With the proliferation of handheld PCs, more and more people are working with Windows CE as often as Windows. Enter Windows CE Clear & Simple. This slender volume covers all the basics of working with the "lite" version of Microsoft's operating system. Author Craig Peacock doesn't mince words; all Windows CE procedures--from working with the calendar to backing up data on a PC--are presented in the most straightforward fashion. The result is that the book is a bit dry, rather like a product manual. But that's also its strength. When you're searching for help on a specific function--say, adding a contact to your contact list--you'll usually find all the information located conveniently on one page.
Windows CE Clear & Simple is packed with annotated illustrations. Though the black-and-white illustrations are not especially attractive, they are simple and easy to understand. The graphics are especially helpful in the sections that cover the more complex tasks, such as working with the Pocket PowerPoint presentation application and setting up an Ethernet connection.
What this book lacks, however, is a troubleshooting guide. Peacock gives no advice on what to do in the event of system problems, or if some features don't work properly. Are we to assume that Windows CE is a flawless system? Not likely.
Other computer-related how-to books, such as IDG's For Dummies series, may be more entertaining and feature slicker graphics, but Windows CE Clear & Simple modestly and effectively gets its message across. --John Frederick Moore
