Big Book of Windows Hacks: Tips & Tools for Unlocking the Power of Your Windows PC

by Preston Gralla

Bigger, better, and broader in scope, the Big Book of Windows Hacks gives you everything you need to get the most out of your Windows Vista or XP system, including its related applications and the hardware it runs on or connects to. Whether you want to tweak Vista's Aero interface, build customized sidebar gadgets and run them from a USB key, or hack the "unhackable" screensavers, you'll find quick and ingenious ways to bend these recalcitrant operating...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0596528353
• ISBN13: 9780596528355
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 652 Pages
• Weight: 3.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 8.1" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

great book to learn windows

If you want to know how to have your computer run fast and how to network stuff. This is the book. It helps you to understand the things they never tell you. Everyone should read this if they have a computer.

Windows Technical Book

The price was very attractive and it arrived just a few days after I placed the order. Very satisfied with this purchase! Bill

Hacking for the Rest of Us

When O'Reilly says "big book," they mean Big Book. And when they say "windows hacks" they mean Anything You Can Run Or Plug Into Your PC. Officially there are 188 hacks, ranging from modifying Windows XP or Vista, making a DVR from an old PC you don't use any more, and creating your own search engine. But beyond the big chapter sized hacks (all of which have more than a few different ways to fix your system the way you want, and not they way you got it), there are a multitude of small sidebar tips and hacks (probably pushing the hack total over 300 or so). Some of them are just explanations of a technical part of the page, others are just a quick hit of information to make your life easier. For any non-techie, the /Big Book of Window Hacks/ will be a handy desk reference for yourself, or to make you look good when a friend calls needing some help.

A 'must' for any collection catering to patrons behind the novice stages.

PC users who would understand the underlying power behind the Windows system will appreciate the weighty, information-packed Preston Gralla Big Book of Windows Hacks, a coverage packed with time-saving tips and hints. From how to save regularly-used searches to disabling Windows Mail's splash screen, stopping Firefox memory leaks, and backing up Vista hacks, THE BIG BOOK OF WINDOWS HACKS is a 'must' for any collection catering to patrons behind the novice stages.

Your Chance to Slap Windows Back

§ Despite Microsoft's claims that their vaunted "focus groups" and client experience consultants have allowed them to offer us painless computing, you and the rest of the world know it isn't true. Waiting for Windows XP or Vista to boot up and shut down certainly are irritations in themselves worth a hack or two. As you can imagine, this is a large book. That is not just the number of pages (650) but also the format -- of the fold-flat variety. This big book of hacks is easy to work with physically. The editorial review on this page describes the contents well except that I would alter "contains more than 100 hacks" to "contains almost 200 hacks." Quite a difference. The writing is clear and informed. I'm sure you have read many of Gralla's magazine contributions over the years. Be sure that the book is not all text. There are plenty of illustrations and even photos (for the hardware hacks) to guide you. The hacks themselves are directed at all versions of Windows, with the focus on XP and Vista. Consider this book a compendium of all those tips you always rip out of your computer magazine subscriptions to save -- then lose track of. Here they are, all in one place, not easily lost given the size of this book! §