Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition

Colophon

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The animal on the cover of Windows XP in a Nutshell, Second Edition, is a climbing frog. There are more than 2,600 species of frogs and toads. The general differences between frogs and toads are that frogs jump (toads tend to walk), depend more on access to water, and are slimy (as opposed to dry and warty).

Frogs range in size from less than half an inch to almost a foot in length. Frogs are able to survive in diverse surroundings, including water, semi-deserts, and mountains. However, they are not able to survive in salt water and the iciest and driest climates. Frogs metamorphosize from swimming tadpole larvae to their adult form; tadpoles are more vulnerable to predation than are adults. Adult frogs rely on various methods of defense, including flight, poison, and many patterns and colors of camouflage. Frogs breathe and absorb water through their skin, which is shed periodically. Most are nocturnal or twilight animals, and rely more on their sense of vision and smell than hearing. Many species hibernate through the winter months. Despite fairy-tale claims, it has not yet been proven that frog-kissing produces princes.

The global frog population has been declining at unprecedented rates in recent years, causing speculation about ...