This book is organized so that, generally speaking, one chapter builds on the next. However, each chapter, and indeed almost every chunk, can serve as a self-contained entityin other words, you won't have to read the thing cover to cover (as entertaining as that might prove to be) to get the information you need.
One of the things that sets this book apart is its focus on the latest Service Pack from Microsoft. Therefore, I start with an overview of Service Pack 2 so that you'll have a better understanding about all the changes wrought by SP2. The other 14 chapters incorporate the latest changes into the discussion when necessary. Here is what the book covers:
New Features in Service Pack 2
Windows Installation and Upgrade
Startup and Shutdown
Disk and File System Management
Customizing the Windows Interface
The Command Line and Other Advanced Techniques
Clicking Less
Print Management
Playing Nicely with Others
Setting Up a Wireless Connection, or How to Check Your Email in a Coffee Shop
Sharing and Securing Information
Email and Internet Browsing Tricks
XP Backup and Recovery
Common ProblemsEasy Fixes
Online Bonus!Help and Support Options (To download this chapter, go to