By default in Windows XP, thumbnails for pictures are enabled when browsing the contents of your computer using My Computer or Windows Explorer. As you might know, the Thumbnails feature can come in handy when browsing through your digital photos and other images. Without the Thumbnails view, you have to open each image individually or use some type of photo software that provides thumbnail browsing.
Enabling thumbnails might affect your PC performance, making browsing through your files and folders a bit slower, which is worse on PCs loaded with lower memory. Therefore, if you don't need to browse through your pictures often or use photo software to view them, think about keeping the Thumbnails feature disabled.
The Thumbnails feature on Windows Vista is disabled by default. Nevertheless, you can easily enable this feature:
1. Double-click on the Computer (or My Computer) icon on your desktop.
If the Computer icon isn't on the desktop, open Windows Explorer by opening the Start Menu, clicking All Programs, choosing Accessories, and clicking Windows Explorer. By default, the Computer icon isn't displayed on the desktop. If you want to add this icon to the desktop
2. Click on the Organize button on your toolbar, and select Folder and Search Options. If your toolbar isn't visible, press one of the Alt buttons on your keyboard to make it appear.
3. Click on the View tab.
4. Uncheck the Always Show Icons, Never Thumbnails option. and then click OK to exit.
Even though you might have applied the Windows Classic theme, the Start menu will have the new Vista functionality. For example, instead of the menus and folders expanding out when opened or hovered over, Vista's Start menu is a fixed size and provides a folder type style with scrollbars when navigating through programs.
If you want to use the new search capabilities of the Start menu, you might not want to change to the Classic Start menu, as you'll get rid of this new feature.
If you find it's hard to adapt to this new design, you can apply the Classic Start menu:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Properties
2. Click the Start Menu tab.
3. Select the Classic Start menu option, and then click OK to exit.
If you want to use the new search capabilities of the Start menu, you might not want to change to the Classic Start menu, as you'll get rid of this new feature.
If you find it's hard to adapt to this new design, you can apply the Classic Start menu:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Properties
2. Click the Start Menu tab.
3. Select the Classic Start menu option, and then click OK to exit.
The My Network Places icon has been renamed to simply Network in Windows Vista. If you're particular about the naming of your icons or you find it hard to get used to the Network icon after years of seeing My Network Places, you can change it. You can't simply click on the icon and rename it like other icons. You'll have to do it through a more advanced method by editing the Windows Registry; here's how to do it:
1. Open the Start menu.
By default, the Network icon isn't displayed on the desktop. If you want to add this icon to the desktop
2. In the Search box, type "regedit", as shown in Figure 4.28, and then press Enter. If you are using the Windows Classic Start menu, you need to click Run, type "regedit", and then click OK.
Be very careful when editing the Windows Registry. Mistakes can cause major problems. By major, I mean everything from a program failing to start to your computer being made unusable. One false move in the Registry can spell disaster, so be careful!
It's also a good idea to make a backup copy prior to making any changes to the Registry. Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor by following steps 1 and 2.
2. In the Registry Editor, click File on the menu and select Export.
3. On the bottom of the dialog box, select the All option for the Export Range.
4. Browse, find, and select a location to save the registry. It's best to save it to a removable shortage device like a flash drive, floppy disc, or CD.
5. Enter your desired file name, such as Registry_Backup_DATE.
6. Click Save and wait until it's done which may take a few minutes.
3. Navigate to the following folder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache
4. Locate and double-click on the following Registry entry:
@C:\Windows\system32\NetworkExplorer.dll,-1
5. Enter your desired name in the Value Data field, as shown in Figure 4.31, and click OK.
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. To activate the new icon name, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Refresh. The new icon name should now appear
1. Open the Start menu.
By default, the Network icon isn't displayed on the desktop. If you want to add this icon to the desktop
2. In the Search box, type "regedit", as shown in Figure 4.28, and then press Enter. If you are using the Windows Classic Start menu, you need to click Run, type "regedit", and then click OK.
Be very careful when editing the Windows Registry. Mistakes can cause major problems. By major, I mean everything from a program failing to start to your computer being made unusable. One false move in the Registry can spell disaster, so be careful!
It's also a good idea to make a backup copy prior to making any changes to the Registry. Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor by following steps 1 and 2.
2. In the Registry Editor, click File on the menu and select Export.
3. On the bottom of the dialog box, select the All option for the Export Range.
4. Browse, find, and select a location to save the registry. It's best to save it to a removable shortage device like a flash drive, floppy disc, or CD.
