Windows XP For Dummies E-Book

Andy Rathbone

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Seitenzahl: 537

Beschreibung

Windows is the world's most popular operating system, and Windows For Dummies is the bestselling computer book ever. When you look at Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition, it's easy to see why. Here's all the stuff you want to know, served up in plain English and seasoned with a few chuckles. But make no mistake, this book means business. Author Andy Rathbone listened to what you wanted to know, and this edition is loaded with additional information about * E-mail, faxing, and troubleshooting * Maximizing security features * Customizing and upgrading Windows XP * Multimedia applications--CDs, digital music and photos, video, and more * Answers to questions asked by thousands of Windows users If you're just getting started with Windows XP, you'll find Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition is a lot easier than trying to get the fourth-grader next door to explain it to you. (Andy Rathbone is a lot more patient.) There's a whole section devoted to "Windows XP Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know," so you can get the hang of the basics quickly and in the privacy of your own home. And if you've been around a couple of generations of Windows, you'll be especially interested in how to squeeze maximum security from the beefed-up anti-spam and firewall features in Service Pack 2. Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition is sort of like a buffet--you can sample everything, or just stick with the stuff you know you like. You'll find out how to * Locate programs and files, organize your information, and fax, scan, or print documents * Get online safely, send and receive e-mail, work with Internet Explorer's security toolbar, and steer clear of pop-ups, viruses, and spam * Make Windows XP work the way you want it to, share your computer while maintaining your privacy, set up a network, and perform routine maintenance * Transfer and organize pictures from your digital camera, edit digital video, and create custom CDs of your favorite tunes * Use Windows XP's troubleshooting wizards and become your own computer doctor With its task-oriented table of contents and tear-out cheat sheet, Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition is easy to use. You can quickly find what you want to know, and you just may discover that this book is as important to your computer as the power cord.

Leseprobe

Windows® XP For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

by Andy Rathbone

Windows® XP For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2004 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2004107902

ISBN: 978-0-7645-7326-2

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6

2B/TR/RR/QY/IN

About the Author

Andy Rathbone started geeking around with computers in 1985 when he bought a 26-pound portable CP/M Kaypro 2X. Like other budding nerds, he soon began playing with null-modem adapters, dialing up computer bulletin boards, and working part-time at Radio Shack.

When not playing computer games, he served as editor of the Daily Aztec newspaper at San Diego State University. Armed with a comparative literature degree, he began writing features for magazines and local newspapers.

He eventually combined his interests in words and computers, and sold articles to a local computer magazine. During the next few years, he started ghostwriting computer books for more-famous computer authors, as well as writing several hundred articles about computers for various techie publications.

In 1992, Andy and DOS For Dummies author/legend Dan Gookin teamed up to write PCs For Dummies. Andy subsequently wrote the award-winning Windows For Dummies series, Upgrading & Fixing PCs For Dummies, TiVo For Dummies, and many other For Dummies books.

Today, he has more than 15 million copies of his books in print, which have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Andy lives with his most-excellent wife, Tina, and their cat in Southern California. Feel free to drop by his Web site at www.andyrathbone.com.

Dedication

To my wife, parents, sister, and cat.

Author’s Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Dan Gookin, Matt Wagner, Tina Rathbone, Steve Hayes, Becky Huehls, and Kim Darosett. Thanks also to all the folks I never meet in editorial, sales, marketing, proofreading, layout, graphics, and manufacturing who work hard to bring you this book.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development

Project Editor: Rebecca Huehls

Senior Acquisitions Editor: Steve Hayes

Senior Copy Editor: Kim Darosett

Technical Editor: Lee Musick

Editorial Manager: Leah Cameron

Media Development Manager: Laura VanWinkle

Media Development Supervisor: Richard Graves

Editorial Assistant: Amanda Foxworth

Cartoons: Rich Tennant, www.the5thwave.com

Composition

Senior Project Coordinator: Nancee Reeves

Layout and Graphics: Lauren Goddard, Denny Hager, Joyce Haughey, Barry Offringa, Jacque Roth, Heather Ryan

Proofreaders: John Greenough, Brian H. Walls

Indexer: TECHBOOKS Production Services

Publishing and Editorial for Technology Dummies

Richard Swadley, Vice President and Executive Group Publisher

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher

Mary Bednarek, Executive Acquisitions Director

Mary C. Corder, Editorial Director

Publishing for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher

Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Contents

Title

Introduction

About This Book

How to Use This Book

And What about You?

