Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed

Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed

by Paul McFedries
Released September 2005
Publisher(s): Sams
ISBN: 9780768683738

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Book description

While what you create using your computer is a unique expression of who you are, how you use your computer probably isn't. Nearly every Windows XP user follows the same Start menu path to launch programs, uses the same standard techniques in programs like Windows Explorer and Outlook Express, and performs the same customizations that don't go much beyond changing the wallpaper. However, there are those of us who qualify as the "post-novice" user, who think that doing things the "official" way is too slow, less efficient and less powerful than there is potential for with Windows XP. Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed will take you beyond the standard-issue default settings and program wizards to shortcuts, new customization techniques, workarounds for common problems, and warnings on how to avoid the pitfalls of Windows XP, including those associated with Service Pack 2. Along the way, you'll learn about all kinds of insider details, undocumented features, powerful tools, and background facts that help put everything about Windows XP into perspective.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
    1. Dedication
  2. About the Author
  3. Acknowledgments, Kudos, Plaudits, and Assorted Pats on the Back
  4. We Want to Hear from You!
  5. Introduction
    1. Who Should Read This Book
    2. How This Book Is Organized
      1. Part I: Unleashing Day-to-Day Windows XP
      2. Part II: Unleashing Essential Windows XP Power Tools
      3. Part III: Unleashing Windows XP Customization and Optimization
      4. Part IV: Unleashing Windows XP Modem Communications
      5. Part V: Unleashing Windows XP for the Internet
      6. Part VI: Unleashing Windows XP Networking
      7. Part VII: Appendixes
    3. Conventions Used in This Book
  6. I. Unleashing Day-to-Day Windows XP
    1. 1. Customizing and Troubleshooting the Windows XP Startup
      1. The Boot Process, from Power Up to Startup
      2. Custom Startups with BOOT.INI
        1. Changing the Default Startup Operating System
        2. Using the BOOT.INI Switches
        3. Using the System Configuration Editor to Modify BOOT.INI
      3. Custom Startups with the Advanced Options Menu
      4. Useful Windows XP Logon Strategies
        1. Customizing the Logon
          1. Switching Between the Welcome Screen and the Classic Logon
          2. Accessing the Administrator Account
          3. Setting Up an Automatic Logon
        2. Setting Logon Policies
        3. More Logon Registry Tweaks
      5. Troubleshooting Windows XP Startup
        1. When to Use the Various Advanced Startup Options
        2. What to Do If Windows XP Won’t Start in Safe Mode
        3. Troubleshooting Startup Using the System Configuration Utility
        4. What to Do If Windows XP Still Won’t Start
      6. From Here
    2. 2. Exploring Expert File and Folder Techniques
      1. Basic File and Folder Chores: The Techniques Used by the Pros
        1. Selecting Files and Folders
          1. Selecting a Single Object
          2. Selecting Multiple Objects
        2. Making Sense of Windows XP’s Rules for Moving and Copying
        3. Choosing “No to All” When Copying or Moving
        4. Expert Drag-and-Drop Techniques
        5. Taking Advantage of the Send To Command
        6. The Recycle Bin: Deleting and Recovering Files and Folders
          1. Setting Some Recycle Bin Options
          2. Recovering a File or Folder
        7. File Maintenance Using the Open and Save As Dialog Boxes
      2. Powerful Search Techniques for Finding Files
        1. Reconfiguring the Search Behavior
        2. Performing a Search
        3. Searching Faster with the Indexing Service
      3. Customizing Windows Explorer
        1. Changing the View
        2. Viewing Extra Details
        3. Running Explorer in Full-Screen Mode
        4. Sorting Files and Folders
        5. Exploring the View Options
        6. Moving My Documents
        7. Customizing the Standard Buttons Toolbar
        8. Using Windows Explorer’s Command-Line Options
      4. From Here
    3. 3. Mastering File Types
      1. Understanding File Types
        1. File Types and File Extensions
        2. File Types and the Registry
        3. The File Types Tab: A Front-End for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
      2. Working with Existing File Types
        1. Editing a File Type
        2. Working with File Type Actions
          1. Associating an Extension with a Different Application
