Synopses & Reviews
The smart way to learn Windows Vista--one step at a time Updated with expanded coverage, this deluxe edition covers all of the latest Windows Vista features. You'll discover the smartest ways to stay organized with Windows(R) Mail, Windows Contact, Windows Live(TM) Messenger, Windows Meeting Space, Windows Calendar, and Windows Sidebar(TM). You'll also learn how to work with graphics and documents by using Windows Paint, NotePad, and WordPad. Even more, learn how to have fun with Windows Vista and your digital media--creating home videos and more Plus, you still get coverage of the fundamentals of working with Windows Vista, including how to navigate the new user interface and how to use Instant Search to find anything on your desktop Work at your own pace through the easy numbered steps, practice files on CD, helpful hints, and troubleshooting help and learn how to manage files and folders to simplify your work, hook up printers and other devices, and connect to the Internet. You will also discover how to use security-enhanced features to help protect your PC. The companion CD includes skill-building practice files, eBooks, and more With STEP BY STEP, you can take just the lessons you need or work from cover to cover. Either way, you drive the instruction--building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them
A Note Regarding the CD or DVD
The print version of this book ships with a CD or DVD. For those customers purchasing one of the digital formats in which this book is available, we are pleased to offer the CD/DVD content as a free download via OReilly Medias Digital Distribution services. To download this content, please visit OReillys web site, search for the title of this book to find its catalog page, and click on the link below the cover image (Examples, Companion Content, or Practice Files). Note that while we provide as much of the media content as we are able via free download, we are sometimes limited by licensing restrictions. Please direct any questions or concerns to [email protected].
Synopsis
Updated with expanded coverage, this deluxe edition covers all of the latest Windows Vista features. The companion CD includes skill-building practice files, e-Books, and more.
Synopsis
The smart way to learn Windows Vista—one step at a time! Updated with expanded coverage, this deluxe edition covers all of the latest Windows Vista features. You’ll discover the smartest ways to stay organized with Windows Mail, Windows Contact, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Meeting Space, Windows Calendar, and Windows Sidebar. You’ll also learn how to work with graphics and documents by using Windows Paint, NotePad, and WordPad. Even more, learn how to have fun with Windows Vista and your digital media—creating home videos and more! Plus, you still get coverage of the fundamentals of working with Windows Vista, including how to navigate the new user interface and how to use Instant Search to find anything on your desktop! Work at your own pace through the easy numbered steps, practice files on CD, helpful hints, and troubleshooting help and learn how to manage files and folders to simplify your work, hook up printers and other devices, and connect to the Internet. You will also discover how to use security-enhanced features to help protect your PC. The companion CD includes skill-building practice files, eBooks, and more! With STEP BY STEP, you can take just the lessons you need or work from cover to cover. Either way, you drive the instruction—building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them!
For customers who purchase an ebook version of this title, instructions for downloading the CD files can be found in the ebook.
About the Author
Joyce Cox has more than 30 years' experience in the development of training materials about technical subjects for non-technical audiences and is the author of dozens of books about Office and Windows technologies. Joyce is vice president of Online Training Solutions, Inc. (OTSI). Previously, she was president of and principal author for Online Press, where she developed the Quick Course series of computer training books for beginning and intermediate adult learners. She was also the first managing editor of Microsoft Press, an editor for Sybex, and an editor for the University of California.
Joan Lambert has worked in the training and certification industry since 1997. As president of Online Training Solutions, Inc. (OTSI), Joan is responsible for guiding the translation of technical information and requirements into useful, relevant, and measurable training, learning, and certification deliverables. An MCTS, MOM, MCAS, and MCT, Joan is the author or coauthor of more than two dozen books about Windows and Microsoft Office (for Windows and for Mac).