5. Enter your desired file name, such as Registry_Backup_DATE.
6. Click Save and wait until it's done which may take a few minutes.
3. Navigate to the following folder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache
4. Locate and double-click on the following Registry entry:
@C:\Windows\system32\NetworkExplorer.dll,-1
5. Enter your desired name in the Value Data field, as shown in Figure 4.31, and click OK.
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. To activate the new icon name, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Refresh. The new icon name should now appear
Along with the other main icons, the icon for Internet Explorer isn't automatically placed on the Vista desktop. In addition, the Internet Explorer icon can't even be enabled via the desktop icon settings, such as discussed in the previous section when adding the main icons. This can be rather bothersome when you're accustomed to clicking on the icon to surf the web. Nevertheless, there are ways to get the icon on your desktop.
Here's the simplest way to add the Internet Explorer icon to the desktop:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click and drag the Internet Explorer icon to the desktop
3. To get rid of the shortcut text, right-click on the icon, select Rename, and delete the word "Shortcut."
In creating a simple shortcut means you'll have the ugly arrow on the Internet Explorer icon, unlike the other main icons, such as Computer, Network, and Recycle Bin.
Be very careful when editing the Windows Registry. Mistakes can cause major problems. By major, I mean everything from a program failing to start to your computer being made unusable. One false move in the Registry can spell disaster, so be careful!
It's also a good idea to make a backup copy prior to making any changes to the Registry. Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor by following steps 1 and 2.
2. In the Registry Editor, click File on the menu and select Export.
3. On the bottom of the dialog box, select the All option for the Export Range.
4. Browse, find, and select a location to save the registry. It's best to save it to a removable shortage device like a flash drive, floppy disc, or CD.
5. Enter your desired file name, such as Registry_Backup_DATE.
6. Click Save and wait until it's done which may take a few minutes.
Here's the simplest way to add the Internet Explorer icon to the desktop:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click and drag the Internet Explorer icon to the desktop
3. To get rid of the shortcut text, right-click on the icon, select Rename, and delete the word "Shortcut."
In creating a simple shortcut means you'll have the ugly arrow on the Internet Explorer icon, unlike the other main icons, such as Computer, Network, and Recycle Bin.
Be very careful when editing the Windows Registry. Mistakes can cause major problems. By major, I mean everything from a program failing to start to your computer being made unusable. One false move in the Registry can spell disaster, so be careful!
It's also a good idea to make a backup copy prior to making any changes to the Registry. Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor by following steps 1 and 2.
2. In the Registry Editor, click File on the menu and select Export.
3. On the bottom of the dialog box, select the All option for the Export Range.
4. Browse, find, and select a location to save the registry. It's best to save it to a removable shortage device like a flash drive, floppy disc, or CD.
5. Enter your desired file name, such as Registry_Backup_DATE.
6. Click Save and wait until it's done which may take a few minutes.
As you probably noticed, the only icon that's placed on the desktop by default in Windows Vista is the Recycle Bin. However, if you're used to the others (such as My Computer or My Network Places) being on the desktop, you can easily add the other main icons:
1. Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize 
2. Click Change Desktop Icons in the tasks pane on the left 
3. Check the icons you want to appear on the desktop, such as that shown in Figure below, and then click OK to exit.
Windows uses themes to make altering your desktop and interface easier. A theme contains a saved configuration for the appearance of your desktop background, icons, window styles, screensavers, and other personalization settings. Windows Vista comes preloaded with two themes: Windows Vista (enabled by default, of course) and Windows Classic, which resembles the appearance of Windows 98 and Millennium Edition (Me).
The first task in getting rid of the Vista look and feel is applying the Windows Classic theme:
1. Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize
2. Click on Theme
3. Select Windows Classic from the drop-down list,see figure below and then click OK to exit.
The first task in getting rid of the Vista look and feel is applying the Windows Classic theme:
1. Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize
2. Click on Theme
3. Select Windows Classic from the drop-down list,see figure below and then click OK to exit.
Just like the Welcome Center, the new Windows Sidebar feature is set to automatically load each time you enter Windows Vista. This can be annoying if you aren't making use of the sidebar's gadgets. If that's your case, you can easily disable Windows Sidebar from popping up. Before totally blowing off this new feature, you might want to look into it more. Windows Sidebar and the gadgets can be very convenient and time saving.
Here's how to disable Windows Sidebar:
1. Right-click on Sidebar Windows and select Properties, as shown in Figure below
2. Uncheck the Start Sidebar when Windows Starts option,
3. Click OK.
If you want to simply close Windows Sidebar without disabling it from coming up at startup, just right-click on the Sidebar and click Close Sidebar.
Here's how to disable Windows Sidebar:
1. Right-click on Sidebar Windows and select Properties, as shown in Figure below
2. Uncheck the Start Sidebar when Windows Starts option,
3. Click OK.
If you want to simply close Windows Sidebar without disabling it from coming up at startup, just right-click on the Sidebar and click Close Sidebar.
The language packs offered by Microsoft for Windows Vista Ultimate allow you to set the entire interface of Windows to another language. It is even user account specific, so you can set different languages for the individual users on the same PC.The language packs can be downloaded from the Windows Ultimate Extras section on the Windows Update website:
www.update.microsoft.com
Here's how to access the language settings (such as to remove a language pack):
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click the Regional and Language Options icon.
4. Click the Keyboards and Languages tab.
5. Refer to the Display language section,
Another data-protection tool you can use among other traditional system backup and safeguard techniques is Shadow Copy. It is available and enabled by default in Windows Vista Business and Ultimate editions. Shadow Copy is particularly useful in helping recover previous versions of files.
For example, when you accidentally save over a file or notice you've made changes to files that you now regret, you can easily revert to other saved versions. A few clicks and the file will appear just as it did back when it was saved days or months ago.
Shadow Copy works in conjunction with System Protection, and its System Restore features. Therefore, System Protection must be enabled for Shadow Copy to work. Shadow copies of files are made when restore points are saved, typically every day.
The System Protection features are hard-drive independent; therefore, you would need to turn on System Protection for each hard drive and/or partition.
To access the System Protection settings, right-click the Computer icon on the Start menu or desktop, select Properties, and click the System Protection link under the Tasks pane on the left.
Here's how to access the Shadow Copy feature:
1. Right-click on the file or folder to restore.
2. Select Restore Previous Versions
For example, when you accidentally save over a file or notice you've made changes to files that you now regret, you can easily revert to other saved versions. A few clicks and the file will appear just as it did back when it was saved days or months ago.
Shadow Copy works in conjunction with System Protection, and its System Restore features. Therefore, System Protection must be enabled for Shadow Copy to work. Shadow copies of files are made when restore points are saved, typically every day.
The System Protection features are hard-drive independent; therefore, you would need to turn on System Protection for each hard drive and/or partition.
To access the System Protection settings, right-click the Computer icon on the Start menu or desktop, select Properties, and click the System Protection link under the Tasks pane on the left.
Here's how to access the Shadow Copy feature:
1. Right-click on the file or folder to restore.
2. Select Restore Previous Versions
Available in the Business and Ultimate editions, Windows Fax and Scan (shown in Figure below) is an improved and enhanced version of the fax services Windows XP offered. You can now create cover sheets onscreen to be used with your fax or include files to be faxed. Of course, scanning capabilities have also been integrated. In addition, improvements have been made, such as support for scanning documents to include with faxes and support for network-connected scanners.
1. Vista BootScreen 1.2
2. Vista BoxShot Maker 1.0
3. Vista Business Icon Collection 1.0
4. Vista Business Icon Collection 2
5. Vista Buttons 2.73
6. Vista Caller-ID 1.0.7
7. Vista Controls Icon Collection 1
8. Vista Drives 1.0
9. Vista Drop Down Menu 1.0.0
10. Vista FAT Partition Recovery 3.0.1.5
Even the long-beloved Windows games (such as Solitaire and Minesweeper) have been redesigned and enhanced with better graphics and sound effects.
The following games are included with all Windows Vista editions:
*Freecell
*Hearts
*Minesweeper
*Purble Place
*Solitaire
*Spider Solitaire
The Internet games that were included with Windows XP have been removed from Windows Vista. You can, however, still access those games and more at http://zone.msn.com.
Purble Place game included with Windows Vista
Four new premium games are also included with Windows Vista Ultimate and Home Premium editions:
*Chess Titans
*Mahjong Titans
*InkBall
*Windows Hold'em (Ultimate only)
You can access all the Windows games from the Start menu:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click the Games directory.
Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions come with the Windows DVD Maker. This application allows you to create DVDs of video and photo slideshows to view from your TV. You can even create custom menus and play your favorite tunes during the slideshows. These DVDs can make irreplaceable keepsakes and gifts for the family.
You can access the Windows DVD Maker on the Start menu:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Windows DVD Maker, as shown in Figure below
Opening Windows DVD Maker
Windows Media Center is an innovative application, available in the Home Premium and Ultimate editions, that takes your media viewing and presentation to another level. Beyond the photo slideshows that make images come to life and the music explorer that displays the album art and information, Windows Media Center allows you to record TV and movies. If you don't have a TV tuner loaded in your PC to do the recording, you can still view previews and clips from many popular shows and cable networks.
You can even display the media from your computer to your TV, using a wireless or wired network and an additional piece of hardware called a Media Center Extender. You then can use Windows Media Center on your TV, just like you would in front of your PC. However, you can more practically display and present your pictures and videos, from the comfort of your living room.
You can choose from many brands of Media Center Extenders. You can use networked digital media players, such as an Xbox 360 or other digital media receivers (DMR) from brands like D-Link and Linksys.
Accessing Windows Media Center
You can open Windows Media Center from the Start menu:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Windows Media Center.
Touring Windows Media Center
Windows Media Center will open to the main menu (shown in below figure), where you can choose the desired media type. You can use the arrows that appear when hovering on the top and bottom of the list to scroll through the media types. Then, you can use the left and right arrows to scroll through the options for the particular media type.