          2. Editing a File Type Action
          3. Creating a New File Type Action
        3. Example: Opening the Command Prompt in the Current Folder
        4. Disassociating an Application and an Extension
      3. Creating a New File Type
        1. Using Open With to Create a Basic File Type
        2. Using the File Types Tab to Create a More Advanced File Type
      4. Associating Two or More Extensions with a Single File Type
      5. Customizing the New Menu
        1. Adding File Types to the New Menu
        2. Deleting File Types from the New Menu
      6. Customizing Windows XP’s Open With List
        1. Opening a Document with an Unassociated Application
        2. How the Open With Feature Works
        3. Removing an Application from a File Type’s Open With Menu
        4. Removing a Program from the Open With List
        5. Adding a Program to the Open With List
        6. Disabling the Open With Check Box
      7. From Here
    4. 4. Working with Digital Media
      1. Understanding Digital Audio
        1. Analog-to-Digital Sound Conversion
          1. The Nature of Sound
          2. How an Analog Sound Wave Gets Digitized
          3. Digital Audio Quality I: The Sampling Frequency
          4. Digital Audio Quality II: 8-Bit Versus 16-Bit
          5. Digital Audio Quality III: Mono Versus Stereo
          6. Quality Levels and Disk Space Considerations
        2. A Review of Digital Audio File Formats
        3. Displaying Your Installed Audio Codecs
        4. Troubleshooting: Disabling an Audio Codec
        5. Troubleshooting: Reinstalling an Audio Codec
      2. Understanding Digital Video
        1. Understanding Video Compression Schemes
        2. A Review of Digital Video File Formats
        3. Reinstalling a Video Codec
      3. Tips for Working with Windows Media Player
        1. Playing Media Files
        2. Setting Windows Media Player’s Playback Options
        3. Copying Music from an Audio CD
          1. Selecting a Location and Filename Structure
          2. Choosing the Recording File Format
          3. Specifying the Quality of the Recording
          4. Copying Tracks from an Audio CD
        4. Copying Tracks to a Recordable CD or Device
          1. Setting Recording Options
          2. Creating a Playlist
          3. Recording to a CD or Device
      4. Dealing with Digital Media Files
        1. Getting the Most Out of Digital Media Files and Windows Explorer
        2. Tips for Working with Digital Media Files
        3. Creating a Screensaver Using Digital Images
      5. Customizing Media Folders
        1. Selecting a Folder Template
        2. Customizing the Folder Icon
      6. From Here
    5. 5. Installing and Running Applications
      1. Practicing Safe Setups
        1. User Accounts and Installing Programs
        2. Running Through a Pre-Installation Checklist
          1. Check for Windows XP Compatibility
          2. Set a Restore Point
          3. Read Readme.txt and Other Documentation
          4. Virus-Check Downloaded Files
          5. Understand the Effect on Your Data Files
          6. Use the Add or Remove Programs Feature
          7. Save Directory Listings for Important Folders
          8. Take Control of the Installation
        3. Installing the Application
      2. Applications and the Registry
        1. Program Settings
        2. User Settings
        3. File Types
        4. Application-Specific Paths
        5. Shared DLLs
        6. Uninstall Settings
      3. Launching Applications
        1. Launching Applications and Scripts at Startup
          1. Using the Startup Folder
          2. Using the Registry
          3. Using Group Policies
            1. Adding Programs to the Run Keys
            2. Specifying Startup and Logon Scripts
          4. Using the Scheduled Tasks Folder
        2. Running a Program as a Different User
        3. Creating Application-Specific Paths
        4. Restricting Program Launches for Users
      4. Understanding Application Compatibility
        1. Determining Whether a Program Is Compatible with Windows XP
        2. Understanding Compatibility Mode
        3. Scripting Compatibility Layers
        4. Using Application Compatibility Toolkit
        5. Using Compatibility Administrator
      5. From Here
    6. 6. Getting the Most Out of User Accounts
      1. Understanding Security Groups
      2. Working with the User Accounts Window
      3. Working with the User Accounts Dialog Box
        1. Adding a New User
        2. Performing Other User Tasks
        3. Requiring Ctrl+Alt+Delete at Startup
      4. Working with the Local Users and Groups Snap-In
      5. Setting Account Policies
