Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP All in One, Second Edition

Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP All in One, Second Edition

by Greg Perry
Released December 2004
Publisher(s): Sams
ISBN: 9780768683578

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Book description

If you're new to the world of Windows XP and are daunted by the thought of having to figure it all out on your own, Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP All in One can help. This all-inclusive reference book will teach you how to not only use your Windows XP system, but also how to utilize digital media and Internet features. Learn how to set up a home network, as well as how to upgrade, repair and protect your PC from viruses, spam and spyware. Updated to include information relating to the Windows XP Server Pack 2, Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP All in One will help you get the most you can out of your Windows XP-based computer.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. About the Authors
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. We Want to Hear from You!
  5. Reader Services
  6. Introduction
    1. Who Should Read This Book?
    2. What This Book Does for You
    3. Conventions Used in This Book
  7. I. Understanding Computer Fundamentals
    1. 1. Beyond the On Switch . . .
      1. What Is an Operating System?
      2. So What’s Behind the Name Windows?
      3. How Can I Tell if I Have Windows XP?
      4. Looking at Windows XP
      5. What’s What on the Windows Desktop
        1. The Windows Desktop: Just Another Pretty Face
        2. Taking Shortcuts
        3. Getting a Good Start in Computing
        4. Dealing with the Tasks at Hand
        5. Presenting the Windows Notification Area
      6. Making (Mouse) Tracks
      7. Learning All the Moves
      8. That’s All, Folks!
      9. Summary
    2. 2. Keeping Windows Happy
      1. The Effects of What We Do
      2. Essential Parts of Windows
        1. Your Windows Folder
          1. Restoring Lost or Damaged Windows Files
          2. Using System Restore to Replace Damaged or Missing Windows Files
        2. What’s the Windows Registry Anyway?
          1. Knowing Well Enough to Leave Alone
          2. Backing Up Registry Files
      3. Using Control Panel
        1. Meet Device Manager
      4. Top Ten Ways to Keep Windows Running Well
        1. It’s All About Compatibility
          1. About Utilities
          2. About Hardware
      5. Summary
    3. 3. More About PC Health Care
      1. Safe Storing Your Files
        1. Choosing Your Backup Media
          1. Do You Have Drive?
          2. What You Want to Put on the Disk
          3. What Are Your Plans for the Disk?
      2. Defragmenting Your Hard Drive
        1. Analyze Before You Defragment
        2. Running the Defragmenter
      3. Cleaning Your Disk
      4. Protecting Yourself Against Computer Viruses
        1. Antivirus Programs: Vitamin C for Your PC
      5. When Bad Things Happen to Good Systems: Using System Restore
      6. Computer Chaos
        1. My Computer Won’t Turn On!
        2. My Computer Froze! What Now?
      7. Disk and Drive Dilemmas
        1. The Floppy That Won’t Fit
        2. The Unrecognizable CD
        3. Monitor Messes
        4. All Powered Up and Nothing to See
      8. Printing Problems
        1. Where’s My Document?
        2. Partial Printing
      9. Internet Issues
        1. Slow Connections
        2. Dropped Connections
        3. Busy Internet Connections
      10. Summary
  8. II. Getting Started with Windows
    1. 4. Diving into Windows
      1. Rearranging the Desktop Icons
      2. Enlarging Your Desktop Icons
      3. Maximize Screen Size by Hiding the Taskbar
      4. Meeting the Wizards
      5. Banishing the Desktop Blues
        1. Changing the Desktop Background/Wallpaper Using Files Provided
        2. Coming Up with a New Scheme
        3. The Best of Desktop Decorating
      6. Defining Your Own Desktop Shortcuts
      7. Customizing the Windows XP Start Menu
        1. Changing the Look of Your Start Menu
      8. Summary
    2. 5. Managing the Windows Interface
      1. A Quick Taskbar and Start Button Review
      2. Moving the Taskbar
