This compact and comprehensive book systematically unveils
what resolute users of the new
Windows XP operating system
will find interesting and useful, with little-known
details, utility programs, and configuration settings all
captured in a consistent
reference format.
A hands-on guide, Windows XP in a Nutshell cuts through
the hype and gives practical details you can use every day.
It's written by David A. Karp, the best-selling author
whose no-nonsense “Annoyances” books and web
site (Annoyances.org) have helped thousands of users solve
problems and improve their experience with Windows®. The
co-author is none other than Tim O'Reilly, founder of
O'Reilly & Associates, whose books have revolutionized
computer book publishing with their commonsense approach
and depth of detail.
At the heart of the book is a 200-plus-page reference
section titled "Windows XP Applications and Tools,"
containing:
Detailed information on most of the commands and
utilities available with Windows XP, including Start Menu
accessories, command prompt tools, hidden system
administration utilities such as the Registry Editor,
Microsoft Management Console, and TweakUI.
A comprehensive "Where to Find It?" section designed to
give Windows 9x/Me and Windows NT/2000 users a guide to the
XP counterparts to previously familiar features, plus
information on installing and upgrading.
The Task and Setting Index, which provides users with
quick access to locations of the hundreds of settings in
Windows XP, organized alphabetically.
A complete reference to the command prompt-- not only
covering the basics of the command line and the different
ways to use it, but also the advanced commands and
scripting features at Windows XP's disposal.
Packed with numerous tips and tricks, while warning of
potential pitfalls, Windows XP in a Nutshell enables anyone
to get the most out of all the resources available in
XP.
Table of Contents
Preface
I. The Big Picture
1. The Lay of the Land
- The Big Picture
- What's New in Windows XP
- Windows XP Home and Professional Editions
- Windows Update
2. Using Windows XP
- The Desktop
- Point and Click Operations
- Starting Up Applications
- Styles and Consequences of Styles
- Windows and Menus
- Keyboard Accelerators
- Common Controls
- Files, Folders, and Disks
- The Command Line
- Online Help
- Shutting Down
II. Alphabetical Reference
3. The User Interface
4. Windows XP Applications and Tools
- Using the Command Prompt
- Alphabetical Reference to Windows Components
5. Task and Setting Index
6. The Command Prompt
- Using the Command Line
- Command Prompt Choices
- Wildcards, Pipes, and Redirection
- Alphabetical Reference to DOS Commands
- MS-DOS Batch Files
III. Advanced Topics
7. Networking
- Networking Terminology
- General Procedures
8. The Registry
- What's in the Registry
- Adding and Deleting Registry Keys and Values
- Organization of the Registry
- Hives
- Backing Up the Registry
- Exporting and Importing Registry Data with Patches
- Ten Cool Things You Can Do in Your Registry
9. The Windows Script Host
- What Is WSH?
- Additional Resources
- Executing Scripts
- Creating a Script
- VBScript
- Object Model
- Wscript Object
- Shell Object
- Registry Routines
- Shortcuts
- Popup
- Network Object
- Network Printer-Related Functions
- FileSystem Object
- TextStream Object
- Object Browser
- Database Example
- Messaging
IV. Appendixes
A. Installing Windows XP
B. Migrating to Windows XP
C. Keyboard Shortcuts D. Power Toys and TweakUI
E. Keyboard Equivalents for Symbols and International
Characters
F. Common Filename Extensions
G. Services
Index