Windows XP for Dummies does a good job in its role as the flagship of the Dummies line, providing Windows novices with a guided introduction to Microsoft's latest and most feature-rich operating system for everyday computer users. Its treatment of computer, Windows and Internet fundamentals is among the best on the market, and author Andy Rathbone has an appealing way of writing that's simultaneously fun and detail-rich. If you're a Windows novice--meaning you don't know how to undelete a file that's been sent to the Recycle Bin, or what a Web browser is, or what it means to "cut and paste" text--you will get a lot out of Rathbone's work.

Some aspects of this book could be better, such as the part of the networking chapter that calls for an Ethernet hub without noting that a switch, though possibly more expensive, would do the job better, without any additional hassle. The networking coverage also does an inadequate job of explaining how to share a cable modem or DSL connection among several computers. This is a serious shortcoming, and we're getting to the point in our evolution as a society of computer users at which we can assume that everyone knows what the "Cancel" button does and would rather read about the newer, more exciting things that Windows XP can do. Even the dummies aren't that dumb anymore.

But, that said--and Rathbone does confine a lot of the really elementary stuff to a skinny introductory chapter--this book is a boon to people who aren't familiar with Windows XP or its immediate predecessors (including Windows 95, Windows98, and Windows Me). It's also great for people who have learned a little about Windows on the job or from their kids, and want to expand on what they know. --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP for people completely unfamiliar with the operating system and other recent versions of Windows. Coverage includes how to run programs, move and delete files, connecting to the Internet and using applications like electronic mail programs, Web browsers and multimedia players.

Windows XP, 14 Mar 2004
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You, 20 Jun 2003
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers., 15 Jan 2002
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.

The cover of Windows XP All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies boasts that it's "nine books in one". That's a stretch--it's really a book about Microsoft Windows XP for novices, with supplementary information about America Online and MSN--but cover claims aside, this book represents good value for someone new to computing. Woody Leonhard--a respected Windows authority who writes with enough humour to keep things light but not so much as to obscure the facts--begins with how to use a mouse and works all the way through installing printers and setting up a little network in a home or small office. Granted, if you've found this page on the Internet you probably don't need Leonhard's "how-to-click" tutorial, but you may be shopping for someone unfamiliar with Windows. This book is good for such people.

While the nine separate indexes (one at the end of each included "book") will annoy you--the unified one at the back of this book is much easier to find and use--Leonhard's style will compensate. He's very good at explaining how to do what Windows XP was meant to do, up to a certain level. Want to add a music file to a Windows Media Player playlist? There's a procedure for that. Want to cancel AOL because you can't stand it? He explains how. He does not, however, provide detail on more complicated jobs like setting up a cable modem or dealing with the specific security risk posed by Universal Plug and Play. Overall, this is a nicely written, friendly book that covers Windows XP well, but to a limited depth. --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP for home users, particularly novices. Windows XP fundamentals (like windows and the mouse pointer), customisation, Internet tools (including Outlook Express and Internet Explorer), America Online (AOL), Microsoft Network (MSN), printers, small networks, and Internet connectivity are all addressed.

Windows XP, 14 Mar 2004
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You, 20 Jun 2003
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers., 15 Jan 2002
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.

Excellent for its intended market - beginners., 20 Feb 2002
To be honest, I felt disappointed at first that this book didn't go beyond the simple aspects. I know it's a Dummies book, but it has a lot of content & it is from Woody. Hence my expectations were higher. Unfortunately a lot of it is non O/S related - e.g. MSN, IE6, AOL.
Then I realised how much I didn't know about XP!
Great for beginners, and it turns out even the more experienced of us can pick-up something if we haven't yet used XP.

Windows XP, 14 Mar 2004
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You, 20 Jun 2003
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers., 15 Jan 2002
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.

Excellent for its intended market - beginners., 20 Feb 2002
To be honest, I felt disappointed at first that this book didn't go beyond the simple aspects. I know it's a Dummies book, but it has a lot of content & it is from Woody. Hence my expectations were higher. Unfortunately a lot of it is non O/S related - e.g. MSN, IE6, AOL.
Then I realised how much I didn't know about XP!
Great for beginners, and it turns out even the more experienced of us can pick-up something if we haven't yet used XP.

Useful general guide for novices, 07 Oct 2008
I probably knew quite a lot of the contents of this guide but it is still useful to have for reference. Probably best as a general guide for complete novices, if you already have some experience of digital music on your computer then go for a more specialised guide to your particular areas of interest.

