Sebastopol, CA--Windows XP is the latest, most reliable, and best-looking version of the Windows operating system to emerge yet. As the result of the unification of Microsoft's corporate series (Windows NT and 2000) with the home series (Windows 95, 98, and Me), Windows XP offers much that is pleasing to its users: rock-solid stability and a fresh new look. But power users who want to take command of their operating systems will find the same old frustrations: it's never been easy to get under the hood of a Windows system and Windows XP is no exception.
Now power users can rejoice. Windows XP Hacks (O'Reilly, US $24.95) by Preston Gralla offers tips, tools, and know-how to bend Windows XP to your will. The book delves into XP topics such as controlling the control panel, changing unchangeable icons, removing uninstallable XP components, protecting yourself with firewalls and proxy servers, and more. Users of both Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Pro Edition will find smart, timesaving, fun, and useful hacks for virtually every feature in their operating system. Even if you're not a power user yet, this book will have you well on your way.
Other topics covered in "Windows XP Hacks" include:
- Surfing anonymously
- Speeding up file downloads
- Tweaking the Registry
- Fixing network problems
- Taking a bite out of spam, cookies, and pop-ups
Even those who have been hacking Windows systems for years will find a profusion of new tools in "Windows XP Hacks" that they can use to improve the performance of their PCs. "Because of the operating system's greater stability, those who work under the hood of XP can concentrate on actually getting work done and making the OS more effective, rather than trying to fix its shortcomings," Gralla says of Windows XP. "Because of the richer interface and greater support for graphics and multimedia, you can more easily change the way the operating system works and looks. And, because the OS offers a variety of tools for recovering from errors, you can hack to your heart's content without worrying that you'll damage the OS beyond recognition."
Gralla adds that the hacks in his book will not only show readers how to do something but will also teach them why it works. "Each hack is a starting point, rather than an ending point, so that you can apply the knowledge you've gained to create new hacks of your own," he says.
Whether you want to speed up your PC, customize XP's interface, hack your wired and wireless network, make better use of email, use the Registry to bend the operating system to your will, or use XP for countless other useful tasks, you'll find the information you need in "Windows XP Hacks."
Additional Resources:
Windows XP Hacks
Preston Gralla
ISBN 0-596-00511-3, 280 pages, $24.95 US, $38.95 CA, 17.50 UK
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