        1. Setting Account Security Policies
        2. Setting User Rights Policies
        3. Setting Account Lockout Policies
      6. Working with Users and Groups from the Command Line
        1. The NET USER Command
        2. The NET LOCALGROUP Command
      7. Creating and Enforcing Bulletproof Passwords
        1. Creating a Strong Password
        2. User Account Password Options
        3. Taking Advantage of Windows XP’s Password Policies
        4. Recovering from a Forgotten Password
      8. Sharing Your Computer Securely
      9. From Here
  7. II. Unleashing Essential Windows XP Power Tools
    1. 7. Using Control Panel, Group Policies, and Tweak UI
      1. Operating Control Panel
        1. Reviewing the Control Panel Icons
        2. Understanding Control Panel Files
        3. Easier Access to Control Panel
          1. Alternative Methods for Opening Control Panel Icons
          2. Putting Control Panel on the Taskbar
          3. Putting Control Panel on the Start Menu
      2. Implementing Group Policies with Windows XP
        1. Working with Group Policies
        2. Example: Controlling Access to Control Panel
      3. Tweaking Your System with Tweak UI
      4. From Here
    2. 8. Getting to Know the Windows XP Registry
      1. A Synopsis of the Registry
        1. A Brief History of Configuration Files
        2. The Registry Puts an End to INI Chaos
      2. Understanding the Registry Files
        1. Navigating the Keys Pane
        2. Understanding Registry Settings
        3. Getting to Know the Registry’s Root Keys
          1. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
          2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER
          3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
          4. HKEY_USERS
          5. HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
        4. Understanding Hives and Registry Files
      3. Keeping the Registry Safe
        1. Backing Up the Registry
        2. Saving the Current Registry State with System Restore
        3. Protecting Keys by Exporting Them to Disk
          1. Exporting a Key to a .reg File
          2. Importing a .reg File
      4. Working with Registry Entries
        1. Changing the Value of a Registry Entry
          1. Editing a String Value
          2. Editing a DWORD Value
          3. Editing a Binary Value
          4. Editing a .reg File
          5. Creating a .reg File
        2. Renaming a Key or Setting
        3. Creating a New Key or Setting
        4. Deleting a Key or Setting
      5. Finding Registry Entries
      6. From Here
    3. 9. Programming the Windows Script Host
      1. WSH: Your Host for Today’s Script
      2. Scripts and Script Execution
        1. Running Script Files Directly
        2. Using WScript for Windows-Based Scripts
        3. Using CScript for Command-Line Scripts
        4. Script Properties and .wsh Files
      3. Programming Objects
        1. Working with Object Properties
          1. Setting the Value of a Property
          2. Returning the Value of a Property
        2. Working with Object Methods
        3. Assigning an Object to a Variable
        4. Working with Object Collections
          1. VBScript: Using For Each...Next Loops for Collections
          2. JavaScript: Using Enumerators and for Loops for Collections
      4. Programming the WScript Object
        1. Displaying Text to the User
        2. Shutting Down a Script
        3. Scripting and Automation
          1. Creating an Automation Object with the CreateObject Method
          2. Working with an Existing Object Using the GetObject Method
          3. Exposing VBScript and JavaScript Objects
          4. Programming the FileSystemObject
      5. Programming the WshShell Object
        1. Referencing the WshShell Object
        2. Displaying Information to the User
          1. Setting the Style of the Message
          2. Getting Return Values from the Message Dialog Box
        3. Running Applications
        4. Working with Shortcuts
          1. Creating a Shortcut
          2. Programming the WshShortcut Object
        5. Working with Registry Entries
          1. Reading Settings from the Registry
          2. Storing Settings in the Registry
          3. Deleting Settings from the Registry
        6. Working with Environment Variables
      6. Programming the WshNetwork Object
        1. Referencing the WshNetwork Object
        2. WshNetwork Object Properties
        3. Mapping Network Printers
        4. Mapping Network Drives
      7. Example: Scripting Internet Explorer
        1. Displaying a Web Page
        2. Navigating Pages
        3. Using the InternetExplorer Object’s Properties