Windows XP, 14 Mar 2004
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You, 20 Jun 2003
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers., 15 Jan 2002
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.

Excellent for its intended market - beginners., 20 Feb 2002
To be honest, I felt disappointed at first that this book didn't go beyond the simple aspects. I know it's a Dummies book, but it has a lot of content & it is from Woody. Hence my expectations were higher. Unfortunately a lot of it is non O/S related - e.g. MSN, IE6, AOL.
Then I realised how much I didn't know about XP!
Great for beginners, and it turns out even the more experienced of us can pick-up something if we haven't yet used XP.

Useful general guide for novices, 07 Oct 2008
I probably knew quite a lot of the contents of this guide but it is still useful to have for reference. Probably best as a general guide for complete novices, if you already have some experience of digital music on your computer then go for a more specialised guide to your particular areas of interest.

Overall pretty good, 07 Sep 2007
This book got me through the XP Exam, so it did it's job. It's pretty easy to follow and not too overly technical and boring. I do think that this exam was the most tedious to study for, but it wasn't the books fault.
The book had a few typos and also referenced Server 2003 as 2002 showing it to be in need of an update, but other than that the book and CD were great.

Great but not enough, 07 Mar 2004
This book is designed to prepare people to pass the MCSE exam and it achieves this very well.

The book is written in an entertaining manner that helps make the learning less painful. Complex topics are explained clearly and in adequate detail. The book is organised very well, with related topics grouped together and cross-referenced.

However, this book is NOT enough to pass the exam on its own. While the book does give you an excellent understanding of what you need to know, it doesn't give you much exam practice. The practice tests included with the book are significantly simpler than what you'll get in a real exam. I found some example exam papers on the Internet and these were invaluable.

I passed the exam on the first attempt thanks to this book. Just remember that to pass, you need this book AND a good source of practice exam questions.

Easily read, easily understood.., 16 Sep 2002
This book is well laid out, easily understood, and basically ideal for anyone starting out on their MCSE. Through the way it is versed it manages to keep you interested despite some parts of the course being complex.

I found the descriptions/tables etc all very helpful, but I think its greatest strength is its exam hints. Set in bold they are impossible to miss, and I found them pretty accurate with regards to indicating the topics\questions that will come up in the exam.

I combined it with an "Exam Cram" book and found they complemented each other. I would suggest buying the Dummies book, learning everything in it, then skimming through the cram book to consolidate what you know.

The book will NOT teach you all there is to know about XP, but if that's not your goal then its perfect.

All in all, this book is spot on.

Windows XP, 14 Mar 2004
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You, 20 Jun 2003
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers., 15 Jan 2002
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.

Excellent for its intended market - beginners., 20 Feb 2002
To be honest, I felt disappointed at first that this book didn't go beyond the simple aspects. I know it's a Dummies book, but it has a lot of content & it is from Woody. Hence my expectations were higher. Unfortunately a lot of it is non O/S related - e.g. MSN, IE6, AOL.
Then I realised how much I didn't know about XP!
Great for beginners, and it turns out even the more experienced of us can pick-up something if we haven't yet used XP.

Useful general guide for novices, 07 Oct 2008
I probably knew quite a lot of the contents of this guide but it is still useful to have for reference. Probably best as a general guide for complete novices, if you already have some experience of digital music on your computer then go for a more specialised guide to your particular areas of interest.

Overall pretty good, 07 Sep 2007
This book got me through the XP Exam, so it did it's job. It's pretty easy to follow and not too overly technical and boring. I do think that this exam was the most tedious to study for, but it wasn't the books fault.
The book had a few typos and also referenced Server 2003 as 2002 showing it to be in need of an update, but other than that the book and CD were great.

Great but not enough, 07 Mar 2004
This book is designed to prepare people to pass the MCSE exam and it achieves this very well.

The book is written in an entertaining manner that helps make the learning less painful. Complex topics are explained clearly and in adequate detail. The book is organised very well, with related topics grouped together and cross-referenced.

However, this book is NOT enough to pass the exam on its own. While the book does give you an excellent understanding of what you need to know, it doesn't give you much exam practice. The practice tests included with the book are significantly simpler than what you'll get in a real exam. I found some example exam papers on the Internet and these were invaluable.

I passed the exam on the first attempt thanks to this book. Just remember that to pass, you need this book AND a good source of practice exam questions.

Easily read, easily understood.., 16 Sep 2002
This book is well laid out, easily understood, and basically ideal for anyone starting out on their MCSE. Through the way it is versed it manages to keep you interested despite some parts of the course being complex.

