Windows XP Timesaving Techniques for Dummies

* For the millions who already know the basics of Microsoft Windows, this handy reference shows how to make it work faster and better through quick, easy-to-follow lessons loaded with screen shots and step-by-step instructions
* Explores more than sixty Windows XP tasks, including customizing the Windows desktop, protecting online privacy, creating CDs and DVDs with Windows XP, working with the Outlook Express e-mail client, dealing with digital photos and video, and setting up a home network
* Along with the normal Windows tools, Windows XP is packed with rich media features and networking options previously available only through separate software packages; this book helps readers make the most of these exciting additions
* Author is one of the best-known gurus for first-time PC users, and maintains a Web site and e-mail subscriptions that reach more than 500,000 readers weekly

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Part I: Making Windows Lean and Clean.

Technique 1: Getting Windows Running in a Flash.

Technique 2: Making Windows Work Faster.

Technique 3: Running the Activation Gauntlet.

Technique 4: Saving Time (And Your Eyes) on the Screen.

Technique 5: Stopping a Thief with Your Welcome Screen.

Technique 6: Rapid Power Passwords.

Technique 7: Windows Power Management.

Technique 8: Retrieving Your Product Key.

Technique 9: Keeping Programs from Starting Automatically.

Technique 10: Removing and Reinstalling Programs.

Part II: Convincing Windows to Work Your Way.

Technique 11: Streamlining the Start Menu.

Technique 12: Building a Power Desktop.

Technique 13: Shut Down, Restart, and Switch Users Quickly.

Technique 14: Tricking Out the Taskbar.

Technique 15: Launching Your Most-Used Programs Quickly.

Technique 16: Using Built-In Keyboard Shortcuts.

Technique 17: Making Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts.

Part III: Timesaving File Handling Techniques.

Technique 18: Exploring Effectively.

Technique 19: Finding the Files You Want Fast.

Technique 20: Listing Files Quickly.

Technique 21: Running Disk Chores While You Sleep.

Technique 22: Keeping Your Hard Drive in Shape.

Part IV: Making the Most of Your Internet Time.

Technique 23: Customizing Internet Explorer.

Technique 24: Saving Time with Google.

Technique 25: Giving Pop-Ups the Brush-Off.

Technique 26: Locating and Sharing Files on the Internet.

Technique 27: Controlling Cookies Quickly.

Technique 28: Keeping Windows Messenger in Line.

Technique 29: Streamlining Outlook Express.

Technique 30: Zapping Junk Mail.

Technique 31: Protecting Your Kids.

Part V: Ensuring Peak Network Performance.

Technique 32: Installing a Small Network.

Technique 33: Sharing an Internet Connection.

Technique 34: Adding and Configuring a New User.

Technique 35: Sharing Drives and Folders.

Part VI: Fast Security Techniques.

Technique 36: Protecting Your PC from Viruses While You Sleep.

Technique 37: Fast, Easy, and Safe Online Shopping.

Technique 38: Thwarting Internet Intruders.

Technique 39: Checking Your Security Perimeter.

Part VII: Keeping Your PC Alive.

Technique 40: Running Periodic Maintenance.

Technique 41: Keeping Windows Up-to-Date Automatically.

Technique 42: Making Backups — Fast.

Technique 43: Requesting Remote Assistance.

Technique 44: Getting Help Fast.

Part VIII: Optimizing Your Musical Entertainment.

Technique 45: Using Windows Media Player.

Technique 46: No-Nonsense Music Gathering.

Technique 47: Creating Your Own Music CDs.

Technique 48: Transferring Music to MP3 Players.

Technique 49: Tuning In the Radio.

Part IX: Having Fun and Saving Time with Visual Media.

Technique 50: Taking Snapshots with a Webcam.

Technique 51: Recording Video with a Webcam.

Technique 52: Editing Your Home Movies.

Technique 53: Managing Pictures from a Digital Camera.

Technique 54: Doing More with Your Pics.

Technique 55: Decreasing Picture Download Times.

Technique 56: Printing and Posting Pictures.

Technique 57: Using a Scanner Effectively.

Part X: Fast (Nearly Painless) Disaster Recovery.

Technique 58: Getting Your PC to Boot When It Doesn’t Want To.

Technique 59: Restoring Your System after Calamitous Change.

Technique 60: Recovering a Lost Password.

Technique 61: Surviving the Blue Screen of Death.

Technique 62: Creating a Startup Disk.

Part XI: The Scary (Or Fun) Stuff.

Technique 63: Changing the Registry without Getting Burned.

Technique 64: Making Programs Run Your Way.

Technique 65: Updating Drivers Safely.

Technique 66: Using Program Compatibility Modes.

Technique 67: Getting the Most from Windows Solitaire.

Technique 68: Cracking Windows Minesweeper.

Technique 69: Setting Winning Streaks in Spider Solitaire.

Technique 70: Cheating at Hearts.

Index.