Windows Vista Administration : The Definitive Guide (Paperback)

Description

Written in jargon-free English that puts concepts in proper context, this book helps system administrators install, configure, and maintain Microsoft's newest OS. You'll get a better understanding of Vista's innovations and capabilities, learn how to leverage Vista to increase worker productivity, discover how the system can best protect sensitive data, and unlock certain features to improve system performance. This problem-solving reference lets you quickly access the solutions you need.
Full Description

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

Table of Contents

Preface

1. What's New in Windows Vista?

     The Vista User Interface
     The Sidebar and Gadgets

     Security Features

     User Account Control

     BitLocker Drive Encryption

     Windows Service Hardening

     New Ways to Search

     Search with Windows Explorer

     The New Task Scheduler

     Vista SideShow

     Vista's New Printing Options

     Summary

2. A Look at the Different Versions

     Five Vista Versions

     Windows Vista on a Tablet PC

     Summary

3. Networking with Windows Vista

     Joining a Windows Server Domain

     Configuring TCP/IP

     Vista Networking Tools

     Wireless Networking

     Using the Network

     Offline Files

     Creating a User Account

     Using Vista with Live OneCare

     Summary

4. Personalizing Vista

     Controlling the Start Menu

     Controlling the Taskbar

     Controlling the System Tray

     Controlling Desktop Theme and Appearance

     Controlling the Display

     Summary

5. Making Vista Easier to Use

     Changing Language and Regional Settings

     Using Handwriting Recognition

     Working with Speech Recognition

     Accessibility Options

     Syncing Devices

     Using Bluetooth Devices

     Summary

6. Vista Startup and Shutdown

     Your Computer's Performance Rating

     System Power Up

     Startup Performance

     Logging On to Windows Vista

     Automatic Disk Defragmentation

     System Shutdown

     Vista Power Management

     Advanced Startup Options

     Improving System Startup

     Summary

7. Working with Hardware

     Installing a Device

     Installing a New Hard Drive

     Printing in Windows Vista

     Managing Printing with Print Management

     Summary

8. Working with Software

     Installing and Removing Software

     Installing Vista Components

     Starting a Program Automatically

     Setting Default Actions and Programs

     Using Speech Recognition

     Configuring Application Compatibility

     Summary

9. Deploying Windows Vista

     Vista Deployment Overview

     Vista Deployment Scenarios

     Running an Attended Installation

     Deploying with Imaging Software

     Migrating User Information

     Summary

10. Internet Explorer 7

     For the Audience

     Behind the Curtain

     Summary

11. Optimize Performance

     Gathering System Performance Information

     Performance Subsystems

     Command-Line Administration

     Summary

12. Securing the Vista Environment

     Why You Need Security

     Security Features in Vista

     Managing Auditing

     Protecting Against Malware

     File Encryption

     Managing Disk Quotas

     Network Security

     Other Data Safeguards

     Staying Current on Security Issues

     Summary

13. Vista and Group Policy

     Windows Group Policies

     What You Can Manage with a Group Policy

     Summary

14. Troubleshooting Essentials

     Automatically Updating Vista

     Troubleshooting the Hard Disk

     Using Remote Assistance

     Remote Desktop

     Troubleshooting Network Connectivity

     Backup and Restore

     Using the Vista Logs

     Getting Help from a Newsgroup

     Summary

15. Vista Tips and Tricks

     Several Really Cool Things, in No Particular Order

     And Now, What I Would Have Changed About Windows Vista If Only-

     Summary

Index