By Steve Bass
First Edition
October 2003
This book is also available in Spanish. 
Pages: 200
Series: Annoyances
ISBN 10: 0-596-00593-8 |
ISBN 13: 9780596005931
(Average of 7 Customer Reviews)
This book has been updated—the edition you're requesting is OUT OF PRINT. Please visit the catalog page of the latest edition.
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This easy to read, accessible book from PC World expert Steve Bass covers the waterfront of PC gripes and gremlins, with fixes for everything from Windows glitches to browsers that won't browse. These tips and tricks are served up in bite-sized portions for quick reading and even quicker fixing. Plus, you get access to more than one hundred utilities that will help you squash bugs, enhance your email, untangle a system snarl, and much more.
Full Description
- Windows--King of Annoyances! You'll learn how to kick Windows in the rear, get past glitches, take charge of the interface, live with the dreaded activation, and more.
- Conquer your email, from Outlook to Eudora! Beat back spam, get inside info, avoid mailing lists, send big files, manage folders, and more, for a half dozen email programs.
- Master Microsoft Office. From little-known right-click wonders to backing up the unbackable to automating data entry, you'll find workarounds for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Wrassle with hardware--and win! Learn to wake up your DSL, tame your notebook, shut up your PC's fan, save your data, and save paper.
- Internet knots untied! Shake up IE, stop Flash, outsmart defaults, control Favorites, add the Google toolbar to Netscape, and more.
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Book details
First Edition: October 2003
Series:
Annoyances
ISBN: 0-596-00593-8
Pages: 200
Additional Languages: Spanish.
Average Customer Reviews: (Based on 7 Reviews)
Featured customer reviews
A Great Reference Book to kept clost to the computer., November 08 2004
This book is one of the best if not the best computer books that I have ever read. It can be used as manual and kept right close to the computer for reference which I’m doing. He has name the book “PC Annoyances” but this book will inform any one that has a computer from a lot of hardware and software on out to make it easy for you. It covers all aspects of the computer from A to Z. It covers Windows, many e-mail and Spam programs, Internet, Office, and Music and CD’s. And the most important of the book it is very easy to understand. He has given a step by step on how to perform the different actions in the book.
A Great Reference Book to kept close to the computer., November 08 2004
This book is one of the best if not the best computer books that I have ever read. It can be used as manual and kept right close to the computer for reference which I’m doing. He has name the book “PC Annoyances” but this book will inform any one that has a computer from a lot of hardware and software on out to make it easy for you. It covers all aspects of the computer from A to Z. It covers Windows, many e-mail and Spam programs, Internet, Office, and Music and CD’s. And the most important of the book it is very easy to understand. He has given a step by step on how to perform the different actions in the book.
PC Annoyances Review, February 26 2004
This slender but jam packed book by Steve Bass, contributing editor of PC World magazine, will delight and inform the reader. Anyone with a grievance against some niggling "feature" that they revisit daily on their Windows OS, email, browser, Office app or PC hardware will most likely find a solution within these covers.
Steve Bass has compiled a nifty collection of tips, tricks and downright (not so) dirty registry hacks to eliminate many of the day to day annoyances that PC users face. For such a slim volume, the number of usable solutions is nothing less than amazing.
The chapters are laid out to cover: email with subcategories detailing application specific problems and solutions (outlook, outlook express, aol, eudora and hotmail are all represented); Windows issues; internet (browser problems, how to maximize Google and solutions to instant messaging woes); Microsoft Office tricks and tools; Windows Explorer workarounds; music, video and media tips and finally, information about solving various hardware device mysteries.
The pages list each annoyance and associated fix with sidebars containing related figures, short tips (keystroke solutions to replace mouse action, for example), humorous cartoons and a mass of links to tools and utilities available on the internet. I hope these links don't prove to be a built in annoyance for the reader, however; at the time of this review, they should all be active and available. Over time, however...
At first glance, I thought this book would be a reference type volume and not one to read cover to cover. However, once I started, I found it hard not to read every page, even if I was well familiar with a particular annoyance and its solution! A warning to the reader: if you use stickies or strips of paper from magazine subscription pullouts (which I do) as bookmarks then you will find that you will have referenced a lot of pages! A better approach is to sit with this book at your computer and try them out as you go.
I would be surprised if even the most experienced PC user (which I consider myself to be) couldn't find at least a handful of solutions that they weren't previously aware of. I believe most of us know we can find the answer to a particular sticky problem by googling the web or searching a tech site but often, we need to move on and actually accomplish some work before taking the time to solve an issue not related to the task at hand. This book is the perfect companion
Steve Bass has a conversational style of writing that will appeal to the entire range of user experience. He doesn't "dumb down" his explanations nor does he focus on newbie issues. His humor is light and does not detract from the subject of interest. The book is graphically well designed and easy to read. A perfect gift for a friend, a loved one, or even for oneself!
