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

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 15 Ratings

Not on the same level as Stanek's other books - 2008-09-28
Reviewer Rating:
I really like William R. Stanek. Some of his books are frequent references for me. Sad to say, though, I think he blew it on this one.

Exclusive of the index, there are 889 pages here and a lot of information. The problem is that a lot of the information is essentially useless for the user experienced with Windows XP who is simply transitioning to Vista.

The organization of material is awful - and the index (or more precisely, the lack thereof) is a disaster.

For example, Stanek describes the Personal Folder, the replacement for a number of Windows fixtures like My Documents, on page 26. Fine and dandy. But there is nothing in the book that I have found about connecting other folders with the Personal Folder. Let's say that you want to keep your documents on the D: drive instead of C:. As far as I can tell, Stanek doesn't tell you how. It's not in the index and I was unable to find it in the book.

Way too much of the book seems oriented to the new user. Sections like "How Does the Operating System Obtain Driver Updates" and "Viewing Installed Hardware" or "Setting up your speakers" just don't offer much to the experienced user.

Like I said, I own a number of other Stanek titles and swear by them. This one is more suitable for swearing at.

A much better guide to Windows Vista is Windows Vista: The Missing Manual by Dvid Pogue.

Jerry

Library Journal recommends this book and so do I! - 2008-02-24
Reviewer Rating:
I've never been very good with computers so when I got a new computer with Vista I went looking for books that could help. I bought this one because Stanek's book was recommended over all other Vista books in Library Journal's round up of Vista books. Library Journal's May 15, 2007 says it better than I can, here's what they said:

"A thorough guide, best for intermediate to advanced users of earlier Windows versions. Clear discussions of changes in security features and of other Vista improvements such as gadgets and sidebars make this useful for upgraders; comprehensive coverage of every aspect of the OS renders it a one-stop shop for familiarizing readers with every feature, from hardware installation to Windows Movie Maker to Group Policy. Errata and book information can be found online. A good purchase for larger libraries."

When choosing between this book and other Vista books, Library Journal also says:

"Choose Stanek's Definitive Guide for its comprehensive coverage and clear prose if you can buy only one."

I agree, this is an excellent book and so much better than others I found. Vista is a great system once you learn how to use it. If you are new to Vista, this is one book that should not leave your computer's side!

Pitiful - 2009-04-08
Reviewer Rating:
Yes, this book is huge and has lots of information. Unfortunately, it is poorly organized and I have not been able to find ANY of the problems I've tried to find answers to in this book. I have been using Vista for a year and a half now, and bought this book shortly after I bought the computer; I am getting rid of Vista, I have gotten tired of trying to make things work that worked fine in Win98 and XP; and this book has been no help at all. Maybe, if I were to sit down and read this massive tome cover to cover I would learn something that would help, but I have better things to do with hundreds of hours of my time.

Excellent book and the Best I've found - 2009-04-12
Reviewer Rating:
Not sure why anyone would say this isn't a good book when it's so excellent. You can't blame an author for Vista's shortcomings. This book has answered my every question and is by far the best I've found. Also the reason I bought this book originally was that it was recommended by Library Journal. Not only did Library Journal recommend this book, but they recommended it over all other Windows Vista books.

A GREAT buy! - 2008-11-06
Reviewer Rating:
Truly, the definitive guide and so much better than Missing Manual or Inside Out. Weighin in at 922 pages, the book covers nearly everything you need to know about Windows Vista at home or at the office. Stanek has a unique gift for expressing complex details clearly and concisely. I love his no nonsense approach. He goes into great depth and tells the reader not only how but why and when to use certain settings. My copy of this book has so many dog-eared pages I bought a second copy. I would definitely recommend it, even if you already have several Windows Vista books because this is the only you are likely to use the most.

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