How Microsoft Windows Vista Works

Windows Vista is the long-awaited upgrade to the Microsoft Windows operating system, and it's a lot different from the Windows you're used to. What's new in Windows Vista–and how do all those new features work? How Microsoft Windows Vista Works is the first book to take you inside the new Windows Vista operating system and show you how all the pieces and parts work. With clear and simple explanations and illustrations that say, "You, too, can understand this," How Microsoft Windows Vista Works gives you detailed information on the hidden workings of Windows Vista–from the new Aero interface inside to the Windows kernel. It's a four-color, highly visual explanation of everything that matters about Windows Vista, including: How Windows Vista differs from Windows XP How Windows controls your computer How User Account Control protects your system How virtual folders and instant search work How Windows Vista renders graphics How the Aero interface and the Windows Sidebar work How Internet Explorer 7's tabbed browsing works How Windows connects to a wireless network How the new Windows Photo Gallery manages your digital photos Contents Introduction xi Part I: What Windows Vista Is–and What It Does 2 Chapter 1 Understanding Windows and Other Operating Systems 6 Chapter 2 How Windows Vista Differs from Windows XP 14 Chapter 3 What Windows Vista Does 26 Part II: Basic Operations 32 Chapter 4 Powering On and Powering Off 36 Chapter 5 Managing System Resources 48 Chapter 6 Managing System Information 62 Chapter 7 Managing Users 70 Chapter 8 Managing Data 76 Chapter 9 Managing Applications 92 Part III: Windows Vista Graphics 100 Chapter 10 Understanding Vista Graphics 104 Chapter 11 The Vista Interface 112 Chapter 12 The Vista Desktop 122 Part IV: Digital Media 130 Chapter 13 Windows Media Center 134 Chapter 14 Digital Music 150 Chapter 15 Digital Images 166 Chapter 16 Digital Video and Movies 174 Part V: Networking and the Internet 182 Chapter 17 Windows Vista and the Internet 186 Chapter 18 Windows Vista Networks 204 Part VI: Security and Maintenance 220 Chapter 19 Windows Vista Security Features 224 Chapter 20 Routine Maintenance 238 Glossary 252 Index 266

An overview of all five versions of Microsoft Windows Vista illustrates the workings of the operating system and its applications, covering such new features and upgrades as the user interface, Flip 3D, Internet Explorer 7, Media Player and Media Center,V

This book focuses on the top 100 things every user needs to know about Windows Vista.

Everything one needs to know about how Windows Vista works is illustrated in this book. No other book drills as deeply into the inner workings of Windows, showing how things work behind the scenes. The series sports a rich, full-color, 8 x 10 layout illustrated by Michael Troller.

The inside scoop...for when you want more than the official line! Microsoft Vista may be the hot new operating system, but to use it with confidence, you'll need to know its quirks and shortcuts. Find out what the manual doesn't always tell you in this insider's guide to using Vista in the real world. How can you customize the desktop? What's the best way to prevent crashes? From setting up a home network to working with data, first get the official way, then the best way from two experts. Unbiased coverage of how to get the most out of Vista, from the new user interface and "live" icons to the revamped Control Panel Savvy, real-world advice from mastering multimedia with Vista and editing "secret settings" to synching data with your laptop and handheld Time-saving techniques and practical guidance on working around Vista quirks, avoiding pitfalls, and increasing your productivity Tips and hacks on Gadgets, how to launch Instant Search, and ways to use a USB flash drive as extended memory Sidebars and tables on Internet Explorer 7, tough new parental controls, and backing up data with enhanced Vista tools Watch for these graphic icons in every chapter to guide you to specific practicalinformation. Bright Ideas are smart innovations that will save you time or hassle. Hacks are insider tips and shortcuts that increase productivity. When you see Watch Out! heed the cautions or warnings to help you avoid commonpitfalls. And finally, check out Inside Scoops for practical insights from the author. It's like having your own expert at your side!

Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft® Windows VistaTM will have you using your computer and new Windows operating system in no time! Here’s a small sample of what you’ll find inside: Describes how to get going: starting programs, creating and saving documents, printing, and using your computer for both productivity and play! Covers connecting to, browsing, and searching the Internet as well as how to send and receive email. Learn how to use the networking tools of Windows Vista to connect with any other computers in your home. Explains how to use the new Windows Photo Gallery to organize, edit, and print your pictures. Details security precautions you can take to prevent viruses, protect against malicious programs, and keep email secure. Provides advice on how to maintain tip-top performance and organization for your work. Highlights exciting multimedia features including listening to music, recording your own CDs, and sampling new tunes. Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft® Windows VistaTM teaches you how to get started with Windows (and computing in general). The book starts with the fundamentals and then builds on these skills in a smooth and effortless manner. The authors walk you through the process using a hands-on approach, covering topics that include starting programs, sending email, browsing the Internet, downloading music, and printing documents and pictures. Not only will you learn the nuts and bolts of using Windows, but you’ll also receive a crash course in additional topics, like security and home networking, that will improve your computing experience. Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft® Windows VistaTM provides valuable, practical advice and instruction that you will refer to again and again.

Starting with an overview to guide decisions on which version to purchase, Cowart and Knittel cover Windows improved interface, security, Web browsing, performance, multimedia, networking, and system management and stability features. A trial online edition is available.