Windows XP for Dummies

Introduction

elcome to Windows XP For Dummies! This book boils down to this simple fact: Some people want to be Win- dows wizards. They love interacting with dialog boxes. While sitting in front of their computers, they randomly press keys on their keyboards, hoping to stumble onto a hidden, undocumented feature. They memo- rize long strings of computer commands while washing their hair. Some don’t even wash their hair. And you. Well, you’re no dummy, that’s for sure. In fact, you’re much more developed than most computer nerds. You can make casual con- versation with a neighbor without mumbling about ordering pizzas over the Internet, for example. But when it comes to Windows and comput- ers, the fascination just isn’t there. You just want to get your work done, stop, and relax for a while. You have no intention of changing, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s where this book comes in handy. It won’t try to turn you into a Windows wizard, but you’ll pick up a few chunks of useful computing information while reading it. Instead of becoming a Windows XP expert, you’ll know just enough to get by quickly, cleanly, and with a minimum of pain so that you can move on to the more pleasant things in life.

About This Book

Don’t try to read this book in one sitting; there’s no need. Instead, treat this book like a dictionary or an encyclopedia. Turn to the page with the information you need and say, “Ah, so that’s what they’re talking about." Then put down the book and move on. Don’t bother trying to remember all the Windows XP buzzwords, such as “Select the menu item from the drop-down list box." Leave that stuff for the computer gurus. In fact, if anything technical comes up in a chapter, a road sign warns you well in advance. That way, you can either slow down to read it or speed on around it.

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