book

Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Unleashed

Name: Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Unleashed
Author: Paul McFedries
ISBN: 9780672328947

by Paul McFedries

December 2006

Intermediate to advanced

864 pages

20h 30m

English

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Copyright
Dedication
About the Author
Acknowledgments Kudos, Plaudits, and Assorted Pats on the Back
We Want to Hear from You!Reader Services
Introduction
Who Should Read This BookHow This Book Is OrganizedPart I: Unleashing Day-to-Day Windows VistaPart II: Unleashing Essential Windows Vista Power ToolsPart III: Unleashing Windows Vista Customization and OptimizationPart IV: Unleashing Windows Vista for the InternetPart V: Unleashing Windows Vista NetworkingPart VI: AppendixesConventions Used in This Book
I. Unleashing Day-to-Day Windows Vista
1. An Overview of Windows Vista
The Development of Windows Vista“Vista” UnveiledWhat’s Not in Windows VistaWindows Vista System RequirementsProcessor RequirementsMemory RequirementsStorage RequirementsGraphics RequirementsHardware Requirements for Various Vista FeaturesWindows Vista EditionsWindows Anytime UpgradeNew Interface FeaturesWhat’s New Under the HoodSupport for Document MetadataPerformance ImprovementsStability ImprovementsSecurity EnhancementsWindows Presentation FoundationDesktop Window ManagerImproved GraphicsTransactional NTFSXML Paper SpecificationNew and Improved Programs and ToolsWelcome CenterControl PanelInternet Explorer 7Windows MailWindows CalendarMedia PlayerMedia CenterWindows Photo GalleryDVD Burning and AuthoringPer-Application Volume ControlSound RecorderWindows Easy TransferWindows BackupThe Game ExplorerMobility CenterNetwork CenterNetwork MapWindows CollaborationFrom Here
2. Customizing and Troubleshooting the Windows Vista Startup
The Boot Process, from Power Up to StartupCustom Startups Using the Boot Configuration DataUsing Startup and Recovery to Modify the BCDUsing the System Configuration Utility to Modify the BCDUsing BCDEDIT to Customize the Startup OptionsMaking a Backup Copy of the BCD StoreRenaming an EntryChanging the Order of the EntriesCustom Startups with the Advanced Options MenuUseful Windows Vista Logon StrategiesRequiring Ctrl+Alt+Delete at StartupLogging On to a DomainAccessing the Administrator AccountSetting Up an Automatic LogonDisabling Automatic Logon OverrideTroubleshooting Windows Vista StartupWhen to Use the Various Advanced Startup OptionsWhat to Do If Windows Vista Won’t Start in Safe ModeRecovering Using the System Recovery OptionsTroubleshooting Startup Using the System Configuration UtilityWhat to Do If Windows Vista Still Won’t StartFrom Here
3. Exploring Expert File and Folder Techniques
Navigating Vista’s New Folder WindowsFolder NavigationInstant SearchThe Task PaneThe Details PaneThe Preview PaneThe Navigation PaneLive Folder IconsBasic File and Folder Chores: The Techniques Used by the ProsSelecting Files with Check BoxesResolving File Transfer ConflictsExpert Drag-and-Drop TechniquesTaking Advantage of the Send To CommandThe Recycle Bin: Deleting and Recovering Files and FoldersSetting Some Recycle Bin OptionsRecovering a File or FolderFile Maintenance Using the Open and Save As Dialog BoxesMetadata and the Windows Explorer Property SystemDesktop Searching with the Windows Search EngineAs-You-Type Searches with Instant SearchAdvanced SearchesSaving SearchesGrouping, Stacking, and Filtering with MetadataGrouping FilesStacking FilesFiltering FilesShadow Copies and Transactional NTFSReverting to a Previous Version of a Volume, Folder, or FileCustomizing Windows ExplorerChanging the ViewViewing More PropertiesRunning Explorer in Full-Screen ModeExploring the View OptionsMoving User FoldersFrom Here
4. Mastering File Types
Understanding File TypesFile Types and File ExtensionsFile Types and the RegistryWorking with Existing File TypesSetting the Default ActionCreating a New File Type ActionExample: Opening the Command Prompt in the Current FolderHiding a File Type’s ExtensionAssociating an Extension with a Different ApplicationAssociating an Application with Multiple File TypesCreating a New File TypeAssociating Two or More Extensions with a Single File TypeCustomizing the New MenuAdding File Types to the New MenuDeleting File Types from the New MenuCustomizing Windows Vista’s Open with ListOpening a Document with an Unassociated ApplicationHow the Open with Feature WorksRemoving an Application from a File Type’s Open with MenuRemoving a Program from the Open with ListAdding a Program to the Open with ListDisabling the Open with Check BoxFrom Here
5. Installing and Running Applications
Practicing Safe SetupsUser Account Control and Installing ProgramsRunning Through a Pre-Installation ChecklistCheck for Vista CompatibilitySet a Restore PointRead Readme.txt and Other DocumentationVirus-Check Downloaded FilesUnderstand the Effect on Your Data FilesUse the Add or Remove Programs FeatureSave Directory Listings for Important FoldersTake Control of the InstallationInstalling the ApplicationApplications and the RegistryProgram SettingsUser SettingsFile TypesApplication-Specific PathsLaunching ApplicationsControlling AutoRun Behavior for ProgramsLaunching Applications and Scripts at StartupUsing the Startup FolderUsing the RegistryUsing Group PoliciesAdding Programs to the Run KeysSpecifying Startup and Logon ScriptsUsing the Task SchedulerRunning a Program with the Administrator AccountCreating Application-Specific PathsControlling Startup Programs with Windows DefenderUnderstanding Application CompatibilityDetermining Whether a Program Is Compatible with Windows VistaUnderstanding Compatibility ModeScripting Compatibility LayersFrom Here

