Chapter 1. Introduction

This pocket reference is intended to provide the information Windows XP users need most often in a quick and concise format. This tiny volume is small enough to fit in your pocket or laptop case, yet is packed with hundreds of tips, shortcuts, and other tidbits of information that will make Windows XP easier to use.

Enjoy quick access to keyboard and mouse shortcuts (Chapter 2), summaries of all the programs and games included in Windows XP (Chapter 3), and a 700-entry setting locator (Chapter 4). More experienced users will appreciate the most commonly used Registry tweaks (Chapter 5), documentation on all command prompt commands (Chapter 6), and a security checklist (Chapter 7) to help protect your computer.

For less-experienced Windows XP users, a brief crash course is included at the end of this chapter. If you're a hands-on learner, you should be able to pick up any of the concepts discussed here in no time at all. Anyone wishing to learn more will benefit from the additional background and details provided by full- size books such as Windows XP in a Nutshell , Windows XP Annoyances , and Windows Power Tools, also available from O'Reilly.