I found the descriptions/tables etc all very helpful, but I think its greatest strength is its exam hints. Set in bold they are impossible to miss, and I found them pretty accurate with regards to indicating the topics\questions that will come up in the exam.

I combined it with an "Exam Cram" book and found they complemented each other. I would suggest buying the Dummies book, learning everything in it, then skimming through the cram book to consolidate what you know.

The book will NOT teach you all there is to know about XP, but if that's not your goal then its perfect.

All in all, this book is spot on.

a must buy !, 02 Oct 2008
this is an invaluable "reference " book irrespective of ability/knowledge !
think you know it all ? think again ! a must have !

The newest and probably greatest Microsoft operating system for home computers and those that run in small offices is documented in The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows Me. This book assumes you have very little prior knowledge, so it explains everything, including how to use a mouse and print a file from a standard Windows application. Once the fundamentals are covered adequately, with numbered steps and quite a few screen shots, it digs into the new features of Windows Me. The part about the Home Networking Wizard is particularly good, and the information on Windows Me for portable computers is good too.

Some of the content is questionable, though. For example, a couple of pages are devoted to hoax virus warnings, but there's nothing about the real viruses (such as "Melissa" and "ILOVEYOU") that Windows can pick up through e-mail attachments. More information on setting up a high-speed Internet connection under Windows Me, such as a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) link or a cable modem, would have been nice, but that topic goes unmentioned.

In summary, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows Me does a fair-to-middling job of explaining a lot of essential technical material. People whose first computing experience is with Windows Me get the super-basic information they need, and Windows 95 and 98 users who want help in making the leap to the new Windows will find it here. --David Wall, Amazon.com

Topics covered: Windows Me and its various capabilities, explained for the benefit of inexperienced users. The basics (starting your computer, running programs, manipulating files and folders, and dealing with icons) come first, followed by instructions for using Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. Coverage also goes to setting up and using a small local area network (LAN), customising the appearance of Windows, and using utilities such as Microsoft Backup.

The Dummies series long ago proved itself an excellent means of explaining the elementary aspects of operating systems to new users. Windows 98 for Dummies continues the tradition with its admirable coverage of Microsoft's latest consumer operating system.

Windows 98 for Dummies begins by explaining the differences between PCs and Macintoshes and detailing the differences between clicking and double clicking. In the process of introducing the operating system, Rathbone explains lots of incidental factoids, including what a graphical user interface is and how the Print Screen button has been given new functionality in Windows 98. He then moves on to the mechanics of window management, explaining how to maximise, minimise and incrementally adjust the size of application windows. Other chapters deal with cutting and pasting, the accessory programs and the details of getting DOS programs to run properly. Rathbone's prose is clear and intelligent, and a superb index helps you zero in on the facts you need in a hurry.

Generally speaking, Windows 98 for Dummies stays away from networking issues. More Windows 98 for Dummies, the book's sequel, covers networking in some detail. Though LANs are sufficiently complicated to merit a second volume, it's too bad this book doesn't include any information on dial-up networking--especially since the author discusses Web surfing at some length. And Outlook Express, Windows 98's e-mail program, gets scarcely a mention in these pages. With Windows 98 more focused on connectivity than any previous Microsoft operating system, it seems improper to consign connectivity to a second volume.

You will learn a lot from this book if you're new to Windows 98 or to computers in general. However, the book leaves you hungry for more before long. --David Wall

Windows XP, 14 Mar 2004
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You, 20 Jun 2003
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers., 15 Jan 2002
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.

Excellent for its intended market - beginners., 20 Feb 2002
To be honest, I felt disappointed at first that this book didn't go beyond the simple aspects. I know it's a Dummies book, but it has a lot of content & it is from Woody. Hence my expectations were higher. Unfortunately a lot of it is non O/S related - e.g. MSN, IE6, AOL.
Then I realised how much I didn't know about XP!
Great for beginners, and it turns out even the more experienced of us can pick-up something if we haven't yet used XP.

Useful general guide for novices, 07 Oct 2008
I probably knew quite a lot of the contents of this guide but it is still useful to have for reference. Probably best as a general guide for complete novices, if you already have some experience of digital music on your computer then go for a more specialised guide to your particular areas of interest.

Overall pretty good, 07 Sep 2007
This book got me through the XP Exam, so it did it's job. It's pretty easy to follow and not too overly technical and boring. I do think that this exam was the most tedious to study for, but it wasn't the books fault.
The book had a few typos and also referenced Server 2003 as 2002 showing it to be in need of an update, but other than that the book and CD were great.

