Probably mistitled.
We had avoided Vista due to all the problems the release encountered with applications and GNU.
I saw the book in the local library and decided I should have a look as Vista is starting to creep in to my company.
This is not a book for a serious computer enthusiast. Excluding the fact there are missing features, the claim of a Beta should warn the reader it is not a book that you can seriously use for a reference.
This book also seemed geared for the home user as there are chapters for multimedia, using the browser and parent controls. There are chapters about networking and security but they offer very basic information. A beginner might benefit but a professional would not.
The book does have enough pictures to give you an idea of screens so you can get by without a computer. Though I wonder if the Vista help system would give you more information?
Overall, I did not learn much. I did get information about Defender but it was basic.
I would not suggest this book simply because it's missing features and it's based on beta code.
If I had to compare it, I would say it's a "baby steps" book along the lines of the Dummies series.
Don't Buy this book of errors!
I do NOT recommend this book to anyone trying to learn Windows Vista.
Once I perchance this item and opened it up I was shocked to discover that this book was actually written for Windows Vista BETA version (which at the time of purchase it did not say that in the description).
Many of the items covered in this book simply are not a part of Windows Vista full release software and many of the tech tips in this book simply don't work as described in the book.
A good example of this type of incorrect information is in the book on page 137 titled "Modifying User Account Control and Admin Approval Mode" we are instructed to click on "run" and type in "secpol.msc" and click "Enter" to make these changes. However, that program was removed from Windows Vista's full release version and Vista informs you that there is no such program.
This book also has more then 18 errors that I counted and there are 2 items in this book that when I followed the instructions to the letter caused my computer with Windows Vista Premium Edition to freeze up completely and the other one deleted software out of the "C:\Program Files" which would then not work.
I would not recommend this book to anyone trying to learn or use Windows Vista (all versions) since the instructions many times don't work and cause more problem.
"Introducing Microsoft Windows Vista"
This was the first book I purchased and read. Although it is based on beta prerelease versions of "Windows Vista" it did come in very handy at times. I'm giving it 4 rating due to fact of it being based and written off of beta versions of "Windows Vista" and something's have changed.
Dennis K
Best Buy Geek Squad IT technician
Passed my MCDST
This book has the information you need to pass the 70-272 test. I used this as my study guide and passed the test with a wide margin. The book is well organized. Tells you what to concentrait on. If you do the exercises at the end of each chapter and pay attention to the hints that are bold faced and labled HINTS you can pass the test, or at least I did.
An "introduction" and a good one but past its prime
Introducing Windows Vista was written as an early primer for the new operating system from Microsoft. It did a good job AND a much better one than the other primers -- and that's why I chose it over the other primer books. Trust me, it was 1000% better than the Mcfredies and Rathbone primers AND all of them were written using the beta. The gold star you can't read in the little image says "Based on Beta Software" and every chapter of the book includes a highlighted note stating:
"This book was written using the Windows Vista beta to provide an early introduction to the operating system."
An early introduction is exactly what this book is. It was a good book for introducing Windows Vista before the operating system was available, but NOT now that Windows Vista is available for businesses and soon for everyone. If you are a technical person (developer, engineer, administrator) you should look for Stanek's Windows Vista Administrator's Pocket Consultant. It's out AND it's excellent like all his others. I also see Stanek has Windows Vista The Definitive Guide on the way.