PC Annoyances Review, January 12 2004
You’ve probably seen the internet video of the man beating up his computer and finally knocking it to the floor. Or the internet video entitled “Bob Gets a New Monitor” starring Bob and his twelve-gauge shotgun. If either of these two characters could ever be you at one time or another you need to buy this book.
“PC Annoyances...” has a lot to offer on several levels. Besides being a valuable resource, this book is fun to read, is loaded with files to download, and the author is as interesting as he makes the book itself.
As a resource, “PC Annoyances...” has appeal for all levels of users. In the first chapter you will find out about issues with email programs such as fighting spam and how to eliminate the millions of > symbols from messages before forwarding the message for the millionth time. You will find answers to questions about attachments and how to back up email messages and address books. Although the focus is on Outlook and Outlook Express, he includes AOL, Eudora and Hotmail. I don’t use any of these programs, but I still found the chapter to be an easy and interesting read. My favorite gem from this chapter is where to get a free virus removal program called Stinger. Stinger is not a substitute for an antivirus program. It’s a useful tool for eliminating a virus from an already infected system.
The next chapter addresses Windows, primarily Windows XP. Topics include advice on screen resolution, using a laptop, windows updates and service packs. Bass provides a very informative and easy to understand explanation of the “hot” topic of product activation.
Chapter 3 deals with the Internet and includes information on browsers, dealing with those ubiquitous pop-up ads and spyware, as well as instant messaging. The focus is on Internet Explorer but Netscape and Opera are included when appropriate. My favorite part of this chapter would be the tips on using Google.
In chapter 4 you’ll read about short cuts, tips and tricks for using Microsoft Office —mainly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. If you are a seasoned Office user, you probably won’t find anything new in this chapter. However, it you are new to any of these programs, I’d be very surprised if you can’t find an “a-ha, that’s how to do that” in this chapter.
The next chapter covers Windows Explorer and tips for dealing with files, folders. filenames, and file associations.
The next to last chapter, ‘Music, Video and CDs” focuses on RealOne and Windows Media Player. Fluctuating volume and videos that won’t play are addressed. Among the tidbits in this chapter are tips on mp3s and capturing video streams. I have 2 favorites from this chapter - how to turn off RealOne’s message center ads and turning off SuperCookie tracking in Media Player.
The last chapter, “Hardware,” provides information about modems, DSL, AC adapters, monitors, printers, and fixing PC noises. I found the information on digital camera auxiliary power packs to be most enlightening.
With a wide range of topics, there has to be something in this book that makes it worthwhile for you. Besides being a valuable reference when you have a specific annoyance, this book is also fun to thumb through. After the first couple of pages, you’ll want to continue thumbing through to the end. Download junkies will be delighted at the quantity of addresses for numerous files, utilities, reference tools, add-ons, and patches, etc. that are found throughout the book.
If you are not familiar with the author, Steve Bass is a contributing editor of PC World magazine. He started the Pasadena IBM Users Group in 1982 and followed that by co-founding the Association of Personal Computer User Groups. He was a licensed family therapist and met his wife while performing in a magic show.
Thanks go to O’Reilly Publishing for providing a copy of this book to MHCUG.
PC Annoyances Review, November 23 2003
The problem with trying to tell anyone about this book is that there is so much to tell! But, the short version is, it's one of the best darned all-around pc books I've seen in a long time.
A couple of points potential readers of all levels of expertise might want to know is that there is no "canned" tips and tricks feel to to this book. You'll find lots of things that haven't been published and passed around already. Plus, with Steve's easy writing style, you'll feel like you are sitting alongside an experienced friend at the computer and discovering these things.
The humorous cartoons and screenshots in the sidebars allow you to read this book by flipping from here to there, or they can help lead you into related subjects right on the main text pages. It's a little like choosing an appetizer from a tray, or sitting down to a main dish.
One of the outstanding features of the book is that all the little utility, freeware, and helper programs Steve tells you about have been gathered together and can be downloaded from one URL mentioned in the book.
As the editor of a computer user group newsletter, I am recommending Steve's book to our group members -- for themselves and for Christmas gifts.
PC Annoyances Review, November 16 2003
Thank you Steve!
How can I ever repay you? I've had problems with my pc that had bothered me for years. Real headaches I could not get rid of. All amazingly solved in a few fairly simple moves after reading your book! Now that is what I call a must-buy.
