1. Windows Vista SecretsSP1 Edition Paul Thurrott42001ffirs.indd iii9/2/08 1:01:20 PM

2. Windows Vista Secrets 42001ffirs.indd i9/2/08 1:01:20 PM 3. 42001ffirs.indd ii9/2/08 1:01:20 PM 4. Windows Vista SecretsSP1 Edition Paul Thurrott42001ffirs.indd iii9/2/08 1:01:20 PM 5. Windows Vista Secrets: SP1 Edition Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. 10475 Crosspoint Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46256 www.wiley.com Copyright 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana Published simultaneously in Canada ISBN: 978-0-470-24200-1 Manufactured in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 646-8600. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, (317) 572-3447, fax (317) 572-4355, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of tness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom. The fact that an organization or Website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Website may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. For general information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at (800) 762-2974, outside the U.S. at (317) 572-3993 or fax (317) 572-4002. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataThurrott, Paul B. Windows Vista secrets / Paul Thurrott. Sp1 ed. p. cm. Includes index. ISBN 978-0-470-24200-1 (cloth/website) 1. Microsoft Windows (Computer le) 2. Operating systems (Computers) I. Title. QA76.76.O63T53 2008 005.446dc22 2008032157Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley logo, and Secrets are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/ or its af liates, in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. Windows Vista is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books.42001ffirs.indd iv9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 6. To Stephanie, Mark, and Kelly42001ffirs.indd v9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 7. About the Author The author of over 20 books, Paul Thurrott is the news editor of Windows IT Pro Media and editor of the SuperSite for Windows (www.winsupersite.com). He writes a weekly editorial for Windows IT Pro UPDATE (www.windowsitpro.com/email); a daily Windows news and information newsletter called WinInfo Daily UPDATE (www.wininformant.com); and a monthly column called Need To Know in Windows IT Pro Magazine. He blogs daily via the SuperSite Blog and appears weekly in the highly rated Windows Weekly podcast with Leo Laporte. You can follow Pauls exploits on Twitter (www.twitter.com/thurrott) and FriendFeed (www.friendfeed.com/thurrott).42001ffirs.indd vi9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 8. About the Technical Editor Joli Ballew is a technology trainer and writer in the Dallas area. She holds several certifications, including MCSE, MCTS, and MCDST, and is a 2008 Microsoft MVP. Joli writes books for several publishers, teaches computer classes at a local junior college, and works as a network administrator and Web designer for North Texas Graphics. She has written more than two dozen books, including two Microsoft certification titles, and has been published in over 15 languages. Joli maintains a Web site at www.joliballew.com.42001ffirs.indd vii9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 9. Credits Acquisitions Editor Katie Mohr Senior Development Editor Kevin Kent Technical Editor Joli Ballew Production Editor Dassi ZeidelVice President and Executive Publisher Joseph B. Wikert Project Coordinator, Cover Lynsey Stanford Compositor Maureen Forys, Happenstance Type-O-RamaCopy Editor Luann RouffProofreader Candace English; Jen Larsen, Word OneEditorial Manager Mary Beth WakeeldIndexer Robert SwansonProduction Manager Tim TateCover Designer Ryan SneedVice President and Executive Group Publisher Richard Swadley42001ffirs.indd viii9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 10. Acknowledgments Writing a book is always a time-consuming process, and while I had hoped that a revision like this would be easier than writing the originalwellit wasnt. With that in mind Thanks especially to Stephanie for putting up with the several months of downtime this update required. You are the glue that makes our family work. I love you. Apologies to Mark and Kelly for any missed baseball and softball games. And yes, I heard ShhDaddys working more than once, so thanks for trying. You are both amazing. Thanks, too, to everyone at Wiley, especially Katie and Kevin, who put up with constant delays and tardiness, not to mention the months-long drama that was the build-up to this version of the book. At least we have stories to tell. Finally, thank you for buying this book or at least considering it.42001ffirs.indd ix9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 11. 42001ffirs.indd x9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 12. Contents at a Glance Preface ...................................................................................................................................................xxvii Read This First ........................................................................................................................................... 1Part I: Surviving Setup ........................................................................................31 Chapter 1: Selecting the Right Vista Version ........................................................................................ 33 Chapter 2: Installing or Upgrading to Windows Vista ......................................................................... 59 Chapter 3: Hardware and Software Compatibility..............................................................................111Part II: The Windows Vista User Experience..............................................133 Chapter 4: Whats New in the Windows Vista User Interface ........................................................... 135 Chapter 5: Wheres My Stuff? Finding and Organizing Files ............................................................179 Chapter 6: Using Windows Sidebar ..................................................................................................... 205 Chapter 7: Personalizing and Configuring Windows Vista .............................................................. 229Part III: Security ................................................................................................. 259 Chapter 8: Vista Security Features .......................................................................................................261 Chapter 9: Users, Accounts, and UAC ................................................................................................. 283 Chapter 10: Windows Vista Networking ............................................................................................. 309Part IV: Digital Media and Entertainment ................................................. 345 Chapter 11: Windows Media Player ..................................................................................................... 347 Chapter 12: Zune: A Digital Media Alternative.................................................................................. 405 Chapter 13: Enjoying Digital Photos .................................................................................................... 455 Chapter 14: Digital Videos and DVD Movies .......................................................................................513 Chapter 15: Vista in the Living Room: Windows Media Center ....................................................... 579 Chapter 16: Having Fun: Games and Vista ......................................................................................... 627Part V: Mobility .................................................................................................. 653 Chapter 17: Vista to Go: Windows Vista Mobility Features .............................................................. 655 Chapter 18: Using Tablet PCs and Ultra-Mobile PCs ......................................................................... 68542001ffirs.indd xi9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 13. xiiWindows Vista SecretsPart VI: Internet and Networking ................................................................ 725 Chapter 19: Browsing the Web ..............................................................................................................727 Chapter 20: Managing E-mail and Contacts .......................................................................................781 Chapter 21: Turning It Up a Notch with Microsofts Live Services .................................................. 831Part VII: Home Office/Power User .............................................................. 863 Chapter 22: Managing Your Schedule with Windows Calendar ...................................................... 865 Chapter 23: Keeping Your Data Safe ................................................................................................... 893 Chapter 24: Automating Windows Vista with Windows PowerShell ................................................917 Chapter 25: Beyond Vista: Managing Multiple PCs ...........................................................................941 Index .........................................................................................................................................................97342001ffirs.indd xii9/2/08 1:01:21 PM 14. Contents Preface ...................................................................................................................................................xxviiRead This First .................................................................................................................................... 1 Dont Believe the Hype.............................................................................................................................. 2 The Value of Vista...................................................................................................................................... 3 Windows Vista in 15 Minutes ................................................................................................................... 3 The New Start Menu ............................................................................................................................. 