Windows XP for Home Users: Service Pack 2 Edition

I found this a very comprehensive book on Windows XP. It was written in such a way that the beginner would not have experienced too many problems in understanding each section,yet at the same time,it gave the more experienced computer user the knowledge to undertake and rectify problems which could arise.

I first checked this book out from my local library and found it so straighfoward and to the point re: the how to's and whatfor's that I was compelled to buy it. I've only been using XP for about a month now but this book has pretty much helped make me a pro. Excellent training guide with zero fluff.

This book presents Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2 installed. It presumes that you have some understanding of and probably have use some earlier edition of Windows. As such it talks mostly about the differences rather than giving a 'this is a window, this is a mouse' type of introduction. Note Service Pack 2. There were several major changes made in SP2, particularly in the general area of security from viruses, and the like. If you don't have SP2, download it from www.microsoft.com. Much of the information in this book also applies to Windows XP Professional. The two versions are basically identical except that Professional has some additional built in features such as a web server. These extra features are not covered. I think the thing I liked best about this book is the nearly 100 pages on getting help, updating, and two chapters called 'Keeping Windows Healty and Happy,' and 'Troubleshooting Common Problems.' XP is a lot more stable than the earlier versions of Windows, but it's not perfect.