You can even display the media from your computer to your TV, using a wireless or wired network and an additional piece of hardware called a Media Center Extender. You then can use Windows Media Center on your TV, just like you would in front of your PC. However, you can more practically display and present your pictures and videos, from the comfort of your living room.
You can choose from many brands of Media Center Extenders. You can use networked digital media players, such as an Xbox 360 or other digital media receivers (DMR) from brands like D-Link and Linksys.
Accessing Windows Media Center
You can open Windows Media Center from the Start menu:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Windows Media Center.
Touring Windows Media Center
Windows Media Center will open to the main menu (shown in below figure), where you can choose the desired media type. You can use the arrows that appear when hovering on the top and bottom of the list to scroll through the media types. Then, you can use the left and right arrows to scroll through the options for the particular media type.
Windows Media Center.
For Windows Vista Home Basic and Home Premium users, Windows Automatic Backup (shown in Figure below) is included to help protect your personal files and documents against accidental deletion and loss. You can set up Windows Automatic Backup to periodically copy your personal files and documents to another location, such as a secondary hard drive, flash drive, or network folder.
Your computer's system and program files, Windows settings, and applications are not included in the backup. This is because Windows Vista and your applications should be able to be reinstalled with your CDs and DVDs, whereas your personal files and documents might not be replaceable. If you do experience system problems or discover you accidentally deleted or modified a file, you can also use the restore functionality of Windows Automatic Backup.
Here's how to access the Windows backup features:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click the Backup and Restore Center icon.
Your computer's system and program files, Windows settings, and applications are not included in the backup. This is because Windows Vista and your applications should be able to be reinstalled with your CDs and DVDs, whereas your personal files and documents might not be replaceable. If you do experience system problems or discover you accidentally deleted or modified a file, you can also use the restore functionality of Windows Automatic Backup.
Here's how to access the Windows backup features:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click the Backup and Restore Center icon.
Vista SideShow is a new technology developed by Microsoft to enable real-time viewing of information, data, and media from your computer, on secondary displays and mobile devices. For example, you could check your email, contacts, and appointments without turning on your main computer.
Windows SideShow is available in all Vista editions except Home Basic.
Compatible Devices
Devices and products compatible with this technology should have a Windows SideShow logo displayed on the box.
The following are a few examples of devices that could support Vista SideShow:
1. Laptop lid displays, as shown in Figure below:
Example of a laptop with external Windows SideShow-compatible display; courtesy of ASUS Computer, Inc.
2. Keyboards
3. Mobile phones
4. Digital picture frames
Gadgets
Gadgets (or add-ons) give Windows SideShow devices their functionality. Windows Mail and Windows Media Player are two gadgets that are automatically included with Windows Vista. Using the Windows Mail gadget, for example, allows you to view your email messages from Windows Mail on your Windows SideShow device.
There are many more gadgets you can install for additional functionalities, such as the following:
- Picture viewers.
- Weather applications (such as WeatherBug).
- Feed and RSS readers.
- Support for email services (such as GMail).
- Stock market tickers
Keep in mind that the compatibility of gadgets is dependent upon the Windows Vista SideShow device.
Installing and Setting Up Devices
For Windows SideShow devices separate from your computer, you must install/set up the device with your computer. You should follow the vendor or manufacturer directions. Then after the device installation, you can customize your device and configure the gadgets.
Here's how to access the Windows SideShow settings:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click the Windows SideShow icon.
Windows Meeting Space, available in all Vista editions except Home Basic, allows you to connect with others around you to share files, applications, or control of your entire computer. Although Windows Meeting Space doesn't support connections over the Internet, it is very useful for in-person meetings or a meeting with all participants in the same building.
For example, instead of several people in a meeting gathering around a PC or laptop trying to see the screen, Windows Meeting Space allows people to see the live image of the screen on their own computer, as shown in next Figure. You can connect with each other over a wired or wireless network or by using a peer-to-peer (ad hoc) wireless connection.
Example of viewing the desktop of a participant in a Windows Meeting Space session.
Figure Notes:
1. Remote PC's desktop
Windows Mobility Center and Tablet PC support provides for a better mobile computing experience. Windows Mobility Center is a one-stop shop for settings and preferences related to mobile computing, available on laptops running on all Windows Vista editions except Home Basic.
This center provides access to power management settings, which can help you save battery life and customize your Power buttons. It also contains settings for multiple monitors so you can use an external display for a presentation or extend your desktop among multiple monitors. In addition, specific presentation and network projection features are included to give you a quicker and seamless presentation experience.
Windows HotStart is another feature gained from the Windows Mobility Center. This allows you to specify HotStart buttons on your mobile computer to open particular media files or applications. HotStart buttons can even be used when the computer is sleeping, hibernating, or off, enabling quick access to media and applications, while saving battery life.