      3. The Taskbar Menu
        1. The Taskbar Properties Menu
        2. Taskbar
        3. Remaining Taskbar Properties
        4. Toolbars on Your Taskbar
        5. Adjusting Your System Clock and Date
      4. Managing Multiple Windows with the Taskbar
        1. Tiling and Cascading Windows
      5. Sizing the Taskbar
      6. Starting Programs with the Start Menu
      7. Getting Acquainted from the Command Prompt
      8. Using the Run Command
      9. Summary
    3. 6. Working with My Computer and Windows Explorer
      1. My Computer
      2. Looking at My Computer
      3. Working in the My Computer Window
        1. Working with My Computer
        2. Other Start Menu Windows
      4. Navigating with Windows Explorer
      5. The Explorer Options
      6. Making Windows XP Easier to Use
      7. More About Control Panel
        1. Modifying the Mouse Properties
        2. Different Wallpaper
        3. Adding Handy Desktop Icons
      8. Summary
    4. 7. Customizing and Improving Your Desktop
      1. Activate Your Desktop
      2. Synchronizing Your Web Page Desktop
      3. Active Content
      4. SOS—Save Our Screens!
        1. Setting Up a Screensaver
      5. Paint Windows XP
      6. Summary
    5. 8. Calling for Help
      1. Introducing the Help and Support Center (HSC)
      2. Getting Topical Help
      3. Obtaining Support
        1. Contacting Remote Assistance
        2. Updating Windows
        3. Checking Hardware and Software
        4. Staying Current with “Did You Know?”
      4. Searching the Index
      5. Other Forms of Help
        1. Using Application Help
        2. Using Pop-Up Help
      6. Summary
  9. III. Working with Files and Folders
    1. 9. Understanding File Management Essentials
      1. Managing Documents and Other Files with a Right Mouse Click
      2. Right-Click to Copy and Move Documents
      3. Using the Explorer’s Task Pane
      4. Where Do the Deleted Files Go?
      5. Basics of Files and Folders
        1. More About Associating Files with Programs
          1. Recognizing Common File Types
      6. Organizing with Folders
        1. Adding a Folder
        2. Deleting a Folder
        3. Copying or Moving a Folder
        4. Renaming a Folder
        5. Common Folders
      7. Summary
    2. 10. Finding Information
      1. Introducing Search
        1. Searching for Pictures, Music, or Video
        2. Searching for Data Documents
        3. Searching for Any File
        4. Searching Files and Folders
      2. Improving Your Searches
      3. Summary
  10. IV. Making Things Happen with Your PC
    1. 11. It’s All About the Software
      1. Software Defined
        1. Word Processors
        2. Spreadsheets (aka Worksheets and Workbooks)
        3. Databases
        4. Graphics and Presentation Programs
        5. Personal Information Managers
        6. Fun and Games
        7. Internet Programs
        8. Utility Programs
      2. Purchasing a New Program
      3. Where to Buy Software
      4. Registering Your Software
      5. Upgrading Software
      6. About Adding and Removing Programs with Windows
      7. Using the Add or Remove Programs Window
      8. Customizing Windows
      9. Installed Applications
      10. Uninstallation Procedures
      11. A Last Resort
      12. Summary
    2. 12. Going Multimedia with Media Player
      1. The Computers Are Alive, with the Sound of Music!
        1. Setting CD Playback Options
        2. More Facts About the CD in the Hot Seat
        3. Selecting CD Tracks to Play
      2. Burning Music CDs
        1. Copying Music Files to Your Media Library
        2. Building a Playlist from Files in Your Media Library
        3. Making Your Own CD
      3. Music and Videos on the Web
      4. Tuning into the Radio Online
      5. For the Record
      6. Enjoying DVDs
        1. I Want My DVD!
        2. Playing a DVD Movie
      7. Summary
    3. 13. Recording Audio
      1. About Recording
        1. Not All Sound File Formats Are Created Equal
      2. Adding a Microphone
        1. Choosing a Microphone
          1. Microphone Connectors
        2. Installing Your Microphone
      3. Introducing Sound Recorder
        1. Making a Test Recording
      4. Configuring for Best Sound
