Peter Norton’s Complete Guide to Windows XP

Peter Norton’s Complete Guide to Windows XP

Released October 2001
Publisher(s): Sams
ISBN: 9780768683851

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Book description

Peter Norton's Complete Guide to Microsoft Windows XP is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide written in the highly acclaimed Norton style. This unique approach teaches the features of Windows XP with clear explanations of the many new technologies designed to improve your system performance. The book demonstrates all of the newest features available for increasing your OS performance. You will find Peter's Principles, communications, networking, printing, performance, troubleshooting, and compatibility tips throughout the book. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, Peter Norton's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP has the answers, explanations, and examples you need.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
    1. Dedication
  2. Acknowledgments
  3. About the Author
  4. Tell Us What You Think!
  5. Introduction
    1. Who Should Read This Book?
    2. What You Will Learn
    3. How This Book Is Organized
      1. Introducing the Windows eXPerience (XP)
      2. Power Primers
      3. Advanced Windows XP Usage Techniques
      4. The Windows XP Anatomy
      5. Windows and the Underlying Hardware
      6. Making the Right Connections
      7. Networking with Windows XP
      8. Troubleshooting Windows XP
    4. Conventions Used in This Book
    5. Icons
  6. I. Introducing the Windows eXPerience
    1. 1. The Updater’s Guide to Windows XP
      1. Understanding the Combined Code Base
      2. New Windows XP Features
        1. New User Interface
        2. Task-Based Work Environment
        3. Search Companion
        4. Remote Assistance
        5. Internet Connection Firewall
        6. Smart Card Support
        7. Application Compatibility
        8. Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP)
