Windows XP Hacks, Second Edition

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 572 pages
• Published by: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
• Edition: 2nd Edition February 23, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0596009186
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0596009182
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Weighs: 1.7 pounds

Reader Reviews
Users of Microsoft Windows XP often want to push the OS to its limits. Unfortunately, out of the shrink-wrap XP doesn't offer much in the way of tweaks, nor does it fully expose the power that lays underneath its graphical interface. In this revised Windows XP Hacks book from O'Reilly, you will find a wealth of information on how to tune and trick-out Windows XP (with and without SP2) and take the OS to new levels of power and performance. The book is organized by category, such as Networking and System Peformance, and then broken down into individual "hacks" as they are called that guide you through tweaking a specific component. Often, the hacks cross-reference each other so if you are interested in doing one thing, you can easily find related topics to that change or tweak. In traditional O'Reilly fashion, each hack is also prefaced with a difficulty ranking -- so you can start out tackling the easy stuff and move up the ladder as you feel more comfortable. The author does a good job of covering the new features, and significant changes, to Windows XP Service Pack 2. Although some may think of SP2 as merely a minor release, there are many things that have changed since the first edition of this book and they are all covered in detailed throughout the book. In addition, the author also provides a good background on each topic covered -- so you know exactly what the hack does, and why you might want to apply it. The book is geared towards the more advanced user in mind; be warned upfront that in many places you will be asked to edit the system registry directly. However, as stated above, a difficult level will help guide novice users through some of the easier changes they can make. It is still worthwhile to note though that a new computer user, or one with limited comfort going "under the hood" may find this book more than they wish to swallow. The only drawback to the book is the author does have a very slight occassional habit of getting off-track about Windows XP. In several hacks, she devotes quite a few pages to talking about Firefox and other items that are unrelated to the XP Operating System itself. However, some readers may find this beneficial and look at it as a way to extend the OS; while those not interested can simply skip over the hack. Altogether, a good book that provides the blueprint for tweaking and changing Windows XP to your liking. The book introduces enough new material and concepts that readers of the first Windows XP Hacks book will find enough changed material to make room on their bookshelf for this newly released edition. Comment | | (Report this)