4 Windows Aero........................................................................................................................................ 5 Flip 3D .................................................................................................................................................... 6 Programs Explorer Replaces Add/Remove Programs ......................................................................... 8 Putting Some Gadgets in Your Windows Sidebar .............................................................................. 8 Instant Search and the Search Pane .................................................................................................... 9 Internet Explorer 7.0 Catches Up ....................................................................................................... 12 IE Protected Mode, Phishing Filter, and Other Security Features ................................................... 13 Support for RSS News Feeds .............................................................................................................. 13 Encrypt Entire Drives with BitLocker ................................................................................................ 15 Use Easy Transfer to Move Data to a New PC .................................................................................. 15 Parental Controls ................................................................................................................................. 17 New Games: Mahjong and Chess ...................................................................................................... 18 Windows Media Player 11 .................................................................................................................. 19 New Music and Video Services.......................................................................................................... 21 Windows Movie Maker and DVD Maker .......................................................................................... 22 Windows Photo Gallery....................................................................................................................... 23 Windows Media Center ...................................................................................................................... 25 But Wait; It Gets Better ............................................................................................................................ 26 Windows Vista Service Pack 1 ........................................................................................................... 26 Windows Live and Microsofts Online Services ................................................................................ 29 Windows Live OneCare and Windows Home Server ...................................................................... 29 And More ............................................................................................................................................. 29 My Promise to You ................................................................................................................................... 30Part I: Surviving Setup ........................................................................................31 Chapter 1: Selecting the Right Vista Version ......................................................................... 33 An Overview of All the Vista Versions .................................................................................................. 34 Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Version ....................................................... 36 Step 1: Whittling Down the Product Editions List ............................................................................. 36 Step 2: Understanding the Differences between the Product Editions ........................................... 39 Step 3: Making the Right Product-Edition Choice ............................................................................ 44 Purchasing Windows Vista ..................................................................................................................... 48 With a New PC .................................................................................................................................... 4842001ftoc.indd xiii9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 15. xivWindows Vista SecretsRetail Boxed Copies ............................................................................................................................ 49 OEM Versions ...................................................................................................................................... 53 Windows Anytime Upgrade ............................................................................................................... 55 Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 57Chapter 2: Installing or Upgrading to Windows Vista ......................................................... 59 Taking the Easy Way Out: Acquiring Windows Vista with a New PC .............................................. 60 Interactive Setup ...................................................................................................................................... 60 Clean Install ......................................................................................................................................... 61 Upgrading ............................................................................................................................................ 79 Dual-Booting with Windows XP ......................................................................................................... 83 Upgrading from One Vista Version to Another: Windows Anywhere Upgrade ............................... 90 How It Works ....................................................................................................................................... 91 Upgrading with an Anytime Upgrade Disk....................................................................................... 92 Installing Windows Vista Service Pack 1 .............................................................................................. 94 Slipstreaming Service Packs and Other Vista Updates ....................................................................... 96 Performing a Clean Install with an Upgrade Version of Vista .......................................................... 100 Microsofts Documented Method for Clean-Installing Vista with Upgrade Media...................... 100 Delaying Product Activation ..................................................................................................................102 Installing Windows Vista on a Mac ......................................................................................................105 Dual Boot: Using Boot Camp ............................................................................................................ 105 Windows on Mac: Virtualization Solutions...................................................................................... 108 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................110Chapter 3: Hardware and Software Compatibility ............................................................. 111 Hidden Perils of the Vista Upgrade ......................................................................................................112 The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor...................................................................................................113 Using the Upgrade Advisor .............................................................................................................. 114 Picking through the Results .............................................................................................................. 116 Drivers That Lack a Vista-Compatible Version .............................................................................. 119 Understanding Windows Vista Compatibility Issues ..........................................................................119 Hardware Compatibility ................................................................................................................... 119 Software Compatibility ..................................................................................................................... 120 x64: Is It Time? ................................................................................................................................... 121 Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Offers Better Compatibility ...............................................................121 Dealing with Software Incompatibility ............................................................................................... 123 Compatibility Mode........................................................................................................................... 124 Virtual PC ........................................................................................................................................... 126 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................132Part II: The Windows Vista User Experience..............................................133 Chapter 4: Whats New in the Windows Vista User Interface ........................................135 Understanding the Windows Vista User Experience ......................................................................... 136 Windows Classic ................................................................................................................................ 13942001ftoc.indd xiv9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 16. ContentsxvWindows Vista Basic ......................................................................................................................... 140 Windows Vista Standard ................................................................................................................... 142 Windows Aero.................................................................................................................................... 143 Exploring with the Windows Vista Explorer Shell ..............................................................................148 Start Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 148 Desktop .............................................................................................................................................. 