        9. Integrated CD Burning
        10. DualView Monitor Support
        11. Remote Desktop
        12. ClearType
      3. Improvements to Existing Features
        1. Device Driver Support
        2. File Association Handling
        3. Help and Support Center
        4. Improved NTFS Support
        5. Installation Features
        6. Internet Connection Sharing
        7. Microsoft Management Console
        8. My Documents Folder Update
        9. Recovery Console
        10. System File Protection and Update
        11. System Restore
        12. Windows Explorer
        13. Wizards
        14. Windows Update
      4. Windows 9x Features Not Found Here
      5. On Your Own
    2. 2. Introducing Windows XP
      1. Using the Simplified Interface
      2. The Start Menu
        1. Usage Details
        2. Customization
      3. Explorer: The Familiar Interface
        1. Context Menus
        2. Explorer Toolbars
          1. Standard Toolbar
          2. Address Toolbar
          3. Links Toolbar
        3. My Network Places
        4. Recycle Bin
        5. Briefcase
        6. Compressed (Zipped) Folders
      4. Standard Windows XP Applications
        1. Calculator
        2. Character Map
        3. Paint
        4. Screen Savers
      5. On Your Own
    3. 3. Advanced User Features
      1. Switching to the Standard Interface
      2. Switching to the Windows 2000 Interface
      3. The Classic Start Menu
        1. Usage
          1. Windows Update
          2. Programs
          3. Documents
          4. Settings
          5. Search
          6. Help and Support
          7. Run
          8. Log Off
          9. Shut Down
        2. Start Menu Customization
      4. Using Toolbars
        1. Standard
        2. Custom
        3. Getting Rid of a Toolbar You Don’t Need
        4. Customizing the Quick Launch Toolbar
      5. Customizing Your Desktop
        1. Taskbar
        2. Desktop Settings
          1. Themes
          2. Wallpaper and Desktop Items
          3. Screen Saver
          4. Appearance
          5. Resolution
        3. Clock
        4. Working with Desktop Objects
        5. Creating New Objects
        6. Manipulating Objects
          1. Using a Template
          2. Creating Work Areas
      6. Active Desktop: A View of the Internet
        1. What Is an Active Desktop?
        2. Active Desktop Usage Tips
        3. Customizing the Active Desktop
      7. Advanced Windows Explorer Usage Techniques
        1. Setting the Folder Options
        2. Working with Offline Content
        3. Using Views
        4. Customizing the Details View
        5. Creating File Associations
      8. Modifying the Startup Folder
      9. On Your Own
  7. II. Power Primers
    1. 4. Setup Primer
      1. Installing Windows XP
        1. Minimum Hardware Requirements
        2. Check Your Hardware
        3. Getting Ready to Install
        4. Installing Windows XP from a CD-ROM
      2. Plug and Play Installation Tips
        1. Quick Fixes
        2. Manual Installation
      3. Creating Your Own INF Files
        1. Understanding INF Files
        2. Modifying an INF File
      4. Using Windows Update
      5. On Your Own
    2. 5. Windows Performance Primer
      1. Getting the Best Performance from Low-End Systems
      2. Tuning Windows As a Whole
        1. General Tuning Tips for Windows
        2. Windows XP–Specific Tuning Tips
        3. Finding Unneeded Hidden Drivers
        4. Using Windows XP Automatic Tuning Features
        5. Using the System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)
          1. SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI
          2. Services
          3. Startup
      3. Automating Tune-ups with Task Scheduler
        1. Starting Task Scheduler
        2. Scheduling a New Task
        3. Customizing a Scheduled Task
      4. Checking Performance
        1. Using Task Manager
        2. System Monitor Usage
          1. Understanding the Views
          2. Adding and Removing Counters
        3. Creating Performance Logs
        4. Viewing Performance Logs
      5. On Your Own
    3. 6. Application Performance Primer
      1. Windows XP Shortcuts and OLE
      2. Faster Startups
        1. Startups from the Keyboard
          1. Undocumented Parameters
          2. Shortcut Keys
        2. Startups from the Desktop
          1. Click Starts
          2. Auto Starts
          3. Controlled Starts
        3. Tuning the Start Menu
      3. The Data-Oriented Approach to Applications
        1. Using Explorer to Get the Job Done
        2. Folders: A Real Organizational Tool
        3. Desktop Tips and Techniques
      4. Application Keyboard Shortcuts
      5. On Your Own
  8. III. Advanced Windows XP Usage Techniques
    1. 7. Windows XP Configuration
      1. Configuring the Windows XP Applets
        1. Standard Installation and Removal
        2. Special Utility Installation
        3. Special Printer Installation
        4. Special Network Installation
      2. Control Panel
        1. Standard versus Advanced Control Panel View
        2. A View of the Classic Control Panel
        3. Customizing Icon Displays
        4. Accessing the Control Panel from the Command Line
      3. Working with Microsoft Management Console
        1. Using a Console
        2. Creating Your Own Consoles
        3. Adding Snap-ins to Existing Consoles
      4. Setting Power Options
        1. Working with Schemes
        2. Using the Advanced Features
        3. Enabling Hibernate Support
        4. Working with a UPS
      5. On Your Own