6. Getting the Most Out of User Accounts
Understanding Security GroupsUser Account Control: Smarter User PrivilegesElevating PrivilegesFile and Registry VirtualizationUser Account Control PoliciesCreating and Managing User AccountsWorking with the User Accounts Dialog BoxAdding a New UserPerforming Other User TasksWorking with the Local Users and Groups Snap-InSetting Account PoliciesSetting Account Security PoliciesSetting User Rights PoliciesSetting Account Lockout PoliciesWorking with Users and Groups from the Command LineThe NET USER CommandThe NET LOCALGROUP CommandCreating and Enforcing Bulletproof PasswordsCreating a Strong PasswordUser Account Password OptionsTaking Advantage of Windows Vista’s Password PoliciesRecovering from a Forgotten PasswordSharing Files with Other UsersUsing Parental Controls to Restrict Computer UsageActivating Parental Controls and Activity ReportingExample: Setting Up Parental Controls for GamesTurn Off Game PlayControlling Games via Ratings and DescriptorsBlocking and Allowing Specific GamesSharing Your Computer SecurelyFrom Here
7. Working with Digital Media
Setting AutoPlay DefaultsDigital Audio in Windows VistaPer-Application Volume ControlSound RecorderAudio Devices and Sound ThemesUsing Windows Photo GalleryGrouping ImagesImage Metadata and TaggingSearching Images with Instant SearchEditing an ImageMore ToolsEasy Listening in Windows Media Player 11Navigating the LibraryAlbum Art and the WMP InterfaceGrouping and Stacking MediaMedia Metadata and TaggingInstant SearchSyncing with Media DevicesMedia SharingTips for Working with Windows Media PlayerPlaying Media FilesSetting Windows Media Player’s Playback OptionsCopying Music from an Audio CDSelecting a Location and Filename StructureChoosing the Recording File FormatSpecifying the Quality of the RecordingCopying Tracks from an Audio CDCopying Tracks to a Recordable CD or DeviceCreating a PlaylistRecording to a CD or DeviceFrom Here
8. Vista’s Tools for Business: Contacts, Calendar, and Faxing
Managing Your ContactsCreating a New ContactCreating a Contact from a Windows Mail MessageCreating a Contact from ScratchImporting ContactsCreating a Contact GroupCommunicating with a ContactWorking with ContactsChanging a Contact’s PictureFilling In Your Own Contact DataSending Your Contact Data as an Electronic Business CardScheduling with Windows CalendarNavigating DatesChanging the Calendar ViewScheduling an AppointmentCreating an AppointmentCreating a Recurring AppointmentAdding a ReminderInviting AttendeesCreating an All-Day EventCreating a TaskWorking with Multiple CalendarsImporting Calendar FilesSharing CalendarsPublishing Your CalendarSubscribing to a CalendarWorking with Shared CalendarsSending and Receiving FaxesStarting Windows Fax and ScanCreating a Fax AccountEntering Some Personal DataSending a FaxSpecifying Send OptionsSending a Cover Page FaxFaxing a DocumentWorking with Fax Cover PagesWorking with Personal Fax Cover PagesCreating a Personal Cover Page from ScratchModifying a Copy of a Common Cover PageEditing a Cover PageInserting Information FieldsInserting Text FieldsInserting Graphics FieldsReceiving FaxesSpecifying Receive OptionsAnswering Incoming CallsAnswering Calls AutomaticallyAnswering Calls ManuallyWorking with Received FaxesFrom Here
9. Mobile Computing in Windows Vista
