How Microsoft Windows Vista Works is the first book to take you inside the new Windows Vista operating system and show you how all the pieces and parts work. With clear and simple explanations and illustrations that say, “You, too, can understand this,” How Microsoft Windows Vista Works gives you detailed information on the hidden workings of Windows Vista–from the new Aero interface inside to the Windows kernel. It’s a four-color, highly visual explanation of everything that matters about Windows Vista, including:
* How Windows Vista differs from Windows XP
* How Windows controls your computer
* How User Account Control protects your system
* How virtual folders and instant search work
* How Windows Vista renders graphics
* How the Aero interface and the Windows Sidebar work
* How Internet Explorer 7’s tabbed browsing works
* How Windows connects to a wireless network
* How the new Windows Photo Gallery manages your digital photos
Contents
Introduction xi
Part I: What Windows Vista Is–and What It Does 2
Chapter 1 Understanding Windows and Other Operating Systems 6
Chapter 2 How Windows Vista Differs from Windows XP 14
Chapter 3 What Windows Vista Does 26
Part II: Basic Operations 32
Chapter 4 Powering On and Powering Off 36
Chapter 5 Managing System Resources 48
Chapter 6 Managing System Information 62
Chapter 7 Managing Users 70
Chapter 8 Managing Data 76
Chapter 9 Managing Applications 92
Part III: Windows Vista Graphics 100
Chapter 10 Understanding Vista Graphics 104
Chapter 11 The Vista Interface 112
Chapter 12 The Vista Desktop 122
Part IV: Digital Media 130
Chapter 13 Windows Media Center 134
Chapter 14 Digital Music 150
Chapter 15 Digital Images 166
Chapter 16 Digital Video and Movies 174
Part V: Networking and the Internet 182
Chapter 17 Windows Vista and the Internet 186
Chapter 18 Windows Vista Networks 204
Part VI: Security and Maintenance 220
Chapter 19 Windows Vista Security Features 224
Chapter 20 Routine Maintenance 238