        4. Running Through a Sample Script
      8. From Here
  8. III. Unleashing Windows XP Customization and Optimization
    1. 10. Customizing the Windows XP Interface
      1. Customizing the Start Menu for Easier Program and Document Launching
        1. Getting More Favorite Programs on the Start Menu
        2. Customizing the Internet and E-mail Icons
        3. Setting Program Access and Defaults
        4. Pinning a Favorite Program Permanently to the Start Menu
        5. Streamlining the Start Menu by Converting Links to Menus
        6. Adding, Moving, and Removing Other Start Menu Icons
          1. Dragging and Dropping onto the Start Button
          2. Working with the Start Menu Folder
          3. Working with All Programs Menu Shortcuts Directly
      2. Customizing the Taskbar for Easier Program and Document Launching
        1. Displaying the Built-In Taskbar Toolbars
        2. Setting Some Taskbar Toolbar Options
          1. Creating New Taskbar Toolbars
        3. Putting Taskbar Toolbars to Good Use
          1. Improving Productivity by Setting Taskbar Options
      3. Controlling Taskbar Grouping
      4. Modifying the Start Menu and Taskbar with Group Policies
      5. Using Screen Space Efficiently
      6. From Here
    2. 11. Tuning Windows XP’s Performance
      1. Monitoring Performance
        1. Monitoring Performance with Task Manager
        2. Monitoring Performance with System Monitor
      2. Optimizing Startup
        1. Reducing or Eliminating BIOS Checks
        2. Reducing the OS Choices Menu Timeout
        3. Turning Off the Startup Splash Screen
        4. Upgrading Your Device Drivers
        5. Using an Automatic Logon
        6. Reducing or Eliminating Startup Programs
        7. Using Hibernation Mode
        8. Configuring the Prefetcher
      3. Optimizing Applications
        1. Adding More Memory
        2. Installing to the Fastest Hard Drive
        3. Optimizing Application Launching
        4. Getting the Latest Device Drivers
        5. Optimizing Windows XP for Programs
        6. Setting the Program Priority in Task Manager
      4. Optimizing the Hard Disk
        1. Examining Hard Drive Performance Specifications
        2. Performing Hard Drive Maintenance
        3. Disabling Compression and Encryption
        4. Turning Off the Indexing Service
        5. Enabling Write Caching
        6. Converting FAT16 and FAT32 Partitions to NTFS
        7. Turning Off 8.3 Filename Creation
        8. Disabling Last Access Timestamp
      5. Optimizing Virtual Memory
        1. Storing the Page File Optimally
        2. Splitting the Page File
        3. Customizing the Page File Size
        4. Watching the Page File Size
        5. Changing the Paging File’s Location and Size
        6. Defragmenting the Page File
      6. More Optimization Tricks
        1. Adjusting Power Options
        2. Turning Off Fast User Switching
        3. Reducing the Use of Visual Effects
      7. From Here
    3. 12. Maintaining Your Windows XP System
      1. Checking Your Hard Disk for Errors
        1. Understanding Clusters
        2. Understanding Lost Clusters
        3. Understanding Invalid Clusters
        4. Understanding Cross-Linked Clusters
        5. Understanding Cycles
        6. Running the Check Disk GUI
        7. Running Check Disk from the Command Line
      2. Checking Free Disk Space
      3. Deleting Unnecessary Files
      4. Defragmenting Your Hard Disk
        1. Running the Disk Defragmenter Tool
        2. Defragmenting from the Command Line
      5. Setting System Restore Points
      6. Backing Up Your Files
        1. Some Thoughts on Real-World Backups
        2. Defining a Backup Job
      7. Running the Automated System Recovery Preparation Wizard
      8. Checking for Updates and Security Patches
        1. Checking the Windows Update Website
        2. Checking for Security Vulnerabilities
      9. Verifying Digitally Signed Files
      10. Reviewing Event Viewer Logs
      11. Setting Up a 10-Step Maintenance Schedule
      12. From Here
    4. 13. Troubleshooting and Recovering from Problems
      1. Troubleshooting Strategies: Determining the Source of a Problem
        1. Did You Get an Error Message?
        2. Does an Error or Warning Appear in the Event Viewer Logs?
        3. Does an Error Appear in System Information?
        4. Did the Error Begin with a Past Hardware or Software Change?
        5. Did You Recently Edit the Registry?
        6. Did You Recently Change Any Windows Settings?
        7. Did Windows XP “Spontaneously” Reboot?
        8. Did You Recently Change Any Application Settings?
        9. Did You Recently Install a New Program?
        10. Did You Recently Install a New Device?