        1. Audio Recording Tips
      5. Recording Sound Using Other Programs
      6. More About Speech Recognition Software
      7. Summary
    4. 14. Going Digital with Your Scanner or Camera and Windows XP
      1. Selecting a Scanner
        1. What Scanners Can Do for You
        2. How Do Scanners Work?
        3. Which Scanner Is Right for Me?
      2. The World of Digital Cameras
        1. Choosing a Digital Camera
          1. Price Does Matter
          2. Higher Resolution: An Investment Worth Making
          3. CMOS Versus CCD
          4. Printed Output Versus Online Output
          5. Give Me Light!
          6. Putting Things Into Focus
          7. More Power to You!
          8. Smarter Still
          9. Zooming In on the Subject
          10. Getting Connected
          11. Buying Your Virtual Film
          12. Having It All!
          13. You Oughta Be in Pictures!
          14. Speak to Me!
          15. Still Versus Video
      3. Your Scanner or Digital Camera and Windows XP
      4. From Digital Camera to . . .
        1. Acquiring Pictures with the Scanner and Camera Wizard
        2. Viewing a Slideshow of the Images on Your Camera
        3. Printing the Images Residing on Your Camera
        4. Opening the Folder to View Files
      5. Scanning Images into Word
      6. Redefining Scanner Defaults
      7. Safely Removing the Hardware from Your Computer
      8. Managing Your Images from the My Pictures Folder
        1. Setting Up the My Pictures Slide Show
        2. Emailing Photos to Friends and Family
        3. Creating a Photo CD
        4. Ordering Photo Prints from the Internet
        5. Publishing Photos to the Web
      9. Viewing Your Virtual Filmstrip
      10. Summary
    5. 15. Making Movies with Windows Movie Maker
      1. Getting Started with Windows Movie Maker
      2. Planning for a Great Video
        1. Keep the Background in the Background
        2. Light Up Your Life
        3. It’s What You Wear That Counts
      3. Presenting Windows Movie Maker
      4. Getting Video for the Movie
      5. Pasting Clips Together
        1. Trimming the Clips
        2. Rearranging the Clips
        3. Adding Cross-Fade Transitions
      6. Saving Your Work
      7. Creating a Soundtrack for Your Movie
        1. Recording a Narrative
        2. Adding Tunes to Your Movie
      8. Summary
    6. 16. Gaming with Windows XP
      1. Grooving on the XPerience
      2. Trying Out XP’s Own
        1. Locating Great Games
      3. Tips for Optimum Game Playing
        1. Identifying Common Problems
        2. Working Through Problems
        3. Playing Older Games
        4. What’s DirectX?
        5. Getting Help with Games
      4. Summary
    7. 17. Sharing Your PC
      1. Knowing the Basics
        1. PC Security and Sharing
      2. Setting Up Users
        1. Create Your Accounts
          1. The Guest Account
        2. Change an Account
          1. Add or Change an Account Password
        3. Change the Way Users Log On or Off
      3. Logging On and Off and Switching User Accounts
      4. Summary
  11. V. Interfacing Windows and Hardware
    1. 18. Exploring Your Hardware Interface
      1. The “Magic” of Plug and Play
      2. Windows Offers Hardware Help
      3. Setting Up a Second PC
      4. Summary
    2. 19. Understanding Printing and Fonts
      1. Introduction to Spooled Printing
      2. Setting Up a Printer
      3. The Print Dialog Box
      4. Managing Print Jobs
      5. Deferred Printing
      6. Fonts Have Style
      7. Fonts and Typefaces
        1. Removing Fonts
      8. Summary
    3. 20. Giving Windows a Tune-Up
      1. Updating Windows
      2. How the Updates Work
      3. Updating Windows Yourself
      4. Transferring Settings from One Computer to Another
      5. What’s in Your System?
      6. What the Heck Are Service Packs?
        1. Another Way of Getting Service Pack 2
        2. Do I Already Have Service Pack 2?
        3. What You Get with Service Pack 2
      7. Summary
  12. VI. Learning How to Network Computers
    1. 21. Understanding the Nature of Networks
      1. What Is a Network?
      2. How Networks Are Put Together
        1. Physical Networking—The Hardware
          1. Physical Layout—What Are the Wires Like?