Windows HotStart is another feature gained from the Windows Mobility Center. This allows you to specify HotStart buttons on your mobile computer to open particular media files or applications. HotStart buttons can even be used when the computer is sleeping, hibernating, or off, enabling quick access to media and applications, while saving battery life.
Here's how to access the Windows Mobility Center:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click the Windows Mobility Center icon.
Windows Vista provides better Tablet PC support with enhanced handwriting error detection and automatic learning. By using your mouse to write or using an onscreen keyboard, you can enter text without using a standard keyboard. As shown below figures, these Tablet PC tools emulate the feel of real keyboarding with Tablet PCs.
Example of Tablet PC keyboard
You can access the Tablet PC tools on the Start menu:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Accessories.
4. Click the Tablet PC directory.
All editions of Windows Vista include a new look and functionality, as discussed in "New Look and Functionality." However, if you've chosen Home Premium or better and meet certain system requirements, the Windows Aero interface provides even more enhanced looks and features.
The next figure shows examples of some appearance enhancements of Windows Aero, such as the live thumbnails on the taskbar, task switch, and translucent title bars on opened windows.
Figure Notes:
- Hover over applications for the live thumbnails.
- Translucent title bars.
- Press Alt+Tab for live thumbnails of opened applications.
Another feature gained when using Windows Aero is Windows Flip 3D, which offers a method to quickly switch among opened windows and applications. As you can see in below figures , it gives you live images of the windows you can flip through.
Example of Flip 3D in Vista
The old method of switching among applications using Alt+Tab is also enhanced by Windows Aero. Instead of just showing the icon and titles of opened windows, it also gives you a live thumbnail image.
Unlike earlier versions of Windows, Vista includes photo and video organization and editing software, called Windows Photo Gallery. This is particularly handy for families with digital cameras and camcorders. Although it might not include all the bells and whistles third-party software packages might offer, it can help you organize and show off those digital photos and videos you probably have scattered about your hard drive.
This figure tell us the following bullets give you a look into the main functions of Windows Photo Gallery.
Example of Windows Photo Gallery
Figure Notes:
1.Click here to edit and enhance the selected photo.
2.Click here to print selected photos.
Viewing and organizing: You can effortlessly browse through your photos and videos in a Thumbnails view, navigating by assigned tags and ratings, date taken, folders, or simply all available media. Hovering over a photo or video will display a larger image for better viewing. In addition, double-clicking on them brings them into the dedicated viewer and is where you can assign the tags and ratings. You can also organize the photos into separate folders by right-clicking on the folders and creating subfolders.
Fix: Selecting a photo and clicking the Fix button allows you to fine-tune the image by adjusting exposure and color, cropping, and removing red eye. In addition, an auto adjust feature can make automated enhancements.
Print: Windows Photo Gallery doesn't just offer simple photo printing; it can automatically adjust for printing various sizes, including 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, and wallets. Simply choose a photo (or multiple photos), select the Print menu, and click Print to get started.
Make CD and DVD movies: Windows Photo Gallery makes it easy to export photos and videos to Windows Movie and DVD makers. This allows you to create movies and presentations of images and clips, which make incredible keepsakes and gifts. You can either select particular media and choose Data-disc or Video DVD from the Burn menu, or click the Make a Movie button.
Windows Vista offers better searching methods than any other previous version of Windows. The Instant Search feature allows you to search through a prebuilt index or catalog of defined areas of your computer, such as documents, programs, email messages, web favorites, and history. This method allows for much quicker results. In fact, the new search features are so good, it's probable that you'll find what you are looking for before you're even done typing a keyword into the Search box.
You can use Instant Search via many locations and Windows applications, such as:
- Start menu.
- Windows Explorer and Computer.
- Windows Photo Gallery (see Figure 3.14)
Figure 3.14. Instant Search box in Photo Gallery.
figure Notes:
1.Type your search terms here and press Enter.
Internet Explorer 7 also offers a new search method, called Live Search, for Internet searching. This feature makes it possible to search many different search engines from one field (Figure 3.15). Not only can you add popular general search engines (Google, Yahoo!, and so on), you can add virtually any website that has search functionality. This offers a very convenient way to search through your favorite sites.
Figure 3.15. Example of using Live Search in Internet Explorer 7.
One of the most obvious and needed changes Microsoft made with Vista is the increased networking security and improved intuitiveness of its networking settings. In Windows XP, the networking configuration features were spread between many different dialog boxes. Vista, however, consolidates all of its network settings and features under one applet known as the Network and Sharing Center, which provides a one-stop shop for all your networking and Internet configuration needs.
Accessing the Network and Sharing Center
You can access the Network and Sharing Center via many methods:
A. Right-click on the Network Status icon in the system tray, as shown in Figure 3.9.
Figure 3.9. Accessing the Network and Sharing Center via the Network Status icon.
Figure Notes:
1.Right-click on the Network Status icon in the system tray...
