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Spring Into Windows XP Service Pack 2

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Spring Into Windows XP Service Pack 2

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About

Features

A concise, fast-paced guide to getting the most out of Windows XP Service Pack 2, for power users and technical professionals alike.

° While Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) has been hailed by most security experts, it is causing headaches for both users and developers

° Key coverage includes wireless networking, automated backups, customizing the Windows environment, and much more

° The unique Spring Into style of 150 one- and two-page tutorials makes learning happen fast

Description

  • Copyright 2005
  • Edition: 1st
  • Book
  • ISBN-10: 0-13-167983-X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-13-167983-2

The fastest route to Windows XP SP2 mastery

Are you a professional who's new to Windows XP and Service Pack 2? Or maybe you've been running Windows XP for years, and you've just upgraded to SP2? Either way, you want to run the latest version of Windows as efficiently and reliably as possible. You want to master Windows XP's latest security and networking features—and avoid its traps. And you don't have a minute to waste.

This book's for you. It'll take you further, faster than you ever expected. You won't wade through endless beginner's material or useless theory. You will master today's best techniques: just what you need to run Windows XP SP2 as effectively as possible.

Need specific solutions? This book's modular, "bite-sized" instructions, focused examples, and visual format deliver them—instantly.

  • All you need to run Windows XP SP2 with maximum efficiency and reliability

  • Upgrade to Windows XP SP2 without risking your data

  • Protect your PC and network using SP2's improved Windows Firewall

  • Create and secure a wireless network—in just minutes

  • Manage your disks and files more efficiently

  • Customize your Windows interface for better productivity

  • Discover dozens of high-efficiency shortcuts and Command Prompt techniques

  • Learn powerful tips with Internet Explorer

  • Get enhanced protection in Outlook Express

  • Back up your data and settings—and restore them safely

  • Integrate Windows XP and Macintosh computers and share their resources

  • Fix dozens of common Windows problems, fast!

No other Windows XP SP2 guide teaches professionals this much, this well, this quickly. Dig in, get started, get results!

Spring into is a new series of fast-paced tutorials from Addison-Wesley. Each book in the series is designed to bring you up to speed quickly. Complex topics and technologies are reduced to their core components, and each component is treated with remarkable efficiency in one- or two-page spreads. Just the information you need to begin working...now! And because the books are example-rich and easy to navigate, you'll find that they make great on-the-job references after you've mastered the basics.


© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

Sample Content

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Setting Up a Wireless Connection, or How to Check Your Email in a Coffee Shop

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Table of Contents

Preface.

About the Author.

About the Series Editor.

1. New Features in Service Pack 2.

    What's a Service Pack?

    New Features of Service Pack 2

    How Does Outlook Express Now Combat Spam?

    Defense Against Spam

    New SP2 Security Tools

    Why SP2 Will Improve the Computing Experience

    Get Ready to Install SP2

    Install with Automatic Updates 

    Install with Windows Update

    Other Installation Methods

    Post Installation Tasks

    Remove Service Pack 2

    The Security Center

    Wrap Up

2. Windows Installation and Upgrade.

    A Tale of Two Families

    XP Professional v. Home v. Tablet v. Media Center

    XP's New Features 

    Install or Upgrade? 

