Windows ME (Millennium Edition): The Complete Reference - Softcover

Levine, John R.; Young, Margaret Levine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0072127511 ISBN 13: 9780072127515

Publisher: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2000

Synopsis

This guide covers Windows ME and provides details on topics from installation and interface design, to utilizing the new home networking options and support for a wide variety of gaming and telecommunications devices. A CD-ROM is included.

About this title

Review

Windows Millennium Edition, or ME for short, is the latest and probably last version of Microsoft's consumer OS line, which started with Windows 95. Since then we've had Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition. Like '98 Second Edition, Windows ME is essentially the same operating system, but with a few extras and updates thrown in--in fact many have nick-named it "Windows 98 Third Edition". There's still plenty to get your head around though.

Enter Windows Millennium Edition: The Complete Reference, fairly describing its 985 pages as the "Ultimate Guide to Microsoft's Newly Updated Operating System". Authors John R Levine and Margaret Levine Young are veterans at this sort of thing, having previously penned Windows 98: The Complete Reference.

All bases are covered, from installation of Windows ME, through to setting it up and onto advanced housekeeping and system configuration. Complete newcomers to Windows in general are told all about files, folders and general navigation--there's some great tips here too for the seasoned Windows user, such as how to password-protect an entire folder.

Next it's time to configure your system, with advice on customising the desktop, Start Menu and Task Bar. After setting up regional system preferences, the book guides you through adding and removing hardware and working with audio and video; a dedicated section on running Windows ME on notebooks follows.

From here on, the Internet is discussed in detail, from setting up basic dialup and e-mail accounts to understanding FTP, HyperTerminal and instant messaging. Networks come under scrutiny next, covering LAN topology, user accounts, network security and viruses.

At this point, most users could do with some housekeeping tips. Fortunately the last 200 pages or so do just this with great troubleshooting and diagnosis advice, followed by instructions on editing and optimising system files.

As a reference Windows Millennium Edition: The Complete Reference is certainly comprehensive, but like others sharing this layout, it's not that easy to dip in and out of for a quick fix. Fortunately it's supplied with the entire contents on CD-ROM for easier browsing. Whichever way you read it though, you'll come away satisfied--as the title says, it's a complete reference to Windows ME, and comes recommended as such. --Gordon Laing

From the Back Cover

The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft's Newly Updated Operating System

Get the most out of the powerful and exciting new features Windows Me has to offer. You'll learn to install, set up, optimize, and run the #1 home and small-business operating system and get details on software and peripheral options by using this comprehensive resource. Written by world-renowned authors, this authoritative guide covers everything from creating home networks and sharing printers to utilizing the enhanced digital media and entertainment capabilities. Whether you are a novice interested in learning the basic features of Windows Me or an experienced user wanting in-depth explanations on more advanced topics, this is your one-stop reference to the world's most popular operating system.

-Install and run Windows Me
-Manage files and folders and share information between programs
-Customize your Start menu, Taskbar, and desktop
-Set up printers and fonts
-Browse the Web, send e-mail, and chat using NetMeeting
-Create a network so all your computers can share one Internet connection
-Learn housekeeping tips to ensure your disks are safe
-Tune and troubleshoot Windows Me for maximum performance
-Protect yourself from viruses and control your browser's cookies
-Bonus CD-ROM includes fully searchable electronic version of book

Edition details

• Publisher: Osborne/McGraw-Hill
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0072127511
• ISBN 13: 9780072127515
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 1024