Microsoft® Windows® XP: Do Amazing Things

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By Joli Ballew

Publisher: Microsoft Press

Released: December 2003

Pages: 416

So let’s go—it’s time to have some fun and amaze yourself with all you can do with your PC! This friendly, fast-paced guide highlights dozens of activities and experiences—and shares the straightforward how-to’s for trying everything out right away. So go ahead, dive in and explore the interesting, amusing, and impressive things you can do everyday with Microsoft Windows Media Player 9, Windows Movie Maker 2, Windows XP PowerToys, Plus! Digital Media Edition, and other features and tools for Windows XP!

Share Your Fabulous Photos
Easily transfer photos from a digital camera or scanner
Organize, resize, and print your pictures in a snap
Create narrated photo stories, slide shows, and online albumsRock the House
Be the DJ—and mix awesome custom CDs
Turn your PC into a jukebox, karaoke machine, or party central!
Take your favorite songs to goGet Ready for Your Close-Up!
Weave Hollywood magic into your digital video and stills
Use simple drag-and-drop moves to create and edit your movie
Screen your production online, on disc, or on your PCCommunicate in Real Time
Instant message your friends on their PDAs
Chat with voice or video
Help protect your PC and your privacy

PLUS! Use the enclosed Do Amazing Things DVD on your PC or TV to bring these experiences to life, learn the easy how-to’s, and get free software, demos, and more!Can you do amazing things? Yes you can!

A Note Regarding the CD or DVD

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Photographs and Images
1. Chapter 1 Liberating Your Pictures
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Go Digital!
  3. Making the Old New Again
  4. Glossary
2. Chapter 2 Picturing the Possibilities
  1. What’s in Store
  2. View Pictures in Windows XP
  3. Create a Picture Library
  4. Print and Save Pictures
  5. Share Experiences Through Pictures
  6. Customize Your Computer with Pictures
  7. Share Pictures over the Internet
  8. Glossary
Music and Visuals
1. Chapter 3 Losing Yourself in the Music
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Stay Fresh
  3. Get to Know Windows Media Player
  4. Set the Mood (I Mean Mode)
  5. Now Playing!
  6. Command Media Player with Your Voice
  7. Keep in Touch with the World
  8. Glossary
2. Chapter 4 Amassing a Multitude of Music and Videos
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Build Your Collection
  3. Download Music with MusicNow
  4. License and Registration, Please!
  5. Pan for Gold
  6. Personalize Your Titles
  7. Create Soundtracks to Your Life
  8. Glossary
3. Chapter 5 Fine-Tuning Your Media Experience
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Express Yourself Through Hardware
  3. Fine-Tune Audio and Video Settings
  4. Manage Privacy and Security
  5. Send Media Player to the System Tray
  6. Glossary
4. Chapter 6 Making the Music Your Own
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Save the Music
  3. I Want My MP3
  4. Preserve Your LPs, Cassette Tapes, and Eight-Track Tapes
  5. Create Your Own CD Montage
  6. Take Your Music with You–Anywhere!
  7. Glossary
Moving Pictures
1. Chapter 7 Capturing Moments in Time
  1. What’s in Store
  2. A Look at the Big Picture
  3. Download the Latest Version of Windows Movie Maker
  4. Introductions All Around!
  5. Capture the Moment with a DV Camera
  6. Import Still Pictures
  7. Import Video Clips
  8. Be a Part of the Action!
  9. Let’s Make a Movie!
  10. Stay Organized
  11. Glossary
2. Chapter 8 Crafting Compelling Movies
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Setting the Stage
  3. Clips Are the Key Ingredient
  4. Editing as Storytelling
  5. Make the Video Speak to You
  6. Now It’s Time to Rock and Roll!
  7. Glossary
3. Chapter 9 Coming to a Screen Near You
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Turn Your Project into a Movie
  3. Watch Your Movie on a Computer
  4. Share and Share Alike
  5. Share Your Movies on the Web
  6. You Can Take It with You!
  7. Glossary
Interactions and Explorations
1. Chapter 10 Reaching Across the Globe with a Message
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Don’t Get Left Behind
  3. Passport, Please
  4. Log on and Make Contact
  5. Take Control
  6. IM Me!
  7. Messenger E-Mail
  8. Upgrade to a Newer Version
  9. Share Experiences in Real Time
  10. Add Voice and Video to Messenger
  11. Collaborate Near or Far
  12. Solve Problems with Remote Assistance
  13. Glossary
2. Chapter 11 Working Faster and Smarter
  1. What’s in Store
  2. Enhance Your IE Experience
  3. Cut to the Chase
  4. Secure Surfing in the Zone
  5. Protect the Kids
  6. Where to Go from Here?
  7. Glossary
3. Appendix About the Author