MS Press - Insider Power Techniques for Microsoft Windows XP

• Table of Contents
• BackCover
• Insider Power Techniques for Microsoft Windows XP
• Introduction
• Part I: Mastering Essential Insider Techniques
  • Chapter 1: Mastering Control Panel, Policies, and PowerToys
    • Operating Control Panel
    • Implementing Group policies with Windows XP
    • Enhancing your System with the Windows XP PowerToys
  • Chapter 2: Getting the Most Out of the Registry
    • Understanding the Registry
    • Taking a Tour of the Registry
    • Keeping the Registry Safe
    • Working with Registry Keys and Settings
    • Finding Registry Entries
  • Chapter 3: Programming Windows XP with Scripts
    • Understanding Scripts and Script Execution
    • Programming Objects
    • Displaying Text Using the WScript Object
    • Scripting and Automation
    • Programming the VBScript FileSystemObject
    • Displaying More Detailed Information to the User
    • Running Applications
    • Working with Registry Entries
    • Scripting Example: Programming Internet Explorer
• Part II: Getting the Most Out of Your Everyday Tasks
  • Chapter 4: Starting Up and Shutting Down
    • Launching Applications and Scripts at Startup
    • Controlling Startup Using the System Configuration Utility
    • Controlling Startup Using Boot.ini
    • Controlling Startup with the Advanced Options Menu
    • Getting the Most Out of the Shutdown Procedure
  • Chapter 5: Managing Logons and Users
    • Useful Windows XP Logon Strategies
    • Getting the Most Out of User Accounts
    • Creating and Enforcing Bulletproof Passwords
    • Sharing Your Computer Securely
  • Chapter 6: Installing and Running Programs
    • Tips and Techniques for Installing Applications
    • Launching Applications
    • Understanding Application Compatibility
  • Chapter 7: Getting the Most Out of Files and Folders
    • A Dozen Little-Known Windows Explorer Techniques
    • Getting Familiar with File Types
    • Customizing the Windows XP New Menu
    • Customizing Windows XP's Open With List
  • Chapter 8: Playing, Copying, and Storing Digital Media
    • Tips for Working with Windows Media Player
    • Working with Digital Media Files
    • Customizing Media Folders
    • Investigating the Windows Media Bonus Pack
  • Chapter 9: Installing and Troubleshooting Devices
    • Tips and Techniques for Installing Devices
    • Managing Your Hardware with Device Manager
    • Managing Hardware Profiles
    • Working with Device Security Policies
    • Troubleshooting Device Problems
• Part III: Customizing and Optimizing
  • Chapter 10: Customizing the Interface
    • Customizing the Start Menu for Easier Program and Document Launching
    • Customizing the Taskbar for Easier Program and Document Launching
    • Controlling Taskbar Grouping
    • Modifying the Start Menu and Taskbar with Group Policies
    • Using Screen Space Efficiently
  • Chapter 11: Optimizing Performance
    • Monitoring Performance
    • Fine-Tuning Performance
  • Chapter 12: Maintaining Your System in 10 Easy Steps
    • Step 1 - Check Your Hard Disk for Errors
    • Step 2 - Check Free Disk Space
    • Step 3 - Delete Unnecessary Files
    • Step 4 - Defragment Your Hard Disk
    • Step 5 - Set System Restore Points
    • Step 6 - Back Up Your Files
    • Step 7 - Run the Automated System Recovery Preparation Wizard
    • Step 8 - Check For Updates and Security Patches
    • Step 9 - Verify Digitally Signed Files
    • Step 10 - Review Event Viewer Logs
    • Setting Up a Maintenance Schedule
  • Chapter 13: Troubleshooting and Recovering from Problems
    • Determining the Source of the Problem
    • General Troubleshooting Tips
    • Troubleshooting Using Online Resources
    • Recovering from a Problem
• Part IV: Customizing and Optimizing
  • Chapter 14: Implementing Internet Security and Privacy
    • Working with E-mail Safely and Securely
    • Keeping Intruders Out of Your System
    • Surfing the Web Securely
  • Chapter 15: Getting the Most Out of Internet Explorer
    • Tips and Techniques for Better Web Surfing
    • Searching the Web
    • Understanding Internet Explorer's Advanced Options
  • Chapter 16: Setting Up and Administering a Small Network
    • Setting Up a Peer-to-Peer Network
    • Administering Your Network
    • Sharing Resources with the Network
• Index
  • Index_A
  • Index_B
  • Index_C
  • Index_D
  • Index_E
  • Index_F
  • Index_G
  • Index_H
  • Index_I
  • Index_J
  • Index_K
  • Index_L
  • Index_M
  • Index_N
  • Index_O
  • Index_P
  • Index_Q
  • Index_R
  • Index_S
  • Index_T
  • Index_U
  • Index_V
  • Index_W
  • Index_Z
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• List of Sidebars