Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed

In the world of outlandish marketing hype, the phrase "significant improvement" is bandied about like news years resolutions among pathological liars. However, in the case of Windows XP it is true. As a user of all previous versions of Windows, I have settled into a standard ritual of morning and afternoon reboots. However, with XP, that ritual is slowly being retired, as I can now go days without a reboot. There are many other substantial changes in XP, the most pronounced of which is the appearance of the desktop. This, in combination with the additional functionality, means that more effort is necessary if you are to use it efficiently. I had no trouble making the transition from Windows 95 through all other versions up to and including Windows 2000. However, when I purchased Windows XP, I felt the need to consult a reference manual, so I read this book. It was a wise decision. This is not a book for experts, the focus is on showing experienced users of GUI systems how the presentation style of XP is structured. With it, you can very quickly learn how to use it, what the differences are and if necessary, how to revert back to the classic view. The sections on how to configure the machine for activity on a network and how to troubleshoot the system to avoid failures and increase security should be read by all but expert users of XP. Microsoft has been justifiably bashed for the lax security of their software, but not all the blame is theirs. Users must spend the time configuring their systems so that at least the screen door is latched to restrict entry. If you have years of experience in the Windows environment, then you can probably use your instincts to learn the nuances of XP. All others should find a quality resource to consult, and this is one you can reach for with confidence.

I am the lead author of this book and would like to disagree with Arie Shenar's review. It seems to me that she is looking for, to quote, an "internal view how windows XP system working." This book is not a book about Windows XP Internals. If you desire that kind of information you can purchase very good books that will give you the programming APIs, etc. You can also visit msdn.microsoft.com (or subscribe to the service) and find a vast amount of online information about all Windows operating systems. While this book does cover how virtual memory addressing and preemptive multitasking work, it is not an internals or programming book. To the best of my knowledge Microsoft does not release the "internals" or code of their operating systems. If so, I'd like Arie to let me know what she finds! Instead, this book is intended to make it easy for the reader to quickly start using the newer features of Windows XP, and also touches on some subjects experienced users will already be familiar with. I don't know what other Sams books that Arie has purchased, but I can say that this book is right up there with previous editions of the Unleashed series devoted to operating systems.

Paul guides the advanced reader through nearly every Windows XP topic imaginable giving ideas and solutions practical to typical problems encountered by professionals. Here are a few examples: installations, use, and maintenance, performance tuning, optimizing memory, detailed registry info, pushing hardware profiles to their limits, XP system tools, how to build network bridges between dissimilar operating systems, working with compatibility modes to enable older O/S to interact with XP, device driver rollback, automatic driver update, ensuring perfect printing always, and maximizing XP for the internet, intranet, and security. User Level: Intermediate-Advanced. 1000 pp.