I dare say that perhaps even the most seasoned user of Windows XP should have this book on their reference shelf, but the book is not without its flaws

"Using Windows XP" continues the author's/publisher's tendency to copy large amounts of text from previous editions of the "Using" series (this book borrows from its Windows 2000 edition) with the new material/features of Windows XP. This book is an excellent introduction to Windows XP for people completely oblivious to Microsoft operating systems and Windows XP but also a useful reference to more intermediate users who may not understand new introductions like XP's new wizards and other features like built in CD-R software.

superseded but still useful a reference and I dare say historical document when the teeming masses were finally weaned off the DOS kernel.

An excellent resource text, well written and well organised: it's comprehensive and has a good index, making it easy to use. It seems to meet the authors' stated goals of being accurate, concise, practical and interesting, no mean feats for a text dealing with a rather dry subject.