Windows Vista All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies by Woody Leonhard

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Microsoft Vista looks different, feels different, from its Aero Glass interface to its beefed-up security. Why not let a Windows legend help you settle in? The legend is Woody Leonhard, and his book is Windows Vista All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies.

Well, actually, not one book: this is really nine mini-books in one. Book #1 is your Windows Vista "orientation," including a chapter for complete newbies and another for Windows XP upgraders. Leonhard helps you choose the right version of Vista, too (and with Microsoft's confusing new choices, that's tougher than it sounds.)

In Book #2, "Vista Boot Camp," you'll get down to business: navigating Vista, working with files, handling routine maintenance, and so forth. Then, there's an entire mini-book on Vista security, from the new Security Center to the improved firewall. Here, Leonhard tells you all you need to know about virus protection and the new Windows Defender, and offers his no-baloney views on Windows' automated patching system.

The topics are serious, but Leonhard's unique voice makes it all go down easy. And, once your system's secured, it's time for some out-and-out fun. Leonhard walks you through personalizing your desktop, then provides some nifty tips on "beating and cheating" Vista's souped-up game collection.

Next, you'll explore Vista's Internet toolset, from email and IM to Internet Explorer. A nice touch: This book covers Firefox, too. Along similar lines, if you own an iPod, you'll appreciate Leonhard's full chapter on iPods and iTunes, not something typically found in a Windows book. In fact, two whole mini-books are dedicated to multimedia and video: everything from Windows Media Player 11 to podcasting to moviemaking. Bill Camarda, from the January 2007 Read Only

From the Publisher

With Vista, Windows has had an extreme makeover. Many of the features that were old friends in Windows XP now look and act differently. And if you’re thinking of upgrading to Vista but haven’t done it yet, wow — there are eight different versions! How do you know which one to choose?

That’s easy — look in Book One of Windows Vista All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. Windows expert Woody Leonhard starts off this everything-you-want-to-know-about -Vista guide by helping you choose the version that fits your needs. He follows that with minibooks Two through Nine, each devoted to one specific area — setting up, securing, and customizing Vista, going online, adding cool hardware, getting the most from multimedia, exploring Vista video, and setting up a network. You’ll find out about:

Ripping and burning discs of data, music, or movies

Organizing desktop files and folders

Collecting and editing your digital photos in the Photo Gallery

Controlling users, making backups, and maintaining your system

Locking down your system to deflect spam, scams, spyware, phishers, and viruses

Exploring alternatives to Internet Explorer

Adding hard drives, printers, key drives, USB hubs, and other hardware

Making movies, adding music to your iPod, and setting up Media Center

Covering almost anything you will ever need to know for a long and happy relationship with Vista, Windows Vista All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies is a guide you’ll refer to again and again.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents