Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide | 
 enlarge | Author: William Stanek
Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
Category: Book
List Price: $49.99
Buy Used: $9.37
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Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 217670
Format: Illustrated
Media: Paperback
Pages: 942
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.2
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 7.2 x 2
ISBN: 0596528000
Dewey Decimal Number: 005.446
EAN: 9780596528003
ASIN: 0596528000
Publication Date: February 26, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Excellent condition, no highlighting or markings
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Product 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
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 Finally - a truly excellent all around Vista book! March 5, 2007
Arlene Casey
57 out of 62 found this review helpful
I only recently got involved with Windows Vista, when work required that I shift gears from XP to Vista. Therefore I am not familiar with all of the nuances of Vista, and needed answers fast. I started with a dummies book to get my feet wet, and then grabbed this one as soon I saw it was out. In true William Stanek fashion, however, this book smoothly got me very familiar with the features of Vista, which I am finding to be a combination of visual elegance and the underlying stability of Windows, adding up to a very solid operating system that, quite truthfully, I was not expecting.
The book starts out explaining what you need to know to get started and use Vista, the user interface, and teaches some special characteristics and key combinations on Vista that are not well known. I really liked how the author drew the distinction between appearance and performance and what lies underneath Vista's graphical user interface. There are also helpful sections for the new Search function and Menus. The book explains how to use the included applications and utilities, and even goes as far as introducing all the multimedia apps from the point of view of an experience expert. I never really appreciated the power of the Vista multimedia applications until I read this section of the book. Stanek writes he been using Vista for 5 years, and it shows in the depth and scope of his advice. I never knew before I read this book that Vista had features for speech and handwriting recognition!
In Part 3 the discussion becomes more advanced, and networking and more advanced security and wireless-related topics are discussed. Part four is rounded out by chapters on support Vista which includes details on parental controls, accounts, internet safety, disk configuration, compression and encryption.
In Part Five, Advance Tips and Techniques, there are advanced chapters on the boot environment, security changes, and policies. There is a whole chapter with a very useful "master list" of keystroke combinations.
This book is immediately valuable for beginners to intermediates to pros and I think it has much to say. I notice Amazon does not show a table of contents, so I include that here:
Ch 1. Getting Started with Windows Vista
Ch 2. Optimizing Windows Vista's Interface
Ch 3. Fine-Tuning Windows Vista's Appearance and Performance
Ch 4. Installing, Configuring, and Maintaining Software
Ch 5. Customizing Your Computer's Hardware Devices
Ch 6. Mastering Windows Explorer and Searching Your Computer
Ch 7. Navigating the Web with Internet Explorer 7
Ch 8. Creating Your Media Library with Windows Media Player
Ch 9. Capturing and Managing Your Digital Pictures and Videos
Ch 10. Making Video DVDs and Movies
Ch 11. Securing and Sharing Your Data
Ch 12. Setting Up Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines
Ch 13. Making the Most of Your Computer's Accessories
Ch 14. Setting Up Your Network
Ch 15. Protecting Your Computer with Windows Defender and Windows Firewall
Ch 16. Using Windows Mail, Calendars, and Contacts
Ch 17. Mastering Dial-Up, Broadband, and On-the-Go Networking
Ch 18. Managing User Accounts and Parental Controls
Ch 19. Managing Disks and Drives
Ch 20. Handling Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Ch 21. Getting Help and Handling Advanced Support Issues
Ch 22. Installing and Running Windows Vista
Ch 23. Exploring the Windows Boot Environment
Ch 24. Understanding Windows Vista Security Changes
Ch 25. Mastering Windows Media Center
Ch 26. Using Group Policy with Windows Vista
Ch 27. Navigating Windows Vista Policy Changes
Ch 28. Navigating Internet Explorer 7 Policies
Ch 29. Desktop Tips and Tricks with Keyboard Shortcuts
Get this book even before you get Vista March 14, 2007
Brett Merkey (Palm Harbor, FL United States)
35 out of 41 found this review helpful
People are not standing in long lines to buy Microsoft's new operating system. But we know, sooner or later, that most of us will be buying a new computer -- and it will likely come with Vista. I got this book because I wanted to know *before* I get that next computer just what I can expect with Vista and how Vista features could help (or hinder) the way I use computers.
This book is an excellent resource for cautious people like me. I was impressed with how quickly the author got past the basic intro material and kept the focus on the use value of Vista features. There is no "for dummies" talk here. The material is both extensive and is not aimed at a particular experience level. If you are like me, you may skip a bunch of chapters and home in on Ch. 23 with its details of the Boot Configuration Data Editor. Of course, if you are not like me, you may have stopped off at Ch. 13 to learn about the Snipping Tool.
There are plenty of screenshots and I found it reassuring that the author made a point of clarifying, when appropriate, the often confusing differences between the various editions of Vista.
The organization of the book makes it easy to focus in on your current interest and the book is indexed for more detailed searches. To sum up, this book is a valuable guide to new users *and* a reference for experienced Vista users.
The Only Book Most Windows Vista Users Need June 28, 2007
L. Hayes
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide is an excellent book. Every Windows Vista User should purchase this book to learn Windows Vista. The book covers everything most users want to know and should know about Windows Vista.
This book is clear and to the point with comprehensive coverage of Windows Vista. It covers all versions of Vista and the many included programs and utilities as well as new security features. It covers Internet Explorer 7 and how to make your own audio CDs and DVD movies. There is an extensive discussion on installation and advanced issues. At a hefty 921 pages it makes a thoroughly detailed reference.
Plus this book is written for easy reader understanding and for enjoyable reading. Great book if you really wish to learn Windows Vista. For administrators, I'd also recommend Stanek's Windows Vista Administrator's Pocket Consultant.
An Excellent Guide and information source August 12, 2007
Karen Titus (Omaha. NE)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
I have been using windows at home now for 14 years and with each operating system upgrade there's more to learn. I consider myself pretty savvy when it comes to Windows. So what if some people say "it's not definitive by any means," I find that it covers so much and even some things I won't need. I LOVE this book. It is not hard on your eyes, has plenty of diagrams and something I found especially interesting is how virus's, malware and all the nasties can enter your computer and the damage they can cause. I'm the type of woman who is not just satisfied with the "just do it this way" kind of help. I want more meat in the WHY I should do it this way. I use this book along with "Windows Vista: The Missing Manual" That books gives lot's of tips and stuff that has saved me much work and headache. These books work well together
Better than "Vista Missing Manual" October 9, 2007
Lisa Burke (Texas, USA)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
Vista Definitive Guide is a 922-page Vista bible, much better than Vista Missing Manual in my opinion. I got this after having excellent success with the author's other computer books. Extremely complete and full of answers. Kudos to the author for writing such an excellent book!
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