Portable and precise, this pocket-sized guide delivers immediate answers for the day-to-day administration of Windows Vista. Zero in on core support and maintenance tasks using quick-reference tables, instructions, and lists. You’ll get the precise information you need to solve problems and get the job done—whether you’re at your desk or in the field!
Get fast facts to:
Install and configure Windows Vista—and optimize the user workspace
Maintain operating system components, hardware devices, and drivers
Create user and group accounts—and control rights and permissions
Administer group policy settings
Manage files, folders, disk quotas, and shadow copies
Set up and configure TCP/IP and mobile networking
Configure security and privacy settings in Windows Internet Explorer
Administer mobile PC settings with the new Windows Mobility Center
Troubleshoot system issues and optimize performance
Chapter 1 Introduction to Windows Vista Administration
Getting Started with Windows Vista
Installing and Running Windows Vista
Navigating Architecture Changes in Windows Vista
Chapter 2 Managing Windows Vista Systems
Getting Around Windows Vista
Managing User Account Control and Elevation Prompts
Supporting Computers Running Windows Vista
Using System Support Tools
Managing System Properties
Chapter 3 Configuring Systems, Hardware Devices, and Drivers
Introducing Automated Help And Support
Working with the Automated Help System
Installing and Maintaining Devices: The Essentials
Getting Started with Device Manager
Working with Device Drivers
Managing Hardware
Customizing Hardware Device Settings
Managing Internet Time
Chapter 4 Customizing the Desktop and the Interface
Optimizing Windows Vista Menus
Customizing the Taskbar
Optimizing Toolbars
Working with Desktop Themes
Optimizing the Desktop Environment
Screen Saver Dos and Don’ts
Modifying Display Appearance and Video Settings
Chapter 5 Installing and Maintaining Programs
Managing Application Virtualization and Run Levels
Installing Programs: The Essentials
Deploying Applications Through Group Policy
Configuring Program Compatibility
Managing Installed and Running Programs
Chapter 6 Managing User Access and Security
Understanding User and Group Accounts
Managing Local Logon
Managing Stored Passwords
Managing Local User Accounts and Groups
Managing Remote Access to Workstations
Chapter 7 Managing Laptops and Traveling Users
Working with Windows Mobility Center
Configuring Power Management Settings
Configuring Networking for Laptops
Chapter 8 Configuring User and Computer Policies
Group Policy Essentials
Configuring Policies
Working with File and Data Management Policies
Working with Access and Connectivity Policies
Working with Computer and User Script Policies
Working with Logon and Startup Policies
Chapter 9 Managing Disk Drives and File Systems
Disk Management Essentials
Improving Disk Performance
Working with Basic and Dynamic Disks
Using Basic and Dynamic Disks
Working with Disks, Partitions, and Volumes
Partitioning Disks and Preparing Them for Use
Moving a Dynamic Disk to a New System
Troubleshooting Common Disk Problems
Chapter 10 Managing File Security and Resource Sharing
File Security and Sharing Options
Controlling Access to Files and Folders with NTFS Permissions
Sharing Files and Folders Over the Network
Using and Configuring Public Folder Sharing
Chapter 11 Configuring Advanced Windows Explorer Options, Offline Files, and Disk Quotas
Configuring Advanced Windows Explorer Options
Managing Offline Files
Configuring Disk Quotas
Chapter 12 Configuring and Troubleshooting TCP/IP Networking
Navigating Windows Vista Networking Features
Installing Networking Components
Configuring Local Area Connections
Managing Local Area Connections
Troubleshooting and Testing Network Settings
Chapter 13 Managing Mobile Networking and Remote Access
Understanding Mobile Networking and Remote Access
Creating Connections for Remote Access
Configuring Connection Properties
Establishing Connections
Wireless Networking
Chapter 14 Managing Advanced Internet Options and Security
Customizing URLs
Customizing the Browser User Interface
Setting Default Internet Programs
Managing Connection and Proxy Settings
Managing Browser Cookies and Other Temporary Internet Files
Secure Browsing and Local Machine Lockdown
Managing Internet Explorer Security Zones
Additional Policies That Might Be Useful for Managing Internet Options
Chapter 15 Optimizing Windows Vista
Optimizing and Safeguarding Disk Drives
Enhancing Computer Security
Chapter 16 Supporting and Troubleshooting Windows Vista
William R. Stanek is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional with more than 20 years of experience in systems management and advanced programming. He is an award-winning author who’s written more than 50 books, including Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Inside Out. He is series editor for the Administrator’s Pocket Consultant line of books.
