Product Description

Computers were supposed to save us time, but Windows XP users know how often the opposite seems to be true. What if you could get a list of shortcuts that would save you time every single day? Windows XP Timesaving Techniques For Dummies, 2nd Edition includes 70 of them, great tips and tricks that make Windows work faster, more reliably, and more like the way you work.

Collected and tested by Windows guru Woody Leonhard, these timesavers are organized into groups of related tasks so you can quickly find the ones that will help you at any given time. You can set up your desktop and launch your programs in the way that makes sense for you, take back control of the Internet and e-mail, manage your music and visual media, and protect your system in a few simple steps. You’ll find no-nonsense advice on

• Eliminating irritating programs that start automatically
• Speeding up the restart or shutdown process
• Streamlining searches, the Start menu, and Outlook Express
• Strengthening your firewall and zapping scumware
• Adjusting your monitor to reduce eyestrain
• Reducing download time for photos
• Enhancing the performance of your network
• Making online shopping faster as well as safer
• Scheduling maintenance chores to run while you sleep

From the most basic to somewhat advanced tricks designed for power users, this grocery list of timesavers has something for every Windows XP user— including you!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #102541 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 590 pages

From the Back Cover
Improve security, find files faster, and post pictures online

Over 70 techniques that help you save time by:

• Customizing the desktop and Start menu
• Speeding the restart or shutdown process
• Preventing automatic program launches
• Streamlining Outlook® Express
• Strengthening your Windows XP firewall
• Decreasing download time for pictures
• Zapping spyware, adware, and unwanted cookies

About the Author
Woody Leonhard: Curmudgeon, critic, and perennial “Windows Victim,” Woody Leonhard runs a fiercely independent Web site devoted to delivering the truth about Windows and Office, whether Microsoft likes it or not. With up-to-the-nanosecond news, observations, tips and help, AskWoody.com has become the premiere source of unbiased information for people who actually use the products.
In the past decade, Woody has written more than two dozen books, drawing an unprecedented six Computer Press Association awards and two American Business Press awards. Woody was one of the first Microsoft Consulting Partners and is a charter member of the Microsoft Solutions Provider organization. He’s widely quoted — and reviled — on the Redmond campus.

Justin Leonhard: Lives with his dad in Phuket, Thailand. Justin contributed to Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. He frequently helps Woody with various writing projects and keeps the office network going. Justin is an accomplished scuba diver, budding novelist, and the best video game player for miles. He was admitted to Mensa International at the age of 14.

Customer Reviews

Very Helpful Things to Make Life Easier
The machine I'm using to write this review is the slowest machine to shut down that I've ever seen. When I was first flipping through this book, I saw Technique 6: Shut Down, Restart, and Switch Users Quickly. It turns out that there is an undocumented feature built into XP called shutdown. The book says that the machine will shut down in half the time. I found that it shuts down much faster than that.

It's clear that this fellow knows an awful lot about windows that I didn't know. I suspect no one is going to use all the techniques that he describes, but some of them are really helpful. His discussion of SPAM, for instance, is excellent.

Unlike most of the For Dummies books, this one isn't for the absolute beginner. While his techniques are not difficult, they do presume that you have just a bit more knowledge than trying to find the on switch. This is a very helpful book.

WINDOWS XP TIMESAVING TECHNIQUES
BOUGHT THIS BOOK TO COMPLIMENT THE OTHER BOOKS I HAD. TO SHOWS WAYS TO CUT DOWN THE TIME IT TAKES YOU TO PROCESS ALL THE GARBAGE YOU HAVE RUNNING AROUND IN YOUR BOX. THE TIPS ARE EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND GIVE YOU THE DIRECTION YOU NEED TO KEEP THINGS RUNNING.

An excellent resource and help
I found this book to be very helpful in getting my computer set up to run faster and safer. I enjoyed Woody's humor throughout, as I'm not a "technogeek", and the humor helped to lighten the instructions and echoed a lot of my sentiments when encountering messages or other steps in a process of Windows. I would recommend this book to anyone for its insightful and relevant tips. I bought a copy and sent it to my son to have on hand for his computers.