Microsoft Windows Me for Dummies

About half of this book deals with absolutely fundamental Windows subjects, such as running programs by choosing them from the Start menu, and moving files around. Rathbone deals with this material ably, although with far fewer illustrations than some readers might want. More exotic material--such as using two video monitors at once, and the essentials of e-mail and the Web--also gets attention. However, Rathbone totally neglects what might be the most exciting new feature of Windows Me--the Home Networking Wizard. Instead, he (or, probably more to the point, his publisher) chose to relegate the Home Networking Wizard to More Windows Me for Dummies, which is a cheap ploy to sell more books. If you're new to Windows and getting started with Windows Me, however, this book has what you need. --David Wall

Topics covered: The fundamentals of Windows Me, including program launching, file management, hardware essentials, customization of the look and feel of Windows Me, and the little programs that ship with the operating system. There's also coverage of the Internet; specifically, of Internet Explorer 5.5 and Outlook Express.

Product Description
Microsoft Windows Me For Dummies boils down to this simple fact: Some people want to be Windows wizards. They sit in front of their computers randomly pressing keys, hoping to stumble onto a hidden, undocumented feature. And you? Well, you’re no dummy, that’s for sure. But when it comes to Windows and computers, the fascination just isn’t there. You just want to get your work done, feed the cat, and relax for a while. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

That’s where this book comes in. Instead of becoming a Windows Me expert, you’ll know just enough to get by quickly, cleanly, and with a minimum of pain so that you can move on to the more pleasant things in life.

Don’t try to read this book in one sitting. Instead, treat it like a dictionary or an encyclopedia. Turn to the page with the information you need, then put down the book and move on. Don’t bother trying to remember all the Windows Me buzzwords, leave that stuff for the computer gurus. In fact, if anything technical comes up in a chapter, a road sign warns you well in advance. That way, you can either slow down to read it or speed on around it.

You won’t find any fancy computer jargon in Microsoft Windows Me For Dummies. Instead, you’ll find subjects like these, discussed in plain old English:

• Why did they choose a dumb name like “Windows Me”?
• Finding the file you saved yesterday
• Moving those little windows around on the screen with the mouse
• Making Windows Me run a little better
• Performing chores in Windows Me that you used to do in older versions of Windows
• Starting and closing programs by clicking the mouse button

In Microsoft Windows Me For Dummies, there’s nothing to memorize and nothing to learn. Just turn to the right page, read the brief explanation, and get back to work. Unlike other books, this one enables you to bypass the technical hoopla and still get your work done.

At one point, my arrow kept jumping all over the computer screen. I was not even touching the mouse. I thought the machine was posessed. I started flipping through my Dummie book and sure enough, the problem was listed. Not posessed, only a dirty mouse. Whew.

I have used this book as a resource for info more times than I can recall. It has been a lifesaver for me. Computer experts have a way of talking in a different language. Mr. Rathbone keeps it simple and easy. Thanks!!!


Very Helpful   August 20, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Great book for an absolute beginner. Well written, clearly explained, not "cutesy" or as funny as the "Idiots" guides but that was OK. Got a lot out of it and was less intimidated by the machine afterwards; much more comfortable in sitting down and trying out the different programs. Well worth the price.


Windows Me for Dummies   April 1, 2001
 13 out of 17 found this review helpful

Windows Me is an almost useless piece of fluff. Author Andy Rathbone goes to great lengths to explain what Windows Me can do, he however makes almost no atempt to explain how to do it. I found his scratchings on the Media player to be an especialy large waste of time. He listed in almost painfull detail exactly what Media Play could acomplish, he simly forgot to say how. Overall I would say purchasing this book was a waste of my time and money.


Educational without being boring....   March 31, 2001
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This book will give you a lot of information about how to use WindowsMe. It will answer those "silly" or "stupid" questions you are afraid to ask. Or those questions you ask your computer buddy that he/she answers in waaaay too technical terms for you. :) I agree that this book is more for beginners, but it's fun reading. I have been around since Windows 3.1...and I still read all the new Windows For Dummies Books. They are entertaining as well as informative. I never know what new tip or trick I may learn!


cute but confusin   January 21, 2001
 15 out of 20 found this review helpful

A. Rathbone seems more relentlessly intent on performing "stand up" comedy, or being unctiously cute than in giving useful, straight forward, instruction. As a complete begginner, I found his presentation aggravating. He needs an editor to weed out all his "goofey", material and get on with the info and instruction. Found the MaranGraphics series much more instructive, clear and concise.