Book on XP Annoyances--anyone read it?

Anyone read this book, before I race out and try and find it in OZ? Bazza

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Correct title is : Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks. Second edition.

ISBN 0596008767 Author David KARP. proce is AUD$65, approx USD$ 48-50.

I'll check with local bookshops today probably. Bazza

 

It is not cheap, but it is found and available to ship to OZ

Click here for Additall results in AU $

(Powell's has $15 shipping to OZ also)

 

Bazza,

Here is a OZ bookstore that has the book also

Clicky Clicky

 

I can see why....

 

I checked out a few of our local (OZ--cairns) bookstores to see if they had it in stock. None had it. Now will check out a couple more and ASK for prices, delivery dates, etc. Will let you know. Bazza

Contents from the link below.

Table of Contents


Preface

1. Getting Started with Windows XP
A Brief History of Time, Re: MS Windows
Windows Editions and Service Packs
What You Get with Windows XP
Installing Windows XP
Installing on a New (Clean) System
Upgrading from a Previous Version of Windows
Installing from the Command Prompt
Reinstalling Windows XP
Dealing with Potential Problems During Setup
Setting Up a Dual-Boot System
Activating Windows XP
Migrating to Windows XP
Casualties of the Upgrade
Adjusting Windows XP to Smooth Out the Migration

2. Basic Explorer Coping Skills
Working with Explorer
Exploring Basic Explorer Settings
Force Explorer to Remember Its Own Settings
Helpful Explorer Keystrokes
Convince Explorer to Start with the Folder You Want
Handling Files and Folders
Take Charge of Drag-Drop
Copy or Move to a Specified Path
Make a Duplicate of a File or Folder
More Ways to Rename Files
Make It Easier to Delete Files
How to Delete or Replace In-Use Files
Fix the Search Tool
A Crash Course on File Organization
Working with ZIP Files
Clean up Windows Shortcuts
Customizing the Interface
Dealing with Themes, Schemes, Styles, and Skins
Make the Control Panel More Accessible
Massaging the Start Menu
Refresh the Desktop Without Restarting Windows
Customize the Windows Startup Logo

3. The Registry
The Registry Editor
The Structure of the Registry
The Meat of the Registry: Values
Registry Procedures
Backing Up the Registry
Finding the Right Registry Key
Search the Registry Effectively
Search and Replace Registry Data
Using Registry Patches
Create an Interface for a Registry Setting
Using INI Files

4. Tinkering Techniques
Customizing Your Desktop
Cleaning Up Desktop Clutter
Customizing My Computer and Other System Folders
Covering Your Tracks
Taming Recent Documents
Thinning Out Explorer's New Menu
Customize the Tray/Notification Area
File Types: The Link Between Documents and Applications
Customize Context Menus
Understanding File Types
Protect Your File Types
Customize Context Menus for Drives, Folders, and Desktop Icons
Print Out a Folder Listing
Turn File Icons into Thumbnail Previews
Disable the Automatic Display of Thumbnails in Certain Folders
Turn off the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer
Cool Things You Can Do with Drives and Folders
Customize Drive and Folder Icons
Mirror a Folder with Folder Shortcuts
Customize the Places Bar
Curb AutoPlay for CDs and DVDs

5. Maximizing Performance
Trimming the Fat
Tame Mindless Animation and Display Effects
Speed Up Menu Responsiveness
Speed Up System Startup
Start Windows Instantly
Speed Up System Shutdown
Eliminate Unwanted Windows Components
Get the Most Out of Your Games, Speed-Wise
Hard Disk
A Defragmentation Crash-Course
Increasing Disk Space (or What to Throw Away)
Optimize Virtual Memory and Cache Settings
Choosing the Right Filesystem
Advanced NTFS Settings
What to Look for in a New Hard Disk
Transfer Windows to Another Hard Disk or System
Working with Partitions
System Hardware
Managing IRQ Priority
Overclock Your Processor

6. Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting Techniques
Where to Go from Here
Specific Software Issues
Patching Windows with Windows Update
What to Do when Windows Won't Start
Error Messages During Startup
Programs Run by Windows when It Starts
Viruses, Malware, and Spyware
Check Your Drive for Errors with Chkdsk
Error Messages and Crashing Applications
Closing Hung Applications
Programs Commonly Running in the Background
What to Do when Windows Won't Shut Down
Blue Screen of Death
Dealing with Drivers and Other Tales ofHardware Troubleshooting
Looking for a Driver
Updating and Verifying Drivers
Handling Misbehaving Drivers
Interpreting Device Manager Errors
Working with Restore Points
Understanding Version Control
Firmware: Software for Your Hardware
Resolving Hardware Conflicts
The Trials and Tribulations of Plug and Play
Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager
Using Multiple Hardware Configurations
Which Slots to Use for Internal Devices
Fixing Device-Specific Problems
Video Cards (Display Adapters)
Monitors
Motherboards
Processors
Memory
USB Controllers and Devices
Hard Disks
IDE Controllers
SCSI Controllers
CD and DVD Drives, Recordable and Otherwise
Tape Drives
Flash Cards and Other Removable Drives
Modems
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
Wireless NICs and Routers
Sound Cards
Printers
Scanners and Cameras
Keyboards
Mice and Other Pointing Devices
Power Supplies
Preventive Maintenance and Data Recovery
Quick, On-the-Fly Backups
Back Up Your Entire System
Installing Microsoft Backup
Tips for a Better Backup
Recovering Your System After a Crash
Protecting Your Hardware
Create a Boot Disk
Using the Windows Recovery Console

7. Networking and Going Wireless
Getting Started with Networking
Terminology Primer
Planning Your Network
Configuring Network Connections
Build a Workgroup (Local Area Network)
Building a Peer-to-Peer Workgroup
Troubleshooting Your Workgroup
Connect to the Internet
Connection Types
Sharing an Internet Connection
Fix Your Shared Internet Connection with a New MTU
Test Your Throughput
Stuff You Can Do with a Network
Virtual Private Networking
Accessing an FTP Site in Explorer
Controlling Another Computer Remotely (Just Like in the Movies)
Managing the Nameserver (DNS) Cache
Go Wireless
Set Up a Wireless Router
Sniff Out WiFi Networks
Connect to a Public Wireless Network
Add Wireless Support to Any Device
Securing Your System on a Network
Closing Back Doors in Windows XP
Using the Windows Security Center
Scan Your System for Open Ports

8. User Accounts and Administration
Managing Users
Permissions and Security
Setting Permissions for an Object
Protecting Your Files with Encryption
Logon Options
Use the Traditional Log On Dialog Instead of the Welcome Screen
Customize the Welcome Screen
Customize the Log On Screen
Logging on Automatically
Logging in as the Administrator
Hiding User Accounts
Prevent Users from Shutting Down
Working with User Folders
Sharing Files and Printers
Sharing Folders
Accessing Shared Resources Remotely
Sharing Printers
Stop Sharing Scheduled Tasks

9. Scripting and Automation
Building a Script with VBScript
Using Variables to Store and Manipulate Information
Giving Your Scripts an Interface with the InputBox and MsgBox Commands
Creating Interactive Scripts with Conditional Statements
Using Loops, Using Loops, Using Loops
Making Building Blocks with Subroutines and Functions
Object References
Running Applications from Scripts
Accessing the Registry from Scripts
Manipulating Files from Scripts
Creating Windows Shortcuts and Internet Shortcuts in Scripts
Networking with Scripts
Manipulating Internet Explorer from Scripts
Using Command-Line Parameters in Scripts
Managing Services with Scripts
Writing CGI Scripts for a Web Server
Development Tips
Deciphering Script Errors
Finding a Better Editor
Further Study
Making a Startup Script
Automating Scripts with Scheduled Tasks
Wacky Script Ideas
Quick Floppy Backup Tool
Internet Fish Tank
Smart Phone Dialing
Quick SendTo Shortcut Creator
Rename Files with Search and Replace
Mirror a Folder with Folder Shortcuts

10. The Command Prompt
DOS Commands
Batch Files: The Other Way to Do It
Variables and the Environment
Flow Control
Command-Line Parameters
Conditional Statements
Loops
Simulating Subroutines
Command Prompt Integration
Turn the Address Bar into a Command Prompt
Open a Command Prompt window in any folder
The Path Less Traveled

A. Setting Locator

B. BIOS Settings

C. TCP/IP Ports

D. Class IDs (CLSIDs) of System Objects

Index

 

i_w_c. Cutting and pasting included that. I couldn't delete it. Bazza

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If you cannot get one there, let one of us know and we can ship you one from here if available.

 

Other books on xp are:

