Wrap Up

There are going to be problems as you use the Windows XP operating system. I can't say Windows is the best operating system ever invented, but then again I can't say that about any operating system. All operating systems have their own unique set of problems and quirks; Microsoft's are just more well documented than others because there are so many more millions of Windows users than all other OS users combined.

I can say this: I've had my hands on quite a few OSs in my time: Sun's Solaris, Mac OS 8, 9, X Jaguar and Panther, Linux, and even OS/2 Warp. I may not be able to declaratively say which one is the absolute best, but I can say that Windows XP with SP2 is pretty darn good. I can also say this with confidence: Microsoft's best OS is yet to come.

In this chapter, I've tried to highlight a few of the problems I've come across, and I've tried to address what, in my experience, are some of the most frequently reported concerns. Throughout this book, I've tried to anticipate how you, the average everyday user, might use XP in ways that go beyond average everyday use. You are seeking this level of knowledge in an effort get work done more efficiently.

I've only scratched the surface though; I could have easily filled all 350 pages with solutions and tips such as the ones from this chapter. But I'm only making educated guesses. Like the operating system itself, this book can't be all things to all people. Also like the OS, however, this book is pretty darn good.

If you have any questions about the material presented in this book, or have problems that come up, please feel free to drop me an email at [e-mail] (it's the one I'm always able to access); I'd be happy to try and resolve your XP issue, and I make it a personal policy to support all the books I've authored. I'm sure the publishers won't mind.

I can't provide your company's technical support (well, I can, as long as you agree to help me keep the electricity running, if you know what I mean) but I'll do everything in my power to make sure your question gets answered.

Happy trails in your use of Windows XP with Service Pack 2. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Brian

November 2004