many ways to personalise the desktop

Gralla gives us a generously illustrated and detailed walkthrough of Microsoft Windows XP. He is aiding a brand new user. So the exposition is carefully done, with many screen captures of what you can change on the desktop. XP comes with all sorts of personalisation options of the desktop appearance. Since many people might set good store on being able to tweak this, a full third of the book is devoted to these issues. Personally, I think it is all somewhat cosmetic. But maybe it means more to you.

The remainder of the book actually deals with more substantive issues. Here, you can learn to do real tasks. As in efficient browsing (using Internet Explorer). Or using email or Instant Messaging. These are probably the most popular communication modalities of the personal computer. So you should get facile in them.

The book has no discussion about VOIP. The overall usage of which is increasingly strongly, but is still at a low base. In a few years time, the next version of this book might well include VOIP.

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• many ways to personalise the desktop