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Reviewed by
Chuck Duval

Book Review of:
Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks Windows XP

 

Book cover

Chuck Duval has been a member of Alamo PC since September 1999 and continues to enjoy the challenge of learning to use a computer.

From the May 2004 issue of PC Alamode Magazine

Having just been just published in 2003, it did not seem to be available on other commonly visited web sites [Editors Note: Available on Amazon.com for $13.99 in March 2004]. On the Wiley web site there is a description of the book that pretty much sums up its purpose and scope: 
You already know Windows XP basics. Now you'd like to go beyond, with shortcuts, tricks, and tips that let you work smarter and faster. And because you learn more easily when someone shows you how, this is the book for you. Inside, you'll find clear, illustrated instructions for 100 tasks that reveal cool secrets, teach timesaving tricks, and explain great tips guaranteed to make you more productive with Windows XP.

The layout “Features the 5-STAR Visual Learning System”. This system is explained in 5 steps:

  1. Minimal text and maximum illustration
  2. Task-oriented, step-by-step approach
  3. Lines and “lassos” connect illustrations to instructions
  4. Self-contained, two-page lessons
  5. Uniform layout makes it easy to read less, learn more

A helpful feature is a page devoted to “How to Use This Book”. It takes you through the format of each lesson of tips & tricks;

  • The steps walk you through each task
  • The tips, a practical approach to application of XP features
  • The task numbers, 1 to 100 indicate the self-contained lessons
  • The difficulty levels, marked with symbols to indicate the four levels of difficulty of the lesson

The book is extremely well illustrated to easily take one through the exercises. Using this book one can explore and utilize the capabilities of Windows XP. It is an excellent reference to help recall those features of XP that are used infrequently. All in all, this is an outstanding book to have as a reference to aid you in capturing and/or recalling many of the extremely useful features of Windows XP.

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