Table of Contents
About the Authors; The Team; Online Training Solutions, Inc. (OTSI); Introducing Windows Vista; Windows Vista Editions; Lets Get Started!; The Microsoft Business Certification Program; Selecting a Certification Path; Becoming a Microsoft Certified Application SpecialistWindows Vista; Taking a Microsoft Business Certification Exam; For More Information; Information for New Computer Users; Using Your Mouse; Working with Windows; Giving Instructions; Message Boxes; Features and Conventions of This Book; Using the Companion CD; Whats on the CD?; Minimum System Requirements; Installing the Practice Files; Using the Practice Files; Removing and Uninstalling the Practice Files; Getting Help; Getting Help with This Book and Its Companion CD; Getting Help with Windows Vista; Quick Reference; 1 Getting Started with Windows Vista; 2 Working Efficiently in Windows Vista; 3 Working with Folders and Files; 4 Personalizing Windows Vista; 5 Installing and Configuring Devices; 6 Safely and Efficiently Accessing the Internet; 7 Working with Programs; 8 Making Connections; 9 Communicating with Other People; 10 Staying Organized; 11 Working with Graphics and Documents; 12 Working with Digital Media; 13 Managing Computer Security; 14 Optimizing Your Computer System; 15 Identifying and Solving Problems; Chapter 1: Getting Started with Windows Vista; 1.1 Logging On to Windows Vista; 1.2 Activating Windows; 1.3 Updating Windows System Files; 1.4 Ending a Computing Session; 1.5 Making Your Computer Easier to Use; 1.6 Key Points; 1.7 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 2: Working Efficiently in Windows Vista; 2.1 Finding Your Way Around the Windows Desktop; 2.2 Using and Modifying the Start Menu; 2.3 Finding Your Way Around Your Computer; 2.4 Using and Modifying the Taskbar; 2.5 Controlling Your Computer by Using Voice Commands; 2.6 Creating Shortcuts to Files, Folders, and Programs; 2.7 Rearranging and Deleting Items on the Desktop; 2.8 Key Points; 2.9 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 3: Working with Folders and Files; 3.1 Navigating to Folders and Files; 3.2 Viewing Folders and Files in Different Ways; 3.3 Viewing Information About a Folder or File; 3.4 Creating, Renaming, and Deleting Folders and Files; 3.5 Moving and Copying Folders and Files; 3.6 Finding Specific Information; 3.7 Key Points; 3.8 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 4: Personalizing Windows Vista; 4.1 Changing the Look of Windows Vista on Your Screen; 4.2 Optimizing Visual Effects; 4.3 Changing the Desktop Background; 4.4 Selecting and Managing a Screen Saver; 4.5 Managing Your System Date and Time; 4.6 Changing Your Computers Name; 4.7 Key Points; 4.8 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 5: Installing and Configuring Devices; 5.1 Displaying More on Your Monitor; 5.2 Configuring Your System for Multiple Monitors; 5.3 Changing the Way Your Mouse Works; 5.4 Changing the Keyboard Input Language; 5.5 Configuring Tablet PC Options; 5.6 Installing and Sharing a Local Printer; 5.7 Connecting to a Remote Printer; 5.8 Setting Up Speakers; 5.9 Setting Up a Microphone; 5.10 Key Points; 5.11 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 6: Safely and Efficiently Accessing the Internet; 6.1 Connecting to the Internet; 6.2 Displaying Web Sites in Internet Explorer 7; 6.3 Blocking Pop-Up Windows; 6.4 Changing Your Home Page; 6.5 Changing the Appearance of Web Content; 6.6 Finding, Saving, and Returning to Web Sites; 6.7 Printing Web Pages; 6.8 Sending Web Pages and Links to Other People; 6.9 Discovering and Subscribing to RSS Feeds; 6.10 Restricting Objectionable Content; 6.11 Key Points; 6.12 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 7: Working with Programs; 7.1 Installing and Removing Programs; 7.2 Managing Hard Disks; 7.3 Starting Programs Automatically; 7.4 Specifying the Default Program for a Type of File; 7.5 Recovering from Software Errors; 7.6 Playing Games; 7.7 Key Points; 7.8 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 8: Making Connections; 8.1 Connecting Your Computer to a Workgroup; 8.2 Setting Up a VPN Connection; 8.3 Connecting Your Computer to a Domain; 8.4 Accessing Your Domain Computer Remotely; 8.5 Sharing Drives and Folders; 8.6 Key Points; 8.7 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 9: Communicating with Other People; 9.1 Setting Up Windows Mail; 9.2 Sending and Receiving E-Mail Messages; 9.3 Faxing and Scanning Documents; 9.4 Conducting Online Meetings; 9.5 Key Points; 9.6 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 10: Staying Organized; 10.1 Using and Modifying Sidebar Gadgets; 10.2 Recording Notes; 10.3 Keeping Track of Contacts; 10.4 Keeping Track of Appointments and Meetings; 10.5 Key Points; 10.6 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 11: Working with Graphics and Documents; 11.1 Creating Simple Graphics; 11.2 Changing the Content, Size, and Orientation of Graphics; 11.3 Saving Graphic Files in Different Formats; 11.4 Printiiiiiing Graphics; 11.5 Creating Simple Documents; 11.6 Formatting Words and Paragraphs; 11.7 Inserting Text and Graphics; 11.8 Printing Documents; 11.9 Key Points; 11.10 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 12: Working with Digital Media; 12.1 Viewing, Cataloging, and Fixing Pictures; 12.2 Playing Music; 12.3 Configuring Windows Media Center Options; 12.4 Burning Audio and Data Discs; 12.5 Sharing Pictures and Other Digital Media Files; 12.6 Key Points; 12.7 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 13: Managing Computer Security; 13.1 Administering Windows User Accounts; 13.2 Managing Your Windows User Account; 13.3 Limiting Access to the Computer, to Programs, and to the Internet; 13.4 Analyzing Your Computers Security; 13.5 Configuring Internet Security Zones; 13.6 Key Points; 13.7 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 14: Optimizing Your Computer System; 14.1 Locating System Information; 14.2 Monitoring Your Computers Performance; 14.3 Improving Your Computers Performance; 14.4 Turning Windows Features On and Off; 14.5 Managing Cached Files; 14.6 Removing Unnecessary Files; 14.7 Key Points; 14.8 Keyboard Shortcuts; Chapter 15: Identifying and Solving Problems; 15.1 Finding Solutions to Common Problems; 15.2 Finding Information Through a Newsgroup; 15.3 Getting Help from Other Windows Users; 15.4 Backing Up and Restoring Files; 15.5 Restoring Your Operating System; 15.6 Transferring Software, Settings, and Files to Another Computer; 15.7 Key Points; 15.8 Keyboard Shortcuts; Glossary; Choose the Right Book for You;