How This Book Is Organized

Icons Used in This Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I : Windows XP Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know

Chapter 1: What Is Windows XP?

What Is Windows and Why Are You Using It?

Windows XP’s Luggage: Service Packs

Chapter 2: The Desktop, Start Menu, and Other Windows XP Mysteries

Being Welcomed to the World of Windows XP

The Desktop

The Start Button’s Reason to Live

Bellying Up to the Taskbar

Logging Off from Windows

Chapter 3: Basic Windows Mechanics

Dissecting a Typical Window

Filling Out Bothersome Dialog Boxes

Maneuvering Windows around the Desktop

Chapter 4: Flipping Through Files, Folders, Floppies, and CDs

Browsing My Computer’s File Cabinets

Getting the Lowdown on Folders

Peering into Your Drives and Folders

Creating a New Folder

Renaming a File or Folder

Selecting Bunches of Files or Folders

Getting Rid of a File or Folder

Copying or Moving Files and Folders

Seeing More Information about Files and Folders

What’s That Windows Explorer Thing?

Writing to CDs and DVDs

Floppy Disks and Memory Cards

Part II : Working with Programs and Files

Chapter 5: Playing with Programs and Documents

Starting a Program

Opening a Document

Saving a Document

Choosing Which Program Opens a File

Taking the Lazy Way with a Shortcut

The Absolutely Essential Guide to Cutting, Copying, and Pasting

Windows XP’s Free Programs!

Chapter 6: I Can’t Find It!

Finding Lost Windows on the Desktop

Finding Lost Files, Folders, Music, Photos, Videos, People, or Computers

Chapter 7: Printing, Faxing, and Scanning

Printing Your Masterwork

Sending and Receiving Faxes in Windows XP

Scanning a Photo, Letter, Receipt, or Clothing Stain

Part III : Getting Things Done on the Internet

Chapter 8: Cruising the Web

What Is the Internet?

What’s an ISP and Why Do I Need One?

Setting Up Internet Explorer the First Time

How Do I Navigate the Web with Microsoft Internet Explorer?

The Web Page Says It Needs a Weird Plug-In Thing!

Saving Information from the Internet

It Doesn’t Work!

The Pages Won’t All Fit on My Screen!

Chapter 9: Sending Mail and Instant Messages

Using Outlook Express

Bugging Friends with Windows Messenger

Chapter 10: Safe Computing

Assessing Your Safety in XP’s Security Center

Staying Safe on the Internet

Maintaining Your Privacy in Windows XP

Part IV : Customizing and Upgrading Windows XP

Chapter 11: Customizing Windows XP with the Control Panel

Finding the Right Switch in the Control Panel

Changing Windows’ Appearance and Themes

Changing Network and Internet Connections

Adding or Removing Programs

Adjusting Windows XP’s Sounds

Performance and Maintenance

Adding Printers and Other Hardware

Fiddling with User Accounts

Setting the Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options

Accessibility Options

Security Center

Icons to Avoid

Chapter 12: Keeping Windows from Breaking

Creating a Restore Point

Tuning Up Windows XP with Built-In Maintenance Tools

Fiddling with Drivers

Cleaning Your Computer

Chapter 13: Sharing One Computer with Several People

Understanding User Accounts

Setting Up or Changing User Accounts

Switching Quickly between Users

Changing a User Account’s Picture

Setting Up Passwords and Security

Chapter 14: Connecting Two or More Computers with a Network

Understanding a Network’s Parts

Setting Up a Small Network

Setting Up a Wireless Connection

Troubleshooting a Network

Sharing and Accessing Your Computer’s Files and Folders

Sharing a Printer on the Network

Part V : Music, Movies, Memories (And Photos, Too)

Chapter 15: Playing and Copying Music in Media Player

Stocking Media Player’s Library

Understanding Media Player’s Controls

Playing CDs

Playing DVDs

Playing Videos and TV Shows

Playing Music Files (MP3s and WMAs)

Playing Internet Radio Stations

Creating, Saving, and Editing Playlists

Copying CDs to Your Hard Disk

Duplicating Music CDs

Copying Songs to Your Portable Player

Buying Music and Movies from Online Stores

Uh, My Media Player Looks Different!