        2. Network Devices
        3. The Logical Network
      3. The Varieties of Networks
        1. LANs
        2. HANS
        3. WANs
        4. Wireless Networks
      4. How the Internet Relates to Your Network
        1. Understanding Bandwidth
        2. Understanding Different Kinds of Internet Connections
        3. Why Does the Internet Matter for Your Network?
        4. Intranets, Extranets, and the Internet
        5. Networking’s Breakthrough: Packet-Switched Data
      5. Benefits of Networking
        1. Simplified Resource Sharing
          1. Shared Disk Space
          2. Shared Applications
          3. Shared Printers
        2. Networking Is Faster
        3. Centralized Management
      6. Summary
    2. 22. Getting Data from Here to There: How Computers Share Data
      1. A Warning for the Technically Challenged
      2. Logical Topologies
        1. Ethernet
          1. CSMA/CD Explained
          2. Ethernet’s Nuclear Family
        2. Token Ring and FDDI
        3. Asynchronous Transfer Mode
      3. Network Protocols
        1. The OSI Model (And Why You Should Be Familiar with It)
        2. TCP/IP
          1. TCP/IP Defined
          2. IP Addresses
            1. Why IP Address Allocation Is Wasteful
        3. IPX
        4. NetBIOS and NetBEUI
      4. Summary
    3. 23. Mastering Computer and Network Concepts
      1. Computer Hardware
        1. The Motherboard
        2. The Power Supply
        3. The CPU
        4. Memory
        5. Disks
        6. Add-In Adapter Cards
          1. Slot Interfaces
          2. Network Adapter Cards
          3. Video Adapter Cards
          4. Drive Controllers
      2. Client Operating System Software
        1. Multitasking Versus Single-Tasking Systems
      3. What Networks Are Made Of
        1. Network-Specific Hardware
          1. Servers
            1. What Is a Server?
            2. Network Card Speed
            3. Redundancy
          2. Concentrators: Hubs, Switches, and MAUs
            1. Ethernet 10BASE-2
            2. In Search of a Logical Segment: Concentrators and Switches
            3. Device Contention
          3. Premise Wiring: Cabling
            1. Coaxial
            2. Unshielded Twisted-Pair
            3. Optical Fiber
        2. Software: Network Operating Systems
          1. Novell NetWare
          2. Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
          3. Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
          4. Unix
          5. Client/Server Versus Peer Network Configurations: A Quick Guide
            1. Client/Server Networks
            2. Peer Networks
      4. Summary
    4. 24. Networking for Simple Computer Setups
      1. Why You Might Want to Install a Home Network
      2. Installing a Simple Home Network
        1. Installing a Network Adapter in Your PC
          1. Installing TCP/IP on Your PC
          2. Configuring Your TCP/IP Settings
          3. Turning on File and Print Sharing
      3. Sharing Your High-Speed Internet Connection
        1. Connecting a Cable or DSL Modem to Your Network
        2. Internet Connection Sharing
          1. Starting Internet Connection Sharing
        3. What’s a Proxy Anyway?
      4. Network Security Concerns
        1. Connecting a Cable/DSL Firewall Router to Your Network
      5. Summary
    5. 25. Going Wireless
      1. What You Need to Know About Wireless Networking and Wi-Fi
        1. The Wi-Fi Revolution
      2. Wireless Networking Hardware
        1. Wireless Network Adapters
        2. Installing a Conversion Card/Wireless Card Combo
          1. Installing the Internet Network Protocol
      3. Setting Up Windows XP with Your Wireless Network
        1. Setup Automatic Wireless Network Configuration
        2. Connect to an Available Wireless Network
          1. Connecting to a Computer-to-Computer Wireless Network
          2. Connecting to a Wireless Network Through a Wireless Access Point
          3. About Preferred Networks
      4. Wireless Security Concerns
      5. Summary
    6. 26. Personal Security and Privacy on a Network
      1. About Protection and Privacy
      2. Sharing Files and Folders
        1. Sharing Folders
      3. Securing Files and Folders
        1. Assigning Passwords to Files and Folders
