Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide
1st Edition
Published on 3. April 2007
Book
942 pages
978-0-596-52800-3 (ISBN)
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
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
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2007
O'Reilly
€38.99
Available for download
Content
Inhaltsverzeichnis
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
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