While what you create using your computer is a unique expression of who you are, how you use your computer probably isn't. Nearly every Windows XP user follows the same Start menu path to launch programs, uses the same standard techniques in programs like Windows Explorer and Outlook Express, and performs the same customizations that don't go much beyond changing the wallpaper. However, there are those of us who qualify as the "post-novice" user, who think that doing things the "official" way is too slow, less efficient and less powerful than there is potential for with Windows XP. Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed will take you beyond the standard-issue default settings and program wizards to shortcuts, new customization techniques, workarounds for common problems, and warnings on how to avoid the pitfalls of Windows XP, including those associated with Service Pack 2. Along the way, you'll learn about all kinds of insider details, undocumented features, powerful tools, and background facts that help put everything about Windows XP into perspective.

The second edition of the best-selling PostgreSQL has been updated to completely cover new features and capabilities of the 8.0 version of PostgreSQL. You will be lead through the internals of the powerful PostgreSQL open source database chapter, offering an easy-to-read, code-based approach that makes it easy to understand how each feature is implemented, how to best use each feature, and how to get more performance from database applications. This definitive guide to building, programming and administering the powerful PostgreSQL open-source database system will help you harness one of the most widely used open source, enterprise-level database systems.

Create works of art using your computer, Adobe Photoshop CS 2 and Sams Teach Yourself Photoshop CS 2 in 24 Hours. Learn the basics of Photoshop with a minimum of jargon from market-leading author, Carla Rose. Her conversational, friendly approach will make Photoshop seem less intimidating and more manageable to learn. With Carla's help, you will learn to:

• Select color modes
• Use paintbrushes and art tools
• Use layers, masks and paths
• Use artistic filters
• Apply special effects to pictures
• Enhance and repair photos

Master the world's leading image editing and manipulation tool with this accessible yet detailed, step-by-step tutorial.

This is your ticket into the elusive underworld of the Internet, home to millions of elite computer hackers. 1337 h4x0r h4ndb00k will show you how to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk of this exclusive community. Soon, you too will be able to go into a chat room and carry on conversations speaking the cryptic 1337 language. 1337 h4x0r h4ndb00k will also review the nature of computer viruses, different practical jokes to play on your desktop and tips on how to live the hacker lifestyle. Join the elite society of computer hackers with 1337 h4x0r h4ndb00k as your guide.

Learn how to fully exploit the power of Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 with Sams Teach Yourself Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 in 24 Hours. Divided into 24 one-hour lessons, you will learn how to create webpages and how to use the latest and greatest toolset in this updated version of Macromedia Dreamweaver. Author Besty Bruce, a web applications developer and Macromedia-authorized Dreamweaver and Authorware Trainer, will show you how to build your knowledge of Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 and authoring websites with her carefully guided instruction. You will focus on how to use Macromedia Dreamweaver 8  to:

• Quickly build a dynamic website.
• Employ client-side image maps and interactive forms.
• Design a layout with frames and tables.
• Add interactivity with scripts and controls.
• Add audio, video, and other active content.

If you're new to the world of Windows XP and are daunted by the thought of having to figure it all out on your own, Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP All in One can help. This all-inclusive reference book will teach you how to not only use your Windows XP system, but also how to utilize digital media and Internet features. Learn how to set up a home network, as well as how to upgrade, repair and protect your PC from viruses, spam and spyware. Updated to include information relating to the Windows XP Server Pack 2, Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP All in One will help you get the most you can out of your Windows XP-based computer.

Have you ever looked at your color pictures and wished you could make them black and white? Or maybe you've dreamed about taking that photo of your brother, cutting the head off and placing it on the body of a grizzly bear. The tool that you need is Adobe Photoshop and the book you need to learn all about it is How to Use Adobe Photoshop CS 2. Visually step through the process of creating images, manipulating them and then optimizing them for print or the web. The step-by-step approach used throughout the book will make it simple to learn the basic techniques involved in using Photoshop. You will learn to:

• Convert files
• Work with tone and color
• Edit images using tools, paths and layers
• Build web files

Master the basics of Photoshop with the visual examples and easy-to-follow lessons in How to Use Photoshop CS 2.

If you need to understand how JBoss works, why not learn it from the people who created it? JBoss 4.0 — The Official Guide is the authoritative resource recognized as the official print documentation for JBoss 4.0. The only book for advanced JBoss users, this guide presents a complete understanding to configuring and using JBoss 4.0. It is fully up-to-date with the new features and changes in JBoss 4.0, including those used to integrate development with Eclipse, incorporate Aspect-Oriented Programming and implement J2EE 1.4 functionality months ahead of the commercial competition. Get under the hood and explore everything that JBoss 4.0 can offer you with JBoss 4.0 — The Official Guide.