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Introducing Microsoft Windows Vista
Book Review
Introduction
With the release of Windows Vista, also came the release of quite a few books supporting the new OS. Microsoft Press has released a few, one of the “Introducing Microsoft Windows Vista” authored by William R. Stanek.
William Stanek is a very accomplished author. He has a long and detailed resume working with computers, from mainframes, to Unix, to network design. He also has a history of serving in the US military, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross by the President of the United States during the first Gulf War. He is also a recognized Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). Now, he spends most of his time writing books and other writing (training courses, white papers, etc.). The rest of the time, he is spending time with his wife and three kids.
The book states that it is for current users, administrators and developers of Windows Operating Systems. The main focus is on the new features of Windows Vista, and how to use them to increase productivity and business.
Book Content
The book is very easy to read, and easy to follow. It starts with the beginning and goes from there. If something is too simple or you already know the material (such as the versions of Vista, etc.), you can skip to the next chapter without missing anything or having to go back to understand something that is later in the book. This also poses a challenge, as it also means there isn’t too much technical information packed into the book. If there is a new technology that isn’t well known, you can expect a good description of the technology using easy to understand terminology.
There are plenty of screenshots to guide you through the many hands on examples. Anyone that can read can follow the examples, which are well written and help you learn the basics of Vista.
For those that are concerned with security (which who isn’t these days!), the book has a pretty thorough section on Windows Firewall, Firewall with Advanced Security, Parental Controls, Bitlocker, Windows Defender and others. It goes through the settings, and how to make your PC more secure. The book also has a several page table comparing the security options between Windows Vista and Windows XP.
The last part of the book had the most information in it, and it deals with the support and deployment of Windows Vista. This section is one of the few areas in the book that was aimed towards the administrator.
Deploying with images over the network is easy with Vista, and the book shows you how you can do it effectively, migrating your settings and programs as well.
Supporting Vista is also a section worth reading. With some of the group policy changes and built in diagnostics, Vista has a lot more to offer the admin’s. This section walks you through the new diagnostic tools, performance monitor, Windows Updates, and system recovery.
Conclusion
While the book is designed for administrators and developers, I found that it really lacked in the underlying settings and configuration of Windows Vista. Although it did have several great tips, it seemed more of an overview, and as the title suggests: an introduction. It is based on the Beta version of Vista, so some of the information is out of date, or is incorrect in the released to manufacturing version.
I feel the book was more targeted for the average computer user, or the person in the office that is not only the bookkeeper, but also the IT person. For the administrator, they might find the information light and thin.
It does stay true to the business and productivity aspect, showing tips and shortcuts to various tasks. Several of the sections include tips from various Microsoft MVP’s and authors (some are somewhat knowledgeable, while others seem like a cheap placement).
All in all, the book is a good value for those new to Windows Vista. If you have been playing with the Vista Beta’s, reading the newsgroups, visiting the various websites, then you probably have no need to buy this book. It is just a basic overview, showcasing the new OS and features. If you are the go-to person for computers, and you need to get up to speed on the new OS, this book is great. However, if you are an administrator or power user, then you may find the book lacking in the in-depth information department.
So, to recommend this book for an administrator would be a mistake. There are better books out there with a lot more information that is aimed more at the administration of Vista. The power user would gain a good basic understanding of all the new features of Vista by reading this book.
The main target for this book should be the computer user that has a good amount of knowledge with computers, yet doesn’t need to have complete control over their network. A small office using a small workgroup based network with a shared printer and a few shared folders comes to mind.
For a more in-depth book on Vista, the author also wrote “Windows Vista Administrators Pocket Consultant”, which I am also in the process of reading and will be putting a review on this site, as well.
You can purchase this book from Amazon.com by clicking here.
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