Rating: 
Summary: If they forgot about MS-Backup, what else did they forget?
Review: A large and ponderous work lacking any reference to Microsoft Backup. I suppose, in writing about such a complicated subject as Windows 98, minor errors of ommission are inevitable. But, to omit such an important subject (where would any computer user be without backup), seems negligent. With so many reference books on Windows 98 flooding the market, why bother with this one. Additionally, the writing style is tedious and the screen-shot reproductions are muddied.
Rating: 
Summary: Very helpful, just like its predecesors
Review: I found this Windows Secrets book just as helpful as its predecesors. I had used the Windows 3.1 Secrets years ago, in order to become more accuainted with the OS and learn some tricks that don't come well documented, and it certainly helped to do so. However, if your goal is to become an EXPERT of Windows 98, i.e. learning the whereabouts of the Registry, you might be disappointed. One last thing: this book does NOT deal with the Second Version of Windows 98. For example, it mentions tons of times a VERY useful un-documented tool called TweakUI, which is not supported by the Second Edition (sadly enough.)
Rating:
Summary: Not very helpful. Seems obsessed witn Windows 3.1
Review: I spent 3 hours looking for a way to change the contents of my desktop tray, to no avail. Then I looked for a way to contact the authors - to no avail. In reading thru the book looking for useful advice, it seemed that practically every discussion and explanation used Windows 3.1 as a reference. I guess if you are seeped in Windows 3.1, that might be useful, but it wasn't to me. I agree with other reviews - the featured areas of Windows seem odd and random, not based on the kinds of things users need to know.
Rating:
Summary: Lame secrets and incomplete coverage
Review: I was disappointed from the moment I cracked this book open. Most of the 'secrets' are lame and the book leaves out coverage of important topics. I find it hard to believe after reading through some of the material that one of the authors had the temerity to rate their own book with 5 stars. I guess that's one way to bump up your rating. The only real 'secret' here is why anyone would want to buy this book.
Rating: 
Summary: More hype than secrets
Review: Most of the info in this book can be found in the Windows98 help files. The few scant "secrets" that are mentioned could fill maybe one or two honest book-sized chapters. Perhaps by making the book over-bloated they felt justified at the over-bloated price. Do not fall for this scheme. Save your money.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most helpful
Review: This is one of the most helpful books on WIN 98 that I have seen. Although it's published by the same company as those "dummies" books, it steers well clear of the condescension and verbal clutter of those. You don't need a great deal of experience to make use of the book, though it does make the peculiar assumption that you've upgraded to WIN 98 from a 3.X version, rather than from WIN95. Fortunately, those parts are easily skipped. Less useful are the shareware programs included on the CD-ROM, but the book is well priced for what it contains. You need to know, however, that this is far from an exhaustive treatise on Windows 98. If you are seeking real depth of detail about DLLs and registry files, you will have to look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most helpful
Review: This is one of the most helpful books on WIN 98 that I have seen. Although it's published by the same company as those "dummies" books, it steers well clear of the condescension and verbal clutter of those. You don't need a great deal of experience to make use of the book, though it does make the peculiar assumption that you've upgraded to WIN 98 from a 3.X version, rather than from WIN95. Fortunately, those parts are easily skipped. Less useful are the shareware programs included on the CD-ROM, but the book is well priced for what it contains. You need to know, however, that this is far from an exhaustive treatise on Windows 98. If you are seeking real depth of detail about DLLs and registry files, you will have to look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for intermediate Windows users.
Review: When a shareware program I tried screwed up my Outlook Express address book, I was in deep voodoo. The two books I had on Windows 98 were worthless. Then I stumbled onto Secrets. It helped me develop an adequate work around. In general, I've found it to be quite useful and worth the price.
Rating: 
Summary: Frank Condron's Independent Review
Review: Windows 98 Secrets follows the successful format of the original Windows 95 Secrets. This is not a book intended to teach a beginner how to use Windows 98 - instead, its goal is to teach a casual to experienced user various tricks and tips about the operating system. These are often shortcuts for performing common tasks, or tricks on correcting the various problems that can crop up from time to time. This hefty book starts out with information on installing or upgrading to Windows 98, then moves quickly into the largest section of the book, "Interface to the Desktop and the Internet". This section, comprised of 11 chapters and over 300 pages, covers nearly every trick I've seen for customizing Windows 98. A dedicated section on using the Internet with Windows 98 is also included, covering Dial-Up Networking, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, and even a bit on networking. Another large portion of the book deals with hardware issue and specifically Plug and Play. The book then wraps up with a chapter on using the version of DOS that ships as part of Windows 98. Overall, the format and layout of this book is excellent. Margin icons are used throughout the book to identify special information; "secret information" (which the authors claim Microsoft doesn't want end-users to know) is clearly marked with a lock icon. "Undocumented" information is marked with a magnifying glass icon. "Tips" (quicker ways to perform a task) are marked with a light-bulb icon. These icons are very easy to spot, which makes this book fun even if you don't want to read it cover-to-cover, as you can simply flip through it and read the portions marked with the icons to pick up some slick tips. The CD-ROM included with the book contains the standard fare of shareware and freeware programs. While handy for some users, anyone reading this review obviously has access to the internet, and could obtain the programs from numerous download sites. To be honest, I'd like to see the trend move away from publishers believing that every computer book must come with a CD-ROM - most just have the same shareware or freeware. It makes sense to include a CD if it contains sample program code (in a programming book, for example), but otherwise they are usually just an added expense that raises the price of the book. I'd definitely recommend Windows 98 Secrets to anyone upgrading from Windows 95, as you'll quickly pick up some tips. People new to Windows, or those upgrading from Windows 3.x may be better served by a book that is more of a dedicated tutorial - get such a tutorial book first, then once you have some experience get this book. Experienced users should also take a look at Windows 98 Secrets - there are so many tips and tricks included that you'll definitely add a few to your arsenal!
Rating:
Summary: Best of the breed.
Review: Windows 98 Secrets is just what I needed. I'm not in the computer career field. I'm simply a frequent computer user of only average intellect that also happens to be somewhat childishly curious. I wanted a stand-alone reference manual for Windows 98 that suited me and this book is the gem of them all. The index is thorough and leads the reader to subject areas that never leave one hanging. The writing is easy to follow and the illustrations are excellent. The riveting secrets, tips and undocumented tidbits are entertaining and help me gain the exact level of control that I want over the Windows environment. The authors also make numerous helpful recommendations on uses of the extra tools found on the Windows 98 CD. For six years I've devotedly referred to Livingston's Windows Secrets series for answers to my stupid questions and to satisfy my curiosity. The series just keeps getting better and Windows 98 Secrets is a welcome addition to our home library. Will someone please coax Mr. Livingston and Mr. Straub into writing More Windows 98 Secrets!
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