Windows XP Power Hound

Chapter 6. The Internet

For many people, getting online is the main reason to have a computer these days. And in Windows XP, you surfers have a partner: The Internet has become so integrated with the operating system that it's often hard to tell where one begins and the other one ends.

This chapter gives you the skinny on the Internet and XP, with hints teaching you how to surf faster, keep yourself safe online, kill ubiquitous pop-up ads, and use instant messenger programs.

Note

Don't see what you're looking for here? Chapter 7 covers Web browsers, Chapter 8 gives you email tips, and Chapter 9 goes into detail on networking and WiFi.

Internet Speed Tricks

If you're like most folks, when you log on to the Internet, you're only interested in three speeds: fast, faster, and fastest. This section explains how to rev up even the slowest connection.

Faster Surfing I

Pictures are often worth a thousand seconds—or more. Many Web sites are full of logos, obnoxious banner ads, and other annoying graphics. You can surf faster by turning off the picture display—a particular boon to dial-uppers.

To tell Internet Explorer not to display graphics, choose Tools → Internet Options → Advanced. Scroll down to the Multimedia section, and turn off "Show pictures." An X now appears in place of each graphic you encounter while surfing. If you change your mind and want to display graphics again, simply return to this dialog box, and turn on "Show pictures."

ADD-IN ALERT: Managing Dial-Up Internet Access ...