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Summary: The definitive guide to Windows XP for advanced users
Review: There are two versions of this book. The hardcover version has a couple more chapters and also more free e-books on the accompanying CD-ROM. The paperback version is, not surprisingly, cheaper and more portable (but still heavy!).There's a lot of "meat" in this book, and the two authors did a wonderful job of keeping the book very well organized and very well written. The writing is fluid and you can almost read it like a novel, of course, assuming you are a PC geek like myself. Most other computer books I can hardly follow without sitting in front of the computer, but this book is so clear and well illustrated that I read chapter after cheapter in one sitting even when I did not have my XP laptop with me. In terms of content, it covers everything an advanced user needs in order to fine-tune Windows XP. Both Profesional and Home editions of the OS are covered. (The hardcover version of the book has a nice summary on the differences at the beginning of *each* chapter.) This is a must-have guide for anyone looking to take full advantage of Windows XP as well as trouble-shooting when things go wrong.
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Summary: GIVE KUDOS TO WHATEVER MERITS IT
Review: There is hardly anything about Windows XP that you will not find in this Deluxe Edition of "Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out". The simplicity of this book's contents is commendable. Even Windows first-timers will adapt with ease; and advanced users may use its 1500 pages as an authoritative reference. From installation and configuration to multimedia and networking (including Service Pack 1), the book took care of both Professional and Home editions of Windows XP. The attached CD-ROM enables mobile users to leave the heavy book at home while on the move without missing a thing. It is hard to find a major weakness on either the book or on its accompanying CD-ROM.
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Summary: A useful resource, if you don't mind a bit of flagshipping
Review: This book gives an in depth look at the new OS from MSoft. I read this book front to back and was pleased with it's offering(s) . It's focused more on XP pro, but as you will read; there's not much difference between them. This book is useful to both owners. A great reference, bring a hi-liter!
Great depth into security issues for the Sys Admin, and home user. Versatility is covered when they stop the after-selling every 5-10 pages. Most of us bought it for what the authors are re-instating. Either way, If you look for knowledge and insight to your new OS, you WILL be happy with this book.
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Summary: Good overview of a sprawling software system
Review: This book is a good overview of the essentials of XP and Office XP. It is well laid out and the general formatting is commendable. It is a 'nice' book to open and read. I don't have any regrets about the purchase. However, it is not a book that will support many programmers and given its size, that's disappointing. For programming under XP you'll need to get an MS XP resource kit book. The book is also a bit deficient on the whole Media Technology thrust of MS, which is a bit surprising. These points being made, it is a very worthwhile purchase.
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Summary: Ultimate Windows XP reference
Review: This book is an essential for anyone with the new Windows XP system that wants to know the nitty-gritty. Some parts do only refer to the XP professional system, some users of the home version may find themselves skipping several sections (and wishing they had paid extra for XP professional, like myself). Even the casual user will find this a great reference. Written in a *much* better style than some of the other Inside Out books, such as Access 2002.
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Summary: The Perfect Doorstop
Review: This book is unreadable for the non technical person. I am praying someone gives me Windows XP for Dummies for Christmas. I can't make out the index and I can't find a command equivalent to the alt-ctrl-delete when the program is hung up. It is just not for me.
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Summary: Become a Windows XP Kung Fu Master
Review: This book is way beyond the 70-270 Exam. So if you're looking for exam specific information, then I would suggest Exam Cram 2 or Transcender. But if you truly want to learn the ins and out of Windows XP, then this book is it. I have read this book cover to cover and this is easily one of the best technical references that I have come across. Don't even bother reading the negative feedback. Those who write negative feedback on such a highly acclaimed book are just trying to drop the average ratings and I guarantee you that they didn't read this book in depth like they "CLAIMED" they have. They did not use this book to its full potential. If you're looking for a great Windows XP book, then look no further. This is it!
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Summary: Everything you need to know
Review: This book was thorough yet easily readible. Within 30 minutes, I was having a great time exploring the new features of Windows XP on my PC. Although lacking in the pederastic commentary usually found in technical manuals, I found this book to be very useful.
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Summary: Measured by Usefulness
Review: this books has saved me countless hours and $. That is how I measure a books worth. Was it worth the price? More than that!
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Summary: Excellent power user's guide
Review: This huge volume is definitely a must-have guide for everyone aspiring to becoming a Windows XP advanced user. Casual users should stay away for now until they become familiar with Windows. Also, strangely, you won't find coverage of Windows Movie Maker in this otherwise complete power user's guide to WinXP. This "deluxe edition" is hardcover (vs. paperback for the regular, cheaper edition), has two added chapters (one on fax and one on advanced user adminitration), and includes a couple interesting e-books from Microsoft on the CD-ROM, in addition to an e-book version of the book itself. This book covers both the Pro and Home editions of WinXP -- and each chapter has a handy brief discussion of the differences between the two editions. In fact, I find this feature, together with the two extra free e-books, worth the price premium over the regular edition. Besides, hardcovers are just easier to lay down on a desk and they last longer as well. In terms of "meaty stuff," this book will satisfy your hunger for advanced knowledge of XP. After reading the book you'll become an XP expert. If you want to become a guru, then get the other "Inside Out" books such as Windows XP Networking Inside Out and Windows XP Security Inside Out (highly recommended). Or you can use this book as a jumping board to acquire some advanced knowledge and then figure out the guru-advanced topics yourself. Either way, this book can help you master Windows XP. Still not convinced? Pick a copy and read the chapter on system optimization. Clearly written and organized, the chapter gives you everything you need to know about optimizing Windows, including the best explanation of the performance monitor I've come across (as well as concrete steps for taking advantage of this and other tools). Then you'll see how useful this book is.
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