      4. Using a Firewall
        1. Configuring Windows XP’s Firewall
      5. About Third-Party Protection
      6. Summary
  13. VII. Going Online with the Internet
    1. 27. Exploring the Internet’s Technology
      1. Understanding the Net (Easy Version)
        1. A Little History Lesson
        2. What It Became
        3. The Internet As the Mother of All Networks
      2. Making the Net Work: Clients and Servers
      3. What Can You Do Through the Net
        1. Browse the Web
        2. Visit Companies, Governments, Museums, Schools . . .
        3. Read the News
        4. Explore Libraries
        5. Read
        6. Get Software and Trade Files
        7. Shop
        8. Watch TV and Listen to CD-Quality Music and Radio Broadcasts
        9. Play Games, Get a College Degree, Waste Time . . .
        10. Exchange Messages
        11. Have a Discussion
      4. Chat
        1. Run Programs on Other Computers
        2. Working on the Net
        3. Setting Up a Website Of Your Own
      5. Summary
    2. 28. Connecting to the Internet
      1. Types of Internet Accounts
        1. Dial-Up Accounts
        2. Broadband
          1. Cable Internet
          2. DSL
          3. Satellite Access
      2. Where Can I Get Dial-Up Access?
        1. Commercial Online Services
          1. America Online (AOL)
          2. CompuServe (CSi)
          3. Microsoft Network (MSN)
        2. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
        3. Free Internet!
        4. Finding a Local ISP
      3. How Do I Choose a Dial-Up Internet Plan?
      4. Getting Connected
        1. Number, Username, and Password
        2. Using Supplied Software
        3. Why Use a Signup Program?
        4. Running a Typical Signup Program
      5. Using the Connection Wizard on Your Own
        1. Running the Connection Wizard
        2. Connecting at Last
      6. Summary
    3. 29. Browsing Basics
      1. About Your “Home Page”
      2. Understanding Web Page Addresses
        1. Anatomy of a Web Address
      3. Going Straight to Any Web Address
        1. Entering and Editing URLs
      4. Basic Jumping Around
        1. Finding and Using Links
        2. Using Navigation Buttons: Back, Forward, Home, and Stop
          1. Practicing with Links and Buttons
      5. Fussing with Frames
      6. Summary
  14. VIII. Communicating with the World
    1. 30. Using Email
      1. Types of Email Programs
      2. Understanding Email Addresses
      3. Setting Up Your Email Program
        1. Configuring Email
      4. Getting Around in Your Email Program
        1. Choosing a Folder
        2. Displaying a Message
      5. Composing and Sending a Message
        1. Writing Your Message
          1. Composing a New Message in Outlook Express
      6. Composing a New Message in Netscape Messenger
        1. Sending a Message
      7. Receiving Messages
      8. Replying and Forwarding
      9. Using an Address Book
        1. Adding to Your Address Book
        2. Addressing a Message from the Address Book
      10. Attaching Files to Email Messages
        1. Attaching a File to an Email Message
      11. Receiving Email with Attachments
        1. Attachment Method 1 (No Security)
        2. Attachment Method 2 (Some Security)
        3. Attachment Method 3 (Best Security)
      12. Using the Web for Email
      13. Summary
    2. 31. Chatting and Instant Messaging
      1. Understanding Internet Chatting
      2. Chatting Through Your Browser
        1. Finding Sites with Chat Rooms
        2. Chatting at Yahoo!
        3. The Chat Window
      3. Chatting on AOL
        1. Using the People Connection
        2. Moving to Another Room
      4. Using a Chat Client
      5. Joining a Chat Room
        1. Choosing an Identity
        2. Entering a Room
      6. What Is Instant Messaging?
        1. AOL Instant Messenger
        2. ICQ
        3. MSN/Windows Messenger
        4. Yahoo!
        5. Trillian
      7. What Else Messaging Lets You Do
      8. Summary
    3. 32. Participating in Newsgroups, Web Message Boards, and Blogs
      1. Getting Started with Newsgroups
        1. Configuring Your Newsreader
        2. Downloading the Newsgroups List
        3. Finding and Subscribing to Newsgroups
