Home > Store

100 Things You Need to Know about Microsoft Windows Vista

View Larger Image

100 Things You Need to Know about Microsoft Windows Vista
Add To My Wish List

Register your product to gain access to bonus material or receive a coupon.

100 Things You Need to Know about Microsoft Windows Vista

Book

  • Sorry, this book is no longer in print.
Not for Sale

Description

  • Copyright 2008
  • Edition: 1st
  • Book
  • ISBN-10: 0-7897-3727-2
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-3727-4

Tired of clawing your way through computer books that start at the beginning of recorded history just to find one tiny nugget of information you need? Tired of wrenching your back to pull that massive Windows tome off your bookshelf? Tired of wishing you could find a simple answer to what should be a simple problem? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then 100 Things You Need to Know about Microsoft® Windows Vista™ is just the book you’ve been looking for. Chock full of timesaving tips, heady solutions, and expert know-how, this book doesn’t break the bank nor does it require a Bowflex body to hoist it around. Inside you’ll find step-by-step help for the 100 things every Windows user needs to know when making the big switch between Windows XP and Vista. Even if you’re brand new to Windows (meaning Vista is your first-ever operating system), you’ll find the advice here indispensable. In this book, we assume, for instance, that you really don’t give a hoot about what TCP/IP is. We’re betting you just want to get your Internet connection up and running, and leave the techy muck to the propeller heads.

•    Want all the cool new cutting-edge features and interface Windows Vista offers? Well, before you run out and buy the software, you need to ensure your system will support it! We walk you through, step-by-step, how to manually check if your PC and other hardware and software are supported for use with Windows Vista. We show you how to perform common upgrade tasks, if needed, before you install Vista. In addition, we provide tips and procedures on backing up your data.

•    Having to choose between five different versions (yes, Vista comes in FIVE flavors!) can be confusing! Don’t sweat it, though--we’ve got you covered. We show you how to decide which flavor of Vista is best suited to you! Then we walk you through installing and setting up Vista for the very first time.

•    Next we dig into the new Vista interface, which is quite a change from the old XP! Then we give you a tour of the many new and enhanced features. While you might fancy yourself a wicked-smart Windows user, don’t skip this section! We’re positive you’ll find things you didn’t know that will help you make Vista do thy bidding.

•    Don’t like the slick new Vista interface? (Macintosh, anyone?) We show you how to harness the power of Vista while keeping the look and feel of your XP. Who says change has to be painful?

•    After you have the basics nailed, we then show you some of the cool things you can do with Vista, from customizing its performance, to disabling annoying security controls, to connecting to a wireless network.

