For Dummies Windows XP Hacks and Modifys

Windows guru Woody Leonhard gives people the power to fight back against unwanted shortcuts, system slowdowns, spyware infestations, and other perennial PC problems and annoyances in this much-needed book. Step-by-step instructions help even novice users go under the hood to modify their systems, whether they want to overhaul XP's look and feel, boost speed, beef up security, perform maintenance and updates, or enhance multimedia performance.
• The book covers simple and complex changes including tweaking the taskbar, adding desktop search, making a PC game-friendly, turbocharging browser performance, eradicating viruses and spyware, updating drivers, and augmenting music and video capabilities
• Includes special directions on dealing with software, shortcuts, and other unwanted features installed on new PCs that slow down computing time

What the book covers: This guide shows readers how to make changes to their Windows system to promote overall system efficiency. Main topics include: Controlling XP's Look: Tweaking the taskbar, embellishing the desktop, customizing a start menu. Controlling the Feel of XP: Changing security, pumping up IM power, adding desktop search. Behind the scenes tricks: Tricking out browser capabilities, making your PC game-friendly, real speed techniques. Protecting your PC: Dealing with virus and spyware problems. Keeping Windows alive: Rolling back to working set-ups, updating drivers, maintaining a hard drive. Multimedia: Working with music and video.

Windows guru Woody Leonhard gives people the power to fight back against unwanted shortcuts, system slowdowns, spyware infestations, and other perennial PC problems and annoyances in this much-needed book. Step-by-step instructions help even novice users go "under the hood" to modify their systems, whether they want to overhaul XP's look and feel, boost speed, beef up security, perform maintenance and updates, or enhance multimedia performance.

* The book covers simple and complex changes including tweaking the taskbar, adding desktop search, making a PC game-friendly, turbocharging browser performance, eradicating viruses and spyware, updating drivers, and augmenting music and video capabilities

* Includes special directions on dealing with software, shortcuts, and other unwanted "features" installed on new PCs that slow down computing time