      2. Reading Newsgroup Messages
      3. Composing and Replying to Messages
      4. Web-based Message Boards
      5. Finding Weblogs, Also Known As Blogs
      6. Summary
  15. IX. Getting the Most Out of the Internet
    1. 33. Searching for Information
      1. What’s a Search Site?
      2. Can I Really Search the Whole Web?
      3. Where Are the Major Search Sites?
      4. Simple Searching by Clicking Categories
        1. Why Use Categories Instead of a Search Term?
        2. Using a Directory
      5. Understanding Searches
      6. Phrasing a Simple Search
      7. Phrasing a Serious Search
        1. Using Multiple Words in a Search Term
        2. Using Operators to Control Searches
        3. Conducting a Super Search
      8. About Site Searches
      9. Summary
    2. 34. Downloading Programs and Files
      1. What’s Downloading, Anyhow?
        1. Click a Link, Get a File
        2. How Long Does Downloading Take?
      2. Choosing Files You Can Use
        1. The Two File Types: Program and Data
        2. Common Data File Types on the Net
      3. Finding Sites That Help You Find Files
        1. All-Purpose Shareware Sites
        2. Commercial Software Sites
      4. Working with Zip Files
      5. Watching Out for Viruses
      6. Downloading Files in AOL
      7. Summary
    3. 35. Finding People
      1. Finding the People-Finding Sites
        1. Finding Yourself in Yahoo!’s People Search
      2. Using People-Finders Through Your Email Program
      3. Finding People in America Online
      4. Other Folk-Finding Tips
        1. Try an Advanced Search
        2. Use a Company or School Directory
        3. Try Name Variations
        4. Use Old Communications to Start the New Ones
      5. Summary
    4. 36. Protecting Your Family’s Online Experience
      1. Choosing a Family Starting Point
      2. Important Family Safety Steps
        1. Supervise!
        2. Don’t Defeat Passwords
        3. Be Extra Careful with Broadband
        4. Resist Chat
      3. Resources for Parents
      4. Censoring Web Content
        1. Getting a Safe-Surfing Program
        2. Using Internet Explorer’s Built-In Content Advisor
          1. Understanding Content Advisor
      5. Enabling and Configuring Content Advisor
      6. Using AOL’s Parental Controls
      7. Summary
    5. 37. Buying and Selling on the Internet
      1. Shopping ’Til You Drop
        1. Using Accounts and Shopping Baskets
        2. Buying Stocks and Such
        3. Investment Starting Points
          1. For Financial Information and Advice
          2. For Making Investments
      2. Finding All the Sites Online That Sell What You Want
      3. Buying and Selling Through Online Auctions
        1. How Online Auction Houses Work
        2. Bidding Tips
        3. Selling Tips
        4. Using a Payment Service
      4. Summary
  16. X. Diagnosing Problems and Planning Upgrades
    1. 38. Deciding to Upgrade
      1. When to Consider Upgrading Your PC
      2. What Components in My PC Are Upgradeable?
      3. Upgrading Your Memory (RAM)
      4. Upgrading Your CPU
      5. Upgrading Your Hard Disk Drive
      6. Upgrading Your Video System
      7. Upgrading Other PC Components
      8. Precautions to Take
        1. Shut Down, Turn Off, Unplug
        2. Watch Yourself
        3. Ground Yourself
        4. Read the Fine Manual (RTFM)
      9. Tools You’ll Need
      10. Summary
    2. 39. Understanding System Components
      1. Eliminating Potential Hazards
      2. Differentiating Between Desktop and Tower PCs
      3. Identifying Your PC’s External Connectors
      4. Identifying the Parts Inside Your PC
        1. Identifying the Motherboard
        2. Identifying the CPU
        3. Can’t See the CPU? Here’s Why
          1. Keeping the CPU Cool
        4. Identifying Memory (RAM)
        5. Identifying Disk Drives
        6. Identifying Add-in Adapters
        7. Identifying the PC Power Supply
      5. What You Need to Know About Integrated Motherboards
        1. What Does Integrated Motherboard Mean?
          1. Why Convenience Limits You
          2. Replacing Parts on an Integrated Motherboard
      6. Summary
  17. XI. Upgrading Your PC and Its Components
