Quicken® 2010 For Dummies®

Appendix A. Quick-and-Dirty Windows Vista

If you're new to Microsoft Windows Vista, you need to know a few things about the Vista user interface. Although this appendix doesn't reveal anything earthshaking, it does provide a quick-and-dirty overview of what you need to know to get around.

If you've used other Windows applications, you probably don't need to read this appendix because you already know the material it covers.

I won't bore you with technical details. The information here, though, will enable you not only to operate Quicken but also to converse easily about the newest versions of Windows at cocktail parties, over lunch, or with the guy at the computer store.

If you want more information, you may want to read a book such as Windows Vista For Dummies or Windows 7 For Dummies, both by Andy Rathbone (Wiley).

Tip

If you're working with Windows XP or Windows 7, much of what this appendix talks about will also apply to your use of Quicken 2010. (Windows 7 was not yet released at the time of this writing.)

What Is Windows Vista?

Vista — and when I use the term Vista here, again, I mean any version of Microsoft Windows Vista — is an operating environment that manages your system resources (things like memory, your monitor, your printer, and so on).

Applications (programs such as Quicken) run on top of Vista. In other words, you first start Vista by turning on your personal computer (PC). Then, after Vista is running, you can start applications, such as Quicken.

Vista provides a standard ...