Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual by David Pogue
A Book Review by Michael Rosenthal
David Pogue has been writing on technical subjects for more than 20 years. He is the weekly computer columnist for the
Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual is the perfect compromise between the simplistic computer manuals that are long on color graphics and short on content, versus the densely written, sparsely illustrated texts that serve the software and electrical engineering communities very well.
In his introduction, Pogue reviews the history of the operating system, and the gradual disappearance of accompanying manuals. Microsoft and other publishers have come to believe that all the support information that users will need can be contained in the Help menu. He accurately describes the Help menu items as “tersely written and superficial.” They do serve as reminders for the experienced user, but often leave the novice puzzled.
His manual progresses from the profoundly basic information that is needed by beginners, using the Start Menu, through the mechanics of Desktop elements, such as toolbars and icons, and then on to managing folders and files. In the section on the Components of Windows XP, he covers using programs, the contents of the Accessories list, image and sound manipulation and the Control Panel. Another section addresses going on line with Windows detailing the use of Internet Explorer, Windows Messenger, and Outlook Express 6.
Separate chapters are devoted to printing, hardware connections, and troubleshooting. Three chapters cover Security and establishing a Network. While some technical material covered by Pogue is potentially dry, the graphics design incorporating copious screen shots, which is a perfect compliment to his writing, clarifies and carries the reader through.
With this manual at his or her elbow, and with frequent reference, the beginner can quickly find him or herself functioning at the comfort level of an intermediate user. After reviewing many manuals on Windows XP Home as a potential text for an introductory course at a community senior center, The Missing Manual seemed to be the perfect choice. The students agree.
Director of Education
4/13/04
Windows XP Home Edition: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Pogue Press/O’Reilly & Associates, Inc
May 2002, First Edition, 550 pgs + 20 pg index
$24.95