Windows XP Annoyances
Book Review by Barb KoopsIn preparation for this review, I installed Windows XP on my computer. I had been procrastinating doing this, so now the motivation was there.
As with other O’Reilly books, I found the layout and organization helpful. When first scanning it, I discovered this is certainly not a book for novices. So, I dashed to the local bookstore and purchased ”Windows XP in a Nutshell”, also published by O’Reilly. This gave me the basic knowledge needed to first understand XP. The difference between these two O’Reilly books is this. “Windows XP in a Nutshell” is an excellent reference guide. One can find any feature and read in detail to understand its features. “Windows XP Annoyances” includes information on understanding and use of the registry, installation of XP, tinkering techniques, maximizing performance, networking, scripting, troubleshooting, and much more. It also has helpful appendixes.
“Windows XP Annoyances” covers both the home edition and professional edition.One of the helpful chapters, to me, was Chapter 10, installing XP. It explained how to install it over a previous version, or on a new system. It also explained many of the pitfalls one can encounter and how to deal with them. Then, one learns how to make the boot disk.
Another topic of interest was: Explorer skills. There were many detailed instructions, from handling files and folders to dealing with themes. Other topics were: the registry, maximizing performance, networking, troubleshooting,
If you are in doubt about purchasing the book, go to the informative website: www.annoyances.org <http://www.annoyances.org>. This includes each of the Annoyances Windows books. It also has a discussion forum. You can search the forum for messages or ask your question to other users, who will respond. There is also a glossary for definitions.
WINDOWS XP ANNOYANCES
Author: David Karp
ISBN 0-596-00416-8, 564 pages, $29.95
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