Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Like its predecessor, this book covers Windows XP basics, helping people who know very little about Windows or computing.
It explains e-mail, faxing, burning CDs, Product Activation, networks, the Internet, viewing digital camera pictures, sending and receiving instant messages, using Service Pack 2, and fixing Windows XP when something goes awry.
Click the book’s cover to visit its link on Amazon, where you may browse through it online before buying it.
- Browse the complete Table of Contents online.
- Corrections to the book’s first edition. (These have all been fixed in this newer, second printing.)
- Download the Windows XP For Dummies Cheat Sheet.
Comments
Comment from Chris
Time January 8, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Thanks Andy for the interesting read that is Windows XP For Dummies. Even though I am an intermediate-advanced user of Windows XP, I like the idea that I can go back to a page of the book and discover something new. The book’s soothing tone reminds me not to take computing so seriously as well. It makes me realise that computing is supposed to be fun.
I agree with Raffi though, I would like to have seen a chapter on tips on making Windows XP run fast. I also would have liked to have seen an updated version, which includes Service Pack 3 and information on Internet Explorer 8. All in all though, a great book.
Comment from Andy Rathbone
Time January 8, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Chris, I’m glad you liked the book! As for the chapter on speeding up XP, I wish I could have added it to the book. However, to keep the book down to 400 pages, I can’t cover everything. To make amends, I’ll write a post here about how to speed up Windows XP. In the meantime, I cover Windows XP in most of these posts.
Comment from Paul
Time February 27, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Andy, Is there a more recent issue of the book for Windows XP? The reason I ask is that my windows XP already has service pack #3 installed and your book only mentions pack #2
Also you ask if I’m still “clinging” to XP. Should I be somewhere else? Is there something better for general home use than XP?
Regards, Paul.
Comment from Andy Rathbone
Time February 28, 2012 at 12:44 am
Paul, the second edition of Windows XP For Dummies is the still most current version. Service Pack 3 added underlying security and performance enhancements. It didn’t change any menus or features, as did Service Pack 2.
Also, if you’re happy with Windows XP, feel free to stick with it. It’s fine for general home use as long as you keep it updated with Windows Update, and keep the firewall turned on.
A lot of people are still clinging to Windows XP, and for good reason: It was a fine operating system.
Comment from Torben
Time May 3, 2016 at 5:35 am
Love This Book
Comment from Torben
Time May 3, 2016 at 5:37 am
My Favorie GUI (Graphic User Interface) By WINDOWS Yet. This was posted from windows XP Pro SP2.
YOUR BOOK WAS AWESOME
Comment from Raffi
Time September 11, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I like the Windows for Dummies line of books. They are so handy when you need them. I think Windows XP for Dummies is the best book around for XP users.
However it would be cool if there was a chapter that talks about how to make Windows XP run fast, and tweak it up a little. Overall I am happy with these books. They are fun.