Windows XP Professional - Step By Step

Table of Contents


    What’s New in Microsoft Windows XP vii
    Getting Help ix
    Using the Book’s CD-ROM xi
    Conventions and Features xv
1 Getting Started with Windows XP 1
    Understanding Windows XP Basics 2
    Logging On to a Windows XP Professional Computer on a Network Domain 5
    Logging On to a Windows XP Home Edition Computer 9
    Logging Off of Windows XP 12
    Shutting Down a Windows XP Professional Computer 13
    Shutting Down a Windows XP Home Edition Computer 14
2 Working Efficiently in Windows XP 16
    Getting to Know the Windows Desktop 18
    Working with the Start Menu 20
    Using the Taskbar 27
    Creating Shortcuts 31
    Rearranging Your Desktop 36
    Cleaning Up Your Desktop 37
3 Managing Computer Security 40
    Changing Your Computer’s Name 42
    Working with User Accounts in Windows XP Professional 46
    Working with User Accounts in Windows XP Home Edition 53
    Switching Quickly Among Users 57
4 Adding Hardware and Software 60
    Installing Speakers and a Microphone 63
    Installing a Local Printer 68
    Installing a Network Printer 74
    Installing a Scanner or Camera 78
    Installing a Storage Device 79
    Installing Internal Devices 81
    Installing a New Software Program 83
    Installing Windows Components 87
    Starting Programs Automatically 87
5 Working with Files and Folders 90
    Exploring Your Computer 93
    Viewing Files and Folders in Different Ways 101
    Looking at File and Folder Information 107
    Creating, Editing, and Deleting Files and Folders 113
    Moving and Renaming Files and Folders 118
    Finding Files 122
6 Personalizing Windows XP 126
    Changing the Look and Feel of Windows 127
    Applying a Custom Desktop Background 130
    Selecting a Screen Saver 133
    Changing Your Monitor Settings 136
    Changing Your System’s Date and Time 139
    Changing Your Regional and Language Settings 141
    Making Windows XP Easier to See and Use 146
    Training Your Computer to Recognize Your Voice 148
    Choosing a Voice for Your Computer 153
7 Making Connections 156
    Connecting to the Internet 157
    Networking Two or More Computers 163
    Sharing Drives and Folders 164
    Sharing a Printer 168
    Connecting to a Virtual Private Network 170
8 Communicating with Other People 176
    Creating a Passport Account 177
    Setting Up Windows Messenger 183
    Adding Contacts to Windows Messenger 187
    Sending and Receiving Instant Messages 191
    Setting Up Outlook Express 196
    Sending and Receiving E-mail Messages 204
    Creating E-mail Stationery 208
    Adding Contacts to Your Address Book 212
9 Having Fun with Windows XP 218
    Playing Games 219
    Surfing the Web 220
    Using Windows Media Player 226
    Personalizing Windows Media Player 233
    Listening to Music from a CD or from Your Computer 234
    Creating a Music Playlist 238
    Copying Music Files to a CD or Handheld Device 240
    Sharing Digital Photos 241
10 Solving Problems 248
    Keeping Your Computer Up to Date 249
    Diagnosing System Problems 251
    Cleaning Up Your Hard Disk 257
    Defragmenting Your Hard Disk Drive 259
    Helping Yourself 261
    Joining a Windows Newsgroup 263
    Contacting Product Support 267
    Asking for Help from Someone Else 270
    Backing Up and Restoring Files 275
    Restoring Your Operating System 278
Quick Reference 283
    Chapter 1:Getting Started with Windows XP 283
    Chapter 2:Working Efficiently in Windows XP 283
    Chapter 3:Managing Computer Security 285
    Chapter 4:Adding Hardware and Software 287
    Chapter 5:Working with Files and Folders 290
    Chapter 6:Personalizing Windows XP 292
    Chapter 7:Making Connections 294
    Chapter 8:Communicating with Other People 296
    Chapter 9:Having Fun with Windows XP 297
    Chapter 10:Solving Problems 298
GLOSSARY 303
INDEX 323