Chapter 11. Help, Maintenance, and Backups

Navigating the Help System
"What's This?": Help for Dialog Boxes
Getting Help from Microsoft
PC Maintenance: Internet Security
Security Center
Automatic Updates
Microsoft Backup

As you've no doubt noticed , each version of Windows gets bigger and more capable, but seems to come with fewer pages of printed instructions. In Windows XP, Microsoft has relegated more of its wisdom than ever to online help screensor, even less conveniently, to Web pages on the Internet.

On the other hand, Microsoft has improved the Help window by incorporating links to various diagnostic and repair tools, troubleshooting wizards, and help sources on the Web. It may take all weekend , but eventually you should find written information about this or that Windows feature or problem.

In this chapter, you'll learn how to find your way around the Windows built-in help system. You'll also find instructions to keep your PC running in tip-top shape using Microsoft's Automatic Update program, and instructions for making backups of your files. That's because prevention and insurance (backups) are the two most important self-help steps you can take when it comes to protecting your computer files.