Windows XP Pocket Reference
Book Review by Gerhard R. FischerThis just published booklet is part of O’Reilly’s pocket guide series and--as stated in the introduction--is small enough, to be carried in a pocket or a notebook case.
While most of the booklet’s seven parts are addressed to the more experienced computer user, it starts with a Crash Course in the Basics of Windows XP. This part covers well selected essentials like the desktop, Windows, menus, the concepts of files and folders, and more. The following part, Shortcuts, is concerned with the efficient use of the mouse and the keyboard for file manipulation. Together, these two parts present an excellent general introduction to Windows XP, which could even serve a novice quite well.
The contents of the main parts of the booklet--covering Components, Setting Index, Registry Tweaks, Command Prompts, and a Security Checklist--are arranged in strictly alphabetical order and in all cases begin with a brief introduction of the subject covered.
The Components’ part gives easily understood, yet very precise, descriptions of the various features of Windows XP, including items as diverse as Games, System Restore, and the ominous Rundll32, which sometimes pops up in error messages. Plain fun, but also a learning experience, to poke around in this chapter.
The Setting Index is probably unsurpassed in it‘s comprehensiveness. I wonder, how many of us normal users ever knew how many different settings there are.
The Registry Tweaks’ part starts with a brief, descriptive definition of the registry and a crash course on the registry editor and structure, followed by a summary of possible changes (Tweaks) to the registry in order to enhance or tailor-make performance.
The Command Prompts’ part lists most commands and their options of interest to the user, as well as the use of wildcards and the Recovery Console.
The final part of the booklet, entitled Security Checklist, briefly discusses the invasive dangers faced by computers connected to networks and/or the Internet and preventive measures like closing "backdoors" in Windows and scanning one‘s system for open ports.
The entire volume is interspersed with Tips, either elaborating on the subject being discussed or cautioning the reader to be careful in attempting certain operations.
As stated on the cover, the current publication is intended as [alphabetized] reference, which makes it very easy to find a given item. I suggest, the booklet would make a very worthwhile addition to any textbook on Windows XP, for the experienced user as well as the somewhat advanced beginner, notebook owner or not.
Windows XP - Pocket Reference
By David A. Karp
O’Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North
Sebastopol, CA 95472
US $12.95 US - CAN $20.95
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