Windows Vista(TM) Plain & Simple (Bpg-Plain & Simple) [Paperback]

Jerry Joyce (Author), Marianne Moon (Author)

Book Description

Series: Bpg-Plain & Simple | Publication Date: January 17, 2007

Here’s WHAT You’ll Learn

• Run programs, control gadgets, and play games
• Send e-mail, browse the Web, and share your files
• Organize your photos, music, videos, and more
• Burn CDs and DVDs—even produce your own movie!
• Set up your printer and a simple home network
• Adjust security settings and perform easy tune-ups and fixes

Here’s HOW You’ll Learn It

• Jump in wherever you need answers
• Easy-to-follow STEPS and SCREENSHOTS show exactly what to do
• Handy TIPS teach new techniques and shortcuts
• Quick TRY THIS! exercises help you apply what you learn right away

A Note Regarding the CD or DVD

The print version of this book ships with a CD or DVD. For those customers purchasing one of the digital formats in which this book is available, we are pleased to offer the CD/DVD content as a free download via O'Reilly Media's Digital Distribution services. To download this content, please visit O'Reilly's web site, search for the title of this book to find its catalog page, and click on the link below the cover image (Examples, Companion Content, or Practice Files). Note that while we provide as much of the media content as we are able via free download, we are sometimes limited by licensing restrictions. Please direct any questions or concerns to [e-mail].

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Key Book Benefits:

-Your no-jargon, quick reference to everyday questions about Windows Vista -Covers common tasks including burning CDs, browsing the Web, organizing photos, playing games, running programs, and troubleshooting -Features an easy-to-read design--including numbered steps, concise information, and helpful tips and exercises--in full color -Delivers concise answers in visual format for people who want information they can put to work right away; ideal for beginning-level users of Windows Vista

About the Author

Jerry Joyce has had a long-standing relationship with Microsoft: he has been the technical editor on numerous books published by Microsoft Press, and he has written manuals, help files, and specifications for various Microsoft products. As a programmer, he has tried for many years to make using a computer as simple as using a toaster, but he has yet to succeed.

Marianne Moon has worked in the publishing world for many years as proofreader, editor, and writer--sometimes all three simultaneously. She has been editing and proofreading Microsoft Press® books since 1984 and has written and edited documentation for Microsoft products such as Microsoft Works, Flight Simulator, Space Simulator, Golf, Publisher, the Microsoft Mouse, and Greetings Workshop.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Microsoft Press; 1 edition (January 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073562268X
• ISBN-13: 978-0735622685
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #616,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

225 of 225 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast and easy to understand., April 4, 2007

By 

R. J Kaucher (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows Vista(TM) Plain & Simple (Bpg-Plain & Simple) (Paperback)

I am an IT professional and I have been running Vista since the beta. If you are a Windows XP expert a book like this is far too simple. However one of my main job responsibilities is in educating users who may be buying their very first computer. In my opinion this book has a number of features that set it apart from (and above) other books.

First is that it is written in a format that does not require the reader to read it like a novel, from front to back. You may simply set it next to your PC and refer to the ample index when you want to know how to perform a certain task. Need to know how to burn a data CD? Look up CD in the index, turn to the page and follow the steps as shown with full color photos and easy to understand text.

The second item that sets it apart is the full color photos, mentioned above, included with each step. Including so many color photos reassures users that they are not committing a catastrophic error that will require them to restore the system and potentially lose all their data.

I highly recommend this book for non-technical people who were not experts with Windows XP I also recommend that you use it to learn how to perform the following critical tasks:

1.Make regular backups of you data (pictures, documents, email, etc)
2.Perform basic system maintenance (defragment your disk drive, install programs and uninstall programs) This is like knowing how to put gas in your tank and air in the tires of your car, essential!
3.Actually enjoy using your PC!

52 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plain & simple Windows Vista, March 8, 2007

By 

Michael E. Ashbaugh (West Jefferson, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows Vista(TM) Plain & Simple (Bpg-Plain & Simple) (Paperback)

This is a" must have" book for those of us that don't start up a new computer system every day. Easy to follow directions take you step by step from start to finish. I intend to keep my copy on my desk for easy reference.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Vista manual, September 17, 2007

By 

Donald I. Page "Retired" (Dragoon, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows Vista(TM) Plain & Simple (Bpg-Plain & Simple) (Paperback)

This is the first Microsoft operating system manual that I have ever had in which I found something, non-trivial, that I was looking in for an answer. I am impressed.