Windows Vista Annoyances
One Minute Review
- very detailed coverage of the subject (Annoyances)
- readable style
- useful tips and tricks throughout the book
- links to several tools included as well throughout the book
- some chapters may be too high level if you aren't a Programmer
Buy it now
Ratings and Stats
| ISBN: | 0596527624 | Relevance: | |
| Publisher: | O'Reilly | Readability: | |
| Author(s): | David Karp | Overall: | |
| Bottom Line: | This book is excellent for its intended audience. I volunteered to review this book, since we purchased a new HP Laptop for my 15 year old daughter, which of course is Windows Vista. The first day itself she started complaining that her brand new Laptop was slower during startup than my 4 year old Windows XP Laptop. This book was released at the exact same time, and I thought what a better way to review a book than to practically use it. Except for chapters 3, 7 and 8, we did read and try out most tips on all the remaining chapters and it sure does help maximize the usage of Windows Vista experience. If you own a computer with Vista, this is a must have book. |
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Intent and Audience
In the "How To Use This Book" section, the author says "Windows Vista Annoyances" is not documentation; you can get that anywhere. Rather, it's a unique and thorough collection of solutions, hacks and time-saving tips to help you get the most from your PC". That's exactly what you will get from reading this book.
Anyone having a Windows Vista PC will find this invaluable for its tips, solutions and hacks. You will also find plenty of information on setup, installation, upgrade from other Windows versions, security features, performance, troubleshooting, and many more.
Chapter Highlights
1. Get Started with Windows Vista
This chapter begins with a very interesting sentence. To quote the
author "Windows Vista is like a papaya; sleek on the outside, but a big
mess on the inside". After having used Vista for less than a month, I
completely agree with the above quote.
This chapter shows how to install Vista on a new system, upgrade from a
previous version, and reinstall Vista in some special cases.
The chapter also contains sections on how to reduce Vista's footprint, and set up a dual boot system.
2. Shell Tweaks
In this chapter, you will learn how to customize windows explorer, the
desktop, the start menu, and also learn file management tricks.
3. The Registry
If innovation and creativity are your forte, than this chapter will
teach you how to explore, hack, and manage Windows' database of
settings and system data.
4. Working with Media
This chapter will allow you to get the most with your videos, pictures
and music in Vista. Some of the interesting things you will learn in
this chapter are "Watch TV on your TV", "Capture HDTV programming", and
"Handling online Video".
5. Performance
This chapter tells you how to make your PC wickedly fast, and improve its overall performance.
6. Troubleshooting
With troubleshooting being a common problem in Vista, this chapter
tells what to do when Vista crashes, when it won't start at all, manage
startup problems, and above all interpret device manager errors.
7. Networking and Internet
Surf the WWW with ease, as this chapter helps with local network
connection and getting your wireless working safely. You have several
tips and helpful hints like, router placement, cabling tips, and
disabling the security center.
8. Users and Security
Who doesn't want privacy, right? This chapter tells you how to keep all
your information private and safe. It also helps manager accounts and
share files and printers with others on your network.
9. Scripting and Automation
If you are still using the command prompt, and all the DOS commands,
this is the chapter for you. It explains how to use command line
parameters, how to manager Windows Services, make a Startup Script and
many more.
A. BIOS Settings
Glossary of common BIOS settings and what they do.
B. TCP/IP Ports
Glossary of commonly used TCP/IP ports and how they're used.
Relevance of Material
David Karp, has given us a unique guide which not only discusses the annoyances of Vista and workarounds for the same, but this book also helps you improve your experience with Windows Vista.
Resources
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(Note: Opinions expressed in this article and its replies are the opinions of their respective authors and not those of DZone, Inc.)
Comments
Rick Ross replied on Fri, 2008/02/01 - 6:55am
Meera Subbarao replied on Fri, 2008/02/01 - 9:47am
David, Rick,
Yes, this is the book to have next to you in case you have a Vista machine.
Meera Subbarao
Mark Gittelman replied on Sun, 2008/02/03 - 10:53am
I just got a new lap top a malasian built dell unit. So far I do not like vista but it is human nature to resist change. Thanks for the point towards a good resource. To pick the one thing I hate most about vista is not easy but I do not like the shut down procedure at all. This is near the top of my list of least liked features.
Mark Gittelman is an ASE Certified Master Technician With more than 23 years experience in the automotive repair business. For more free automotive information visit his car repair questions website.