Sample Content

Online Sample Chapter

Introducing Windows Vista

Downloadable Sample Chapter

Download the chapter

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION  1

What’s in This Book  2

Who Can Use This Book  2

How to Use This Book  3

Get Ready to Vista!  3

CHAPTER 1: UPGRADING TO WINDOWS VISTA  5

#1 Use Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor  6

#2 System Requirements and Recommendations 12

#3 Check the Processor (CPU)  13

#4 Check Memory (RAM) 15

#5 Verify Hard Drive Space 16

#6 Check CD Drive Type 19

#7 Verify Graphics Card Specs   20

#8 Verify Audio Card 21

#9 Check PC Peripherals and Accessories 22

#10 Verify Software Applications Are Vista Compatible 22

#11 Move to a New PC Preloaded with Windows Vista 23

CHAPTER 2: CHOOSING AND INSTALLING A WINDOWS VISTA EDITION   27

#12 Compare Vista Editions  28

#13 Full or Upgrade Version? 30

#14 Upgrade In-Place or Clean Install? 30

#15 Back Up Your Data 31

#16 Install Windows Vista 34

CHAPTER 3: INTRODUCING WINDOWS VISTA   43

#17 New Look and Functionality 44

#18 Parental Controls 48

#19 Windows Defender and Windows Firewall 53

#20 Network and Sharing Center 56

#21 Instant Search and Internet Explorer 7 61

#22 Photo Gallery  62

#23 Windows Aero and Windows Flip 63

#24 Windows Mobility Center and Tablet PC Support 65

#25 Windows Meeting Space  66

#26 Windows SideShow 67

#27 Windows Automatic Backup 69

#28 Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore 70

#29 Windows Media Center 71

#30 Windows DVD Maker 73

#31 Games 74

#32 Windows Fax and Scan 75

#33 Remote Desktop Connection 76

#34 Shadow Copy 77

#35 Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption 78

#36 Language Packs 79

CHAPTER 4: CHANGING THE LOOK AND FEEL OF VISTA   81

#37 Banish the Welcome Center  82

#38 Disable Windows Sidebar  82

#39 Change Windows Themes 84

#40 Add the Main Icons 86

#41 Add the Microsoft Internet Explorer Icon 87

#42 Reduce Large Icons 95

#43 Rename the Computer Icon 96

#44 Rename the Network Icon 96

#45 Change to the Classic Start Menu 100

#46 Display the Log Off Button on the Start Menu 101

#47 Show Thumbnails of Pictures 104

#48 Remove Tabbed Browsing from Internet Explorer 7 105

#49 Display the Menu Bar in Internet Explorer 7 107

CHAPTER 5: FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND IN VISTA   109

#50 Renamed Windows Applications  110

#51 My Documents   114

#52 Shared Documents Folder 116

#53 View the Folder Path 117

#54 Up Arrow Has Been Removed   118

#55 My Network Places 120

#56 Desktop Settings 121

#57 Advanced Performance Settings   123

#58 Network Connection Status Details 124

#59 Wireless Network Connection Priorities and Preferences 125

#60 Network Connections 129

#61 HyperTerminal 132

#62 Run Prompt 135

#63 System Restore  136

#64 Web Desktop Items 138

#65 Drag the Shortcut Icon in Microsoft Internet Explorer 7   138

#66 Find On This Page in Internet Explorer 7 139

#67 View History in Internet Explorer 7 139

#68 Secure Website Padlock in Internet Explorer 7 141

#69 Volume Control 143

#70 Add/Remove Programs 143

#71 Display Properties  145

#72 Filmstrip View  147

CHAPTER 6: TIPS AND TRICKS  151

#73 Apply the Vista Style to XP Computers 152

#74 Display a Menu of Items on the Start Menu 152

#75 Add More Gadgets to Sidebar   157

#76 Change Power Button on Start Menu 158

#77 Set Up Additional Clocks for Other Time Zones   160

#78 Use Military Time Format for the Clock   161

#79 Use the Taskbar Address Bar  164

#80 Resize Icons with the Mouse  165

#81 Search from the Start Menu  167

#82 Use the Show Desktop Shortcut on the Taskbar Menu 170

#83 Create a Shortcut to Network Connections  170

#84 Restart the Windows Explorer Shell Without Rebooting Windows 173

#85 View List of Shared Files and Folders 175

#86 Select Files Using Check Boxes  176

#87 Use a USB Flash Drive to Improve PC Performance 178

#88 Refresh Your PC with a Nightly Reboot 180

#89 Disable User Account Control Pop-up Alerts 183

#90 Disable UAC Pop-up Alerts for Only Administrators 185

#91 Use Computer Lock for Security When Leaving 187

#92 Create a Shortcut to Lock Your Computer 189

#93 Auto-Login to Bypass the Logon Screen 190

#94 Change Windows Using Flip 3D  191

#95 Add Providers to Live Search in Internet Explorer 7 192

#96 Change the Home Page of New Tabs in Internet Explorer 7 193

#97 Use Windows Keyboard Shortcuts 196

#98 Use the Snipping Tool to Capture Screenshots 197

#99 Adjust Audio Levels per Application  198

#100 Use the Sync Center  198

Index  201

Index

Download the index

Introduction

Download the introduction

Updates

Submit Errata

More Information

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020


Other Things You Might Like

Red Hat OpenShift (Video Course)

Red Hat OpenShift (Video Course), 2nd Edition

Complete Guide to Microsoft Security Copilot: Empower and Protect the Security Operations Center (SOC) (Video)

Complete Guide to Microsoft Security Copilot: Empower and Protect the Security Operations Center (SOC) (Video)

MCTS 70-620 Exam Prep: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring

MCTS 70-620 Exam Prep: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring