Archive for May, 2008

Vista Books

The Technology Learning Center (TLC) has a couple of books you can check out if you’re interested in learning more about Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Inside Out is a great reference book.  I’ve used the Microsoft Inside Out series for earlier versions of Windows and Office and have found them all to be good resources.  Windows Vista Inside Out has five sections:

  • Setup and Startup
  • Security and Networking
  • Digital Media
  • System Maintenance and Management
  • Advanced System Management

The first part, Setup and Startup, has a chapter, “What’s New in Windows Vista.” It’s a good overview of what’s changed since Windows XP.
A more technical book is Windows Vista Resource Kit, a good resource for anyone who supports Vista for more than one computer.  The book has six parts:

  • Overview
  • Deployment
  • Desktop Management
  • Desktop Maintenance
  • Networking
  • Troubleshooting

Both books can be found through the Library’s catalog, so be sure to search for the books and be sure they’re in before you stop by the TLC on the third floor of Boatwright Library to pick them up.

Windvis.com

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A complete Windows Vista tips site.

Windvis.com was created for users that are beginners or intermediate, but if you have been using Windows Vista since its early versions and became an expert, we may have some interesting things for you too!

WindVis is all about helping you protect your privacy when surfing the internet, keeping your computer secure and optimize your Windows Vista for better performance.

Here’s a sample of some of the information they’ve got on tap.

Vista 4 Beginners

A nice, solid overview of Vista from the point of view of XP migrators.  If you’re used to your beloved XP these folks will be able to help answer your questions.  It’s got lots of answers including-

  • What happend to my Log Off button?
  • How do I do add a network printer?
  • How do I change the default program to open certain files?

Voice Recognition

Are you a hunt and peck typist? Want to be able to just tell your computer what to do? Vista might be able to help you out.

If you have Windows Vista . . . you might be surprised to find that voice recognition is built in – and that it’s pretty good. While it takes some getting used to, with a little practice you’ll soon be able to use speech recognition to create and edit documents as well as to control most of the functions of your computer.

Check it out at Life Hack.