Computers were supposed to save us time, but Windows XP users know how often the opposite seems to be true. What if you could get a list of shortcuts that would save you time every single day?Windows XP Timesaving Techniques For Dummies, 2nd Edition includes 70 of them, great tips and tricks that make Windows work faster, more reliably, and more like the wayyou work.

Collected and tested by Windows guru Woody Leonhard, these timesavers are organized into groups of related tasks so you can quickly find the ones that will help you at any given time. You can set up your desktop and launch your programs in the way that makes sense for you, take back control of the Internet and e-mail, manage your music and visual media, and protect your system in a few simple steps. Youll find no-nonsense advice on

Eliminating irritating programs that start automaticallySpeeding up the restart or shutdown processStreamlining searches, the Start menu, and Outlook ExpressStrengthening your firewall and zapping scumwareAdjusting your monitor to reduce eyestrainReducing download time for photosEnhancing the performance of your networkMaking online shopping faster as well as saferScheduling maintenance chores to run while you sleep

From the most basic to somewhat advanced tricks designed for power users, this grocery list of timesavers has something for every Windows XP user including you!

Woody Leonhard: Curmudgeon, critic, and perennial Windows Victim, Woody Leonhard runs a fiercely independent Web site devoted to delivering the truth about Windows and Office, whether Microsoft likes it or not. With up-to-the-nanosecond news, observations, tips and help, AskWoody.com has become the premiere source of unbiased information for people who actually use the products.
In the past decade, Woody has written more than two dozen 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. Hes widely quoted and reviled on the Redmond campus.

Justin Leonhard: Lives with his dad in Phuket, Thailand. Justin contributed toWindows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. He frequently helps Woody with various writing projects and keeps the office network going. Justin is an accomplished scuba diver, budding novelist, and the best video game player for miles. He was admitted to Mensa International at the age of 14.

Introduction.

Part I: No-Bull Installation and Setup.

Technique 1: Getting the Latest Version of Windows.

Technique 2: Running the Activation Gauntlet.

Technique 3: Retrieving Your Product Key.

Technique 4: Installing a Legal Copy of Windows XP over a Bootleg.

Part II: Making Windows Lean and Clean.

Technique 5: Making Windows Work Faster.

Technique 6: Shut Down, Restart, and Switch Users Quickly.

Technique 7: Saving Time (And Your Eyes) On-Screen.

Technique 8: Stopping a Thief with Your Welcome Screen.

Technique 9: Rapid Power Passwords.

Technique 10: Windows Power Management.

Technique 11: Keeping Programs from Starting Automatically.

Technique 12: Removing and Reinstalling Programs.

Part III: Convincing Windows to Work Your Way.

Technique 13: Streamlining the Start Menu.

Technique 14: Building a Power Desktop.

Technique 15: Tricking Out the Taskbar.

Technique 16: Launching Your Most-Used Programs Quickly.

Technique 17: Making Programs Run Your Way.

Technique 18: Using Built-In Keyboard Shortcuts.

Technique 19: Making Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts.

Technique 20: Exploring Effectively.

Technique 21: Finding the Files You Want Fast.

Technique 22: Listing Files Quickly.

Part IV: Making the Most of Internet and E-Mail.

Technique 23: Customizing Internet Explorer.

Technique 24: Saving Time with Google.

Technique 25: Locating and Sharing Files on the Internet.

Technique 26: Keeping Messenger in Line.

Technique 27: Polyglot IMing with Trillian.

Technique 28: Streamlining Outlook Express.

Technique 29: Zapping Junk Mail.

Technique 30: Protecting Your Kids.

Part V: Optimizing Your Musical Entertainment.

Technique 31: Using Windows Media Player.

Technique 32: No-Nonsense Music Gathering.

Technique 33: Buying Music on the Web.

Technique 34: Tuning In the Radio.

Technique 35: Creating Your Own Music CDs.

Technique 36: Transferring Music to MP3 Players.

Part VI: Having Fun and Saving Time with Visual Media.

Technique 37: Taking Snapshots with a Webcam.

Technique 38: Recording Video with a Webcam.

Technique 39: Editing Your Home Movies.

Technique 40: Managing Pictures from a Digital Camera.

Technique 41: Doing More with Your Pics.

Technique 42: Decreasing Picture Download Times.

Technique 43: Printing and Posting Pictures.

Technique 44: Using a Scanner Effectively.

Part VII: Ensuring Peak Network Performance.

Technique 45: Installing a Small Network.

Technique 46: Securing Your Wireless Network.

Technique 47: Adding and Configuring a New User.

Technique 48: Sharing Drives and Folders.

Part VIII: Fast Security Techniques.

Technique 49: Protecting Your PC from Viruses While You Sleep.

Technique 50: Plugging and Unplugging Windows Firewall.

Technique 51: Building a Better Firewall.

Technique 52: Zapping Scumware.

Technique 53: Canning Adware and Obnoxious Cookies.

Technique 54: Checking Your Security Perimeter.

Part IX: Keeping Your PC Alive.

Technique 55: Updating Windows on Your Own Terms.

Technique 56: Running Disk Chores While You Sleep.

Technique 57: Keeping Your Hard Drive in Shape.

Technique 58: Updating Drivers Safely.

Technique 59: Running Periodic Maintenance.

Technique 60: Making Backups Fast.

Technique 61: Requesting Remote Assistance.

Technique 62: Getting Help Fast.

Part X: Fast (Nearly Painless) Disaster Recovery.

Technique 63: Getting Your PC to Boot When It Doesnt Want To.

Technique 64: Restoring Your System after Calamitous Change.

Technique 65: Recovering a Lost Password.

Technique 66: Surviving the Blue Screen of Death.

Technique 67: Creating a Startup Disk.

Part XI: The Scary (Or Fun!) Stuff.

Technique 68: Changing the Registry without Getting Burned.

Technique 69: Updating Windows Registered Owner.

Technique 70: Speeding Up Scanning for Squishable Files.

Technique 71: Using Program Compatibility Modes.

Technique 72: Fast, Easy, and Safe Online Shopping.

Index.