Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) By Woody Leonhard

Product Description

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.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #324837 in Books
Published on: 2005-09-30
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
362 pages
Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
Make Windows XP look, feel, and act the way you want

Simplify searches, find free virus protection, and make Windows love your iPod®

Hacks? Mods? Don't be frightened — this book walks you through each and every one, and even steers you clear of well-known hacks that don't really accomplish anything. See how some simple tools can help you take control and create settings you can actually use, shortcuts that simplify your life, security measures that really work, and lots more.

Discover how to
Remove features you never use
Speed up system performance
Launch applications more quickly
Fight spyware more effectively
Get peak performance from your XP games

About the Author
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.
Customer Reviews

Informative and fun...
If you run Windows XP and you're annoyed by the number of things you can't do (or so says Microsoft), you'll love this book... Windows XP Hacks & Mods For Dummies by Woody Leonhard.

Contents:
Part 1 - The Nuts & Bolts of Hacks & Mods: Windows XP - What's Not to Love?; Tools of the Hacking Trade; A Quick XP Makeover
Part 2 - Controlling the Look and Feel of Windows XP: TweakUI, the Power User's PowerToy; Pinning Down the Start Menu; Taking On the Taskbar; Decking Out the Desktop
Part 3 - Adjusting Everyday Activities: Reining In Windows Explorer; Cool Keyboard Hacks and Menu Mods; Searching on the Desktop; Switching to Better Online Software; Pulling Off Pictures
Part 4 - Modding to Monitor and Manage: Seeing What's Happening; Decoding IDs, Accounts, and Passwords; Using Remote Assistance; Retooling Disks
Part 5 - Protecting Yourself (And Your PC): Changing (In)Security Settings; Taking the "Mal" out of Malware; Keeping Your Privates Private
Part 6 - Entertaining Yourself: Making the Most of Media Player; Buying Music and Videos; Trading Music and Videos; Getting Games to Work
Part 7 - The Part of Tens: Ten Steps to Mastering the Registry; Ten Speed-Up Hacks - Maybe
Index

This was one of the most entertainingly informative books I've had the pleasure of reading in awhile. Leonhard is not at all a fan of Microsoft and his cynicism drips on every page. Things I normally take for granted as "that's just the way it works" are dissected, and ways to hack around them are outlined. For instance, perhaps you don't like the way that the roller wheel on your mouse scrolls more than one line at a time. Woody shows you how to download the TweakUI powertoy from Microsoft, which has the ability to tweak that setting and seemingly a hundred more. He also suggests a number of other software packages (non-Microsoft, of course) to allow you to have a more safe and secure computing experience. Substitute Firefox for IE. Switch out MSN for Trillian or Gaim. Basically, you'll find dozens of gems in these chapters that will quickly pay back your investment in time and dollars with the book. Plus, you'll have fun reading it. Leonhard's a great writer...

Definitely a recommended volume to have at hand for your Windows XP computing experience...

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