Chapter 16: Fiddling with Photos and Movies

Using Your Computer as a Digital Shoebox

Creating, Editing, and Viewing Digital Movies

Part VI : Help!

Chapter 17: The Case of the Broken Window

My New Computer Keeps Getting Shut Down!

Restoring Calm with System Restore

My Mouse Doesn’t Work Right

My Double-Clicks Are Now Single Clicks!

Making and Using a Password Reset Disk

Making Older Programs Run under Windows XP

It Says I Need to Be an Administrator!

I’m Stuck in Menu Land

All My Desktop Icons Vanished

My Computer Is Frozen Up Solid

The Printer Isn’t Working Right

Chapter 18: Strange Messages: What You Did Does Not Compute

Access Is Denied

Allow This Page to Install ActiveX Controls

AutoComplete

Click Here to Activate Now

Did You Notice the Information Bar?

Do You Want to Run This File?

Error Renaming File or Folder

Found New Hardware

Language Pack Installation

Hiding Your Inactive Notification Icons

If You Remove This File, You Will No Longer Be Able to Run This Program

New Fax Received

New Programs Installed

New Updates Are Ready to Install

The Publisher Could Not Be Verified

There Are Unused Icons on Your Desktop

To Help Protect Your Computer, Windows Firewall Has Blocked This Program . . .

When You Send Information to the Internet . . .

Windows Cannot Open This File

You Have Files Waiting to Be Written to the CD

Chapter 19: Moving from an Old Computer to a New One

Using the File and Settings Transfer Wizard

My New Computer Won’t Open My Old Computer’s Files!

Disposing of the Old Computer

Chapter 20: Help on the Windows XP Help System

Get Me Some Help, and Fast!

Consulting a Program’s Built-In Computer Guru

Using the Windows Help and Support Center

Part VII : The Part of Tens

Chapter 21: Ten Aggravating Things about Windows XP (And How to Fix Them)

Windows Makes Me Log On All the Time!

Turning Down (Or Up) the Volume

The Taskbar Keeps Disappearing!

My Bar Full of Buttons Just Fell Off!

Keeping Track of Open Windows

Lining Up Two Windows on the Screen

It Won’t Let Me Do Something Unless I’m an Administrator!

My Folders List the Wrong Task Panes!

What Version of Windows Do I Have?

My Print Screen Key Doesn’t Work

Chapter 22: Ten Things to Remember about Windows XP

When in Doubt, Right-Click

Create Restore Points

Make Windows Update Automatic

Show the Quick Launch Toolbar

Add Your Favorite Goodies to the Quick Launch Toolbar

Use the Show Desktop Icon

Use BCC When Forwarding E-Mails

Add Your Own User Account Picture

Share Files with Other User Accounts

Make Windows Open to the Size You Want

Lock Your PC before Leaving

Chapter 23: Ten Things to Look Forward to in the Next Version of Windows

Appendix A: Upgrading to Windows XP

Upgrading to Windows XP

Installing the Windows XP Upgrade

Introduction

W elcome to the second edition of Windows XP For Dummies, the world’s best-selling book about Windows XP! I’ve expanded the book to explain all the recent patches, tweaks, fixes, and frustrations that Microsoft has added to Windows XP.

This book’s popularity probably boils down to this simple fact: Some people want to be Windows whizzes. They love interacting with dialog boxes. Some randomly press keys in the hope of discovering hidden, undocumented features. A few memorize long strings of computer commands while washing their hair.

And you? Well, you’re no dummy, that’s for sure. But when it comes to Windows and computers, the fascination just isn’t there. You want to get your work done, stop, and move on to something more important. You have no intention of changing, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

That’s where this book comes in handy. Instead of making you a whiz at Windows, it merely dishes out chunks of useful computing information when you need them. 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 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 memorize all the Windows XP jargon, such as “Select the menu item from the drop-down list box.” Leave that stuff for the computer enthusiasts. In fact, if anything technical comes up in a chapter, a road sign warns you well in advance. Depending on your mood, you can either slow down to read it or speed on around it.

Instead of fancy computer jargon, this book covers subjects like these, all discussed in plain English:

Keeping your computer safe and secure

Finding, starting, and closing programs

Locating the file you saved or downloaded yesterday

Setting up a computer for the whole family to use

Copying information to and from a CD

Working with your digital camera’s photos

Scanning and printing your work

Fixing Windows XP when it’s misbehaving

There’s nothing to memorize and nothing to learn. Just turn to the right page, read the brief explanation, and get back to work. Unlike other books, this one enables you to bypass the technical hoopla and still get your work done.