Great but not enough, 07 Mar 2004
This book is designed to prepare people to pass the MCSE exam and it achieves this very well.

The book is written in an entertaining manner that helps make the learning less painful. Complex topics are explained clearly and in adequate detail. The book is organised very well, with related topics grouped together and cross-referenced.

However, this book is NOT enough to pass the exam on its own. While the book does give you an excellent understanding of what you need to know, it doesn't give you much exam practice. The practice tests included with the book are significantly simpler than what you'll get in a real exam. I found some example exam papers on the Internet and these were invaluable.

I passed the exam on the first attempt thanks to this book. Just remember that to pass, you need this book AND a good source of practice exam questions.

Easily read, easily understood.., 16 Sep 2002
This book is well laid out, easily understood, and basically ideal for anyone starting out on their MCSE. Through the way it is versed it manages to keep you interested despite some parts of the course being complex.

I found the descriptions/tables etc all very helpful, but I think its greatest strength is its exam hints. Set in bold they are impossible to miss, and I found them pretty accurate with regards to indicating the topics\questions that will come up in the exam.

I combined it with an "Exam Cram" book and found they complemented each other. I would suggest buying the Dummies book, learning everything in it, then skimming through the cram book to consolidate what you know.

The book will NOT teach you all there is to know about XP, but if that's not your goal then its perfect.

All in all, this book is spot on.

a must buy !, 02 Oct 2008
this is an invaluable "reference " book irrespective of ability/knowledge !
think you know it all ? think again ! a must have !

An easy read, 01 Aug 1999
The book was an easy and quick read. The only problem, most of the contents you can figure out by just using the program. I still enjoyed reading it and I did pick up a tip or two. Just ordered "More Windows 98 for Dummies" and hope there are more secrets to learn.

Simply put---Excellent!, 05 Jun 1999
Having little or no experience with Windows, this book was a Godsend for me. It clearly explains all of the features of Windows98 in terms that even this newbie could understand. While I'm far from mastering, this book makes navigating less fearsome, and I always keep it at arms length.

Converted a Mac user to a PC user, easily, painlessly!, 16 May 1999
Having owned six McIntosh computers, I was dreading the uncharted territory (for me) of the Windows OS. After buying a PC and staring at it for the weekend, I purchased Andy's book. Not only did it tell me everything I needed to know, it was lots of fun to read. His sense of humor walked me step-by-step through the most convoluted tasks (and there are many!) on my new computer. I highly recommend this book for both PC tyros and know-it-alls.

It's a fair introduction but woefully inadequate., 11 Jan 1999
While it does enable a beginner to get started in Windows98 it is hopelessly incomplete.It affords very little help when you run into trouble and is very poorly indexed. One could do with a little less cutesy language and a little more substance.

First Rate, 25 Dec 1998
I had used Windows 95 at work but now had my first own computer and was using Windows 98! This book helped tremendously in both these new situations and I can highly recommend it for relative novices like myself.

Windows Me has a lot to offer someone who wants to use Microsoft Windows in a home or small-office setting. Author Andy Rathbone competently explains its advantages (as well as some of its shortcomings) in Microsoft Windows Me for Dummies, a fine example of software documentation that appeals to novices without shirking its responsibility to include lots of details. To his credit, Rathbone knows that what's interesting to the Microsoft marketing department isn't necessarily important to most users of Windows Me. That's why he's gone to some trouble to include instructions for such unglamorous but important tasks as duplicating floppy disks and copying text from place to place in a document.

About half this book deals with absolutely fundamental Windows subjects, such as running programs by choosing them from the Start menu and moving files around. Rathbone deals with this material ably, though with far fewer illustrations than some readers might wish for. More exotic material, such as using two video monitors at once and the essentials of electronic mail and the Web, gets attention as well. However, Rathbone totally neglects what may be the most exciting new feature of Windows Me, the Home Networking Wizard. Instead, he (and, probably more to the point, his publisher) chose to relegate the Home Networking Wizard to More Windows Me for Dummies. It's a cheap ploy to sell more books. If you're new to Windows and are getting your start with Windows Me, though, this book has what you need. --David Wall, Amazon.com

Topics covered: The fundamentals of Windows Me, including program launching, file management, hardware essentials, customisation of Windows Me's look and feel, and the little programs that come with the operating system. There's coverage of the Internet--Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, specifically--as well.

