Windows XP for Dummies

_______________Introduction

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Watch out! This signpost warns you that pointless technical informa- tion is coming around the bend. Swerve away from this icon, and you’ll be safe from the awful technical drivel. This icon alerts you about juicy information that makes computing eas- ier: A tried and true method for keeping the cat from sleeping on top of the monitor, for instance. Don’t forget to remember these important points. (Or at least dog-ear the pages so that you can look them up again a few days later.) The computer won’t explode while you’re performing the delicate oper- ations associated with this icon. Still, wearing gloves and proceeding with caution is a good idea when this icon is near. Already familiar with Windows Me, Windows 98, or another version of Windows. This icon marks information that can ease your transition from old to new.

Where to Go from Here

Now, you’re ready for action. Give the pages a quick .ip and maybe scan through a few sections that you know you’ll need later. Please remember, this is your book—your weapon against the computer crimi- nals who’ve in.icted this whole complicated computer concept on you.

Some PCs may vary

If Windows XP came already installed on your PC, be forewarned: PC manufacturers love to customize their PCs’ versions of Windows. Some t oss in oodles of extra software; some simply t oss an America Online icon onto the desktop. Still other manufacturers strip Windows XP of some of its programs. If you think your version of Windows XP lacks some features, check out Chapter 15. It describes what to do if somebody else’s version of Windows has more fun stuff than your own.