157 Taskbar............................................................................................................................................... 163 Notication Area and System Clock ................................................................................................ 167 Windows Vista Explorer.................................................................................................................... 170 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................177Chapter 5: Wheres My Stuff? Finding and Organizing Files ...........................................179 Understanding Special Shell Folders....................................................................................................180 Visualization and Organization: How the Windows Vista Shell Works............................................183 Sorting the Vista View Styles ........................................................................................................... 186 Where Is It Now? ............................................................................................................................... 191 Search Folders, Saved Searches, and Virtual Folders ........................................................................192 Understanding Search Folders ......................................................................................................... 194 Using Prebuilt Search Folders .......................................................................................................... 194 Creating Your Own Search Folders ................................................................................................. 197 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 204Chapter 6: Using Windows Sidebar ........................................................................................ 205 What Is Windows Sidebar? .................................................................................................................... 206 Launching Windows Sidebar ................................................................................................................ 208 Conguring Sidebar ...............................................................................................................................210 Conguring the Sidebar Display ...................................................................................................... 210 Adding Gadgets to the Sidebar ........................................................................................................ 214 Looking at the Built-In Gadgets ....................................................................................................... 215 Conguring Gadgets ......................................................................................................................... 217 Moving Gadgets to the Windows Desktop ...................................................................................... 218 Removing Gadgets ............................................................................................................................ 220 Finding New Gadgets............................................................................................................................ 222 Where Have I Seen This Before? .......................................................................................................... 223 Exploring Sidebar Alternatives ............................................................................................................ 225 Google Desktop ................................................................................................................................. 225 Yahoo! Widgets.................................................................................................................................. 226 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 228Chapter 7: Personalizing and Conguring Windows Vista ..............................................229 The Windows Vista User Interface ....................................................................................................... 230 Customizing the Start Menu ............................................................................................................. 230 Cleaning Up the Tray Notication Area .......................................................................................... 238 Conguring Folder Options .............................................................................................................. 239 Forcing Explorer to Remember Window Settings ........................................................................... 241 Replacing Vistas Compressed Folders with Something Useful .................................................... 24142001ftoc.indd xv9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 17. xviWindows Vista SecretsReplacing the User Interface ............................................................................................................ 242 Branding Windows Vista like a PC Maker ...................................................................................... 243 Making It Faster: Performance Tweaks ............................................................................................... 246 Taking Out the Trash ........................................................................................................................ 246 Making It Boot Faster ........................................................................................................................ 247 Using Vistas Performance Options.................................................................................................. 249 Monitoring Performance and Reliability.......................................................................................... 251 Making Menus Faster ....................................................................................................................... 253 Improving Vistas Memory ............................................................................................................... 254 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 257Part III: Security ................................................................................................. 259 Chapter 8: Vista Security Features ..........................................................................................261 Security and Windows Vista ................................................................................................................. 262 Securing Windows Vista in Just Two Steps ........................................................................................ 263 Windows Security Center ..................................................................................................................... 264 Windows Defender................................................................................................................................. 267 Windows Firewall ................................................................................................................................. 268 Windows Update .....................................................................................................................................271 User Account Security Features ............................................................................................................273 Internet Explorer 7 Security Features ...................................................................................................273 ActiveX Opt-In................................................................................................................................... 274 Protected Mode.................................................................................................................................. 274 Fix My Settings .................................................................................................................................. 276 Phishing Filter .................................................................................................................................... 277 Delete Browsing History ................................................................................................................... 277 Other Internet Explorer Security Features ...................................................................................... 278 BitLocker Drive Encryption ...................................................................................................................278 Low-Level Security Features ................................................................................................................ 282 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 282Chapter 9: Users, Accounts, and UAC .................................................................................... 283 Understanding User Accounts .............................................................................................................. 284 Creating the Initial User Account..................................................................................................... 285 Understanding Account Types ........................................................................................................ 285 User Account Control............................................................................................................................. 286 Parental Controls.................................................................................................................................... 296 Conguring Parental Controls.......................................................................................................... 296 Running as Standard User with Parental Controls ......................................................................... 304 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 308Chapter 10: Windows Vista Networking .............................................................................. 