Accessing Notebook Features with the Mobile PC Control PanelMonitoring Your Notebook with the Windows Mobility CenterManaging Notebook PowerMonitoring Battery LifeSpecifying a Power PlanCreating a Custom Power PlanCreating Your Own Power PlanCustomizing an Existing Power PlanConfiguring Your Notebook’s Power ButtonsAttaching an External MonitorConfiguring Presentation SettingsUnderstanding Windows SideShowGetting the Most Out of Your Tablet PCChanging the Screen OrientationSetting Tablet PC OptionsWorking with the Tablet PC Input PanelUsing Pen FlicksSetting Pointer OptionsPersonalizing Handwriting RecognitionUsing the Snipping ToolFrom Here
II . Unleashing Essential Windows Vista Power Tools
10. Using Control Panel and Group Policies
Operating Control PanelReviewing the Control Panel IconsUnderstanding Control Panel FilesEasier Access to Control PanelAlternative Methods for Opening Control Panel IconsPutting Control Panel on the Start MenuImplementing Group Policies with Windows VistaWorking with Group PoliciesExample: Controlling Access to Control PanelFrom Here
11. Getting to Know the Windows Vista Registry
A Synopsis of the RegistryA Brief History of Configuration FilesThe Registry Puts an End to INI ChaosUnderstanding the Registry FilesNavigating the Keys PaneUnderstanding Registry SettingsGetting to Know the Registry’s Root KeysHKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_CURRENT_USERHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEHKEY_USERSHKEY_CURRENT_CONFIGUnderstanding Hives and Registry FilesKeeping the Registry SafeBacking Up the RegistrySaving the Current Registry State with System RestoreProtecting Keys by Exporting Them to DiskExporting the Entire Registry a .reg FileExporting a Key to a .reg FileImporting a .reg FileWorking with Registry EntriesChanging the Value of a Registry EntryEditing a String ValueEditing a DWORD or QWORD ValueEditing a Binary ValueEditing a .reg FileCreating a .reg FileRenaming a Key or SettingCreating a New Key or SettingDeleting a Key or SettingFinding Registry EntriesFrom Here
12. Programming the Windows Script Host
WSH: Your Host for Today’s ScriptScripts and Script ExecutionRunning Script Files DirectlyUsing WScript for Windows-Based ScriptsUsing CScript for Command-Line ScriptsScript Properties and .wsh FilesProgramming ObjectsWorking with Object PropertiesSetting the Value of a PropertyReturning the Value of a PropertyWorking with Object MethodsAssigning an Object to a VariableWorking with Object CollectionsVBScript: Using For Each...Next Loops for CollectionsJavaScript: Using Enumerators and for Loops for CollectionsProgramming the WScript ObjectDisplaying Text to the UserShutting Down a ScriptScripting and AutomationCreating an Automation Object with the CreateObject MethodWorking with an Existing Object Using the GetObject MethodExposing VBScript and JavaScript ObjectsProgramming the FileSystemObjectProgramming the WshShell ObjectReferencing the WshShell ObjectDisplaying Information to the UserSetting the Style of the MessageGetting Return Values from the Message Dialog BoxRunning ApplicationsWorking with ShortcutsCreating a ShortcutProgramming the WshShortcut ObjectWorking with Registry EntriesReading Settings from the RegistryStoring Settings in the RegistryDeleting Settings from the RegistryWorking with Environment VariablesProgramming the WshNetwork ObjectReferencing the WshNetwork ObjectWshNetwork Object PropertiesMapping Network PrintersMapping Network DrivesExample: Scripting Internet ExplorerDisplaying a Web PageNavigating PagesUsing the InternetExplorer Object’s PropertiesRunning Through a Sample ScriptFrom Here
