Windows Vista: The Missing Manual

Windows Vista: The Missing Manual
by David Pogue

Windows Vista: The Missing Manual
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Book Summary Information

Author: David Pogue
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-01-03
ISBN: 0596528272
Number of pages: 828
Publisher: O'Reilly Media

Book Reviews of Windows Vista: The Missing Manual

Book Review: "Windows Vista - The Missing Manual" a Book You Really Need
Summary: 5 Stars

Windows Vista is a complete overhaul to the Windows operating system that took over five years to complete. It includes an all new user interface and major improvements to security. With the all new look, new programs, new explorers five different versions it is a lot to fathom. But you get on screen help but no manual. I personally still want and need a book to sit down and study. I found Windows Vista - The Missing Manual the solution for me. I don't have Vista but worked with the beta product and found that the manual walked me through the changes that impacted me. It has also given me the incite necessary to determine which version of Windows Vista I eventually will use.

The book published by O'Reilly is written for advanced beginners or intermediate computer users. For beginners it includes "Up to Speed" articles and for advanced users there are the "Power Users' Clinic" highlights. The Missing Manual's over 800 pages comprise eight parts and four appendixes.

I found the "Where'd It Go" appendix an excellent reference. It shows you where the old features you were used to using are hidden in Vista. Part One covers the "Vista Desktop" showcasing several new features. It prepares you for what you might see when first starting Vista.

We have all heard about the Aero interface and the book clearly explains the features. I was interested in the new Sleep feature. This is a two step energy conservation feature. For the first 15 minutes all of your open programs and settings are saved in Ram. So restarting only takes a matter of seconds. After 15 minutes the full Sleep mode starts. At that point like Hibernation the image is saved on the hard drive and it takes longer to restart, but is still much faster than a full start up.

The new Lock feature also has a potential for excellent benefits in the workplace or a home with children. When you leave the computer just turn the lock on and it will require log on to reactivate. In addition, I found the description of the new fast system wide Search interesting. Some of the new features in the Start Menu Search should become evident through use, but things like using Vista's criteria search are not self evident and I was glad to learn about them from the book. The book even suggested that with the new folder search features maybe deeply nesting folders isn't necessary. However, I doubt I could give that up.

Part One - "Vista Desktop" of the Missing Manual walks you through using the Vista desktop and fully customizing all of its features to suit your needs. It even shows you how Vista will let you go back to the old classic Windows XP look and feel. Windows Explorer is covered here. Since I personally use Windows Explorer for managing, organizing and opening my myriad of files I studied this chapter closely. I found the detailed descriptions of the windows panes enlightening. The information available in the details pane is incredible. I like the idea of using tags. And with my tendency to create a very detailed folder hierarchy, I found the books descriptions of Vista's Windows Explorer sorting, grouping, stacking and filtering options valuable.

Since there are a lot of improvements and changes in Vista, it is important to be able to get help. And the Missing Manual contains an entire chapter to help understand the new Vista Help system. I use Help features in Windows and application programs often and found the descriptions of the help screens and various methods of gaining help and assistance very useful.

These topics were all included in the Basics and Desktop section of the manual's first 186 pages. Just this information on how to set up and get along with Vista and the Appendix on "Where Did it Go" are well worth the cost of the manual. But he manual also includes much more.

Part Two - "Vista Software" explains the programs, gadgets and freebie software included with Vista. Here you read about installing, opening, managing and uninstalling application programs. Although the book addresses Windows Vista, it provides information you use while using an application. Like using dialog boxes to open and save files. You also see how to use cut, copy and paste commands to move information between programs. Drag and drop and export/import are also covered.

The applications provided with Windows Vista are each discussed. I remember when I got my current desktop computer and was shocked when it started adding strange things to my documents. If I had read about Speech Recognition, (It was turned on in my version of Office.) I might have figured out what was happening with less concern. I was intrigued with the text to speech capabilities of Vista. The new Sidebar and each gadget are explained. For people who don't use Outlook's calendar, the new Windows Calendar may be valuable, and you find all you need to take advantage of the tool in the manual. Another new tool worth noting is the Snipping tool. Each of the freebee goodies even the games is described in the manual. But for you game enthusiasts, you don't get instructions on playing the games.