309 Windows XP with SP2: First-Generation Vista Networking ..............................................................310 Whats New in Windows Vista Networking .........................................................................................314 Network Locations ..................................................................................................................................31642001ftoc.indd xvi9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 18. ContentsxviiNetwork and Sharing Center.................................................................................................................319 Network Map ..................................................................................................................................... 320 Connected Networks......................................................................................................................... 321 Sharing and Discovery ...................................................................................................................... 323 View Computers and Devices .......................................................................................................... 324 Connect to a Network ....................................................................................................................... 326 Set Up a Connection or Network ..................................................................................................... 330 Managing Network Connections ..................................................................................................... 333 Diagnosing and Repairing ................................................................................................................ 335 Sharing Between PCs ............................................................................................................................ 336 Sharing Folders .................................................................................................................................. 336 Sharing Printers ................................................................................................................................. 340 Sharing Media Libraries ................................................................................................................... 343 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 343Part IV: Digital Media and Entertainment ................................................. 345 Chapter 11: Windows Media Player ........................................................................................347 Media Player Basics ............................................................................................................................... 348 Setting Up Windows Media Player 11 ............................................................................................. 348 Understanding the Windows Media Player 11 User Interface ....................................................... 354 Playing Music and Other Media ...................................................................................................... 363 Finding and Managing Your Music ................................................................................................. 365 Playing with Photos, Videos, and Recorded TV Shows .................................................................. 368 Ripping CDs to the PC ........................................................................................................................... 376 Ripping Music .................................................................................................................................... 378 Burning Your Own Music CDs ............................................................................................................. 380 Synchronizing with Portable Devices .................................................................................................. 383 Using Windows MediaCompatible Devices .................................................................................. 383 Sharing Your Music Library.................................................................................................................. 389 Connecting to a Shared Music Library with Windows Vista ......................................................... 391 Connecting to a Shared Music Library with Xbox 360................................................................... 393 Accessing Online Music Stores ............................................................................................................ 395 Amazon MP3...................................................................................................................................... 395 Other Windows Media Player 11Compatible Music Stores ......................................................... 398 Other Online Music Stores ............................................................................................................... 400 Windows Media Player Alternatives.................................................................................................... 400 Apple iTunes ...................................................................................................................................... 401 Apple QuickTime Player and QuickTime Pro................................................................................. 401 GOM Player ....................................................................................................................................... 401 Media Player Classic ......................................................................................................................... 401 Microsoft Zune ................................................................................................................................... 401 RealNetworks RealPlayer ................................................................................................................. 402 VLC Media Player ............................................................................................................................. 402 WinAmp ............................................................................................................................................. 402 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 40342001ftoc.indd xvii9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 19. xviiiWindows Vista SecretsChapter 12: Zune: A Digital Media Alternative.................................................................. 405 Why Zune? .............................................................................................................................................. 406 Zune 1.0.............................................................................................................................................. 407 Zune 2.0.............................................................................................................................................. 408 Media Player Alternative: A Look at the Zune PC Software ............................................................. 409 Finding and Installing Zune ............................................................................................................. 409 Conguring the Zune Software ........................................................................................................ 412 Using Zune ......................................................................................................................................... 414 Sharing Zune ..................................................................................................................................... 429 World Wide Zune: A Look at the Zune Online Services .....................................................................431 Zune Marketplace ............................................................................................................................. 431 Zune Social ........................................................................................................................................ 437 Zune to Go: Using Zune Devices .......................................................................................................... 440 Choosing a Zune................................................................................................................................ 442 Link Your Zune: Installing and Conguring the Player ................................................................. 443 To Sync or Not to Sync, That Is the Question.................................................................................. 448 Updating Zune ................................................................................................................................... 452 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 453Chapter 13: Enjoying Digital Photos .......................................................................................455 Using the Pictures Folders .................................................................................................................... 456 Where Is It Now? ............................................................................................................................... 457 Where Are the Pictures?.................................................................................................................... 458 Organizing Photos with the Windows Vista Shell .......................................................................... 460 Viewing Photos in Windows Vista ................................................................................................... 465 Customizing a Picture Folder ........................................................................................................... 466 Playing Photo Slideshows from the Shell ............................................................................................ 468 Managing Pictures with Windows Photo Gallery ...............................................................................470 Examining the Photo Gallery User Interface ................................................................................... 470 Changing How Your Digital Memories Are Displayed .................................................................. 473 Importing Pictures into Photo Gallery .............................................................................................. 