Windows Vista : The Definitive Guide (Paperback)

Description

Whether you're a beginner, power user, or seasoned professional, Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide has everything you need to customize the operating system, master your digital media, manage your data, and maintain your computer -- regardless of which Windows Vista edition you're using.

Why this book and not some other resource? Bestselling author and Windows expert William Stanek doesn't just teach you the steps you need to follow, he also tells you how features work, why they work, and how you can customize them to meet your needs. You'll learn how to squeeze out every last bit of power out of Windows Vista, and how to make the most out of its features and programs, including how to:

• Set up, customize and tune Windows Vista - Optimize its appearance and performance; install, configure and maintain software; customize your hardware; and install printers, scanners and faxes
• Manage your files - Search your computer more efficiently; secure your files and data; share and collaborate; and get the most out of accessories such as the Mobility Center
• Master your digital media - Create media libraries with Media Player; manage digital pictures and videos with Photo Gallery; make DVDs with DVD Maker; and create movies with Movie Maker
• Get connected and start networking - Set up a home or small-office network; learn to use Windows Mail, Calendar, and Meeting Space; conquer Internet Explorer 7; and master on-the-go networking
• Protect your computer - Keep your family safe while on the Internet; set up parental controls and content ratings; navigate the computer security maze; configure Windows Vista's security features
• Manage and support Windows Vista systems - Deal with user accounts, disks and drives; handle routine maintenance and troubleshooting; and resolve advanced support and recovery issues
• Learn advanced tips & techniques - Manage the Windows boot environment, explore Group Policy, discover keyboard shortcuts, and much more

 

Preface

Part I. Setting Up,  Customizing, and Tuning Windows Vista

1. Getting Started with Windows Vista

     Getting to Know Windows Vista

     Navigating Windows Vista Editions

     Starting and Using Windows Vista

     Working with Windows Vista

     Logging On, Switching, Locking, Logging Off, and Shutting Down

2. Optimizing Windows Vista's Interface

     Customizing Windows Vista's Desktop

     Using Gadgets and Windows Sidebar

     Customizing Menus and the Control Panel

3. Fine-Tuning Windows Vista's Appearance and Performance

     Balancing Appearance and Performance

     Understanding User Account Control and Its Impact on Performance

     Understanding Windows Vista Personalization

     Personalizing Windows Vista

     Optimizing Performance

4. Installing, Configuring, and Maintaining Software

     Software Installation: What's Changed

     Software Installation: What You Need to Know

     Installing and Running Your Software

     Managing Software Once It's Installed

5. Customizing Your Computer's Hardware Devices

     Hardware Installation: What's Changed

     Hardware Installation: What You Need to Know

     Learning About Your Computer's Hardware Devices

     Customizing Your Computer's Input Devices, Regional Settings, and Date/Time

     Installing and Managing Hardware

Part II. Mastering Your Data and Digital Media

6. Mastering Windows Explorer and Searching Your Computer

     Windows Explorer: What's Changed

     Navigating Your Computer with the Address Bar

     Searching Your Computer

     Indexing Your Computer for Faster Searches

7. Navigating the Web with Internet Explorer 7

     Getting Started with Internet Explorer 7

     Getting Around the Web and Using Internet Explorer 7

     Protecting Your Computer While Browsing

8. Creating Your Media Library with Windows Media Player

     Getting into Your Multimedia

     Playing Your Media

     Building Your Media Library

9. Capturing and Managing Your Digital Pictures and Videos

     Getting Started with Windows Photo Gallery

     Organizing Your Gallery

     Building Your Photo and Video Gallery

     Sharing Your Photo and Video Gallery

10. Making Video DVDs and Movies

     Creating Video DVDs with Windows DVD Maker

     Creating Movies with Windows Movie Maker

11. Securing and Sharing Your Data

     Securing Your Data

     Controlling Access to Your Data

     Sharing Your Data

12. Setting Up Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines

     Installing Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines

     Sharing Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines

     Configuring Printer, Scanner, and Fax Machine Properties

     Managing Print, Fax, and Scan Jobs

13. Making the Most of Your Computer's Accessories

     Capturing Screens and Windows with the Snipping Tool

     Getting Your Computer to Listen

     Using Laptop and Tablet PC Extras

     Making Your Computer More Accessible

Part III. Connecting and Networking

14. Setting Up Your Network

     Understanding Home and Small-Business Networks

     Mapping Your Networking Infrastructure

     Networking with TCP/IP

     Advanced Networking Concepts

     Troubleshooting Common Problems on Small Networks

15. Protecting Your Computer with Windows Defender and Windows Firewall

     Navigating the Computer Security Maze

     Introducing the Windows Security Center

     Using Windows Defender

     Working with the Windows Firewall

16. Using Windows Mail, Calendars, and Contacts

     Using Windows Mail

     Using Windows Contacts

     Using Windows Calendar

     Using Windows Meeting Space

17. Mastering Dial-Up, Broadband, and On-the-Go Networking

     Configuring Dial-Up, Broadband, and On-the-Go Networking

     Wireless Networking

Part IV. Managing and Supporting Windows Vista

18. Managing User Accounts and Parental Controls

     Managing Access to Your Computer

     Managing Your User Account

     Managing Access Permissions with Group Accounts

     Keeping Your Family Safe While Using Your Computer

19. Managing Disks and Drives

     Configuring Disks and Drives

     Preparing Disks for Use

     Using Compression and Encryption

20. Handling Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

     Maintaining Your System Configuration

     General Maintenance Tools

     Scheduling Maintenance Tasks

21. Getting Help and Handling Advanced Support Issues

     Detecting and Resolving Computer Problems

     Creating Backups and Preparing for Problems

     Recovering After a Crash or Other Problem

     Getting Help and Giving Others Assistance

     Troubleshooting Windows Vista Programs and Features

Part V. Advanced Tips and Techniques

22. Installing and Running Windows Vista

     Comparing Windows Vista Features and Versions

     Installing Windows Vista

     Upgrading Your Windows Vista Edition

23. Exploring the Windows Boot Environment

     Introducing the Windows Vista Boot Environment

     Working with Boot Configuration Data

     Managing the BCD Data Store

     Managing the Boot Sector for Hard Disk Partitions

24. Understanding Windows Vista Security Changes

     Identifying Password Policy Changes

     Identifying User Rights Assignment Changes

     Identifying Security Options Changes

25. Mastering Windows Media Center

     Understanding Windows Media Center Requirements

     Selecting the Correct Hardware for Windows Media Center

     Installing and Configuring Windows Media Center Using the Wizard

     Navigating Windows Media Center

     Fine-Tuning the Settings for Windows Media Center

     Troubleshooting Problems with Windows Media Center

26. Using Group Policy with Windows Vista

     Exploring Group Policy in Windows Vista

     Working with Multiple Local Group Policy Objects

     Updating Active Directory Group Policy Objects for Windows Vista

27. Navigating Windows Vista Policy Changes

     Navigating Windows Vista Policy Changes

28. Navigating Internet Explorer 7 Policies

     Getting Started with Internet Explorer 7 Policy Settings

     Using Internet Explorer 7 Policy Settings

29. Desktop Tips and Tricks with Keyboard Shortcuts

     Using and Creating Keyboard Shortcuts

     Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Vista

     Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Explorer and Windows Sidebar

     Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Photo Gallery

     Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Media Center

     Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Media Player

     Keyboard Shortcuts for Internet Explorer 7

     Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Movie Maker

Index