    2. 8. Exploiting Your Software
      1. Using the Add or Remove Programs Utility
        1. Adding an Application
        2. Removing an Application
        3. Cleaning Up Application Remnants
      2. Using the Microsoft Windows Installer
        1. Understanding the MSI Advantage
        2. Getting Support for Your Application
        3. Repairing an Application
      3. Optimizing Windows Applications
        1. Getting Application Settings Right
        2. Running 16-Bit Windows Applications
        3. Running 32-Bit Windows Applications
      4. Optimizing DOS Applications
        1. MS-DOS Emulation
          1. Options
          2. Font
          3. Layout
          4. Colors
        2. Creating a DOS Session
        3. DOS Objects
        4. Settings
      5. Using Windows Scripting Host (WSH)
        1. Running Your Script
        2. WScript
        3. Browsing in Windows
        4. Using the Run command
        5. Using the Command Prompt
        6. Using The Script Debugger
        7. Understanding the Dangers of Script Support
      6. Using the Event Viewer Console
      7. On Your Own
    3. 9. Exploiting Your Hardware
      1. Installing and Deleting Devices
        1. Installing Hardware
        2. Removing Hardware
      2. Configuring Ports
        1. Standard Port Configuration
        2. Serial Port Configuration
        3. Parallel Port Configuration
      3. Using Fonts
      4. Working with Printers
      5. Working with Modems
        1. Tuning Your Modem
        2. Using WDM Modem Support
        3. Using USB Modem Support
      6. Understanding TAPI and MAPI Support
      7. Accessing the Standard Hardware Support
        1. Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
        2. Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
        3. Digital Video Disk (DVD)
        4. Device Bay Support
        5. IEEE 1394 FireWire
      8. Understanding the Universal Serial Bus (USB)
        1. Understanding the USB Versions
        2. Troubleshooting USB Hardware
        3. Working with USB Hubs
        4. Understanding USB Alternatives
      9. Understanding How RAM Type Affects Your System
      10. Working with Network Interface Cards (NICs)
      11. Using the Computer Management Console
        1. An Overview of Computer Management
        2. Using the System Tools
        3. Managing Storage
        4. Working with Services and Applications
          1. Using the User Accounts Applet
          2. Using the Local Users and Groups MMC Snap-In
        5. Sharing Hard Drives and Folders
      12. On Your Own
    4. 10. Exploiting Multimedia and Games
      1. Installing and Configuring DirectX
        1. Updating DirectX As Needed
        2. DirectX Troubleshooting Tips
        3. Testing Your Hardware
      2. Getting Your Games to Cooperate
        1. Windows Games
          1. Looking for the Microsoft Seal of Approval
          2. Compatibility Issues
        2. DOS Game Issues
        3. When It’s Time to Shelve that Game
      3. Installing and Configuring Game Controllers
      4. Multimedia Hardware
        1. Audio Configuration
        2. Voice Configuration
        3. Viewing Hardware Properties
        4. Video Configuration
      5. Windows Game Support
        1. Using Compatibility Mode
        2. Tips for Working with Dual Processor Machines
      6. Recording Data CDs
      7. Windows Multimedia Software
        1. Sound Recorder
        2. Windows Movie Maker
        3. Windows Media Player
          1. Creating Your Own Skins
          2. Creating an Audio CD
      8. On Your Own
  9. IV. Windows XP Anatomy
    1. 11. The Windows XP Architecture
      1. A Quick Look Inside
        1. Architecture
        2. The System Files
          1. User Mode
          2. The Windows XP System (Kernel Mode) Files
        3. The Plug and Play BIOS
      2. Windows XP Compatibility Configuration Files
        1. WIN.INI
        2. SYSTEM.INI
      3. A Look at the Windows XP Boot Sequence
      4. The Windows XP Startup Sequence
      5. Windows XP Internals
        1. The New Kernel
        2. The System Virtual Machine
        3. The Windows API Layer
        4. The Base System
        5. The DOS Virtual Machine
      6. On Your Own
    2. 12. The Windows XP Registry
      1. An Overview of the Hives
        1. The RegEdit Perspective
          1. Exporting Keys from the Registry
          2. Importing Keys to the Registry
        2. The System File Perspective
          1. An Overview of the Files
          2. Loading and Unloading Hives
        3. Working with Permissions
      2. A Detailed Look at the Registry
        1. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
        2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER
        3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
        4. HKEY_USERS
        5. HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
      3. Saving Individual Application Settings
      4. Care and Cleaning of the Registry
      5. On Your Own
    3. 13. The Windows XP File System
      1. An Overview of the File System
        1. Windows XP File System Support Concerns
          1. FAT Versions
          2. NTFS Versions
          3. FAT as a File Formatting Method
          4. FAT versus NTFS—The Details
        2. How the File System Works
          1. Win32 Subsystem
          2. Virtual DOS Machine (VDM)
          3. Installable File System (IFS) Manager
          4. File System Driver (FSD)
          5. DVD Decoder Driver
          6. I/O Subsystem (IOS)
          7. Volume Tracking Driver (VTD)
