This fast-paced, no-fluff book teaches you the basics of Microsoft Windows Vista and includes tips, shortcuts, and workarounds for Windows veterans as well as new users, whether you're using the Home, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate edition of Vista. You'll find step-by-step instructions and plenty of screenshots that guide you through Vista's new and updated features, including the glasslike Aero interface; instant search; the Sidebar and Gadgets; and the improved versions of Internet Explorer, Mail, Live Messenger, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, and Media Player. You'll also find information on setup; installation; upgrading from other Windows versions; troubleshooting; hardware; and organizing your documents, music, photos, and videos. Laptop and mobile users will learn how to connect from the road, jump onto a public wireless network, and conserve battery power. Author Chris Fehily also walks you through setting up a network, connecting to the Internet, configuring routers and firewalls, and hooking up printers and other devices. You'll learn how to use Vista's beefed-up security features to protect your PC and network and share files while keeping personal stuff private.

"Windows Vista in Easy Steps" provides a clear and concise guide to Windows Vista, the major upgrade to Microsoft Windows and successor to Windows XP. Author Harshad Kotecha covers the five different editions of Vista (Business, Enterprise, Home Premium, Home Basic, and Ultimate), enabling readers to decide which version is right for them. He introduces the key features of the program and explores its operations, including starting up, basic control functions, working with applications, managing files and folders, printing and fonts, networking, and the Internet. Using full-color photographs and a step-by-step approach, the book explores the new Windows Vista interface, including Windows Aero, security features, and Windows Mail, and discusses system activation and validation, backup, and Windows Update. "Windows Vista in Easy Steps" makes it easy to increase productivity for first-time users or anyone upgrading from an earlier version of Windows.

You’re beyond the basics, so dive right in and really put your PC to work! This supremely organized reference is packed with hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds. It’s all muscle and no fluff. Discover how the experts tackle Windows Vista—and challenge yourself to new levels of mastery! Explore features and capabilities in each edition of Windows Vista Configure and customize your system with advanced setup options Manage files, folders, and media libraries with new search and organization features Set up a wired or wireless network and manage shared resources Administer accounts, passwords, and logons—and help control access to resources Configure Windows Internet Explorer settings and security zones Master security essentials to help protect against viruses, worms, and spyware Troubleshoot errors and fine-tune performance Automate routine maintenance with scripts and other tools CD includes: Fully searchable eBook Downloadable gadgets and other tools for customizing Windows Vista Insights direct from the product team on the official Windows Vista blog Links to the latest security updates and products, demos, blogs, and user communities Windows Vista Product Guide eReference and other eBooks A Note Regarding the CD or DVDThe 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 O'Reilly Media's Digital Distribution services. To download this content, please visit O'Reilly's 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 booktech@oreilly.com.

You’re beyond the basics, so dive right in and really put your PC to work! This supremely organized reference is packed with hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds. It’s all muscle and no fluff. Discover how the experts tackle Windows Vista—and challenge yourself to new levels of mastery! Explore features and capabilities in each edition of Windows Vista Configure and customize your system with advanced setup options Manage files, folders, and media libraries with new search and organization features Set up a wired or wireless network and manage shared resources Administer accounts, passwords, and logons—and help control access to resources Configure Windows Internet Explorer settings and security zones Master security essentials to help protect against viruses, worms, and spyware Troubleshoot errors and fine-tune performance Automate routine maintenance with scripts and other tools CD includes: Fully searchable eBook Downloadable gadgets and other tools for customizing Windows Vista Insights direct from the product team on the official Windows Vista blog Links to the latest security updates and products, demos, blogs, and user communities Windows Vista Product Guide eReference and other eBooks A Note Regarding the CD or DVDThe 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 O'Reilly Media's Digital Distribution services. To download this content, please visit O'Reilly's 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 booktech@oreilly.com.

Configure, run, and troubleshoot Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Home Basic with the detailed coverage you’ll find in this comprehensive guide. With a task-based approach and clear instructions, this book helps you become an advanced user of Windows Vista—even if you’re just starting out. From administering your computer and surfing the Web securely to advanced maneuvers such as creating your own movies and burning DVDs, you’ll find what you need to master the powerful features of Windows Vista.

See it done. Do it yourself. It’s that Easy! Easy Computer Basics, Windows Vista Edition teaches you the fundamentals to help you get the most from your computer hardware and software. Fully illustrated steps with simple instructions guide you through each task, building the skills you need to do what you want to do. No need to feel intimidated; we’ll hold your hand every step of the way.   Learn how to… Set up and configure your new computer system Upgrade your computer with new hardware and software Use Windows Vista--and personalize it just for you Connect to the Internet for web surfing, email, and instant messaging Manage and edit digital photos with Windows Photo Gallery Play, copy, and burn your own music CDs--and download music from the Internet to play on your iPod Protect your family and your computer from viruses, spam, and spyware Set up a wireless home network and share your Internet connection with multiple computers Easy steps guide you through each task. Items you select or click are shown in bold. Each step is fully illustrated.   Category: Computers Covers: General Computing User Level:  Beginning   Introduction 1 Part 1: Understanding How Your Computer Works 2 Part 2: Setting Up and Using a Desktop PC 14 Part 3: Setting Up and Using a Notebook PC 28 Part 4: Using Microsoft Windows Vista 38 Part 5: Working with Files and Folders 62 Part 6: Using Microsoft Word 78 Part 7: Connecting to the Internet 96 Part 8: Setting Up a Wireless Home Network 132 Part 9: Playing Music and Movies 150 Part 10: Working with Digital Photos 168 Part 11: Adding New Devices to Your System 190 Part 12: Protecting Your Computer 200 Part 13: Taking Care of Your Computer 214 Glossary 228