III. Unleashing Windows Vista Customization and Optimization
13. Customizing the Windows Vista Interface
Customizing the Start Menu for Easier Program and Document LaunchingGetting More Favorite Programs on the Start MenuClearing the Recent Programs ListCustomizing the Internet and E-mail IconsSetting Program Access and DefaultsPinning a Favorite Program Permanently to the Start MenuStreamlining the Start Menu by Converting Links to MenusAdding, Moving, and Removing Other Start Menu IconsDragging and Dropping onto the Start ButtonWorking with the Start Menu FolderWorking with All Programs Menu Shortcuts DirectlyCustomizing the Taskbar for Easier Program and Document LaunchingDisplaying the Built-In Taskbar ToolbarsSetting Some Taskbar Toolbar OptionsCreating New Taskbar ToolbarsImproving Productivity by Setting Taskbar OptionsDisplaying Multiple Clocks for Different Time ZonesControlling Taskbar GroupingModifying the Start Menu and Taskbar with Group PoliciesUsing Screen Space EfficientlyFrom Here
14. Tuning Windows Vista’s Performance
Vista’s Performance ImprovementsFaster StartupSleep Mode: The Best of Both WorldsSuperFetch with ReadyBoost: The Faster FetcherRestart ManagerMonitoring PerformanceViewing Your Computer’s Performance RatingMonitoring Performance with Task ManagerUsing the Reliability and Performance MonitorPerformance MonitorData Collector SetsReportsOptimizing StartupReducing or Eliminating BIOS ChecksReducing the OS Choices Menu TimeoutTurning Off the Startup Splash ScreenUpgrading Your Device DriversUsing an Automatic LogonConfiguring the PrefetcherOptimizing ApplicationsAdding More MemoryInstalling to the Fastest Hard DriveOptimizing Application LaunchingGetting the Latest Device DriversOptimizing Windows Vista for ProgramsSetting the Program Priority in Task ManagerOptimizing the Hard DiskExamining Hard Drive Performance SpecificationsPerforming Hard Drive MaintenanceDisabling Compression and EncryptionTurning Off the IndexerEnabling Write CachingConverting FAT16 and FAT32 Partitions to NTFSTurning Off 8.3 Filename CreationDisabling Last Access TimestampOptimizing Virtual MemoryStoring the Page File OptimallySplitting the Page FileCustomizing the Page File SizeWatching the Page File SizeChanging the Paging File’s Location and SizeFrom Here
15. Maintaining Your Windows Vista System
Vista’s Stability ImprovementsI/O CancellationReliability MonitorService RecoveryStartup Repair ToolChecking Your Hard Disk for ErrorsUnderstanding ClustersUnderstanding Lost ClustersUnderstanding Invalid ClustersUnderstanding Cross-Linked ClustersUnderstanding CyclesRunning the Check Disk GUIRunning Check Disk from the Command LineChecking Free Disk SpaceDeleting Unnecessary FilesDefragmenting Your Hard DiskRunning the Disk Defragmenter ToolChanging the Disk Defragmenter ScheduleDefragmenting from the Command LineSetting System Restore PointsBacking Up Your FilesConfiguring Automatic File BackupsCreating a System Image BackupChecking for Updates and Security PatchesChecking the Windows Update WebsiteChecking for Security VulnerabilitiesReviewing Event Viewer LogsSetting Up a 10-Step Maintenance ScheduleFrom Here
16. Troubleshooting and Recovering from Problems