481 Editing Pictures.................................................................................................................................. 486 Sharing Photos with Others .............................................................................................................. 492 Using Photo Gallery to Manage Digital Videos .................................................................................. 497 Upgrading to Windows Live Photo Gallery ..................................................................................... 499 At a Glance: Determining Which Application Youre Using.......................................................... 500 Simpler Photo Selection .................................................................................................................... 501 New View Styles ............................................................................................................................... 502 Photo Stitching ................................................................................................................................... 503 Adjust Detail/Sharpen Photo Fix ...................................................................................................... 504 QuickTime Movie Support ............................................................................................................... 504 Dramatically Improved Photo Acquisition ....................................................................................... 505 Integration with Windows Live Services and Third-Party Services .............................................. 510 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................511Chapter 14: Digital Videos and DVD Movies........................................................................ 513 Managing Digital Movies with Windows Vista ...................................................................................51442001ftoc.indd xviii9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 20. ContentsxixWatching and Managing Movies with Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Live Photo Gallery .......................................................................................................... 517 Watching and Managing Movies with Windows Media Player .................................................... 520 Watching and Managing Movies with Windows Media Center ................................................... 521 Editing Digital Video with Windows Movie Maker ........................................................................... 525 Starting Windows Movie Maker ...................................................................................................... 526 Understanding the Movie Maker User Interface ............................................................................ 528 Importing Digital Media into a Project ............................................................................................ 530 Editing a Recorded TV Show or Movie ........................................................................................... 533 Sharing Your Movies ......................................................................................................................... 546 Saving and Working with Projects ................................................................................................... 553 Creating DVD Movies with Windows DVD Maker ............................................................................ 553 Adding Photos and Videos to Your DVD Project ............................................................................ 556 Naming Your DVD Movie ................................................................................................................ 560 Understanding DVD Movie Options ................................................................................................ 561 Working with DVD Menus ............................................................................................................... 563 Changing Other DVD Options ......................................................................................................... 564 Writing the Movie to Disk ................................................................................................................. 569 The Final Frontier: Duplicating and Copying DVDs.......................................................................... 569 Duplicating DVD Movies .................................................................................................................. 571 Ripping DVDs to the PC ................................................................................................................... 573 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................578Chapter 15: Vista in the Living Room: Windows Media Center ....................................579 A Short History of Media Center .......................................................................................................... 580 Media Center in Windows Vista .......................................................................................................... 582 Conguring Media Center ................................................................................................................... 584 Running the Setup Wizard ................................................................................................................ 585 Conguring Media Center Features after Setup ............................................................................ 593 A Somewhat New User Interface.......................................................................................................... 596 Exploring the Media Center Experiences ........................................................................................... 601 TV and Movies................................................................................................................................... 601 Pictures and Videos ........................................................................................................................... 607 Music .................................................................................................................................................. 609 Accessing Windows Media Center Away from the PC .......................................................................612 Using an Xbox 360 or Media Center Extender ............................................................................... 613 Synchronizing with Portable Devices .............................................................................................. 619 Burning a DVD Movie or Music CD ................................................................................................ 622 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 626Chapter 16: Having Fun: Games and Vista ...........................................................................627 Games Included with Windows Vista .................................................................................................. 628 Chess Titans ....................................................................................................................................... 628 FreeCell .............................................................................................................................................. 629 Hearts ................................................................................................................................................. 629 Hold Em............................................................................................................................................. 629 InkBall ................................................................................................................................................ 63142001ftoc.indd xix9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 21. xxWindows Vista SecretsMahjong Titans .................................................................................................................................. 631 Minesweeper ..................................................................................................................................... 632 Purble Place ....................................................................................................................................... 633 Solitaire .............................................................................................................................................. 633 Spider Solitaire .................................................................................................................................. 633 Using the Games Folder ........................................................................................................................ 635 Game Updates and Options.............................................................................................................. 637 Rating Your Systems Performance .................................................................................................. 638 Managing Your Game Controllers and Other Game-Related Hardware ..................................... 639 Installing and Playing Third-Party Games ......................................................................................... 642 Using Legacy Games with Windows Vista ...................................................................................... 642 Downloading More Games for Windows Vista ................................................................................... 645 Games for Windows Live....................................................................................................................... 646 Xbox Live on Windows: What Needs to Happen ............................................................................ 647 The Games for Windows Live Experience ...................................................................................... 647 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 652Part V: Mobility .................................................................................................. 653 Chapter 17: Vista to Go: Windows Vista Mobility Features ............................................655 Windows Vista on the Road .................................................................................................................. 