Robert Cowart has written more than 40 books on computer programming and applications, with more than a dozen on Windows. His titles include Windows NT Unleashed, Mastering Windows 98, Windows NT Server Administrator’s Bible, and Windows NT Server 4.0: No Experience Required. Several of his books have been bestsellers in their category and have been translated into more than 20 languages. He has written on a wide range of computer-related topics for such magazines as PC Week, PC World, PC Magazine, PC Tech Journal, Mac World, and Microsoft Systems Journal. In addition to working as a freelance consultant specializing in small businesses, he has taught programming classes at the University of California Extension in San Francisco. He has appeared as a special guest on the PBS TV series Computer Chronicles, CNN’s Headline News, ZD-TV’s The Screen Savers, and ABC’s World News Tonight with Peter Jennings. Robert lives in Berkeley, California. In his spare time he is involved in the music world, producing chamber-music concerts and playing various genres of music. He meditates regularly in hopes of rewiring his inner computer.
Brian Knittel has been a software developer for more than 30 years. After doing graduate work in nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging technologies, he began a career as an independent consultant. An eclectic mix of clients has led to long-term projects in medical documentation, workflow management, real-time industrial system control, and most importantly, 20 years of real-world experience with MS-DOS, Windows, and computer networking in the business world. Previously, he coauthored Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows XP, and contributed to several of Bob Cowart’s other Windows books. Brian also coauthored Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows, with Scott Mueller, and is the sole author of Windows XP Under the Hood. Brian lives in Oakland, California, and spends his free time restoring antique computers and trying to perfect his wood-fired pizza recipes.