How to Use This Book

Something in Windows XP will eventually leave you scratching your head. No other program brings so many buttons, bars, and babble to the screen. When something in Windows XP has you stumped, use this book as a reference. Look for the troublesome topic in this book’s table of contents or index. The table of contents lists chapter and section titles and page numbers. The index lists topics and page numbers. Page through the table of contents or index to the spot that deals with that particular bit of computer obscurity, read only what you have to, close the book, and apply what you’ve read.

If you’re feeling spunky and want to learn something, read a little further. You can find a few completely voluntary extra details or some cross-references to check out. There’s no pressure, though. You won’t be forced to learn anything that you don’t want to or that you simply don’t have time for.

If you have to type something into the computer, you’ll see easy-to-follow bold text like this:

Type Media Player in the Search box.

In the preceding example, you type the words Media Player and then press the keyboard’s Enter key. Typing words into a computer can be confusing, so a description of what you’re supposed to type usually follows.

Whenever I describe a message or information that you see on-screen or a cryptic Web address, I present it this way:

www.vw.com

This book doesn’t wimp out by saying, “For further information, consult your manual.” Windows XP doesn’t even come with a manual. You won’t find information about running specific Windows software packages, such as Microsoft Office. Windows XP is complicated enough on its own! Luckily, other For Dummies books mercifully explain most popular software packages.

Don’t feel abandoned, though. This book covers Windows in plenty of detail for you to get the job done. Plus, if you have questions or comments about Windows XP For Dummies, feel free to drop me a line on my Web site at www.andyrathbone.com.

Finally, keep in mind that this book is a reference. It’s not designed to teach you how to use Windows XP like an expert, heaven forbid. Instead, this book dishes out enough bite-sized chunks of information so that you don’t have to learn Windows.

And What about You?

Chances are you already own Windows XP or are thinking about upgrading. You know what you want to do with your computer. The problem lies in making the computer do what you want it to do. You’ve gotten by one way or another, hopefully with the help of a computer guru — either a friend at the office, somebody down the street, or your fourth-grader.

But if your computer guru isn’t around, this book can be a substitute during your times of need. (Keep a doughnut or Pokémon card nearby in case you need a quick bribe.)

How This Book Is Organized

The information in this book has been well sifted. This newly expanded book contains seven parts, and I divided each part into chapters relating to the part’s theme. With an even finer knife, I divided each chapter into short sections to help you figure out a bit of Windows XP’s weirdness. Sometimes, you may find what you’re looking for in a small, boxed sidebar. Other times, you may need to cruise through an entire section or chapter. It’s up to you and the particular task at hand.

Here are the categories (the envelope, please):

Part I: Windows XP Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know

This part dissects Windows XP’s backbone: Its annoying Welcome screen and user name buttons, the mammoth Start button menu that hides all your important stuff, and your computer’s desktop — the background where all your programs live. It explains how to move windows around, for instance, and click the right buttons at the right time. It explains the Windows XP stuff that everybody thinks that you already know.

Part II: Working with Programs and Files

Windows XP comes with bunches of free programs. Finding and starting the programs, however, often proves to be a chore. This part of the book shows how to prod programs into action. If an important file or program has vanished from the radar, you discover how to make Windows XP dredge your computer’s crowded cupboards and bring it back.

Also, by popular demand, a new chapter explains how to fax, scan, and print your important information.

Part III: Getting Things Done on the Internet

Turn here for a crash course in today’s computing playground, the Internet. This part explains how to send e-mail and globetrot across Web sites. Best yet, an entire chapter explains how to do it all safely, without viruses and annoying pop-up ads. (And with the newly strengthened firewall.)

An entire section explains Internet Explorer’s new security toolbar and how it stops Web parasites from attaching themselves to your board as you Web surf.

Part IV: Customizing and Upgrading Windows XP

When Windows XP needs a jolt, fix it by flipping one of the switches hidden in its Control Panel, described here. Another chapter explains computer maintenance you can easily perform yourself, reducing your repair bills. You discover how to share your computer with several people in a family or shared apartment — without letting anybody peek into anybody else’s information.