Troubleshooting Strategies: Determining the Source of a ProblemDid You Get an Error Message?Does an Error or Warning Appear in the Event Viewer Logs?Does an Error Appear in System Information?Did You Recently Edit the Registry?Did You Recently Change Any Windows Settings?Did Windows Vista “Spontaneously” Reboot?Did You Recently Change Any Application Settings?Did You Recently Install a New Program?Did You Recently Install a New Device?Did You Recently Install an Incompatible Device Driver?Did You Recently Apply an Update from Windows Update?General Troubleshooting TipsMore Troubleshooting ToolsUnderstanding Disk DiagnosticsUnderstanding Resource Exhaustion DetectionRunning the Memory Diagnostics ToolChecking for Solutions to ProblemsTroubleshooting Using Online ResourcesRecovering from a ProblemBooting Using the Last Known Good ConfigurationRecovering Using System RestoreRecovering Using the System Recovery OptionsFrom Here
17. Getting the Most Out of Device Manager
Tips and Techniques for Installing DevicesInstalling Plug and Play DevicesInstalling Legacy DevicesControlling Driver Signing OptionsManaging Your Hardware with Device ManagerControlling the Device DisplayViewing Device PropertiesWorking with Device DriversChecking Windows Update for DriversUpdating a Device DriverRolling Back a Device DriverUninstalling a DeviceWorking with Device Security PoliciesTroubleshooting Device ProblemsTroubleshooting with Device ManagerTroubleshooting Device Driver ProblemsTips for Downloading Device DriversTroubleshooting Resource ConflictsFrom Here
IV. Unleashing Windows Vista for the Internet
18. Exploring the Web with Internet Explorer
Understanding Web Page AddressesTips and Techniques for Better Web SurfingTaking Advantage of the Address BarCreating a Shortcut to a URLWorking with TabsOpening a Page in a New TabNavigating TabsWorking with Quick TabsUsing the Handy History ListSearching the WebAdding More Search EnginesSetting Up Other Search Engines for Address Bar SearchingThe Favorites Folder: Sites to RememberAdding a Shortcut to the Favorites FolderOpening an Internet Shortcut from the Favorites FolderMaintaining FavoritesSharing Favorites with Other BrowsersWorking with RSS FeedsSubscribing to a FeedReading FeedsSetting the Feed Update ScheduleCustomizing Internet ExplorerCustomizing the Links Bar for One-Click SurfingControlling the Web Page CacheSetting Internet Explorer OptionsChanging the Home PageConfiguring the Page HistorySetting More General OptionsUnderstanding Internet Explorer’s Advanced OptionsFrom Here
19. Communicating with Windows Mail
Setting Up Mail AccountsSpecifying Basic Account SettingsSetting the Default AccountSpecifying Advanced Account SettingsUsing a Different Reply AddressEnabling SMTP AuthenticationSpecifying a Different SMTP PortChecking the Same Account from Two Different ComputersHandling Incoming MessagesProcessing MessagesCustomizing the Message ColumnsSetting Read OptionsSending MessagesTaking Control of Your MessagesCreating a SignatureCreating an Email Shortcut for a RecipientSetting Send OptionsMaintaining Windows MailFiltering Incoming MessagesFinding a MessageSimple SearchesAdvanced SearchesFrom Here
20. Participating in Internet Newsgroups
Some Usenet BasicsFiguring Out Newsgroup NamesUnderstanding Articles and ThreadsPracticing Newsgroup EtiquetteSetting Up a News AccountWorking with Newsgroups in Windows MailSubscribing to a NewsgroupUnsubscribing from a NewsgroupDownloading MessagesDownloading Message HeadersDownloading MessagesWorking Offline: Marking Messages for DownloadingWorking Offline: Getting the Message BodiesNotes on Working with Newsgroup MessagesFollowing Up a MessagePosting a New MessageFiltering Newsgroup MessagesRating PostsSetting News OptionsOptions for Newsgroups and MessagesSetting General OptionsSetting Read OptionsSetting Maintenance OptionsOptions for Individual NewsgroupsFrom Here