2...and select Network and Sharing Center.
B. Double-click on the Network Status icon in the system tray.
C. Double-click on the Network and Sharing Center icon in Control Panel.
D. Click on the Network and Sharing Center button on the toolbar when viewing your network, as shown in Figure 3.10.
Figure 3.10. Accessing the Network and Sharing Center via the Network window.
Touring the Network and Sharing Center
As you can see in Figure 3.11, the Network and Sharing Center provides visual diagrams and maps of your home or office network. The full map that's accessible from this center provides an easy way to access any shared resources of other PCs and devices on the network.
Figure 3.11. Example of the Network and Sharing Center.
Figure Notes:
1.Depiction of the network
2.Click here to customize the network settings.
3.Sharing and discovery status
Just below the network map in the Network and Sharing Center, you can view and access your connection information. The Customize link allows you to change the name of the network connection, the type (private or public), and the icon given to the network connection, such as the bench you see in Figure 3.11.
Next, you're provided with the status of all the main sharing and discovery settings and the ability to make quick changes, which is a big enhancement from XP.
Another exceptional improvement is the set of links (see Figure 3.12) at the bottom of the window, showing all the files and folders your account and computer are sharing on the network.
Next, you're provided with the status of all the main sharing and discovery settings and the ability to make quick changes, which is a big enhancement from XP.
Another exceptional improvement is the set of links (see Figure 3.12) at the bottom of the window, showing all the files and folders your account and computer are sharing on the network.
Figure 3.12. Links in Network and Sharing Center.
Figure Notes:
1.Click these links to see what you're sharing.
As a final point, the tasks pane on the left side of the window provides access to familiar connectivity settings and tasks, as well as a shortcut to the Internet Options and Wireless Firewall settings.
New Network Classification Scheme
In Windows Vista, the first time you connect to a network, you must classify its location/type: Home, Work, or Public (see Figure 3.13).
Figure 3.13. Example of pop-up window to classify network type.
This new scheme is extremely useful as it automatically modifies the appropriate network settings based upon the location type you choose. For example, suppose you connect to the Wi-Fi hot spot at your local café; you would choose Public location. Then, Vista will automatically disable all network discovery and sharing to protect your documents and privacy while on the unsecured network. Then, suppose you went back home and connected to your home network, naturally classified as a Home location. Windows Vista would then allow network discovery and sharing because you trust the other users on the network.
Support for Nonbroadcasting Wireless Networks
Windows Vista makes it easier to use wireless networks that do not broadcast their Service Set Identifier (SSID), also known as the network name. In Windows XP, these types of networks didn't appear on the list of available wireless networks; however, they now appear as unnamed networks in Windows Vista.
Instead of having to manually add a nonbroadcasting wireless network to the preferred network list to connect, all you have to do in Vista is select the Unnamed Network, click Connect, and enter the SSID when prompted (and enter the security key if encryption is enabled).
You might think that this degrades the security that hidden networks offer; however, the SSID is still needed to connect to the network. In addition, not broadcasting your SSID doesn't offer a whole lot of security anyway.
Instead of having to manually add a nonbroadcasting wireless network to the preferred network list to connect, all you have to do in Vista is select the Unnamed Network, click Connect, and enter the SSID when prompted (and enter the security key if encryption is enabled).
You might think that this degrades the security that hidden networks offer; however, the SSID is still needed to connect to the network. In addition, not broadcasting your SSID doesn't offer a whole lot of security anyway.
Windows Vista includes Windows Firewall, just as Windows XP offered, which provides protection against hackers and Internet attacks by regulating inbound and outbound Internet access. Windows Vista, though, offers even more protection from Internet attackers and pests with anti-spyware and adware software called Windows Defender.
Notes:You can also use Windows Defender on Windows XP computers running Service Pack 2.To download, go to www.microsoft.com/downloads and search/browse for Windows Defender.
Accessing the Security Tools
Similar to Windows XP, Vista includes Windows Security Center, which provides quick status and configuration of security tools and programs. Windows Update and Internet Options are also displayed in the center with Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.
Here's how to access Windows Security Center:
- Open the Start menu.
- Click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Security Center icon.
Figure 3.10. Example of the first screen of Windows Security Center.
Figure Notes:
1.Status of security components
2.Links to access individual security components
You can also independently access Windows Defender and Windows Firewall via their icons in the Control Panel.
Touring Windows Defender
After Windows Defender is opened, you can quickly see the status of the program, such as the date of the last update and scan. Figure 3.6 shows an example.
Figure 3.6. Example of Windows Defender.
Figure Notes:
1.Status information
2.Click here for a Quick scan or use arrow for Full System or Custom scans.
3.Click here to see details of past scans and alerts.
4.Click here to change Windows Defender options.
Clicking the Scan button will perform a Quick scan, which checks for spyware and adware in the commonly infected areas of your computer. As pointed out in Figure 3.6, Full System and Custom scans can be executed by clicking the arrow next to the Scan button and selecting the desired option.