And when you’re ready to add a second computer, head to the networking chapter for quick instructions on linking computers to share an Internet connection as well as files.

Part V: Music, Movies, Memories (And Photos, Too)

Turn here for information on playing music CDs, digital music, and movies. Buy some cheap CDs and create your own greatest hits CDs from your favorite tunes. (Or just copy a CD so your favorite one doesn’t get scratched in the car.)

Digital camera owners should visit the chapter on transferring pictures from your camera to your computer, organizing the pictures, and e-mailing them to friends. Bought a camcorder? Head to the section that explains how to edit out the dopey parts and create a movie the relatives will enjoy for a change.

Part VI: Help!

Although glass doesn’t shatter when Windows XP crashes, it still hurts. In this part, you find some soothing salves for the most painful irritations. Plus, you find ways to unleash the Windows XP program’s wise team of Troubleshooting Wizards.

Stuck with the problem of moving your files from an old computer to a new one? You’ll find help here, as well, with a walkthrough of Windows XP’s Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. (If you’re ready to upgrade your old version of Windows to Windows XP, check out the appendix, too, which holds complete instructions.)

Part VII: The Part of Tens

Everybody loves lists (except during tax time). This part contains lists of Windows-related trivia — ten aggravating things about Windows XP (and how to fix them) and ten simple things to keep in mind about Windows. As a bonus (and to help you make conversation with your kids), check out ten things found in the upcoming version of Windows.

Icons Used in This Book

It just takes a glance at Windows XP to notice its icons, which are little push-button pictures for starting various programs. The icons in this book fit right in. They’re even a little easier to figure out:

Watch out! This signpost warns you that pointless technical information is coming around the bend. Swerve away from this icon to stay safe from awful technical drivel.

This icon alerts you about juicy information that makes computing easier: 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 operations associated with this icon. Still, wearing gloves and proceeding with caution is a good idea.

There’s a bad corner in every large neighborhood, and the Internet’s global reach makes for some very large bad corners. Look here for information about keeping you, your computer, and your information as safe as possible.

Where to Go from Here

Now, you’re ready for action. Give the pages a quick flip and scan a section or two that you know you’ll need later. Please remember, this is your book — your weapon against the computer criminals who’ve inflicted this whole complicated computer concept on you. Please circle any paragraphs you find useful, highlight key concepts, add your own sticky notes, and doodle in the margins next to the complicated stuff.

The more you mark up your book, the easier it will be for you to find all the good stuff again.

Part I

Windows XP Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know

In this part . . .

Most people are dragged into Windows XP without a choice. Their new computers probably came with Windows XP already installed. Or maybe you have Windows XP at the office, where everyone has to learn it except for the boss, who doesn’t have a computer. Or perhaps your favorite program’s latest version requires Windows XP, so you’ve had to upgrade.

Whatever your situation, this part gives a refresher on Windows XP basics and buzzwords like dragging and dropping, cutting and pasting, and tugging at mischievous toolbars.

And if you’re completely new to computers, the first chapter answers that question you’ve been afraid to ask around the lunchroom: “Just how do I use this thing, anyway?”

Chapter 1

What Is Windows XP?

In This Chapter

Understanding what Windows XP is and what it does

Understanding Windows XP’s service packs

Knowing what service pack is on your computer

Downloading and installing Service Pack 3

C hances are, you’ve probably heard about Windows. In fact, millions of people all over the world are puzzling over it as you read this. Almost every new computer sold today comes with a copy of Windows XP preinstalled — cheerfully greeting you when first turned on.

This chapter helps you understand why Windows lives inside your computer, and how to keep it alive and well with Microsoft’s service packs. It explains which service packs you need to keep Windows XP up-to-date and how to deal with the burdens they lay at your feet in the name of increased security.

What Is Windows and Why Are You Using It?

The answer to this one’s pretty easy: You’re using Microsoft Windows because you don’t have much choice. Nearly every computer sold since late 2001 comes with Windows XP preinstalled. A few people escaped Windows by buying Apple computers (those nicer-looking computers that cost more). But chances are, you, your neighbors, your boss, your kids at school, and millions of other people around the world are using Microsoft Windows.

And just what is Windows? Sold by a company called Microsoft, Windows isn’t like your usual software that lets you write term papers or send angry e-mails to mail-order companies. No, Windows is an meaning it controls the way you work with your computer.