21. Implementing Windows Vista’s Internet Security and Privacy Features
Control Panel’s Security SettingsNew Security Center FeaturesWindows Firewall: Bidirectional ProtectionThwarting Spyware with Windows DefenderSpyware ScanningWindows Defender SettingsSurfing the Web SecurelyAdding and Removing Zone SitesChanging a Zone’s Security LevelProtected Mode: Reducing Internet Explorer’s PrivilegesTotal Security: Internet Explorer Without Add-OnsThwarting Phishers with the Phishing FilterEncoding Addresses to Prevent IDN SpoofingManaging Add-OnsDeleting Browser HistoryEnhancing Online Privacy by Managing CookiesBlocking Pop-Up WindowsUnderstand Internet Explorer’s Advanced Security OptionsWorking with Email Safely and SecurelyProtecting Yourself Against Email VirusesThwarting Spam with Windows Mail’s Junk FilterSetting the Junk Email Protection LevelSpecifying Safe SendersBlocking SendersBlocking Countries and LanguagesEmail Phishing ProtectionMaintaining Your Privacy While Reading EmailBlocking Read ReceiptsSquashing Web BugsSending and Receiving Secure EmailSetting Up an Email Account with a Digital IDObtaining Another Person’s Public KeySending a Secure MessageReceiving a Secure MessageSecurity and Privacy Options for Windows Media PlayerSetting Security OptionsSetting Privacy OptionsMore New Security FeaturesPreventing Rogue Services with Windows Service HardeningAvoiding Overflows with Support for the NX BitThwarting Malware Randomly with ASLRFrom Here
V. Unleashing Windows Vista Networking
22. Setting Up a Small Network
Setting Up a Peer-to-Peer NetworkChanging the Computer and Workgroup NameConnecting to a Wireless NetworkConnecting to a Nonbroadcasting Wireless NetworkSetting Up a Wireless Ad-Hoc NetworkUnderstanding the Network IconDisplaying the Network and Sharing CenterCustomizing Your NetworkTurning Network Discovery On or OffViewing a Network MapManaging Wireless NetworksWorking with Network ConnectionsFrom Here
23. Accessing and Using Your Network
Learning Some Common Network TasksView Network Computers and DevicesAdding a Computer or DeviceDiagnosing Network ProblemsTurning On Network DiscoveryAccessing Network ResourcesUnderstanding the Universal Naming ConventionMapping a Network Folder to a Local Drive LetterDisconnecting a Mapped Network FolderCreating a Network LocationPrinting over the NetworkSharing Resources with the NetworkSetting Up File and Printer SharingDeactivating the Sharing WizardCreating User Accounts for SharingSharing a ResourceHiding Shared ResourcesWorking with Offline Files and the Sync CenterEnabling Offline FilesMaking Files Available OfflineWorking with Network Files OfflineSynchronizing Offline FilesScheduling a Synchronization by TimeScheduling a Synchronization by EventHandling Synchronization ConflictsAdjusting Disk Space Used for Offline FilesCollaborating with Windows Meeting SpaceSigning In to People Near MeStarting Windows Meeting SpaceJoining a MeetingStarting a MeetingInviting People to the MeetingSharing a HandoutStarting a Shared SessionControlling the Shared SessionEnding the Shared SessionFrom Here
24. Making Remote Network Connections
Connecting to a Remote DesktopGetting the Remote Computer Ready to HostMaking the Connection to the Remote DesktopDisconnecting from the Remote DesktopConnecting to a Remote Desktop via the InternetChanging the Listening PortConfiguring Windows FirewallDetermining the Host IP AddressSetting Up Port ForwardingConnecting Using the IP Address and New PortUsing Virtual Private Network ConnectionsConfiguring a Network Gateway for VPNConfiguring the VPN ClientMaking the VPN ConnectionFrom Here
