The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Windows XP Personal Trainer - for the bookshelf Major Keary |
A title in O'Reilly's Personal Trainer series, Windows XP Personal Trainer is
based on the principle of learn-by-doing, and likens the lessons to gym sessions
with a personal trainer. Ordinary tutorials explain what to do and leave the
reader to his or her own devices. In this series the reader, like someone
attending a gym, is presented with the necessary equipment, shown how to use it,
and stood over by a personal trainer who makes sure there is no slacking.
Reprinted from the March 2006 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
The book comes with a CD that contains a simulation of the program that enables
a user to execute the exercises without having a working copy, which makes it a
good course text for anyone teaching WinXP to either novices or users who need
to upgrade their
skills. The CD is also a valuable aid for self-teaching: it enables a user to
practice and experiment without mucking up existing settings. In short, it
avoids having to call in 'emergency services' to fix things.
The coverage is comprehensive and detailed, and the sessions progresses in a
logical way from fundamental skills (such as turn on/turn off, and using a
mouse) through to administration, networking, and even installing a card.
This title is larger than usual for the series, and does not waste resources on
unnecessary colour. The text is supported by very good screen shots and other
illustrations. The writing is clear and does not leave terms undefined or
concepts unexplained — but
does not repeat the dose every time a term or concept is mentioned. There are
plenty of useful boxed notes and concise reminders of what has been learned.
A good training manual for self-teaching or more formal courses. Don't be fooled
by the comic-book cover design; this is serious stuff.
CustomGuide, Inc.: Windows XP Personal Trainer
ISBN 0-596-00862-7
Published by O'Reilly,
452 pp. + CD