P.S. If you ever come to Greece, I want to do my famous belly dance for you as a thank you!
PC Annoyances Review, October 31 2003
Finally, the book I've been looking for!!
I'm always looking for information I can really use. Steve Bass knows what's bothering the typical PC user and has the solution. Straight to the point and easy to understand -- no techno-babble here. Bass's wit makes this a fun read.
Media reviews
"Well worth having on hand for any level of user. A useful resource for those who run courses for novices, man help desks, or who field questions about Windows."
--Major Keary, PC Update, May 2004
"Regardless of whether you're a relatively new computer user, a power user, or a longtime guru, you'll find something you didn't know in this book. And you'll probably have fun doing it."
--Thomas Duff, Portland Domino/Notes User Group, March 2004
http://www.lotus-users.org/QuickPlace/pd-nug/Main.nsf/h_Discussion/106795337FD0928586256E5000073FE4/?OpenDocument&Form=h_PageUI
"Bass' writing voice is informal and downright funny: He tolerates no foolish code and urges his readers to do the same. The book is punctuated with screen shots illustrating a lot of the tips, and there are sidebars full of hints, tricks and potential pitfalls."
--"Houston Chronicle," February 2004
"PC Annoyances is not only about the problems you cross, but also things you may have never even considered... The book’s format lends itself to quick and easy scanning with side notes in the light red shaded area on the sides of the pages, useful screen shots, and boxes with tidbits. The book is just 177 pages, enough for you to find the tips you need without the needle in the haystack problem."
-Meryl Evans, Meryl.net, February 2004
"The style of writing used by the author is light humor. That tone is helpful, since if you are looking for a solution to a pc annoyances, your are more than likely seconds away from snapping...You've got to love the Annoyanes family/series of books from O'Reilly, and in my opinion 'PC Annoyances' is the best of the litter. If I rated books (which apparently I am about to do) on a scale of 1 to 5...I give this one 5 googolplexes."
--David Burke, Coastal Area Users Group (Texas), Febraruy 2004
"One of my current favorites is a book called 'PC Annoyances' by Steve Bass...Bass Delivers on the book's title by zeroing in on a handful of the most common and most aggravating problem areas in personal computing. Using clear language and everyday examples, Bass systematically talkles such knotty subjects ad e-mail, Windows, Web srfing, Windows Explorer, digital music and video, and more."
--John Moran, "Hartford Courant," January 2004
"With a wide range of topics, there has to be something in this book that makes it worthwhile for you. Besides being a valuable reference when you have a specific annoyance, this book is also fun to thumb through. After the first couple of pages, you?ll
want to continue thumbing through to the end."
--Donna Milano, Mid-Hudson Computer User Group, January 2004
"Steve Bass's new book, 'PC Annoyances' is nothing less than a goldmine. Besides the fact that it's a lighthearted, easy read that you can tackle in chunks, it's also jam-packed with serious tips and tricks...PC Annoyances won't be gathering any dust on my living room bookshelf; it already has a handy home -- right next to my PC!"
--Linda Webb, Greater Cleveland PC Users Group, January 2004
http://www.gcpcug.org/review_detail.php?idpick=23
"Buy this book and you'll improve your productivity. You won't feel like taking a sledge hammer to your computer."
--Dan Janal and Steve Leon, ShowStoppers, January 2004
"Overall, this book is well worth buying. At $20, it is fairly inexpensive, and is packed with things that will make your life less, well, annoying. If you don't have the time to sit down and read it, take the author's advice and put it in your bathroom. The only problem there is you may find yourself reading until your legs fall asleep."
--Charlie Demerjian, www.TheInquirer.net, January 2004
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=13431
"This book will provide at least one 'a-ha!' tip that you've been searching for all these months to just about any PC user. If you use Windows--check this book out."
Rated 5 stars.
--Tony Bradley, About.com, December 2003
http://netsecurity.about.com/cs/nonsecurity/gr/aapr122203.htm
"As part of my job as a computer hardware and software reviewer, I am always trying out new stuff - adding and removing hardware, trying our new software programs - what this really means is that I am always messing up my computer. This book is wonderful for getting my computer back to the rip-snorting power demon it was originally meant to be...If you are relatively new to computing or computers truly drive you nuts, check out this book. I found the biggest advantage of this book is that I can give this book to my relatives and friends so that they'll keep from bugging me for answers!"
