Chapter 3. Components

This chapter provides an alphabetical reference to all the useful components that make up Windows XP: an encyclopedia, if you will, of everything you can do with Windows out of the box. Some of the more prominent applications and utilities that come with Windows XP are available through shortcuts on the Start Menu, but many useful tools aren't as conspicuous, available only to those who know where to look.

In Windows, there is usually more than one way to accomplish any task. So, each entry in this chapter starts with the formal name of the component as it appears on screen and the executable filename, which can be typed in the address bar, the command prompt, or in Start Run. Then, its location in the interface (if applicable) is shown with standard path notation, followed by a description, tips, command-line options, or other applicable helpful information.