          8. Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)
          9. Type-Specific Driver (TSD)
          10. Vendor-Supplied Driver (VSD)
          11. Port Driver (PD)
          12. SCSI Support
          13. Drive Controller (Adapter)
      2. Using Shortcuts
        1. Creating Shortcuts
        2. Performing General Configuration
        3. Using Compatibility Mode
      3. Working with VxDs (Virtual Anything Driver) and DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries)
      4. Using Disk Cleanup
      5. Defragmenting Your Hard Drive
      6. Creating a Backup
        1. Using the Backup Wizard
        2. Creating a Backup
        3. Restoring a Backup
        4. Testing and Maintaining the Backup System
          1. Initial Installation
          2. Routine Maintenance
          3. Tape Rotation
          4. Offsite Storage
      7. Formatting Disks
      8. On Your Own
  10. V. Windows and the Underlying Hardware
    1. 14. Fonts and Printing
      1. Installing a Printer
        1. Understanding the Printer and Faxes Folder
          1. Local Printer Installation
          2. Network Printer Installation
        2. Adding, Deleting, and Configuring Network Ports
        3. Configuring Your Printer
          1. General Tab
          2. Sharing Tab
          3. Advanced Tab
          4. Color Management Tab
          5. Security Tab
          6. Device Settings Tab
        4. Using Point and Print
        5. Discovering Quick Printing Techniques
      2. Managing Print Jobs
      3. Understanding Network Printer Configuration Issues
      4. Windows and Fonts
        1. Understanding Font Differences
        2. Installing Fonts
        3. Removing Fonts
        4. Viewing and Printing Fonts
        5. Working with the Euro Font
        6. Understanding How Windows Matches Fonts
        7. Understanding ClearType
      5. On Your Own
    2. 15. Mice and Keyboards
      1. Multilingual Support
        1. Installing a New Language Using the Keyboard Applet
        2. Removing a Language
        3. Accessing a Language from the Taskbar or Language Bar
      2. Configuring Your Keyboard
        1. Standard Keyboard Configuration
        2. Keyboards with Special Features
      3. Configuring Your Mouse
        1. Standard Mouse Configuration
          1. Buttons Tab
          2. Pointers Tab
          3. Pointer Options Tab
          4. Wheel Tab
          5. Hardware Tab
        2. Working with a USB Mouse
        3. Special Laptop Configuration Considerations
        4. Human Interface Device (HID) Issues
      4. Access for Users with Disabilities
        1. The Accessibility Settings Wizard
        2. Using Microsoft Active Accessibility
        3. Special Keyboard Features
          1. Using StickyKeys
          2. Using FilterKeys
          3. Using ToggleKeys
        4. Special Sound Features
        5. Special Display Features
        6. Special Mouse Features
        7. Microsoft Magnifier
        8. The Narrator
      5. On Your Own
    3. 16. Video Configurations
      1. Graphics Standards
      2. The Windows XP Graphics Architecture
      3. Video Boards
      4. Working with Display Adapters and Monitors
        1. Making General Settings Changes
        2. Installing or Upgrading a Display Adapter
        3. Upgrading a Monitor
      5. Using the Troubleshoot Tab
      6. Using More Than One Display
      7. Understanding the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
      8. On Your Own
    4. 17. Mobile Computing
      1. PCMCIA Devices on Your Notebook Computer
        1. Hot Docking
        2. Hot Swapping
        3. Multifunction PC Cards
      2. Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
      3. Windows XP Mobile Computing Services
        1. Briefcase
        2. Synchronizing Files
        3. Remote Dial-Up (Dial-Up Networking)
      4. Remote Network Users
        1. Local Communications
        2. Dynamic Networking
        3. Offline Printing
        4. Understanding Disconnected Applications (COM+)
      5. Working with an Infrared Data Access (IrDA) Port
      6. Power-Management Strategies
      7. Working with Handheld Devices
        1. Making a Connection
          1. Serial
          2. IrDA
          3. USB
        2. Using Microsoft ActiveSync
        3. Adding a NIC
      8. On Your Own
  11. VI. Making the Right Connections
    1. 18. Hardware and Software Connections
      1. Making Network Connections
        1. Understanding IrDA Connectivity
        2. Understanding Ethernet Connectivity
        3. Understanding Alternative Connection Options
        4. Using Direct Peripheral Connections
          1. Printers
          2. Modems
          3. CD and DVD Players
      2. Making Software Attachments
        1. Making a Direct Cable Connection
        2. Making a Dial-Up Connection
        3. Creating Scripts for Dial-Up Networking
          1. Starting a Script
          2. Using Variables
          3. Special Considerations for Strings
          4. Using Commands
        4. Using Phone Dialer
      3. On Your Own
    2. 19. Network Connections with an Internet Appeal
      1. An Overview of the Communications Architecture
      2. Understanding Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
        1. Installing VPN Support and Creating a VPN Connection
        2. An Overview of VPN Security Requirements
      3. Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
        1. ICS Installation and Configuration
        2. Using Internet Connection Sharing
        3. Removing Internet Connection Sharing