        11. Did You Recently Install an Incompatible Device Driver?
        12. Did You Recently Apply an Update from Windows Update?
        13. Did You Recently Install a Windows XP Hotfix or Service Pack?
      2. General Troubleshooting Tips
      3. Troubleshooting Using Online Resources
      4. Recovering from a Problem
        1. Booting Using the Last Known Good Configuration
        2. Recovering Using System Restore
        3. Recovering Using the Recovery Console
        4. Reinstalling Windows XP
        5. Recovering Using Automated System Recovery
      5. From Here
    5. 14. Getting the Most Out of Device Manager
      1. Understanding Windows XP’s Device Support
        1. Device Support: The Bad Old Days
          1. The IRQ
          2. The I/O Port Address
          3. The DMA Channel
          4. More Device Woes
        2. Device Support in Windows XP
      2. Tips and Techniques for Installing Devices
        1. Installing Plug and Play Devices
        2. Installing Legacy Devices
        3. Controlling Driver Signing Options
      3. Managing Your Hardware with Device Manager
        1. Controlling the Device Display
        2. Viewing Device Properties
        3. Working with Device Drivers
          1. Updating a Device Driver
          2. Rolling Back a Device Driver
        4. Uninstalling a Device
      4. Managing Hardware Profiles
      5. Working with Device Security Policies
      6. Troubleshooting Device Problems
        1. Troubleshooting with Device Manager
        2. Troubleshooting Device Driver Problems
        3. Tips for Downloading Device Drivers
        4. Troubleshooting Resource Conflicts
      7. From Here
  9. IV. Unleashing Windows XP Modem Communications
    1. 15. Getting Started with Modem Communications
      1. A Modem Communications Primer
        1. Modems: The Inside Story
          1. The Modulation/Demodulation Thing
          2. The Difference Between Baud and Bits Per Second
          3. Understanding Modem Standards
            1. Modulation Standards
            2. Error Correction Standards
            3. Compression Standards
          4. A Review of Modem Types
        2. Serial Ports: Communicating One Bit at a Time
          1. Serial Port Pin Configurations
          2. The UART: The Heart of the Serial Port
      2. Modem-to-Modem Communications
        1. Flow Control: The Communications Traffic Cop
          1. Software Flow Control (XON/XOFF)
          2. Hardware Flow Control (RTS/CTS)
        2. Data Bits: The Crux of the Matter
        3. Start and Stop Bits: Bookends for Your Data
        4. Parity: A Crude Error Check
        5. Terminal Emulation: Fitting in with the Online World
        6. File Transfers: A Matter of Protocol
      3. Configuring Serial Ports
      4. Installing and Configuring a Modem
        1. Installing a Modem
        2. Working with Different Dialing Locations
          1. Creating a New Dialing Location
          2. Modifying Dialing Location Properties
          3. Specifying an Area Code Rule
          4. Specifying a Calling Card
        3. Modifying the Modem’s General Properties
        4. Modifying the Modem’s Advanced Properties
          1. Modifying Advanced Port Settings
          2. Modifying Default Preferences
        5. Testing the Modem
      5. From Here
    2. 16. Putting Your Modem to Work
      1. Getting Your Modem to Dial Voice Calls for You
        1. Placing a Voice Call
        2. Configuring Windows Firewall to Allow Incoming Internet Calls
        3. Placing an Internet or Network Call
        4. Setting Phone Dialer’s Options
        5. Quick Connections with Speed Dial
      2. Using HyperTerminal for Modem-to-Modem Connections
        1. Creating a New HyperTerminal Connection
          1. Defining the Basic Connection Options
          2. Defining the Connection’s Modem Properties
          3. Defining the Connection’s Settings
        2. Connecting to a Remote System
        3. Performing File Transfers
        4. Disconnecting from the Remote System
        5. Connecting to Another Computer
        6. Entering AT Commands in HyperTerminal
      3. Sending and Receiving Faxes
        1. Installing the Fax Service
        2. Starting the Fax Console
        3. Configuring the Fax Service
        4. Examining the Fax Console
        5. Sending a Fax
          1. Specifying Send Options
          2. Sending a Cover Page Fax
          3. Faxing from an Application
        6. Working with Fax Cover Pages
          1. Starting the Fax Cover Page Editor
          2. Editing a Cover Page
            1. Inserting Information Fields
            2. Inserting Text Fields
            3. Inserting Graphics Fields
