Full Description
Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition documents everything there is to know about the world's most widely used operating system. Updated to include information on Service Pack 2 (SP2), this compact guide is the ultimate resource for IT professionals and Windows XP power users everywhere. Written in O'Reilly's time-tested in a Nutshell format, Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition cuts through the hype and delivers practical details in a no-nonsense manner. At the heart of the book is an invaluable 200-plus-page section titled Windows XP Application and Tools. In it, readers will find:
A list of available commands and utilities, including Start Menu accessories, command prompt tools, and hidden system administration utilities
A Task and Setting Index for quick access to hundreds of XP settings
A complete reference to XP's command prompt, including advanced commands and scripting features
Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition also includes a primer on files, folders, and windows; control panels and built-in applications; how to set up a PC for Internet use; and the standard Windows rituals of troubleshooting, installation, and upgrading.
And, of course, this greatly expanded second edition also includes all the need-to-know details about the security technologies featured in SP 2, so you can better defend yourself against viruses, worms, and hackers. Readers even receive guidelines and instructions for installing SP2 on their PC, or across a network of computers.
With its wealth of tips, careful instruction, and expert advice, this must-have desktop reference is dedicated to making your time at the computer safer, easier, and more fun.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Preface
I. The Big Picture
1. The Lay of the Land
The Big Picture
What's New in Windows XP
Windows XP Home and Professional Editions
Windows Update
Windows Service Packs
2. Using Windows XP
The Desktop
Point-and-Click Operations
Starting Up Applications
Styles and Consequences of Styles
Windows and Menus
Keyboard Accelerators
Common Controls
Files, Folders, and Disks
The Command Line
Online Help
Shutting Down
II. Alphabetical Reference
3. The User Interface
4. Windows XP Applications and Tools
Using the Command Prompt
Alphabetical Reference to Windows Components
5. Task and Setting Index
6. The Command Prompt
Using the Command Line
Command Prompt Choices
Wildcards, Pipes, and Redirection
Alphabetical Reference to DOS Commands
MS-DOS Batch Files
III. Advanced Topics
7. Networking
Networking Terminology
General Procedures
8. The Registry
What's in the Registry
Adding and Deleting Registry Keys and Values
Organization of the Registry
Hives
Backing Up the Registry
Exporting and Importing Registry Data with Patches
Ten Cool Things You Can Do in Your Registry
9. The Windows Script Host
What Is WSH?
Additional Resources
Executing Scripts
Creating a Script
VBScript
Object Model
Wscript Object
Shell Object
Registry Routines
Shortcuts
Popup
Network Object
Network Printer-Related Functions
FileSystem Object
TextStream Object
Object Browser
Database Example
Messaging
IV. Appendixes
A. Installing Windows XP
B. Migrating to Windows XP
C. Keyboard Shortcuts
D. Power Toys and TweakUI
E. Keyboard Equivalents for Symbols and International Characters
F. Common Filename Extensions
G. Services
H. Service Packs
Index