Windows XP, 14 Mar 2004
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You, 20 Jun 2003
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers., 15 Jan 2002
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.

Excellent for its intended market - beginners., 20 Feb 2002
To be honest, I felt disappointed at first that this book didn't go beyond the simple aspects. I know it's a Dummies book, but it has a lot of content & it is from Woody. Hence my expectations were higher. Unfortunately a lot of it is non O/S related - e.g. MSN, IE6, AOL.
Then I realised how much I didn't know about XP!
Great for beginners, and it turns out even the more experienced of us can pick-up something if we haven't yet used XP.

Useful general guide for novices, 07 Oct 2008
I probably knew quite a lot of the contents of this guide but it is still useful to have for reference. Probably best as a general guide for complete novices, if you already have some experience of digital music on your computer then go for a more specialised guide to your particular areas of interest.

Overall pretty good, 07 Sep 2007
This book got me through the XP Exam, so it did it's job. It's pretty easy to follow and not too overly technical and boring. I do think that this exam was the most tedious to study for, but it wasn't the books fault.
The book had a few typos and also referenced Server 2003 as 2002 showing it to be in need of an update, but other than that the book and CD were great.

Great but not enough, 07 Mar 2004
This book is designed to prepare people to pass the MCSE exam and it achieves this very well.

The book is written in an entertaining manner that helps make the learning less painful. Complex topics are explained clearly and in adequate detail. The book is organised very well, with related topics grouped together and cross-referenced.

However, this book is NOT enough to pass the exam on its own. While the book does give you an excellent understanding of what you need to know, it doesn't give you much exam practice. The practice tests included with the book are significantly simpler than what you'll get in a real exam. I found some example exam papers on the Internet and these were invaluable.

I passed the exam on the first attempt thanks to this book. Just remember that to pass, you need this book AND a good source of practice exam questions.

Easily read, easily understood.., 16 Sep 2002
This book is well laid out, easily understood, and basically ideal for anyone starting out on their MCSE. Through the way it is versed it manages to keep you interested despite some parts of the course being complex.

I found the descriptions/tables etc all very helpful, but I think its greatest strength is its exam hints. Set in bold they are impossible to miss, and I found them pretty accurate with regards to indicating the topics\questions that will come up in the exam.

I combined it with an "Exam Cram" book and found they complemented each other. I would suggest buying the Dummies book, learning everything in it, then skimming through the cram book to consolidate what you know.

The book will NOT teach you all there is to know about XP, but if that's not your goal then its perfect.

All in all, this book is spot on.

a must buy !, 02 Oct 2008
this is an invaluable "reference " book irrespective of ability/knowledge !
think you know it all ? think again ! a must have !

An easy read, 01 Aug 1999
The book was an easy and quick read. The only problem, most of the contents you can figure out by just using the program. I still enjoyed reading it and I did pick up a tip or two. Just ordered "More Windows 98 for Dummies" and hope there are more secrets to learn.

Simply put---Excellent!, 05 Jun 1999
Having little or no experience with Windows, this book was a Godsend for me. It clearly explains all of the features of Windows98 in terms that even this newbie could understand. While I'm far from mastering, this book makes navigating less fearsome, and I always keep it at arms length.

Converted a Mac user to a PC user, easily, painlessly!, 16 May 1999
Having owned six McIntosh computers, I was dreading the uncharted territory (for me) of the Windows OS. After buying a PC and staring at it for the weekend, I purchased Andy's book. Not only did it tell me everything I needed to know, it was lots of fun to read. His sense of humor walked me step-by-step through the most convoluted tasks (and there are many!) on my new computer. I highly recommend this book for both PC tyros and know-it-alls.

It's a fair introduction but woefully inadequate., 11 Jan 1999
While it does enable a beginner to get started in Windows98 it is hopelessly incomplete.It affords very little help when you run into trouble and is very poorly indexed. One could do with a little less cutesy language and a little more substance.

First Rate, 25 Dec 1998
I had used Windows 95 at work but now had my first own computer and was using Windows 98! This book helped tremendously in both these new situations and I can highly recommend it for relative novices like myself.

The complete reference guide to Windows ME, 13 Oct 2000
Anyone who is using Windows Me will notice that there are many varyations to Windows 98 and 95. This book will talk you through the whole process and introduces you to the new way of customising your Start Menu as well as configuring the way the Control Panel and Dial-up Networking menus are shown. If you are new to the Windows Operatoing System this book is a must providing reference and step-by-step instructions on the OS for the new Millenium and the home user and it is done in the Dummies collection style. This guide is a must!