        7. Receiving Faxes
          1. Specifying Receive Options
          2. Answering Incoming Calls
            1. Answering Calls Automatically
            2. Answering Calls Manually
          3. Working with Received Faxes
      4. Remote Collaboration with Microsoft NetMeeting
        1. Configuring NetMeeting
        2. Placing NetMeeting Calls
          1. Placing Simple Calls
          2. Ending a Call
          3. Using the SpeedDial Feature
          4. Hanging a “Do Not Disturb” Sign
        3. Exchanging Files in NetMeeting
        4. Using the Chat Feature
        5. Using the Whiteboard
        6. Sharing Programs
          1. Demonstrating a Program
          2. Allowing Remote Users to Assume Control
          3. Stopping Program Sharing
        7. Setting NetMeeting Options
      5. From Here
  10. V. Unleashing Windows XP for the Internet
    1. 17. Implementing TCP/IP for Internet Connections
      1. Understanding TCP/IP
        1. What Is TCP/IP?
        2. Understanding IP
          1. The Structure of an IP Datagram
          2. The Structure of an IP Address
            1. Dotted-Decimal Notation
            2. IP Address Classes
          3. IP Routing
            1. Subnet Masks
            2. Routing and the Default Gateway
          4. Dynamic IP Addressing
          5. Domain Name Resolution
            1. The LMHOSTS File
            2. The Domain Name System
            3. The Windows Internet Name Service
        3. Understanding TCP
          1. TCP Sockets
          2. The Structure of a TCP Segment
          3. TCP Features
      2. Installing and Configuring TCP/IP
        1. Installing the TCP/IP Protocol
        2. Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol
          1. Configuring the IP Address
          2. Configuring the DNS Servers
      3. Wielding the TCP/IP Utilities
        1. The PING Command
        2. The TRACERT Command
      4. From Here
    2. 18. Exploring the Web with Internet Explorer
      1. Understanding Web Page Addresses
      2. Tips and Techniques for Better Web Surfing
        1. Taking Advantage of the Address Bar
        2. Creating a Shortcut to a URL
        3. Using the Handy History Bar
      3. Searching the Web
        1. Changing the Default Search Engine
        2. Setting Up Other Search Engines for Address Bar Searching
      4. The Favorites Folder: Sites to Remember
        1. Adding a Shortcut to the Favorites Folder
        2. Opening an Internet Shortcut from the Favorites Folder
        3. Maintaining Favorites
        4. Viewing the Favorites Folder
        5. Sharing Favorites with Other Browsers
      5. Reading Pages Offline
        1. Setting Up a Page for Offline Reading
        2. Synchronizing Offline Pages
        3. Changing Offline Page Properties
        4. Changing Synchronization Settings
      6. Customizing Internet Explorer
        1. Customizing the Links Bar for One-Click Surfing
        2. Controlling the Web Page Cache
        3. Setting Internet Explorer Options
        4. Changing the Home Page
        5. Configuring the Page History
        6. Setting More General Options
        7. Using the Content Advisor
        8. Specifying Internet Explorer Programs
        9. Understanding Internet Explorer’s Advanced Options
      7. From Here
    3. 19. Communicating with Internet Email
      1. Setting Up Mail Accounts
        1. Specifying Basic Account Settings
        2. Setting the Default Account
        3. Specifying Advanced Account Settings
          1. Using a Different Reply Address
          2. Enabling SMTP Authentication
          3. Specifying a Different SMTP Port
          4. Checking the Same Account from Two Different Computers
      2. Handling Incoming Messages
        1. Processing Messages
        2. Customizing the Message Columns
        3. Setting Read Options
      3. Sending Messages
        1. Taking Control of Your Messages
        2. Creating a Signature
        3. Creating an Email Shortcut for a Recipient
        4. Setting Send Options
      4. Maintaining Outlook Express
      5. Filtering Incoming Messages
        1. Blocking Senders
        2. Creating a Mail Rule
      6. Finding a Message
        1. Simple Searches
        2. Advanced Searches
      7. Finding a Person
      8. Working with Identities
        1. Creating a New Identity
        2. Switching Identities
        3. Managing Identities
        4. Logging Off Your Identity
        5. Identities—Storage Locations and the Registry
      9. From Here
    4. 20. Participating in Internet Newsgroups
      1. Some Usenet Basics
        1. Figuring Out Newsgroup Names
        2. Understanding Articles and Threads
        3. Practicing Newsgroup Etiquette
