Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks, 2/e

Description:

In an ideal world, an operating system would do its job in the background, while you did yours in the foreground. In reality, though, operating systems often get in the way, fouling up the process at the most inopportune times. And Windows XP is no exception.

O'Reilly's popular series for customizing and troubleshooting Windows once again comes to the rescue with Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks. Offering dozens of on-target tips, workarounds, and warnings, Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks allows users to improve their overall experience with the Windows XP operating system in every way possible.

You'll learn how to use the Registry Editor; how to customize the interface beyond Microsoft's own intentions; and how to master Windows' built-in networking capabilities, including advanced technologies such as Internet Connection sharing, Remote Desktop sharing, and virtual private networking. And now, with this updated edition, you can also expect detailed coverage of the newly released Service Pack 2 (SP2) technology.

SP2 is designed to make your work with the Windows XP operating system even easier and safer by providing superior protection against viruses, hacker, and worms. Among the core SP2 components covered in Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks are Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Internet Explorer, and the new Windows Security Center.

David Karp, veteran author of several titles in the Windows Annoyances series, is behind the wheel of this comprehensive guide, as well. Karp points out numerous SP2-related quirks and unaccountable behaviors that are guaranteed to increase your level of perplexity and frustration. By recognizing these shortcomings, Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks arms you with the knowledge to overcome them.

Karp leaves no stone unturned in providing the ultimate resource for the ever-expanding Windows XP market. As a result, you'll be able to seize complete control of the Windows XP operating system--instead of the other way around.

 

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