Whether you're a system administrator responsible for hundreds of Windows clients, or a just a roomful of computers, this book will help you install, configure, and maintain Microsoft's newest OS. Written in jargon-free English that puts concepts in proper context, the book gives you a better understanding of Vista's innovations and capabilities, teaches you how to leverage Vista to increase worker productivity, and demonstrates how the system can best protect sensitive data. Best of all, Windows Vista Administration: The Definitive Guide is a problem-solving reference that lets you quickly access the solutions you need, and helps you unlock certain features to improve system performance -- without forcing you to page through the entire book. In part, the book's topics include:

• A tour of what's new -- including the Aero user interface, Sidebar, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Vista Search

• An overview of all five versions of Windows Vista

• Getting started -- with workgroup networks, user profiles, VPN connections

• Personalizing Vista -- with virtual folders, Flip 3D, the new Control Panel

• Working with software and hardware -- such as installing printers, storage devices, software

• Configuring Internet Explorer 7 -- phishing filters, cookies and privacy, popup blocker, RSS feeds

• Deploying Windows Vista -- installation, imaging software, modules, migrating data

• Optimizing performance -- memory, processor, disks, applications, network, command line administration

• Security -- auditing, disk quotas, account policies, user rights, group rights, IP security

• Troubleshooting tips -- Startup repair tool, frozen applications, remote assistance, backup and restore

And that just scratches the surface. Which new features will significantly improve the operating system experience, and which are mere eye candy? What new features make Windows Vista worth the investment? Author Brian Culp supplies the answers with information-packed chapters, including one on Cool Vista Tricks that explains how to write your own gadgets for Sidebar, how to disable IM and email notifications using Vista Presenter, and a lot more.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 3 Ratings

Perfect book to pass 70-620 test - 2007-07-06
Reviewer Rating:
I continue to be impressed by the knowledge and literary skills of this book's author. With many MCSE/MCSA/MCDST titles under his belt, he has managed to avoid the typical tech-author fall-off. Most tech authors pen a couple of good-to-decent titles in the beginning of their career, when the shine is still on the idea of being a paid writer. Then, once the first few books have passed, there seems to be a definitive drop-off in quality of information and writing. It's as if they finally realized that maybe this gig isn't all it's cracked-up to be...that the work keeps increasing while the assistance from the publisher keeps decreasing and the paychecks keep staying the same (and let's not even go into the lack of royalties).

However, a few gallant crusaders have managed to figure-out how to produce a quality book every time, despite all this. Brian Culp falls into this category, and this is perfectly demonstrated in his latest release, "Windows Vista Admin: The Definitive Guide".

Written in his characteristic conversational tone, Mr. Culp manages to engage his readers in a dissection of Vista rather than exasperate with his "superior knowledge", as often found in technical guides. I continue to be astonished at the number of people who will pay somebody to call them a Dummy/Idiot or take their technical advice with a heaping serving of hubris (I can't help but imagine the comic book shop guy from "The Simpsons").

My favorite attribute of this book (especially for us who plan on taking the 70-620 exam), Mr. Culp comes at you Dragnet-style: Just the Facts, Ma'am. What you need to 1.)Pass the test, and 2.)Actually administer Vista in a day-to-day, real-world environment. He provides readers with the theoretical, Microsoft-issued information AND the reality-based, personal experience.

This is another nice aspect of this book: the author is not a mouthpiece or sales-rep for Microsoft. If something doesn't work, you're going to actually read about how it doesn't work and what you can do about it. What a concept! Honest tech writing! Sadly, it's a rarity.

And talk about accountability. I was amazed to find the author offering free, personal support to his book at his website. Are you kidding me? I submitted a question to him about a hardware compatibility issue and received an answer in less than 24 hours...and the answer was right!

If you want to take and pass the 70-620 test, get this book.

If you want to implement and administer Windows Vista (either on a single user or network basis), get this book.

If you want to read another boring, condescending tech book, look elsewhere.

A very good book, but the title may be misleading - 2007-12-06
Reviewer Rating:
This book is for you if you are an enthusiast or a power user. It's comprehensive, informative and it will give you a good understanding of Vista features. If you manage three PCs at home, and you want to move from XP to Vista, Culp's book will be a perfect companion on your journey.
On the other hand, true professionals will find that it is not technical enough (not 'definitive' enough) and they won't find much 'administration' information proper.

A weighty 'must' for any in-depth library - 2007-09-05
Reviewer Rating:
Brian Culp's WINDOWS VISTA ADMINISTRATION: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE is a problem-solving reference which is a 'must' for any network administrator. From working with hardware and software and solving common installation and use issues to personalizing and customizing Vista, chapters pack in black and white screen shots and provide plenty of technical details making this a weighty 'must' for any in-depth library catering to the latest network admin needs.

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