Windows xp bible-Alan Simpson Hungry minds

Preface
Part I Know This or Suffer
Chapter 1 - What Is Windows XP?
Chapter 2 - Getting Around Like a Pro
Chapter 3 - Opening Programs and Documents
Chapter 4 - Shortcuts and Other Cool Tricks
Part II Becoming an Internet Guru
Chapter 5 - Connecting to the Internet
Chapter 6 - Browsing the World Wide Web
Chapter 7 - Maximum Web
Chapter 8 - Internet E-Mail
Chapter 9 - Participating in Usenet Newsgroups
Chapter 10 - Windows Messenger, Games, and Such
Chapter 11 - Online Conferencing with NetMeeting
Part III Have It Your Way
Chapter 12 - General Housekeeping (Copying, Deleting, and So On)
Chapter 13 - Organizing Your Virtual Office
Chapter 14 - Personalizing the Screen
Chapter 15 - Speech, Handwriting, Joysticks, and More
Part IV Growth, Maintenance, and General Tweaking
Chapter 16 - Installing and Removing Programs
Chapter 17 - Installing and Removing Hardware
Chapter 18 - Disaster Prevention and Recovery
Chapter 19 - Updates, Maintenance, and Monitoring
Chapter 20 - Managing Multiple Users
Chapter 21 - Road Warrior Tools and Techniques
Part V Work and Play
Chapter 22 - Numbers, Text, and Pictures
Chapter 23 - Cameras, Scanners, and Faxes
Chapter 24 - Sounds, Music, Video, and DVD
Chapter 25 - Fun with Windows Movie Maker
Part VI Local Area Networks
Chapter 26 - Create Your Own LAN
Chapter 27 - Sharing Resources on a LAN
Chapter 28 - Cool LAN Tricks
Chapter 29 - Beefing Up Security
Part VII Advanced Stuff
Chapter 30 - File Icons, Associations, and Properties
Chapter 31 - Partitions, Volumes, and NTFS
Chapter 32 - Advanced Security Administration
Chapter 33 - Dealing with the Windows XP Registry
Chapter 34 - Special Features of Windows XP Professional
Part VIII Appendices
Appendix A - Installing Windows XP
Appendix B - What’s New in Windows XP
Appendix C - Special Folders and Shortcut Keys


Hacking Windows XP by Steve Sinchak
Part I: Customizing Your System 1
Chapter 1: Customizing the Look of the Startup
Customizing the Windows XP Boot Screen
Changing the boot screen
Customizing the Logon Screen
Working with the Welcome screen
Working with the classic logon screen
Global logon/Welcome settings
Summary
Chapter 2: Customizing User Navigation
Customizing the Start Panel
Using Group Policy Editor to customize the Start panel
Adding and removing navigation icons
Switching to small icons for frequently run apps
Increasing number of recently run programs
displayed on the Start panel
Hiding programs from appearing in the Start panel
Pinning your programs .
Adding Web site links to your Start panel
Customizing the Classic Start Menu
Turning the classic Start Menu back on
Customizing the classic Start Menu
Customizing the Start Menu/Panel Program Listings
Changing program listing display options for
users of the Start panel
Changing program listing display options for users
of the classic Start Menu
Removing pop-up Help for users of both the Start
panel and Menu
Customizing the Taskbar
Using and adjusting program grouping
Quick Launching your programs
Hacking the Start button to replace the Start text
Modifying the taskbar location
Using the Taskbar Magnifier PowerToy
Removing the notification area
Removing the clock from the taskbar
Summary
Chapter 3: Hacking the Desktop
Customizing Desktop Icons
Removing all icons from the desktop
Customizing the icon drop shadow effect
Displaying the traditional Windows icons
Enabling large icons on the desktop
Removing the text below the icons
Renaming the Recycle Bin
Removing the shortcut arrow from icons on the desktop
Changing the icons on the desktop
Customizing the Behavior of the Desktop
Using the Virtual Desktop Manager PowerToy
Fun with Active Desktop
Using the wallpaper PowerToy
Summary
Chapter 4: Customizing the Appearance of the Windows Interface
Working with Themes
Changing the current theme
Making your own themes
Modifying the Visual Styles
Installing new visual styles
Tweaking the visual styles
Making your own visual styles
Visual Style Alternatives
Using WindowBlinds to change the
way Windows XP looks
Installing additional Windows XP skins for WindowBlinds
Summary
Chapter 5: Hacking Windows Explorer
Hacking File Associations
Changing the default launch app
Changing the icon of any file type
Hacking the Context Menu
Removing items from the context menu
Adding your own items to the context menu
Modifying the Send To menu
Customizing Your Folders
Changing a folder icon and picture
Changing the template of a folder
Customizing the view folder
Applying your folder settings to all folders
Working with Hidden Files
Unhiding hidden files
Revealing the super hidden files
Disabling the Common Tasks Pane
Summary
Chapter 6: Exploring Other Windows Enhancements
Modding Internet Explorer
Changing the logo animation
Changing the toolbar background
Making your own quick search address command
Other Visual Enhancements
Replacing the task switcher
Adding Special Effects to your Windows
Fine-Tuning ClearType
Branding Windows XP
Summary
Part II: Increasing Your System’s Performance
Chapter 7: Analyzing Your System
Monitoring Your System Hardware
Using performance
Using Bootvis to analyze your system start
Using Task Manager
Benchmarking Your System
How to benchmark your system
Summary
Chapter 8: Speeding Up the System Boot
Working with BIOS
Changing the boot order of your drives
Using the quick boot feature of the BIOS
Modifying the Operating System Boot
Lowering OS timeout values
Disabling the system boot screen
Disabling unneeded hardware devices
Removing extra fonts for speed
Disabling unneeded services
Optimizing the location of the boot files
Summary
Chapter 9: Making Your Computer Load Faster
Speeding Up the Logon
Enabling automatic logon
Removing user passwords
Adjust the startup programs
Customizing startup programs for different users
Other Time-Saving Tips
Assigning alternative IP addresses
Turning off the logon music
Summary
Chapter 10: Making Your Computer More Responsive
Speeding up file browsing and access
Disabling the file access timestamp
Disabling legacy filename creation
Speeding Up the User Interface
Reducing the menu delay
Working with the performance options
Disable Indexing Service
Summary
Chapter 11: Speeding Up Your Computer
Working with the Windows Prefetcher
Hacking the registry to optimize the Prefetcher
Accelerate specific applications with prefetch
Using the Intel Application Accelerator
How well does the Intel Application Accelerator work?
What are the system requirements?
How to install Intel Application Accelerator
Fine-Tuning the Windows Paging File
Disabling the paging file
Adjusting the size of the paging file
Changing the location of the paging file
Defragmenting Your Drive
Defragmenting the Windows paging file
Defragmenting the NTFS master file table
Adjusting Your Application Priorities
Using Task Manager to adjust priorities
Starting applications with a user set priority
Using WinTasks to profile your priorities
Speeding Up Your Network
Increasing network browsing speed
Disabling unneeded protocols
Tweaking your Internet connection for speed
Summary
Part III: Securing Your System
Chapter 12: Protecting Your Computer from Intruders
How Vulnerable Is Your System?
Testing your Internet security
Updating your computer
Firewalls
Using the Windows firewall
Using ZoneAlarm personal
Using Sygate Personal Firewall
Disabling Unneeded Services
Disabling Remote Desktop connection
Disabling Messenger Service
Disabling Universal Plug and Play
Disabling Remote Registry Access
Disable DCOM support
Wireless Networks
Using WEP for secure communication
Using WPA for a more secure wireless connection
Controlling access to your computer
Managing user accounts
Summary
Chapter 13: Fighting Spam, Spyware, and Viruses
Eliminating Spam
Stopping spam in the first place
Using filtering software
Blocking external links in HTML mail
Defending Spyware and Adware
Detecting and removing spyware
Locking down Internet Explorer
Immunizing your computer
Defending against Viruses
Use an antivirus program
Summary
Chapter 14: Protecting Your Privacy
Internet Explorer
Removing address bar suggestions
Clearing visited Web sites history
Clearing temporary Internet files and cookies
Adjusting your cookie security policy
Saying no to encrypted Web pages
Disabling AutoComplete
Clearing Temporary Internet Files automatically
Windows Interface
Clearing Frequently Run Programs list
Clearing the recently opened document list
Removing temporary files from your hard drive
Removing saved passwords
Setting file and folder permissions
Encrypting Files
Summary
Appendix A: What’s on the CD-ROM
Index

 

another http://as.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0764558234,descCd-tableOfContents.html

 

Thanks, B-O-O-M, for the gracious offer, but postage would be the killer.
I have ordered it through our local Angus & Robertson bookshop, here in Cairns.
It is AUD$65 and should take about 2 weeks.
No obligation to buy, however, which is great.
Will let you know when I see it. Bazza
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Picked it up yesterday, paperback. AUD$65. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
Lots of interesting stuff, for me, so far. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/cool.gif
I'm only up to p48 of 630+ pages. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Appendix A (p549), on Setting Locator, has an Alphabetical Listing of all Windows XP settings (33 pages, in all).
Probably worth the price just for Appendix A.
For example. Color profiles, management, shows:
Control Panel-->Display-->Settings tab-->Advanced-->Color management tab.
Over 600 listed, I guess, from Accessibility to Windows XP style for screen elements.http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Index runs to 40 pages, as well.
Networking and Wireless (chapter 7) runs to 95 pages.
Troubleshooting, Chapter 6, runs to 103 pages.
Maximising performance, Chapter 5, is 60 pages.
Basic Explorer coping skills, Chapter 2, is 66 pages.
The Registry, 33 pages.

I guess the worth of the book depends on how well you know XP to start with.
Me, I'm just learning, http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/smile.gif so I can't comment on how much use anyone will find for it.
All I know is that I have a hell of a lot of reading, and understanding, ahead of me.http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Maybe see if you can borrow it from your local library, first. Bazza
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