This book is the 'friendly guide' it claims to be, but it is by no means an 'ideal introduction' to Windows 2000 Professional. In fact, it is difficult to find much that is specific to the Windows 2000 operating system. The majority of the text consists of very basic information relevant to any version of Windows. The authors assume that Windows 2000 is used only in the big corporate office in which a network administrator manages the Windows 2000 Server software. It does not occur to them that Windows 2000 is a good choice of operating system for the home or small business environment. Therefore, the issues on which I would have welcomed guidance tend to be marked with a 'Hand-Raiser' icon that indicates it is time to summon the office's omniscient and omnipresent network administrator to fix the problem.

There is a possibility, of course, that you have never used a computer with a Windows operating system yet have been employed in a highly paid capacity by a large corporation with a system running on Windows 2000. If this sounds like you, buy this book today before that ubiquitous network administrator notices your glazed expression as you stare at the pretty patterns on your screen-saver. For the majority of us this book is best regarded as another compilation of basic Windows tips. Anyone seeking an introduction to Windows 2000 Professional may have to resort to evening classes after all. Alternately, you just might discover you're not the dummy you thought you were!