656 Working with the Vista User Interface ................................................................................................ 656 Power Management ............................................................................................................................... 660 Updated Battery Meter ..................................................................................................................... 661 Power Plans ........................................................................................................................................ 663 Power Options Control Panel ........................................................................................................... 665 Deleting a Power Plan ....................................................................................................................... 674 Windows Mobility Center ......................................................................................................................675 Presentations A-Go-Go ......................................................................................................................... 677 Presentation Settings ......................................................................................................................... 677 Using a Network Projector ................................................................................................................ 678 Other Mobile Features ...........................................................................................................................678 Ofine Files and Folders ................................................................................................................... 678 Windows Meeting Space .................................................................................................................. 680 Windows SideShow ........................................................................................................................... 683 Improved Support for Tablet PC Hardware .................................................................................... 683 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 684Chapter 18: Using Tablet PCs and Ultra-Mobile PCs ........................................................ 685 A Short History of the Tablet PC .......................................................................................................... 686 Tablet PC Capabilities in Windows Vista ............................................................................................ 690 Using a Tablet PC ................................................................................................................................... 690 Conguring Tablet PC Features ...................................................................................................... 691 Tablet PC Input Panel ....................................................................................................................... 697 Flicks and Gestures ........................................................................................................................... 702 Password Hiding on Logon with Pen ............................................................................................... 70742001ftoc.indd xx9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 22. ContentsxxiShell Changes for Tablet PC Users .................................................................................................. 708 Revisiting Some Old Friends ............................................................................................................ 710 Working with Ultra-Mobile PCs ............................................................................................................714 Origami 1.0 ........................................................................................................................................ 714 A Vista Origami ................................................................................................................................. 715 A Tour of the UMPC Software.......................................................................................................... 716 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 724Part VI: Internet and Networking ................................................................ 725 Chapter 19: Browsing the Web .................................................................................................727 What Happened ..................................................................................................................................... 728 Basic Internet Explorer Usage .............................................................................................................. 729 Starting Internet Explorer ................................................................................................................. 729 New Link, New Windowor New Tab ........................................................................................... 730 Managing Downloads from the Internet ......................................................................................... 730 Edit on the Internet Explorer Toolbar .............................................................................................. 731 The Complete AutoComplete ........................................................................................................... 731 Finding Web Sites ............................................................................................................................. 732 Autosearch for a Web Address ......................................................................................................... 733 Copy and Paste Links ........................................................................................................................ 733 Toggling Internet Explorer between Full-Screen Mode and Restore ........................................... 733 Favorites and Ofine Web Pages ..................................................................................................... 734 URL Shortcuts .................................................................................................................................... 735 Saving Graphics from the Web to Your PC ..................................................................................... 736 Saving Complete Web Pages ........................................................................................................... 736 Turning Your Favorites into a Web Page ........................................................................................ 737 Internet Explorer 7 Is Not Your Fathers Web Browser....................................................................... 738 The Command Bar ............................................................................................................................ 739 Where Is It Now? ............................................................................................................................... 741 New Internet Explorer 7 Features and Functionality..........................................................................742 Managing Your Favorite Web Sites with Favorites Center ........................................................... 742 Navigating the Web with Tabbed Browsing ................................................................................... 745 Integrated Web Search ..................................................................................................................... 749 Working with the Internet Explorer 7 Display ................................................................................ 752 Printing ............................................................................................................................................... 755 Covering Your Tracks ....................................................................................................................... 759 Understanding and Using RSS ............................................................................................................. 760 Viewing an RSS Feed ........................................................................................................................ 761 Subscribing to an RSS Feed .............................................................................................................. 763 Managing RSS Feeds ........................................................................................................................ 763 RSS Is a Platform................................................................................................................................ 765 Internet Explorer 7 Keyboard Shortcuts .............................................................................................. 766 To the Future with Internet Explorer 8 ................................................................................................ 768 Activities............................................................................................................................................. 768 WebSlices ........................................................................................................................................... 77042001ftoc.indd xxi9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 23. xxiiWindows Vista SecretsOther New Features in Internet Explorer 8 ..................................................................................... 772 Developer-Oriented Changes .......................................................................................................... 773 Web Browser Alternatives: Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari............................................................774 Mozilla Firefox ................................................................................................................................... 774 Apple Safari ....................................................................................................................................... 777 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 780Chapter 20: Managing E-mail and Contacts .........................................................................781 Windows Mail Basics ..............................................................................................................................782 Conguring Windows Mail: A Few Quick Tips for Getting Started ............................................. 783 Changing Windows Mail Options Right Away ............................................................................... 784 More Windows Mail Features .......................................................................................................... 785 Working Online or Ofine ................................................................................................................ 787 Using a Nondefault Mail or News Account ..................................................................................... 787 Using Windows Mail with E-mail ........................................................................................................ 788 Handling Multiple E-mail Accounts ................................................................................................ 788 Choosing Which Account to Send Your Messages Through ......................................................... 788 New Mail Notications ..................................................................................................................... 789 Leaving Mail on the Server .............................................................................................................. 789 Converting Mail................................................................................................................................. 789 Reading and Managing Messages ....................................................................................................... 789 Did You Receive the Message? ........................................................................................................ 790 Choosing Your Columns ................................................................................................................... 790 Composing and Sending Messages ..................................................................................................... 790 Using the Drafts Folder ..................................................................................................................... 791 Quoting in Replies and Forwards ..................................................................................................... 791 Messages Formatted in HTML ............................................................................................................. 792 Attachments............................................................................................................................................ 792 New Features in Windows Mail ........................................................................................................... 793 Slightly Updated User Interface ....................................................................................................... 793 No More Support for Web Mail ........................................................................................................ 793 Web Instant Search ........................................................................................................................... 795 Contacts Integration .......................................................................................................................... 796 Automatic Spell Checking ................................................................................................................ 796 No More Identities ............................................................................................................................. 798 New Mail Storage .............................................................................................................................. 799 Security Features ............................................................................................................................... 800 Windows Live Mail: The Next Generation.......................................................................................... 801 Installing Windows Live Mail ........................................................................................................... 803 Understanding the Windows Live User Interface ........................................................................... 805 Accessing RSS Feeds......................................................................................................................... 810 Using Photo Mail ............................................................................................................................... 813 Managing Contacts ................................................................................................................................819 Contacts in Windows Vista ............................................................................................................... 820 Windows Live Contacts: Your Contacts in the Clouds ................................................................... 825 Importing and Exporting: Moving Contacts between Windows Live and Windows Contacts ... 828 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 82942001ftoc.indd xxii9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 24. ContentsxxiiiChapter 21: Turning It Up a Notch with Microsofts Live Services ................................831 Windows Live and Windows Vista ....................................................................................................... 833 Going Online and Learning about Windows Live.............................................................................. 836 Windows Live Services That Make Windows Vista Better ............................................................... 836 Tying It All Together: Windows Live ID .......................................................................................... 836 Windows Live Hotmail (Hotmail) and Windows Live Contacts ..................................................... 837 Windows Live Spaces ........................................................................................................................ 843 Windows Live Events ........................................................................................................................ 844 Windows Live SkyDrive .................................................................................................................... 845 Windows Live Suite ........................................................................................................................... 846 Windows Live OneCare .................................................................................................................... 851 A Few Other Windows Live Services................................................................................................... 853 Live.com ............................................................................................................................................. 853 Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner and Windows Live OneCare Family Safety ................. 855 Beyond Windows Live ........................................................................................................................... 856 Live Mesh ........................................................................................................................................... 856 MSN.................................................................................................................................................... 861 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 862Part VII: Home Ofce/Power User .............................................................. 863 Chapter 22: Managing Your Schedule with Windows Calendar .................................... 865 Understanding PC Calendaring ........................................................................................................... 866 Exploring Windows Calendar............................................................................................................... 868 Understanding the Windows Calendar Interface ........................................................................... 869 Understanding Windows Calendar Lingo ....................................................................................... 870 Working with Calendars and Groups .............................................................................................. 870 Understanding Calendar Views and Navigation ............................................................................ 872 Hiding and Viewing Calendars ........................................................................................................ 875 Conguring Windows Calendar....................................................................................................... 875 Working with Appointments................................................................................................................. 876 Examining Appointment Details ...................................................................................................... 877 Conguring Appointments ............................................................................................................... 880 Taking Calendar to Taskwith Tasks ................................................................................................. 880 Creating Tasks ................................................................................................................................... 880 Conguring Tasks ............................................................................................................................. 882 Sharing Calendars ................................................................................................................................. 882 Importing and Exporting Calendars ................................................................................................ 883 Publishing and Subscribing to Calendars ....................................................................................... 