The History page, accessed via the History button (shown in Figure 3.6), displays the details of past actions, such as scans and alerts.
Clicking on the Tools button (shown in Figure 3.6) gives you access to settings and items such as automatic scanning and action preferences, scanning exclusions, and quarantined items.
The History page, accessed via the History button (shown in Figure 3.6), displays the details of past actions, such as scans and alerts.
Clicking on the Tools button (shown in Figure 3.6) gives you access to settings and items such as automatic scanning and action preferences, scanning exclusions, and quarantined items.
Touring Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall also gives you a quick look at its status, as shown in Figure 3.7. Windows Firewall will report whether it's enabled and providing protection. You also can see a breakdown of your current firewall settings.
Figure 3.7. Example of Windows Firewall.
Figure Notes:
1.Status information
2.Click here to configure settings.
3.Shortcuts to settings
The Windows Firewall settings can be accessed by the Change Settings link, also shown in Figure 3.7. The Windows Firewall Settings window (Figure 3.8 shows an example) allows you to turn the protection on and off, exclude certain programs and services from the firewall, and choose which network connections to protect.
Figure 3.8. Change Windows Firewall settings here.
The parental controls in Vista significantly surpass those in earlier versions of Windows, which only provided website-filtering capabilities with the Content Advisor in Microsoft Internet Explorer. In addition to improved website filtering, Windows Vista allows you to control and monitor the usage of the computer, applications, games, email, and instant messaging. Finally, you can take control of just about anything your children do on a computer, without the need for third-party software.
Controlling Capabilities
Vista's parental controls are a far cry better than those found in XP:
1. Windows Vista web filter
- Allows you to use automatic web content filtering options, including High, Medium, None, and Custom. Choosing Custom allows you to filter based upon desired categories such as Drugs, Tobacco, Pornography, and Bomb Making.
- Allows you to block certain websites and provides options to override automatic web content filtering options if the user is on the allow list.
- Allows you to block file downloads.
- Allows you to specify exactly (hour by hour) when the user can be logged on to the computer
- Allows you to specify whether the user can play games.
- Allows you to block or allow games by ratings (such as Everyone, Teen, and Mature) and content types (such as Crude Humor, Blood, Language, and Online Games).
- Allows you to block or allow specific games, regardless of its rating.
- Allows you to choose which programs any user on your computer can use; for instance, you might allow your spouse to run any program, but limit your children to only specific programs of your choosing.
Monitoring Capabilities
Even more interesting is the monitoring and reporting capabilities of the parental controls in Vista. Figure 3.2 shows an example of the computer activity summary for a Windows user.
Figure 3.2. Example of a computer activity summary for a parental control–enabled user.
Here's a review of all the items contained in an activity report:
1. Web browsing
- Most commonly and most recently visited websites.
- Websites that were blocked because of restrictions imposed by Vista's parental controls.
- Web overrides permitting a restricted action and which administrator allowed it.
- Downloaded files (filename and location on your computer)
- Date, time, and duration of account sessions
- Recently used or blocked programs.
- Overrides permitting a restricted action and which administrator allowed it
- Games played on your computer, including duration of gaming session and rating of the game
- Received emails, including pertinent details of each message.
- Sent emails, including pertinent details of each message.
- Changes to contact lists along with the details
- General instant messaging sessions.
- Web Cam and audio messaging sessions.
- Messaging in games.
- Files and links exchanged during instant messaging sessions.
- SMS messages sent to mobile phones.
- Changes to contact lists along with the details
- Media (music, movies, and so on) that were played, including details such as song and album titles and their ratings
- Setting changes with details such as which accounts apply to the change and which account performed the change.
- Changes to Windows account settings, including details such as what was changed and which account made the change.
- Changes to the system clock.
- Failed logon attempts
Accessing the Parental Controls
The parental controls can be accessed via the icon in Control Panel.
The Parental Controls screen, as shown in Figure 3.3, will appear listing the Windows accounts, along with a few global tasks on the left and a link to create additional users.
Figure 3.3. First screen after opening parental controls.
Clicking on an account will open another screen, as shown in Figure 3.4, to edit its individual parental control settings.
Figure 3.4. Screen showing a user's parental control settings.
To enable the parental controls for the chosen account, check the On, Enforce Current Settings option. Then specify if you want to record the activity and make other desired changes to the settings. You can access the settings by clicking the categories in the Windows Settings section. For quick access to certain settings, you can click on the status of the items, on the right side of the window, in the Current Settings section.
No matter which Windows Vista edition you choose, or have chosen, it will contain a redesigned look and functionality. The taskbar, Start menu, and the new desktop feature, called Windows Sidebar, will likely be the first noticeable changes you'll discover in Vista.
Figure 2.8 shows examples of the new taskbar, Start menu, and Windows Sidebar.
