there are a multitude of small sidebar tips and hacks (probably pushing the hack total over 300 or so). Some of them are just explanations of a technical part of the page, others are just a quick hit of information to make your life easier. For any non-techie, the /Big Book of Window Hacks/ will be a handy desk reference for yourself, or to make you look good when a friend calls needing some help.

Great book for tips & tricks to help your PC work for you. - 2009-09-11
Reviewer Rating:
This book is full of exciting tips & tricks (HAKS) that help you fix/tweak your computer to do what you want it to do.

great book to learn windows - 2009-07-17
Reviewer Rating:
If you want to know how to have your computer run fast and how to network stuff. This is the book. It helps you to understand the things they never tell you. Everyone should read this if they have a computer.

Windows Technical Book - 2009-05-08
Reviewer Rating:
The price was very attractive and it arrived just a few days after I placed the order. Very satisfied with this purchase!
Bill

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