• Author:
  • Leonhard, Woody
• Subject:
  Computer Hardware
• Published by:
  John Wiley & Sons Inc (US)
• Published:
  16/09/2005
• Price:
  $37.99
• <  Buy this book  >

Ever feel as though Windows XP was running YOU, instead of the other way around? Maybe it's time to show Windows who's boss. Make it run YOUR way. Get rid of the stuff that doesn't help you do what you want to do. Soup up security so you're better protected against spyware and other nasties. Find things faster with more efficient searches.  Woody Leonhard shows you exactly how to do it in Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies.

Don't let the word "hack" intimidate you. Woody walks you through every suggested adjustment step by step. He even provides plenty of explanation about what's involved and what tools you need. Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies even gives you a convenient list of common hacks you should avoid because they don’t accomplish much. You'll discover how to:

• Eliminate the annoying features that came pre-installed on your PC
• Speed up your system performance
• Pin programs, folders, files, and Web pages so they appear on your Start menu
• Launch applications more quickly
• Boost the performance of your favorite games
• Get the most from your iPod and Windows Media Player
• Navigate peer-to-peer file sharing safely
• Find free virus protection

In the fun and friendly Dummies style, Woody Leonhard gives you tons of helpful advice to make your relationship with Windows XP a lot more rewarding.

In the past fifteen years, Woody Leonhard has written more than computer books, drawing an unprecedented six Computer Press Association awards and two American Business Press awards. Woody was one of the first Microsoft Consulting Partners and is a charter member of the Microsoft Solutions Provider organization. He’s widely quoted — and reviled — on the Redmond campus.
Woody’s Web site, askwoody.com, keeps an eye on the computer industry, covering the latest shenanigans from Microsoft, the best software for your computer, the worst pitfalls (and patches!) to avoid, updates to his books, and all the other information you need to keep your PC chugging away.

Introduction.

Part I: The Nuts & Bolts of Hacks & Mods.

Chapter 1: Windows XP: What’s Not to Love?

Chapter 2: Tools of the Hacking Trade.

Chapter 3: A Quick XP Makeover.

Part II: Controlling the Look and Feel of Windows XP.

Chapter 4: TweakUI, the Power User’s PowerToy.

Chapter 5: Pinning Down the Start Menu.

Chapter 6: Taking On the Taskbar.

Chapter 7: Decking Out the Desktop.

Part III: Adjusting Everyday Activities.

Chapter 8: Reining In Windows Explorer.

Chapter 9: Cool Keyboard Hacks and Menu Mods.

Chapter 10: Searching on the Desktop.

Chapter 11: Switching to Better Online Software.

Chapter 12: Pulling Off Pictures.

Part IV: Modding to Monitor and Manage.

Chapter 13: Seeing What’s Happening.

Chapter 14: Decoding IDs, Accounts, and Passwords.

Chapter 15: Using Remote Assistance.

Chapter 16: Retooling Disks.

Part V: Protecting Yourself (And Your PC).

Chapter 17: Changing (In)Security Settings.

Chapter 18: Taking the “Mal” out of Malware.

Chapter 19: Keeping Your Privates Private.

Part VI: Entertaining Yourself.

Chapter 20: Making the Most of Media Player.

Chapter 21: Buying Music and Videos.

Chapter 22: Trading Music and Videos.

Chapter 23: Getting Games to Work.

Part VII: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 24: Ten Steps to Mastering the Registry.

Chapter 25: Ten Speed-Up Hacks — Maybe.

Index.