Now power users can rejoice as Gralla offers them tips, tools, and know-how to bend Windows XP to their will.

A smart collection of insider tips and tricks, Windows XP Hacks, Second Edition covers the XP operating system from start to finish. Among the multitude of topics addressed, this must-have resource includes extensive coverage of hot-button issues such as: security web browsing controlling the control panel removing uninstallable XP components pop-up ads You'll also find timesaving hacks for file distribution; digital media, such as iTunes; and high-visibility web software, services, and exploits that have emerged since the book's last edition. Each hack in the book can be read easily in just a few minutes, saving countless hours of searching for the right answer.Now completely revised and updated to cover Service Pack 2 (SP2), the second edition of this bestseller carefully breaks down the new features that come with SP2, including IE pop-up blocker, Windows Firewall, and the new wireless client.Written by Preston Gralla, the compact and affordable Windows XP Hacks, Second Edition provides direct, hands-on solutions that can be applied to the challenges facing XP beginners, as well as the more experienced power user. Each year, Windows XP is pre-installed on 90 million PCs worldwide, making it the world's most popular operating system.

Each year, Windows XP is pre-installed on 30 million PCs sold in the U.S.--and 90 million worldwide--making it the world's most popular operating system, and proving to frustrated users everywhere that preponderance does not equate to ease of use. There are literally thousands of programs, tools, commands, screens, scripts, buttons, tabs, applets, menus, and settings contained within Windows XP. And it has only been in the last couple of years that Microsoft's documentation has actually been more of a help than a hindrance. But it still isn't enough. Windows XP users and administrators need a quick and easy way to find answers. Plenty of books go into detail about the theory behind a particular technology or application, but few go straight to the essentials for getting the job done. Windows XP Cookbook does just that, tackling the most common tasks needed to install, manage, and support Windows XP. Featuring a new twist to O'Reilly's proven Cookbook formula, this problem-solving guide offers multiple solutions for each of its 300-plus recipes. Solve dilemmas with the graphical user interface, the command line, through the Registry, or by using scripts. Each step-by-step recipe includes a discussion that explains how and why it works. The book is also among the first to cover Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2. With these practical, on-the-job solutions, Windows XP Cookbook will save you hours of time searching for answers. Windows XP Cookbook will be useful to anyone that has to use, deploy, administer, or automate Windows XP. But this isn't a typical end-user book; it covers the spectrum of topics involved with running Windows XP in both small and large environments. As a result, IT professionals and system administrators will find it a great day-to-day reference. And power users will find Windows XP Cookbook a great source for information on tweaking XP and getting the most out of their systems. The bottom line is that Windows XP Cookbook will make just about anyone who uses XP more productive.

Explains how to configure Windows XP for maximum control and flexibility, work effectively with the Registry, take advantage of the built-in firewall, and troubleshoot problems.

A guide to Microsoft Access covers such topics as creating databases, creating tables, sorting and filtering, using queries, and generating reports.

If your company is ready to minimize paperwork and maximize productivity, control spending and boost sales, QuickBooks 2006 can help you make it happen--but only if you know how to use it. And it doesn't come with a manual. Lucky for you, there's QuickBooks 2006: The Missing Manual, the comprehensive, up-to-date guide to saving time and money while beefing up business with QuickBooks. Award-winning author and financial whiz Bonnie Biafore helps you select the best fit for your company from Intuit's QuickBooks line of financial management software, which includes five products ranging from basic accounting software for small businesses to sophisticated industry-specific enterprise solutions. She then shows you how to tweak and tailor it to your company's needs so you can manage your finances more effectively and efficiently than ever before. If you're new to QuickBooks or to the 2006 version, you'll get started with ease and become quickly proficient with Biafore's tutorials on making and managing a company file and creating accounts, customers, jobs, invoice items, and other lists. If you're a more advanced user, you'll find countless tips, tricks, and shortcuts for becoming a QuickBooks pro. And everyone at every level will benefit from Biafore's seasoned, sensible advice on business accounting and finance. Under Biafore's expert direction, you will be able to use QuickBooks for a lot more than everyday bookkeeping. Beyond billing and payroll servicing, generating business forms and easing end-of-year tax preparation, QuickBooks 2006: The Missing Manual shows you how to use QuickBooks to accomplish things like inventory control, budget building, and report creation for evaluating every aspect of an enterprise. With Biafore's clear and friendly explanations and step-by-step instructions for every QuickBooks feature (along with plenty of real-world examples), you'll learn how to take advantage of online banking options, data exchange with other programs, and sophisticated planning and tracking tools for achieving maximum business success. QuickBooks 2006: The Missing Manual makes QuickBooks more powerful than you thought possible.

Introduced by Apple in January 2005, iWork '05 is an innovative new suite of document and presentation software that's the same caliber as Apple's groundbreaking digital media applications and that's wholly dedicated to what Mac users like you care about most: artistry and creativity. iWork '05 isn't about "office productivity"--it's about creating slick and stylish documents and cinema-quality digital presentations that say precisely what you want them to say. While iWork '05 helps you create stunning documents and presentations, the suite doesn't come with any in-depth documentation of its own. That's where iWork '05: The Missing Manual comes in. The book that should have been in the box, it gives you everything you need to master iWork '05. Seamlessly integrated with the wildly popular iLife '05 and designed to take advantage of the advanced typography and graphics engine of Mac OS X, iWork is actually two separate programs: Pages and Keynote 2. Pages is a brand-new, streamlined word processor and page layout program that allows nonprofessionals to quickly and painlessly produce gorgeous brochures, newsletters, letters, invitations, product data sheets, and more. You can start documents from scratch or use one of the 40 professionally designed templates as a starting point. Keynote 2 is a significant upgrade to Keynote, Apple's PowerPoint-like presentation software that allows you to build unique presentations, demonstrations, storyboard animations, interactive slideshows, and more. Like every Missing Manual, this one is refreshingly entertaining and scrupulously detailed. iWork '05: The Missing Manual gives you all the essentials of Pages and Keynote 2, including an objective look at each program's capabilities, its advantages over similar programs, and its limitations. The book delivers countless goodies that you won't find anywhere else: undocumented tips, tricks, and secrets for getting the very best results from both exciting new applications. With the iWork '05 suite and iWork '05: The Missing Manual, you are totally equipped to give your work the style it deserves.

Provides information on creating a Web site, covering such topics as HTML, style sheets, frames, graphics, attracting visitors, JavaScript, and blogs.

A guide to the Internet covers such topics as broadband connections, searching the Web, online shopping, games and gambling sites, trip planning, email, instant messaging, blogs, and downloading songs and videos.

Macromedia's Flash 8 is the world's premier program for adding animation to websites. And with the latest version, this popular program becomes more versatile, letting beginning webmasters and expert developers alike create sophisticated web content. But Flash isn't intuitive. And it doesn't come with a manual. Whether you want to learn the basics or unleash the program's true power, Flash 8: The Missing Manual is the ideal instructor. This hands-on guide to today's hottest web design tool is aimed at nondevelopers, and it teaches you how to translate your ideas into great web content. It begins with a solid primer on animation, which helps you get comfortable with the Flash interface. Once you have these basics under your belt, Flash 8: The Missing Manual moves on to advanced animations, including adding special effects and audio, video, and interactivity to your presentations. When you're really feeling steady, the book shows how to use a dollop of ActionScript to customize your content. It then teaches you how to publish your Flash creations for web surfers everywhere to enjoy. Along the way, the book shows you good design principles and helps you avoid elements that can distract or annoy an audience. Author Emily Vander Veer has more than a dozen books to her credit, including titles on web design and scripting--most written for non-technical readers. Her background makes her the perfect author for a straightforward book on a complex subject. She takes Flash 8: The Missing Manual from the basics to the advanced, yet avoids a hasty jump into tough topics that can leave readers confused. Not only will Flash 8: The Missing Manual help you turn a concept into unique, dynamic content, but it will continue to serve as a reference as you develop your website.