Vista's presentation of the Control panel is new. An entire chapter is devoted to the applets included in the Control panel. It explains each and even shows how to get back to the classic view.

Part Three - "Vista Online" explains using Vista online. Here you learn how to configure network connections, use Windows Mail and surf the web with Internet Explorer 7. The Internet Security Center, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender and the Phishing Filter are all covered. You read how to configure and use Vista's features to protect your data and computer. Since my new laptop is wireless, I closely read the information on hotspot security and home wireless networking. But I then skipped the parental controls discussion.

Part Four - the "Media Center" has over 100 pages are devoted to Pictures, Movies and Media center. Since many of us are into digital photography, the chapter on the Windows Photo Gallery is interesting. Photo gallery imports your photos from your camera or computer. Lets you organize, tag and rate them. After completing any required editing, you can then share the pictures as prints, slideshows or on CDs/DVDs. I already have applications that do these functions so did not try the Windows Photo Gallery. Nevertheless, the descriptions and instructions in the manual are clear and straightforward. There are also chapters on Windows, Media Player, Movie Maker and DVD Maker, Media Center rounding out this part of the manual.

Part Five - "Hardware and Peripherals" covers faxing, printing and scanning as well as working with other peripherals. Installing printers and using them to print from programs and the desktop is discussed. If you think this is too basic skip that part and take a look at controlling printouts and fancy printer tips. For the more adventurous the manual discusses ports, jacks and installing cards in expansion slots. Troubleshooting tips and using the Device Manager are explained.

Part Six - "PC Health" discusses Windows Vista tools that can be a great benefit to the knowledgeable computer user or a potential door to Pandora's Box. Computer maintenance and tweaks are described. I have used third party software to partition my computer's hard disks for years. So read with interest the disk management chapter on partitioning, compression and encryption.

Part Seven - "Vista Network" covers setting up user accounts and networks, domains and network sharing. These 100 pages cover using user accounts so multiple people can safely use the same computer without impacting each other's settings and data. You also learn how to set up a working network to share files and peripherals as well as a network connection. There is even a chapter on remote control of your computer.

Part Eight includes the appendixes. I already mentioned the appendix on "Where'd It Go?". But there are also appendixes on Installing Windows Vista, Fun with the Registry (That is a scary thought.), and a Keyboard Shortcut List.

So Windows Vista - The Missing Manual does contain something for everyone. It is a great book to read and excellent reference. If you are planning to upgrade to Windows Vista, the book can help you make the right choice and ease the transition.

Summary of Windows Vista: The Missing Manual

Windows Vista is Microsoft's most important software release in more than a decade. It offers users an abundance of new and upgraded features that were more than five years in the making: a gorgeous, glass-like visual overhaul; superior searching and organization tools; a multimedia and collaboration suite; and above all, a massive, top-to-bottom security-shield overhaul. There's scarcely a single feature of the older versions of Windows that hasn't been tweaked, overhauled, or replaced entirely.

But when users first encounter this beautiful new operating system, there's gonna be a whole lotta head-scratchin', starting with trying to figure out which of the five versions of Vista is installed on the PC (Home, Premium, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate).

Thankfully, Windows Vista: The Missing Manual offers coverage of all five versions. Like its predecessors, this book from New York Times columnist, bestselling author, and Missing Manuals creator David Pogue illuminates its subject with technical insight, plenty of wit, and hardnosed objectivity for beginners, veteran standalone PC users, and those who know their way around a network. Readers will learn how to:



  • Navigate Vista's elegant new desktop
  • Locate anything on your hard drive quickly with the fast, powerful, and fully integrated search function
  • Use the Media Center to record TV and radio, present photos, play music, and record any of the above to DVD
  • Chat, videoconference, and surf the Web with the vastly improved Internet Explorer 7 tabbed browser
  • Build a network for file sharing, set up workgroups, and connect from the road
  • Protect your PC and network with Vista's beefed up security
  • And much more.

This jargon-free guide explains Vista's features clearly and thoroughly, revealing which work well and which don't. It's the book that should have been in the box!

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