BVG Microsoft FrontPage 2002/XP Beginners & Advanced Training Home and Lifestyle Applications

Each tutorial is divided into chapters and you can view the entire chapter, or just pick the bits that interest you. General concepts are covered and specific hands-on topics are explained using animated screenshots where you are asked to participate by making menu and toolbox selections. The quality of the screenshots is in some cases quite poor, and while this isn't generally a problem, in those tutorials where the object is to improve the quality of the images this can be a real hindrance.

Knowledge reviews at the end of each session test what you've learned by getting you to perform menu and tool selection tasks, then score your performance. Digital Imaging Training provides a gentle introduction to digital imaging for the complete novice, but if you want to go further you'll need to consider a specialist book on one of the four areas covered.--Ken McMahon

The Windows basics course covers topics including the Desktop, managing files, printing, and installing or removing programs. The advanced course includes lessons on system tools, scheduled tasks, dialup connections, media player and movie maker. There's also a quick look at using digital cameras and scanners to put new images into your computer. Even the Advanced course is easily accessible for beginners.

Although it's a foolproof way to learn Windows XP, the product has some limitations. It does not go into great detail, the search facility is weak, navigating the topics can be ponderous, and there's not much in the way of troubleshooting. On the plus side, the tutorial does show exactly what to do at each stage, and the visual screens combined with voice instructions convey the information clearly. It's particularly strong on multimedia, ideal if you want to make movies with Windows XP but don't know where to start. --Tim Anderson