VI. Appendixes
A. Windows Vista Keyboard Shortcuts
B. Using the Windows Vista Command Prompt
Getting to Command PromptUsing CMD.EXE SwitchesRunning CommandsAdding Parameters and Switches to a Command Prompt CommandWorking with Command PromptWorking with Long FilenamesChanging Folders FasterTaking Advantage of DOSKEYRecalling Command LinesEntering Multiple Commands on a Single LineEditing Command LinesLearning About DOSKEY MacrosCreating DOSKEY MacrosUsing Replaceable Parameters in MacrosMacro ExamplesCreating a Macro LibraryStarting Applications from Command PromptStarting 16-Bit ApplicationsStarting Windows ApplicationsSharing Data Between the Command Prompt and Windows ApplicationsCopying Text from the Command PromptPasting Text to the Command PromptSharing Graphics Between 16-Bit and Windows ProgramsCustomizing the Command-Line WindowCustomizing the Command Prompt WindowSetting Command Prompt OptionsChanging the Command Prompt FontCustomizing the Command Prompt LayoutSpecifying the Command Prompt ColorsCustomizing Other Command-Line WindowsSetting Program PropertiesAdjusting Memory PropertiesSetting Screen PropertiesSome Miscellaneous PropertiesUnderstanding Idle Sensitivity
C. Automating Windows Vista with Batch Files
Batch Files: Some BackgroundCreating Batch FilesMaking a Home for Your Batch FilesBatch-File-Specific CommandsREM: The Simplest Batch File CommandECHO: A Voice for Your Batch FilesThe PAUSE CommandUsing Parameters for Batch File FlexibilityImproving on Command-Line UtilitiesMaking DEL SaferChanging Folders and Drives in One StepExcluding Files from a Copy CommandSHIFT: A Different Approach to ParametersLooping with the FOR CommandLooping: The BasicsUnderstanding the FOR Command SyntaxA Simple Batch File ExampleDifferent Sets for Different FolksUsing Delayed Environment Variable ExpansionGOTO: Telling Your Batch Files Where to GoIF: Handling Batch File ConditionsTesting Parameters with IFChecking for Missing ParametersThe SHIFT Command ReduxUsing IF to Check Whether a File ExistsChecking for Command ErrorsRedirecting Windows VistaRedirecting Command OutputRedirecting InputPiping Commands

Content preview from Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Unleashed

Appendix A. Windows Vista Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows Vista was made with the mouse in mind, so most day-to-day tasks are designed to be performed using the standard mouse moves. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore your keyboard when you’re not typing. Windows Vista is loaded with keyboard shortcuts and techniques that you can use as replacements or enhancements for mouse clicks and drags. These shortcuts (as shown in Tables A.1–A.13) are often a faster way to work because you don’t have to move your hand from the keyboard to the mouse and back. Also, the Windows Vista keyboard techniques are useful to know just in case you have problems with your mouse and must rely on the keyboard to get your work done.

Table A.1. General Windows Vista ...

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Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Unleashed

by Paul McFedries

Appendix A. Windows Vista Keyboard Shortcuts

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