    1. 40. Upgrading Your PC Motherboard, BIOS, CPU, and Memory
      1. Getting Smart About the Process
      2. Motherboards
        1. Considerations in Upgrading or Replacing a Motherboard
        2. Basics of Removing and Installing a Motherboard
        3. Installing a New Motherboard in Your PC
        4. Troubleshooting
      3. The BIOS (Also Known As Motherboard’s Brain)
        1. Determining If You Need to Upgrade Your BIOS
          1. Establishing the Type of BIOS You Have
        2. Different Methods for Upgrading Your BIOS
          1. Installing Upgrade BIOS Chips
          2. Upgrading Flash BIOS
      4. CPUs
        1. Considerations in Upgrading or Replacing a CPU
        2. Basics of Removing and Installing a CPU
        3. Troubleshooting
      5. Memory
        1. About Memory
        2. Different Types of Memory
        3. Identifying Your Memory
        4. Basics of Removing and Adding Memory
        5. Troubleshooting
      6. Summary
    2. 41. Upgrading Your PC’s Case and Power Supply
      1. Deciding to Upgrade Your Case and Power Supply
      2. What to Look for When Shopping for a New Case
      3. Upgrading Your Case
      4. Where You Can Purchase a New Case
      5. Power Supplies
      6. Summary
    3. 42. Replacing, Upgrading, or Adding a Drive
      1. Drive Types by Format
      2. Drive Connection Types: IDE Versus SCSI Versus Removable
      3. Making Decisions About Getting a New Hard Drive
      4. Is Your Upgrade an Addition or a Replacement?
      5. IDE Versus SCSI for Hard Drive Choice
      6. Installing an IDE Drive in Your PC
        1. Replacing a Drive
        2. Adding a Second Drive to the Same IDE Controller
      7. Installing a SCSI Drive in Your PC
        1. Adding a Second SCSI Drive
      8. Installing a Removable Drive
      9. Preparing Your Hard Drives for Software
        1. About Windows XP and Installing a New Hard Drive
        2. About Drive Partitioning
        3. Formatting Your Drive
        4. Installing an Operating System on Your PC
      10. Tips on Improving Your Hard Disk Performance
        1. Defrag Your Hard Disk Regularly
        2. Delete Unneeded Files
      11. Summary
    4. 43. Adding Adapters
      1. Features and Types of Adapters
      2. Basics of Adding an Adapter
        1. With Replacements, Start By Removing Driver Support
        2. Disabling an Integrated Component
        3. Removing and Installing
          1. Replacing a Video Adapter
        4. Checking Device Manager
          1. Troubleshooting
          2. Updating Your Driver
      3. Summary
    5. 44. Upgrading Your Keyboard, Mouse, and Other Input Devices
      1. Is Anything Wrong with My Keyboard or Mouse?
      2. Fixing a Keyboard?
      3. Mice and Other Pointing Devices
      4. Tips on Cleaning Your Input Devices
      5. Cleaning Your Keyboard
      6. Cleaning Your Mouse
      7. Summary
    6. 45. Upgrading Your Monitor
      1. Different Types Available
      2. Matching Your Monitor to Your Video Adapter
      3. Why an Upgrade to a Bigger Monitor Might Be Best
      4. Selecting Your New Monitor
      5. Removing and Installing a Monitor
      6. Summary
    7. 46. Selecting and Installing a Printer
      1. Understanding the Types of Printers
      2. How to Select a Printer
        1. Comparing Various Printer Models
        2. Print Speed
        3. Print Quality
        4. Color Versus Monochrome
      3. Installing a Printer to Work with Your PC
      4. Connecting the Hardware
        1. Installing Your Printer Driver
      5. Installing a Second Printer to Work with Your PC
        1. Method One: Switching the Cable
        2. Method Two: Installing a Second Parallel Port
        3. Method Three: Installing an A/B Switch
        4. Method Four: Using Both Parallel and USB Ports
      6. About Scanners
      7. Summary
    8. 47. Purchasing PC Components on the Internet
      1. Purchasing Over the Internet
      2. Locating Companies
      3. Internet Security
      4. Tips on Buying PC Components
      5. Online Auctions
      6. Summary

Product information

  • Title: Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP All in One, Second Edition
  • Author(s): Greg Perry
  • Release date: December 2004
  • Publisher(s): Sams
  • ISBN: 9780768683578