      2. Setting Up a News Account
      3. Working with Newsgroups in Outlook Express
        1. Subscribing to a Newsgroup
        2. Unsubscribing from a Newsgroup
      4. Downloading Messages
        1. Downloading Message Headers
        2. Downloading Messages
          1. Working Offline: Marking Messages for Downloading
          2. Working Offline: Getting the Message Bodies
      5. Notes on Working with Newsgroup Messages
      6. Following Up a Message
      7. Posting a New Message
      8. Filtering Newsgroup Messages
      9. Setting News Options
        1. Options for Newsgroups and Messages
          1. Setting General Options
          2. Setting Read Options
          3. Setting Maintenance Options
        2. Options for Individual Newsgroups
      10. From Here
    5. 21. Implementing Windows XP’s Internet Security and Privacy Features
      1. Working with Email Safely and Securely
        1. Protecting Yourself Against Email Viruses
        2. Filtering Out Spam
        3. Handling Hoaxes
        4. Maintaining Your Privacy While Reading Email
          1. Blocking Read Receipts
          2. Squashing Web Bugs
        5. Sending and Receiving Secure Email
        6. Setting Up an Email Account with a Digital ID
        7. Obtaining Another Person’s Public Key
        8. Sending a Secure Message
        9. Receiving a Secure Message
      2. Keeping Intruders Out of Your System
        1. Turning Off File and Printer Sharing
        2. Turning On the Internet Connection Firewall
        3. Turning Off the Messenger Service
      3. Surfing the Web Securely
        1. Adding and Removing Zone Sites
        2. Changing a Zone’s Security Level
        3. Enhancing Online Privacy by Managing Cookies
      4. Blocking Pop-Up Windows
      5. Understanding Internet Explorer’s Advanced Security Options
      6. Security and Privacy Options for Windows Media Player
        1. Setting Security Options
        2. Setting Privacy Options
      7. From Here
  11. VI. Unleashing Windows XP Networking
    1. 22. Setting Up and Accessing a Small Network
      1. Understanding Networking
        1. LANs, WANs, MANs, and More
        2. Client/Server Versus Peer-to-Peer
          1. Client/Server Networks
          2. Peer-to-Peer Networks
          3. Which One Should You Choose?
      2. Hardware: NICs and Other Network Knickknacks
        1. The Network Interface Card
        2. The Cable Connection
        3. More Hardware Goodies
        4. Understanding Wireless Network Hardware Requirements
      3. Walking the Walk: Topology and the Lay of the LAN
        1. The Star Topology
        2. The Bus Topology
        3. The Ring Topology
      4. Talking the Talk: Networking Protocols
      5. Setting Up a Peer-to-Peer Network
        1. Running the Network Setup Wizard
          1. Configuring the ICS Host
          2. Configuring Other ICS Machines
          3. Configuring a Network with a Residential Gateway
          4. Configuring a Network Without the Internet
          5. Completing the Network Setup Wizard
        2. Configuring a Wireless Gateway
        3. Implementing Wireless Network Security
        4. Working with Network Settings
      6. Connecting to a Wireless Network
      7. Accessing Network Resources
        1. Using My Network Places
        2. Adding a Network Place
        3. Mapping a Network Folder to a Local Drive Letter
        4. Disconnecting a Mapped Network Folder
        5. Printing over the Network
      8. Sharing Resources with the Network
        1. Deactivating Simple File Sharing
        2. Creating User Accounts
        3. Sharing a Resource
        4. Hiding Shared Resources
      9. Working with Network Files Offline
        1. Turning Off Fast User Switching
        2. Enabling Offline Files
        3. Making Files Available Offline
        4. Working with Network Files Offline
      10. Administering Your Network
        1. Connecting to a Remote Registry
        2. Connecting to Remote Group Policies
        3. Monitoring Performance on a Remote Computer
        4. Managing a Remote Computer
          1. Connecting to a Remote Computer
          2. Viewing the Current Connections
          3. Working with Shared Folders
          4. Working with Open Files
        5. Broadcasting Console Messages
          1. Starting the Messenger Service
          2. Sending a Console Message
      11. From Here
    2. 23. Making Remote Network Connections
      1. Creating a Dial-Up Connection
        1. Configuring the Dial-Up Host
        2. Configuring the Dial-Up Client
        3. Making the Dial-Up Connection
        4. Ending the Dial-Up Connection
      2. Connecting to a Remote Desktop
        1. Getting the Remote Computer Ready
