compaquaf-ga,
First of all, the best way to learn Windows XP is to obtain a copy of
it on a computer with which you can work. You may have it already, but
in case you don't (or if you have it at work but not at home, you can
purchase it at almost any store selling software, such as Best Buy,
Staples, Office Max, etc., as well as online.
Before we go any further, let me provide you with the link to the
official Microsoft Windows XP Home Page:
[ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/default.asp ]
Visit this site often for updated tips and tricks such as these, at
the Windows XP How-to Center ("From installation to troubleshooting to
multibooting, find out fast what you need to know to use Windows XP.":
[ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/default.asp ]
The above is an excellent source to start, expecially the following
link, "Getting Started":
[ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/default.asp#section1
]
See also from the XP How-to page [
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/default.asp ]:
"Getting Started
Personalize Your Computer
Communication and the Internet
Go Mobile
Work with Multimedia
Networking
Security and Maintenance
Get Help and Support"
There are two versions of Windows XP: "Win XP Home" and "Win XP Pro."
Most workplace situations will have Win XP Pro, although not always,
especially if the company or organization is small. Many of the
differences pertain to networking and security, and that XP Pro uses
the NT file system, but here is a link to Microsoft's Win XP Home vs.
Pro Comparison Guide, which defines the differences exactly:
[ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing2.asp ]
Here's a link to the Microsoft's site on How to Buy Win XP:
[ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/default.asp ]
Now, as far as learning to use Win XP, if you are used to Win 9x
(95/98), XP has what is called "Classic View," but I don't suggest
using it unless you really have serious work to do on your new XP
system and have no time to learn. Use the XP default view to get used
to it.
Tip (gleaned from coaching numerous people making the transition from
Win 9x to XP): Most everything is accessible by clicking the Start
button. To access the Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer, the
browser with the blue “e” icon, but Windows Explorer—the system
navigation program)—Right-click the Start button and select “Explore”
from the pop-up menu. Click Start->Programs to see the available
programs on your system. For system settings, click Start->Control
Panel.
For non-Microsoft based Win XP help, there are many free tutorials on
the web, one excellent one I have posted a link to below, from Bowling
Green University Student Tech Center:
[ http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/studenttech/tutorial/winXP/ ]
This should get you going, and after that, you will develop more
specific questions, depending on what exactly you're doing with your
computer. At that point you can then seek answers either here on this
service, or by seeking more specific tutorials on the internet.
Quick tip: If you have a question about how to do something on your
computer, search Goggle for the general term describing what you're
doing + the word, "tutorial" i.e., "Win XP automation tutorial" as a
decent starting point.
There are also numerous third-party books and CD-ROMs available for
sale that help people learn to use Windows, including WinXP, but I
think for most people everything you need is in the operating system
itself (don't forget the extensive WinXP Help system built in--Press
"F1" to access Help from anywhere for context-sensitive help. For the
most general help, press the F1 key from the Desktop).
I certainly hope this helps get you started.
Google search strategy:
Keywords, "WinXP tutorials":
[ ://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&safe=off&q=WinXP+tutorials&spell=1
],
"learning WinXP":
[://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&safe=off&q=learning+WinXP
]
Good luck in learning Windows XP, and have fun!
omniscientbeing-ga |
