Rating:  Summary: A must-have if you're new to XP Review: As a new user of XP, I liked the OS but was having problems getting used to the differences from Windows 98. This book made everything so clear to me, I feel like I now have my system set up in the way that's best for me. By following Dan's recommendations, I have a computer that's secure from accidental mess-ups by friends and family. Actually this book would even be helpful to someone deciding whether to upgrade to XP. I have a friend using Windows 98 who's presently scrounging the Internet for little programs and utilities to accomplish tasks that are built in to XP; but without Dan Gookin's book I would never have even known they were there! It's also written with a lot of humor; I wouldn't have thought a book about an Operating System could be amusing. Easy to read and understand if you have a basic knowledge of Windows; and clear directions to let you get the most from XP without having to wade through pages and pages of horrific, dull manuals.
Rating:  Summary: Quick Reference Guide for the New User Review: Despite the "intermediate user" level claim, this book is better crafted for people who either have never seen any Windows NT/2000/XP version before, or who have used Windows 9x/ME briefly and need a tour of the XP environment. The author has done a good job of creating a User Interface Guided Tour, laid out in such a fashion as to introduce the right step at the right time. After the Windows interface itself, the author also introduces many of the staple/included applications, such as the Internet Explorer, graphic programs, and e-mail.Although providing technically accurate information, and upon completion a new user to Windows XP will feel comfortable in the environment, I had some trouble with the read itself. The book is written in a "for Dummies" format, but throughout the text, I felt the author tended to be a little too "witty" in the presentation of topics and included more extra fluff in the side-bars than needed. All in all, if you need a fast-reading introduction into Windows XP, and your goal is to work more efficiently with the OS itself, this is good choice.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent book! Great for any XP user! Review: Excellent book!! I thought I knew quite a bit about PCs and Windows, but this book pointed out several great features and tricks that I had no idea were possible in XP! It has the perfect blend useful information and humor, unlike some books that are either stuffy and boring, or waste too much time trying to be funny (and fail miserably at it) instead of giving information. If you use Windows XP, get this book!
Rating:  Summary: Cute, clever, not much help Review: Gookin wastes so much space being clever that I guess he ran out of room for content. For instance, I have a second computer running Win 98 that I wanted to network with the XP machine. All this book has under networking is how to get connected to the Internet. Don't waste your money on this turkey, buy David Pogue's "Windows XP The Missing Manual" instead.
Rating:  Summary: Cute, clever, not much help Review: Gookin wastes so much space being clever that I guess he ran out of room for content. For instance, I have a second computer running Win 98 that I wanted to network with the XP machine. All this book has under networking is how to get connected to the Internet. Don't waste your money on this turkey, buy David Pogue's "Windows XP The Missing Manual" instead.
Rating:  Summary: Classic Dan Gookin Review: I am 57 years old and got my first PC in 2001. With the help of Dan Gookin's books I can do anything I want with Windows including C Programming. His Naked Windows XP book is for theose who have mastered the basics. His material is so well presented that all a user needs to do is check the table of contents or index to locate a topic. The best part about using his books is that He backs up his work!
Rating:  Summary: Not Quite Intermediate. Review: I found this book to be very informative and written in an entertaining way! It is filled with tips and tricks for using Windows XP and also includes helpful information about burning CD-Rs and CD-RWs, scanners, cameras, graphics, and much more. No matter how much you think you know (or don't know) about Windows XP, you will learn something from reading this book.
Rating:  Summary: A great book! Review: I found this book to be very informative and written in an entertaining way! It is filled with tips and tricks for using Windows XP and also includes helpful information about burning CD-Rs and CD-RWs, scanners, cameras, graphics, and much more. No matter how much you think you know (or don't know) about Windows XP, you will learn something from reading this book.
Rating:  Summary: Not Quite Intermediate. Review: I guess maybe my idea of an intermediate user of Windows XP and a beginner who's never seen Windows at all are quite different from the author's. I am, by no means, a power Windows user, however as an upper-level intermediate user, I found much of this book boring to the point of skim and turn the page quickly. I read nearly the whole thing in 1 day. Although there are a few things I did pick up, the level of detail the author goes through and the step-by-step instructions on processes is better suited for those who are buying their first computer and find themselves faced with Windows XP. A thorough work, to be sure, but very elementary.
Rating:  Summary: My Naked Opinion Review: I have several of Dan Gookin's books and they are always down to earth, humorous, and written so that a "dummy" like me can understand them. I have another Windows XP book that is more elementary and got me started, but this one has information beyond the other. NAKED WINDOWS XP is not a reading book but rather a terrific reference book for when you have a question, or even a problem. For example, where does Windows XP hide ScanDisk these days? I'll probably never read the entire book, but I am thankful I have it available when I need it. You might also want to check out Mr. Gookin's web site.
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