Windows Vista Explained

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

If you want to know what to do next when confronted with a Microsoft Windows Vista screen, then this is the book for you. It applies to Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate versions of Vista.

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.

'Windows Vista in a Nutshell' documents everything there is to know about the newest version of the world's most widely used operating system. This desktop reference is dedicated to making the computer safer, easier and more fun.

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!

The Ultimate Windows Vista Resource Take full advantage of the high-performance features available in Microsoft Windows Vista and experience the power of this integrated, next-generation operating system. Windows Vista: The Complete Reference shows you how to install and configure Windows Vista for optimal performance, customize the streamlined new desktop, display sidebars and gadgets, and enjoy all the entertainment capabilities, including music, movies, and games. Find out how to manage your files, install software and hardware, and use the latest Internet technologies. You'll also learn to secure your system, back up and restore your files, and set up a Local Area Network (LAN) so you can share resources. Filled with clear screenshots and detailed explanations, this is your one-stop guide to mastering Windows Vista. Customize your desktop with new UI components Use the new User Account Control (UAC) to prevent unauthorized changes to your computer Manage files and folders using Windows Flip 3D and Windows Live Taskbar thumbnails Protect your files using the Backup and Restore Center Manage and edit your photos with the new Windows Photo Gallery Keep track of your appointments with the new Windows Calendar Use Windows Media Center to record live TV and radio, view digital photos, play music, and burn CDs and DVDs Connect to the Internet and use Windows Mail, Internet Explorer 7, and Windows Live Messenger Secure your PC and use Windows Update Troubleshoot and tune Windows Vista for maximum performance

Look beyond the hype-new and noteworthy and what Vista really means for tomorrow's desktop. Covers the Beta 2 release of Windows® Vista An unbiased, unvarnished sneak peek at everything that's new, noteworthy, and ready for prime time in Windows Vista. Microsoft Windows Vista Unveiled is an in-depth exploration of the public release Beta 2 version of Windows Vista, Microsoft's next major operating system and the successor to Windows XP. Whether you're just planning ahead for a future upgrade or running Beta 2 already, Microsoft Windows Vista Unveiled takes you on a detailed tour of all the new and improved technologies, features, tools, and programs that Microsoft programmers have stitched into the Vista fabric. You will learn not only what features are new in Vista, but also why they're important (or not), who they were designed for, and how they will affect your computing life. The goal of this book is to give you an exhaustive sneak preview of Vista's innovations and changes so that by the end of the book you should know whether Vista is for you and what you can expect when you sit down in front of this new operating system. Here's what you'll find inside... In-depth coverage of all the new and improved Windows Vista tools and technologies A tour of the new Windows Vista interface, including Aero Glass What hardware you need to get the most out of Windows Vista Vista's file system improvements, including tags, Quick Search, and virtual folders A review of Vista's new performance and stability features A critical look at the beefed-up security features, including Windows Defender, the new Firewall, and User Account Control A complete look at Vista's totally redesigned networking tools In-depth coverage of Vista's new and improved tools for notebooks and Tablet PCs, digital media, and gaming Paul McFedries is the president of Logophilia Limited, a technical writing company. He has been working with computers for more than 30 years, has been using Microsoft Windows since version 1, and is widely viewed as an expert in explaining Windows and Windows technology. Paul has written more than 40 books that have sold nearly three million copies worldwide, including Microsoft Windows Vista Unleashed, available January 2007.