Figure Notes:
1.Redesigned Start menu
2.Taskbar with the new Vista shiny black color scheme
3.New Windows Sidebar feature
4.Start button
Taskbar
Longtime Windows users might remember the drastic change in the look and feel of Windows between Windows 95/98 and XP. Microsoft has again changed the scheme in Vista. Gone is the default blue-and-green color scheme XP users know so well. In Windows Vista, Microsoft has chosen a fading black color scheme. Although this tones down the look and brightness of Windows, the black scheme projects a sleek interface.
Another major change to the taskbar is the Start button. The usual button containing the word start has been replaced with a Windows logo, which you can see in Figure 2.9. If your system is capable of running the new Aero interface, Vista offers the use of live thumbnails, which provide a preview of the open document or application, simply by hovering your mouse over an application in the taskbar.
Another major change to the taskbar is the Start button. The usual button containing the word start has been replaced with a Windows logo, which you can see in Figure 2.9. If your system is capable of running the new Aero interface, Vista offers the use of live thumbnails, which provide a preview of the open document or application, simply by hovering your mouse over an application in the taskbar.
Figure 2.9. Example of the taskbar live thumbnails.
Figure Notes:
1.Hovering your mouse over an application in the taskbar...
2....shows a live preview, making it easier to determine the contents of each open file.
The time is still displayed by default on the taskbar in the lower-right corner of the screen. After clicking on the time to bring up the calendar and clock and you'll see that Microsoft has revamped the clock and calendar.
Start Menu
As you can see from the example in Figure 2.8, the Start menu now contains a Search box for the new Instant Search feature. Instant Search allows you to quickly find files, programs, email messages, web favorites and history, and more.
If you are a fan of the Run prompt from previous versions of Windows, you might be disappointed because it's not included on the Start menu by default. You can, however, use the Search box to run commands like you would with the Run applet found in other versions of Windows. Nevertheless, the Run prompt can be accessed in the Accessories section of the Start menu and can also be added back onto the Start menu if you choose.
Another notable change you'll discover after seeing the Start menu is that the word My has been dropped from the names of common items and directories. For example, "My Computer" is now simply "Computer" and "My Network Places" is just "Network." In addition, the My Documents folder is now named after the Windows user and You can also add these icons (such as Computer and Network) to your desktop.
You'll also likely notice the Turn Off Computer and Log Off buttons have been removed and replaced with other options. The first button on the left, indicated by the power symbol, will put the PC into Sleep mode. Similar to Stand By mode in previous versions of Windows, Sleep mode powers down most of the PC and puts the session into memory so you can resume right where you left off.
The button with the lock will, of course, lock your PC. This option is best used when you want to secure your PC when leaving for short durations. To resume use of the PC, you must press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and enter the Windows account password.
If you are a fan of the Run prompt from previous versions of Windows, you might be disappointed because it's not included on the Start menu by default. You can, however, use the Search box to run commands like you would with the Run applet found in other versions of Windows. Nevertheless, the Run prompt can be accessed in the Accessories section of the Start menu and can also be added back onto the Start menu if you choose.
Another notable change you'll discover after seeing the Start menu is that the word My has been dropped from the names of common items and directories. For example, "My Computer" is now simply "Computer" and "My Network Places" is just "Network." In addition, the My Documents folder is now named after the Windows user and You can also add these icons (such as Computer and Network) to your desktop.
You'll also likely notice the Turn Off Computer and Log Off buttons have been removed and replaced with other options. The first button on the left, indicated by the power symbol, will put the PC into Sleep mode. Similar to Stand By mode in previous versions of Windows, Sleep mode powers down most of the PC and puts the session into memory so you can resume right where you left off.
The button with the lock will, of course, lock your PC. This option is best used when you want to secure your PC when leaving for short durations. To resume use of the PC, you must press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and enter the Windows account password.
Finally, the other shutdown options are accessible when hovering over the arrow on the right. Figure 3.0 shows an example.
Figure 3.0. New location for the power options in Windows Vista.
Figure Notes:
1.Enable Sleep mode.
2.Lock your PC.
3.Click here for power options.
Desktop
Other than the slightly larger default icon size (Figure 3.1 shows an example), not much has changed with the actual desktop.
Figure 3.1. Comparison of Windows XP and Vista default icons.
Figure Notes:
1.Icons in Windows XP
2.Icons in Windows Vista
If you're used to having the main icons (such as My Computer and My Network Places) on your desktop, you can easily add them. Remember that these items have been renamed, with the My dropped from the name.
Windows Sidebar
Windows Sidebar is a time- and space-saving program that can be displayed on the side of your screen, as shown earlier in Figure 2.8 Windows Sidebar contains your desired gadgets that display and provide accessibility to certain things. Examples of gadgets include personalized slideshows of your photos, news and weather feeds, quick access to contacts and notes, and much more.
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