    Upgrade to Windows XP

    Files and Settings Transfer

    Finish XP Migration

    Activate Windows XP

    Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

    Wrap Up

3. Startup and Shutdown.

    Set XP Startup Options

    Set Startup and Recovery Options

    Use the Power Button

    The Startup Folder

    Bypass the Startup Items

    Restrict Shutdown

    Fast User Switching

    The System Configuration Utility

    Clean Up the Desktop

    Wrap Up

4. Disk and File System Management.

    Add Hard Drive to Increase Storage

    Partition a Drive

    Format a Drive

    Manage the XP File Systems

    FAT16

    FAT32

    NTFS

    Considerations for Dual Booting

    Convert from One File System to Another

    Basic Storage

    Dynamic Storage

    Upgrade a Basic Disk

    Create a Volume on a Dynamic Disk

    Extend a Volume

    Run Disk Cleanup

    Defragment a Volume

    Govern AutoRun Behavior

    Wrap Up

5. Customizing the Windows Interface.

    Use Desktop Themes

    Change the Appearance

    Change the Desktop Background

    Choose a Screen Saver

    Use the My Pictures Slideshow

    Change Monitor Settings

    Improve Monitor Performance

    Change the Date and Time

    Change the Start Menu

    Create Desktop Icons from the Start Menu

    Use the Quick Launch Toolbar

    Pin a Program

    Start Menu and the Classic Theme 

    Change the Start Menu with Group Policy

    Edit the Start Menu with a GPO

    Edit Start Menu Contents

    Use the Explorer Window to Edit the Start Menu

    Add Other Content to the Start Menu

    Wrap Up

6. The Command Line and Other Advanced Techniques.

    Get Started with the Command Prompt

    Command.com v. Cmd.exe

    Use the Command Prompt's Online Help

    Tips for Using Console Commands

    AutoComplete at the Command Prompt

    The Command Console and the Clipboard

    Open the Command Prompt for a Specific Target

    The Tree Command

    Disk Quotas

    Use Offline Files, Part I

    Use Offline Files, Part II

    Device Manager

    Driver Signing 

    Wrap Up

7. Clicking Less.

    Windows Explorer Defined - 

    Change the Task Pane  -

    Work with Explorer Views  -

    Modify the Details View  -

    Understand the New Views  -

    Use the Same View for All Folders

    Add Album Art to Music Folders

    Open Explorer for Specific Targets

    Control the Explorer Bar's Contents

    Customize Explorer

    Navigate the Folder Structure

    Customize the Places Bar in the Open Dialog Box

    Customize the Send To Menu

    Use Ctrl and Shift Keyboard Shortcuts

    The Windows Key

    Recycle Bin Options

    Eliminate Confirmation of Delete Operations

    Change the Size of the Recycle Bin

    Wrap Up

8. Print Management.

    Printing Vocabulary

    Printer Types

    Use Printers and Faxes 

    Set Up a Printer

    Make a Printer Available to All

    Connect to a Network Printer

    Set Permissions on Network Printers

    Manage a Printer

    Use Two Printers, One Device

    Set Hours of Availability

    Print Priority

    Set up a Print Pool

    The Print Queue

    The Print Spool

    Redirect Print Jobs

    Wrap Up

9. Playing Nicely with Others.

    TCP/IP Fundamentals

    TCP/IP's Big Three

    Default Gateway

    Automatically Configure TCP/IP

    Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing

    Alternate Configuration 

    IPCONFIG.EXE

    PING.EXE

    Repair a Connection

    Connect Using Dial-Up Networking

    Lend a Hand with Remote Assistance 

    Request Remote Assistance

    Remote Assistance Network Considerations

    Remote Desktop

    Wrap Up

10. Setting Up a Wireless Connection, or How to Check Your Email in a Coffee Shop.

    Types of Wireless Access

    What's Down the Road

    Wireless Network Adapters

    Connect to an Existing Wireless Network

    Additional Wireless Connection Considerations

    Connect Automatically

    Connect to a Secure Network

    Connect to an "Unseen" Network

    Disable the Existing Network Connection

    Secure the Wireless Connection with 802.1x Authentication

    Secure the Wireless Access Point

    Infrared Communication

    Wrap Up

11. Sharing and Securing Information.

    What's a Server?

    So What's a Share?

    Allow Network Sharing

    Share with Simple File Sharing

    Classic Sharing in XP Professional

    Control Access to Shared Folders

    Share Permission Interactions

    Secure Files and Folders with NTFS Permissions

    Connect to a Shared Resource

    Map a Drive

    Firewall Settings for Sharing

    Lock Your Computer

    Work with Apple Computers

    Wrap Up

12. Email and Internet Browsing Tricks.

    Use Email Stationery

    Email a Web Page

    Access Web-Based Email in Outlook Express

    Set Up Outlook Express with AOL

    Back Up Your Email Files

    Back Up Outlook Email 

    Restore from Backup 

    Protect Your Email: Disable Virus Scanning

    Avoid Virus Hoaxes

    Start Outlook Express from an IE Window

    Stop Automatically Adding to Your Address Book

    Use Multiple Outlook Express Identities 

    Use a Messenger Service

    Block People from Contacting You in Messenger

    Prevent Automatic Messenger Sign-In

    Configure the Windows Firewall to Allow IM

    Use "Find On Page"

    Share Your Internet Favorites

    Clear AutoComplete

    Wrap Up

13. XP Backup and Recovery.

    Backup Utility Basics

    Select What to Back Up

    Use Advanced Mode

    Types of Backups

    Create an Automated System Recovery

    Restore with an ASR

    Automate Backup

    Change an Existing Scheduled Job 

    Use Existing Backup Settings

    Restore a File from Backup

    Understand System Restore

    Use a Restore Point 

    Customize the System Restore Interval

    Clean Up after System Restore

    Other Backup Options

    Wrap Up

14. Common Problems-Easy Fixes.

    Add Yourself to the Administrators Group

    Never Forget Your Password

    Remove a Stored Network Place Password

    Program Compatibility

    Trouble Using Remote Assistance

    Disable an IE Add-On

    Diagnose Slow Performance

    Disable Pop-Up Balloons

    Manage SP2's Pop-up Blocker

    Capture Screen Contents

    Close a Frozen Application

    Disable Error Reporting

    Allow Active Content

    Wrap Up

Index.

Preface

Untitled Document So let's get one thing straight right from the start: You're no dummy, and this isn't a book for dummies. Just because you weren't born with an intrinsic knowledge of computer operating systems doesn't give anyone the right to call you an idiot, dummy, dimwit, or otherwise insult your intelligence. One can fit only so much information into the human noodle.

Anyway, that's the long version; that's what I want to tell people who ask me about this book I'm writing. Instead, the conversations go something like this:

INTERIOR SOCIAL SETTING—NIGHT.