        2. Getting the Client Computer Ready
        3. Making the Connection to the Remote Desktop
        4. Disconnecting from the Remote Desktop
        5. Connecting to a Remote Desktop via the Internet
          1. Changing the Listening Port
          2. Configuring Windows Firewall
          3. Setting Up Port Forwarding
          4. Determining Your IP Address
          5. Connecting Using the IP Address and New Port
        6. Making Remote Desktop Connections with a Web Browser
          1. Installing IIS and Remote Desktop Web Connection
          2. Making the Connection
      3. Using Virtual Private Network Connections
        1. Setting Up a VPN Server
        2. Configuring a Network Gateway for VPN
        3. Configuring the VPN Client
        4. Requiring VPN Encryption
        5. Making the VPN Connection
        6. Ending the VPN Connection
      4. From Here
    3. 24. Troubleshooting Network Problems
      1. The First Step: Rerun the Network Connection Wizard
      2. Checking Connection Status
      3. Checking Network Utilization
      4. Repairing a Network Connection
      5. Working with Network Diagnostics
        1. Setting Scanning Options
        2. Running Network Diagnostics
        3. Running Network Diagnostics from the Command Line
      6. Some Group Policy “Problems”
      7. Troubleshooting General Network Nuisances
      8. Cable Conundrums
        1. Some Things to Bear in Mind When Running Cable
        2. Cable Limitations
        3. Troubleshooting Cables
      9. Troubleshooting Adapter Afflictions
      10. More Sophisticated Tools
      11. From Here
  12. VII. Appendices
    1. A. Windows XP Keyboard Shortcuts
    2. B. Using the Windows XP Command Prompt
      1. Getting to Command Prompt
        1. Using CMD.EXE Switches
        2. Running Commands
        3. Adding Parameters and Switches to a Command Prompt Command
      2. Working with Command Prompt
        1. Working with Long Filenames
        2. Changing Folders Faster
        3. Taking Advantage of DOSKEY
          1. Recalling Command Lines
          2. Entering Multiple Commands on a Single Line
          3. Editing Command Lines
          4. Learning About DOSKEY Macros
            1. Using Replaceable Parameters in Macros
            2. Macro Examples
            3. Creating a Macro Library
        4. Starting Applications from Command Prompt
          1. Starting 16-Bit Applications
          2. Starting Windows Applications
        5. Sharing Data Between 16-Bit and Windows Applications
          1. Copying Text from a 16-Bit Application
          2. Pasting Text to a 16-Bit Application
          3. Sharing Graphics Between 16-Bit and Windows Programs
      3. Customizing the Command-Line Window
        1. Customizing the Command Prompt Window
          1. Setting Command Prompt Options
          2. Changing the Command Prompt Font
          3. Customizing the Command Prompt Layout
          4. Specifying the Command Prompt Colors
        2. Customizing Other Command-Line Windows
          1. Setting Program Properties
          2. Adjusting Memory Properties
          3. Setting Screen Properties
          4. Some Miscellaneous Properties
          5. Understanding Idle Sensitivity
    3. C. Automating Windows XP with Batch Files
      1. Batch Files: Some Background
      2. Creating Batch Files
      3. Making a Home for Your Batch Files
      4. REM: The Simplest Batch File Command
      5. ECHO: A Voice for Your Batch Files
      6. The PAUSE Command
      7. Using Parameters for Batch File Flexibility
        1. Improving on Command-Line Utilities
          1. Making DEL Safer
          2. Changing Folders and Drives in One Step
          3. Excluding Files from a Copy Command
      8. SHIFT: A Different Approach to Parameters
      9. Looping with the FOR Command
        1. Looping: The Basics
        2. Understanding the FOR Command Syntax
        3. A Simple Batch File Example
        4. Different Sets for Different Folks
        5. Using Delayed Environment Variable Expansion
      10. GOTO: Telling Your Batch Files Where to Go
      11. IF: Handling Batch File Conditions
        1. Testing Parameters with IF
        2. Checking for Missing Parameters
        3. The SHIFT Command Redux
        4. Using IF to Check Whether a File Exists
        5. Checking for Command Errors
      12. Redirecting Windows XP
        1. Redirecting Command Output
        2. Redirecting Input
      13. Piping Commands
    4. D. Glossary

Product information

  • Title: Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed
  • Author(s): Paul McFedries
  • Release date: September 2005
  • Publisher(s): Sams
  • ISBN: 9780768683738