      4. Using the Home Networking Wizard
      5. Using Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM)
      6. HyperTerminal
        1. Creating a Telnet Connection
          1. Creating a Peer Connection
          2. Setting Connection Properties
          3. Sending and Receiving Files
          4. Capturing a Session
          5. Sending Text
          6. Testing Your Modem
        2. Universal Plug and Play (UPNP)
      7. Using Body Language in Your Messages
      8. On Your Own
    3. 20. Internet Connections
      1. Using Dial-Up Networking
      2. Protocols and URLS
        1. Understanding Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)
        2. A Quick View of Protocols
      3. Working with Internet Explorer
        1. Getting on the Internet
        2. Using the Favorites Folder
          1. Adding to the Favorites Folder
          2. Organizing the Favorites Folder
        3. Showing Related Links
        4. Finding What You’re Looking For
        5. Changing the Internet Properties
          1. General
          2. Security
          3. Privacy
          4. Content
          5. Connections
          6. Programs
          7. Advanced Options
      4. Using Outlook Express
        1. Creating an E-mail and Newsgroup Account
        2. Basic Outlook Express Usage
        3. Working with Folders
        4. Sending an E-mail Message
        5. Managing Your Address Book
        6. Adding Newsgroups to Outlook Express
        7. Downloading and Reading Newsgroup Messages
        8. Writing a Newsgroup Message
      5. On Your Own
  12. VII. Networking with Windows XP
    1. 21. Networks
      1. The Client Module
        1. Peer-to-Peer Support
        2. Sharing Files and Printers
          1. Creating a New Share
          2. Removing a Shared Resource Name
          3. Removing or Changing a User or Group Share
        3. Understanding TCP/IP
          1. SNMP Support
          2. Using the FTP Utility
          3. Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Support
          4. Windows Sockets (WinSock) Support
      2. Configuring TCP/IP—The Short Form
      3. Working with User Accounts
        1. Using the User Accounts Applet
        2. Using the Local Users and Groups Snap-in
          1. Working with Users
          2. Working with Groups
        3. Setting Logon Policies
      4. Using the Novell Client
        1. Installing the Windows XP Client on Windows XP
        2. Installing the Client
        3. Differences in My Network Places
        4. Using Explorer with the Novell Client
      5. Using the Client Service for NetWare (CSNW) Applet
        1. Selecting a Logon Method
        2. Defining Your Print Options
      6. On Your Own
    2. 22. Setting Up Security
      1. Setting Local Security Policies
        1. Account Policies
        2. Local Policies
        3. Public Key Policies
        4. IP Security Policies
      2. Network Security
        1. Workgroup
        2. Domain
        3. Other Servers
      3. Internet Security
        1. Understanding Certificates
          1. Looking for Digital Signatures
          2. Obtaining a Digital Signature
        2. The Cookie Monster
        3. Sandbox Approach Versus Open Access
      4. On Your Own
  13. VIII. Troubleshooting Windows XP
    1. 23. Now That DOS Is Gone
      1. Windows XP Boot Problems
        1. AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS Don’t Count Any More
        2. Setting Paths the New Way
        3. Real Mode Doesn’t Exist—Toss That Old Hardware
        4. Windows XP Boot Options
      2. Diagnosing Application Support Problems
      3. DOS Application Configuration Techniques
        1. Program
        2. Using the Windows PIF Settings Dialog Box
        3. Font
        4. Memory
        5. Screen
        6. Misc
      4. Creating a DOS Boot Disk
        1. Starting from Scratch
        2. Tricks for Making a Boot Disk Do More
        3. Boot Disks and Games
      5. On Your Own
    2. 24. Software Problems
      1. Startup and Configuration Errors
        1. Startup Problems
        2. Hardware Configuration Problems
        3. Windows Software Configuration Problems
      2. Memory-Related Problems
      3. Driver-Related Problems
      4. Using the System Restore Utility
        1. An Overview of How System Restore Works
        2. Creating a Restore Point
        3. Restoring the System Normally
      5. Changing the BOOT.INI Options
      6. Microsoft System Information Utility
        1. Hardware Resources
        2. Components
        3. Software Environment
        4. Internet Settings
      7. On Your Own
    3. 25. Hardware Problems
      1. A Look at Help and Support
        1. Creating Self-Help Strategies
        2. Learning Through Tours and Tutorials
        3. Troubleshooting
        4. Using Web Resources
        5. Using Assisted Support
      2. A Quick Look at Catastrophic Failures
        1. TuffTest
        2. PC-Technician
        3. CheckIt
        4. Serial and Parallel Port Loopback Plugs
        5. Cable Scanner
      3. Incompatible Hardware
        1. Understanding the Problem with Older Hardware
        2. Tracking Down Non–Plug and Play Hardware Problems
      4. BIOS Update Requirements
      5. What to Do When the Vendor’s Instructions Don’t Work
      6. On Your Own
  14. Glossary
    1. Introduction
      1. Terms

Product information

  • Title: Peter Norton’s Complete Guide to Windows XP
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: October 2001
  • Publisher(s): Sams
  • ISBN: 9780768683851