Carl Siechert, Craig Stinson, and I spent a year working with beta versions of Windows XP Service Pack 2. Our goal was to produce an updated version of Windows XP Inside Out. So, I am happy to report that the second edition is finally available.

A lot of publishers crank out new editions when a service pack comes along. In most cases, all they do is slip in a few pages about the service pack, put a new ISBN number on the title, and throw it on the shelf. We took a more comprehensive approach. This book has been rewritten from start to finish. Service Pack 2 is a big deal, and we wanted to make sure that all of its changes are reflected. It took a long time, but I’m really pleased with the results.

If you own one of the original editions, trust me: You’ll want this update. The changes in the book are important, and a lot of the information in the original editions is simply not relevant or helpful if you’ve installed SP2.

As with the original editions, you’ll find two versions of Windows XP Inside Out. The standard edition is aimed at people using Windows in home and small office environments. The Deluxe edition has extra content specifically targeted at power users and those who work with more advanced networks.

You should be able to get these titles from any bookstore. If you want to buy from Amazon.com, I encourage you to click either of the following links. The prices are as good as you’ll get anywhere, and I get a buck or two as a spiff for each copy sold.

Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out Deluxe, Second Edition

Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, Second Edition

Also, if you have a Windows-related blog and you’d like a review copy, link to this post and send me a note with the URL. I’ll forward your contact info to the publicity folks at Microsoft Press.

I just checked, and Amazon.com now has Ed Bott’s Your New PC available for immediate shipment. Click this link to
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document.write(“order your copy.“);
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I’m interested in any and all feedback.

For the past few years, I’ve run a little side business in which I help friends and family replace their old PCs with shiny new ones. I show them how to pick out the right hardware, hook everything up correctly, get the latest security patches for Windows, install their programs, personalize the desktop and other settings, add virus protection and a firewall, and transfer all the data from the old PC to the new one.

Earlier this year, I convinced Microsoft Press that this would be a great topic for a book. The result is Ed Bott’s Your New PC. It’s slim (224 pages), easy to follow, and jargon-free. The book uses simple checklists to walk you through the setup process.

I’m really happy with the way the book turned out. If you know someone who’s planning to get a new PC, tell them about this book. Or, better yet, buy them a copy. Click this link to
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document.write(“pre-order the book from Amazon.com“);
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or visit your favorite bookstore in early October. (Don’t be fooled by the October 27 date at Amazon’s Web site. The book should be out much sooner than that.)

As always, if you have any comments or questions, send me a note.

So, you got a new PC for Christmas, with Windows XP installed on it. You know that you’ll probably need a little help to get the most out of that new computer. Because you’re no fool, you know that those books written for dummies are probably a waste of time and money. (See? You’re smarter already…) You know that I’ve written two books on Windows XP. So, which book is right for you?

Choose Faster Smarter Windows XP if you’re looking for a thorough introduction to Windows XP that won’t bury you in jargon and technobabble. I focus on the issues that really matter to smart people (like you) who want to get the most out of their computer. In it, I answer questions like:

• How do I keep my e-mail Inbox from being flooded with spam?
• What are Windows viruses, and how do I prevent my computer from becoming infected with one?
• Can browser cookies transfer information about me over the Internet? What’s the best way to protect my privacy?
• How do I get photographs out of my digital camera and onto my computer? How do I use e-mail to send pictures to my friends?

If, on the other hand, you’re already an experienced Windows user, you probably want Windows XP Inside Out, which contains more than 1200 pages of detailed information about Windows, including some very technical stuff. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand it, but you should be prepared to dig deep into the innards of Windows.