Windows ME (Millennium Edition): The Complete Reference Book

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 LaingRead More