Conventions Used in This Book

Certain conventions have been followed in this book to help you digest all the material. At the beginning of each chapter, you'll find a list of the major topics covered in that chapter. And because this book explores the visual aspects of skinning Windows XP, ample screen captures have been provided to ground you in each process as you create themes, visual styles, and skins. You will also find several icons used throughout this book. These icons denote additional information on a subject, supply asides that provide useful insight, or give warnings that can help you steer clear of problem areas related to Windows themes, visual styles, and skins. These icons are as follows:

Note

These side-bars include additional information related to the current topic, but they do not have to be read for you to have a complete understanding of the information provided in the regular text.

Tip

These sidebars provide shortcuts or direct you to additional information that will help you to complete a particular process or understand a certain topic.

Caution

These boxes attempt to reach out and grab your hand before you press that red destruct button. Warnings point out major problems or issues related to a particular aspect of creating Windows skins.