--Internet Video Magazine, December 2003
http://www.internetvideomag.com/Book-Reviews/PC_Annoyances.htm
"O'Reilly has done it again[--]provided the harassed PC user with the means of survival and return from near insanity...A mere $19.95 (suggested retail price) can restore sanity and order to your PC universe...I thought I knew my way around a PC until I read this book. Now I have uncovered many ideas, solutions and practical hits that I was totally unaware of. I can heartily recommend it to any PC user and only wish that it had been published sooner."
--Louis Calden, "Bits & Bytes Magazine,? December 2003
"O'Reilly has done PC users a real service by publishing Steve Bass's book and by making so many related resources available to everyone."
--Les Benson, Greater Victoria PC Users' Association, November 2003
http://bbs.bbc.org/newsletter/dec03nl/pcannoyances.html
"Steve Bass, PC World's resident kvetcher, has put together his first book on how to solve those maddening little glitches that drive us nuts. PC Annoyances is a 176-page volume packed with tricks - not just for Windows, but also for PC hardware, the Internet, and Microsoft Office."
--Brian Livingston, Briansbuzz.com, November 2003
http://briansbuzz.com/w/031120/
"Bass's tome hits all three criteria on Mr. Roboto's list, from the O'Reilly lineage to the recent release date to the 200-page length. Oh, and it lists for under $25. Golden."
--Brendan Koerner, "The Village Voice," December 2003
http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0349/koerner.php
"[This] 176-page paperback is worth a look and is a good stocking stuffer for anyone who uses a PC...Bass, a contributing editor and columnist for PC World magazine, has a clear, direct and entertaining voice as he deals with the ways in which Microsoft annoys... The fixes he offers are straightforward and well explained, and the book is full of references to utility programs that may be downloaded from the Web site www.oreilly.com/pcannoyances, which, he points out, saves $5 on the cover price of the book by not including a CD-ROM as is fairly common in computer books. Both novices and tech-geezers will benefit from the advice. Take a look."
--Larry Blasko, Associated Press, November 2003
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/7338796.htm
"Jammed into 200 pages are tips, tricks and tirades that cover everything from codecs to crashes, Acrobat Reader to Zone Alarm, with humor and the kind of advice that will keep you running to the keyboard to try out each new pointer."
--James Coates, Chicago Tribune, November 2003
http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/columnists/chi-0311080038nov08,1,7045785.column
"PC bashers unite. Steve Bass has written a book. 'PC Annoyances' from O'Reilly & Associates is the ultimate compendium of everything that has caused us to take up arms against our computers...What separates him from other scribes that profess to know about everything PCish is his ability to put into words what causes our noses to flare and turns our brains into mush every time we have to deal with the one-eyed monsters that sit on our desks."
--Mike Berman, Scripps Howard News Service, November 2003
http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=TECHTALK-11-19-03
"Steve Bass has nailed so many headaches that he deserves to be sponsored by Anacin."
--North Bay Multimedia Association, November 2003
http://www.nbma.com/cgi-bin/bookBytes_nov03.shtml
"Annoyed with your PC? Fight back with this smart, funny, indispensable survival guide."
--Ed Bott, author "Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out" and "Special Edition Using Microsoft Office 2003"
"If something bugs you (or, more to the point, your PC), check this book to see if there's a way out. Steve's light tone and spot-on analysis will set you straight, without putting you to sleep.
--Woody Leonhard, Publisher, Woody's Watch ezines;
author, Office Annoyances, Excel Annoyances, Word Annoyances, and Outlook Annoyances.
"'PC Annoyances' is packed with amazingly useful tips and tricks. Every flip through the book brings me to something useful that I'm glad to know and didn't before."
--Steve Gibson, security expert and author of ShieldsUP! and SpinRite.
"By concentrating on the annoyances--and the fixes--Steve Bass cleverly exposes the underlying richness of Windows and your everyday applications. Beyond boosting your own productivity and reducing your blood pressure, you'll be a hero to everyone around you!"
--Bill Machrone, Columnist and Contributing Editor, PC Magazine
"If there's one thing Steve Bass knows about, it's computers and their problems. This book is chock full of ways to put you in a better mood!"
--Jim Louderback, Editor-in-Chief, Ziff Davis Online
"Personal computers are the most annoying gadgets ever invented. Steve Bass's practical guide for taming these beasts is a must-have for all Windows users."
--Richard M. Smith, Internet Consultant and PC Industry Gadfly
"Bass is the smartest and most entertaining technology writer covering personal computers today. This book is a guaranteed cure for whatever ails your PC, from the big errors that can bring a computer to its knees to the glitches that are more trivial but no less maddening."
--Kevin McKean, CEO and Editorial Director, InfoWorld magazine
"Steve Bass makes even the most complicated PC topics simple and fun to read."
--Brian Livingston, editor of BriansBuzz.com
