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Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, standard vs. deluxe

Several people have asked me what the difference is between the two editions of Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out. (I think the underlying question is “you think I’m gonna pay more because it says ‘Deluxe’ on the cover?!”). In the rundown of the differences below, note that I’m referring to the Second Edition of each version; the Second Edition hit store shelves in November 2004. (Be sure you pick up the copy with the big 2 in the upper right corner of the cover; don’t settle for the original edition.)

Physical

	Standard Edition	Deluxe Edition
Pages	1344	1518
Colors	Black and blue	Black
Binding	Paperback	Hardbound

Content

Deluxe Edition contains everything that is in the standard edition, and more. It includes more information for readers who have a small office network (as opposed to a stand-alone computer or a home network) or who want to dig even deeper into Windows XP. The following chapters appear only in Deluxe Edition:

• Using Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
• Encrypting Confidential Information
• Securing Your Computer with Templates
• Auditing Security
• Working with Offline Files and Folders
• Hosting a Web or FTP Site
• Working with Windows Domains

In addition, a handful of extra sections, tips, etc., that don’t appear in the standard edition are scattered throughout Deluxe Edition. These extras range from a few sentences to several pages. The lengthiest additions are in the following chapters:

• Managing User Accounts, Passwords, and Logons (a sidebar about SIDs)
• Remote Access Options (a section about VPNs)
• Group Policy (sections about working with remote computers, customizing the Group Policy console, Group Policy in an Active Directory domain, and making different settings for different users)

CD Content

Both editions include:

• An electronic copy of the book in Acrobat PDF form
• A handful of Microsoft applications (most of which can be downloaded for free—but at least it saves you a hefty download): PictureIt Express, Plus! Photo Story 2 LE, PowerToys, Windows Media Bonus Pack, and Windows Movie Maker 2
• Ed’s Expert Zone columns

The Deluxe Edition CD also includes:

• Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition (PDF)
• Microsoft Encyclopedia of Networking, Second Edition (PDF)
• Microsoft Encyclopedia of Security (PDF)
• A subset of Windows Server Resource Kit Tools (the ones we thought you might actually use)
• Links to the latest versions of additional tools and resources, including Port Reporter, “Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide,” “Group Policy Settings Reference for Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2,” “Microsoft Windows XP Security Guide,” and “Threats and Countermeasures Guide”
• Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition (180-day evaluation)

Price

You get what you pay for, right? The standard edition is $44.99 (currently $29.69 at Amazon.com) and Deluxe Edition lists for $59.99 ($35.99 at Amazon).

Second Edition

Note that a revised Second Edition of both versions of Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out made it to the stores in November—just in time for holiday shopping! In my next post, I’ll run down the key differences between the first and second editions. The short version is that the new editions are completely updated to include coverage of Service Pack 2.

Welcome!

This is the new home for the authors of Windows XP Inside Out, Second Edition. Soon, we'll be shutting down the old message board at MSN Groups and starting up a new, full-featured version here. We'll also publish any corrections and updates here.

If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to post them in the comments below.