THEM: ...writing a computer book? Cool. So what's it about?

ME: Windows XP, especially about Service Pack 2.

THEM: Oh yeah? Is it like one of those books for dummies?

ME: Not really.

No, it's not. This book is not for simpletons, and neither are computers. Operating systems are relatively complex tools, certainly more so than a toaster. The book is in no way "dumbed down." Rather, it assumes you are both a) smart, and b) busy. This book allows users to quickly find information about what makes Windows tick, and it shows you ways to use the operating system in ways that will help you not think about using the operating system. I'll say this throughout: the topics will help you work with your computer, not on your computer.

The information herein is presented in a straightforward manner, using plain, concise language. Technical concepts are discussed, yes, but technical knowledge is not required. Where necessary, I include important background information so that you'll know not only which buttons to click, but also what's going on "under the hood." For example, if I were relaying instructions about how to change your oil, I would of course include a brief explanation of why this is beneficial. In other words, I'm trying to give the topics their proper context, which will ultimately aid in your ability to understand and perform the task at hand.

Who Should Read This Book
This book is aimed at a professional audience who wants task-based information about working more efficiently with Windows XP. Also, it assumes that this same audience has plenty of other things to read at night. If you spend a good portion of your day in front of a Windows XP computer, whether at the job or at home, then you'll find lots of useful information in these pages. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, vets, salespeople, stockbrokers, policemen...just about anyone looking to more efficiently use Windows XP will find something they like.

Will you find every single topic of interest? Of course not. No computer title can be all things to all people. If you've used a computer before, you'll probably find a few things that you already know how to do, and a few things that you don't want to know about anyway. Easily fixed—don't read those parts. And, if you've never used a computer before, then quite frankly this book will be a little over your head, and you need to look for another title. Don't let anyone call you dumb, though. Just remember: at one time, Bill Gates didn't know a thing about Windows XP, either.

How This Book Is Organized
This book is organized so that, generally speaking, one chapter builds on the next. However, each chapter, and indeed almost every chunk, can serve as a self-contained entity—in other words, you won't have to read the thing cover to cover (as entertaining as that might prove to be) to get the information you need.

One of the things that sets this book apart is its focus on the latest Service Pack from Microsoft. Therefore, I start with an overview of Service Pack 2 so that you'll have a better understanding about all the changes wrought by SP2. The other 14 chapters incorporate the latest changes into the discussion when necessary. Here is what the book covers:

1. New Features in Service Pack 2

2. Windows Installation and Upgrade

3. Startup and Shutdown

4. Disk and File System Management

5. Customizing the Windows Interface

6. The Command Line and Other Advanced Techniques

7. Clicking Less

8. Print Management

9. Playing Nicely with Others

10. Setting Up a Wireless Connection, or How to Check Your Email in a Coffee Shop

11. Sharing and Securing Information

12. Email and Internet Browsing Tricks

13. XP Backup and Recovery

14. Common Problems—Easy Fixes

Online Bonus!—Help and Support Options (To download this chapter, go to http://www.awprofessional.com/title/013167983X)

That's right. There's a bonus chapter for folks who register online. As the chapter title suggests, the extra chapter is for those who are looking for additional help when using, well, the Windows XP Help system.

What's Unusual About This Book
This book—like the other books in the Spring Into series—provides the following eccentricities:

•Each topic is explained in a discrete one- or two-page unit called a "chunk."

•Each chunk, from the author's purview anyway, builds on the previous chunks in that chapter.

•Most chunks contain one or more examples. The authors of this series believe that good examples provide the foundation for almost all useful understandings of conceptual material.

•Many chunks contain sidebars that provide helpful, if sometimes digressive, ancillary material.

I assume that you are a very busy person for whom the time spent in the act of buying this book was excruciatingly painful. To repay that incalculable opportunity cost, we've adopted the chunk-style of presenting information so that you can learn as rapidly as possible.

Finally, you'll find this book fun to read. Okay, maybe not to the point where milk gushes from your nose, but you'll likely manage a grin from time to time. Don't worry; I've opted for interesting over humorous whenever possible, and I know you didn't pick up this book because the video store was out of Monty Python or because Dave Barry has stopped doing his columns. But you have parted with some hard-earned money for this book, and boring text—no matter what the topic—is a slap in the face.

Who Helped Me Write This Book
This title was created with the aid and patience of many people, all of whom share a singular job description: they have to clean up after my messes. These people include:

Barry Rosenberg

Mark Taub

Jennifer Blackwell

David Fugate

Christof Falk

Dr. Neil Roodyn

Lori Lyons

Ben Lawson

I can't begin to describe the contribution that each of these individuals made in creating this book. They all helped make the book you're holding right now immeasurably better than the one I first submitted for review. I owe them all a debt of gratitude.

Any errors or omissions in content, language, or exposition that remain are a byproduct of the author's wanton carelessness. Then again, it could be your own faulty comprehension skills.

Index

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