883 Searching Calendars ............................................................................................................................. 887 Printing Calendars................................................................................................................................. 888 Integrating with Other Windows Vista Applications ......................................................................... 889 A Quick Look at Windows Live Calendar ........................................................................................... 890 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 89142001ftoc.indd xxiii9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 25. xxivWindows Vista SecretsChapter 23: Keeping Your Data Safe ......................................................................................893 Different Backups, Different Goals ...................................................................................................... 894 Data Backup....................................................................................................................................... 894 Complete PC Backup ........................................................................................................................ 895 File Recovery ..................................................................................................................................... 895 Available Tools in Various Vista Versions ........................................................................................... 895 One Tool to Rule Them All: Using the Backup and Restore Center ................................................. 896 Backing Up Documents, Pictures, and Other Data ......................................................................... 897 Managing Backups............................................................................................................................ 904 Restoring Files ................................................................................................................................... 905 Backing Up the Entire PC ................................................................................................................. 908 Restoring the Entire PC ..................................................................................................................... 911 Recovering Old Versions of Data Files..................................................................................................912 Using System Restore to Repair Windows ............................................................................................914 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................916Chapter 24: Automating Windows Vista with Windows PowerShell ........................... 917 Getting PowerShell .................................................................................................................................918 Understanding PowerShell ....................................................................................................................919 Constructing a PowerShell Command ............................................................................................. 921 Seeing All the Commands ................................................................................................................ 923 Getting Help with Commands.......................................................................................................... 924 Why a New Language? ..................................................................................................................... 924 Windows PowerShell Quick Reference ............................................................................................... 926 Add ..................................................................................................................................................... 926 Clear ................................................................................................................................................... 926 Compare ............................................................................................................................................. 927 Convert ............................................................................................................................................... 927 Copy ................................................................................................................................................... 927 Export ................................................................................................................................................. 928 ForEach .............................................................................................................................................. 928 Format ................................................................................................................................................ 928 Get ...................................................................................................................................................... 929 Import ................................................................................................................................................. 930 Invoke ................................................................................................................................................. 931 Join ..................................................................................................................................................... 931 Measure.............................................................................................................................................. 931 Move ................................................................................................................................................... 931 New .................................................................................................................................................... 932 Out ...................................................................................................................................................... 932 Pop ...................................................................................................................................................... 933 Push .................................................................................................................................................... 933 Read .................................................................................................................................................... 933 Remove ............................................................................................................................................... 934 Rename............................................................................................................................................... 934 Resolve ............................................................................................................................................... 934 Restart................................................................................................................................................. 93542001ftoc.indd xxiv9/2/08 1:02:26 PM 26. ContentsxxvResume ............................................................................................................................................... 935 Select .................................................................................................................................................. 935 Set ....................................................................................................................................................... 935 Sort...................................................................................................................................................... 936 Split ..................................................................................................................................................... 936 Start .................................................................................................................................................... 937 Stop ..................................................................................................................................................... 937 Suspend .............................................................................................................................................. 937 Tee ...................................................................................................................................................... 937 Test ..................................................................................................................................................... 938 Trace ................................................................................................................................................... 938 Update ................................................................................................................................................ 938 Where ................................................................................................................................................. 938 Write ................................................................................................................................................... 939 Taking It to the Next Level ................................................................................................................... 939 Useful Windows PowerShell Web Sites ........................................................................................... 939 Recommended Windows PowerShell Books ................................................................................... 940 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 940Chapter 25: Beyond Vista: Managing Multiple PCs ...........................................................941 Windows Live OneCare ........................................................................................................................ 942 Windows Live OneCare Management Concepts ............................................................................ 943 Installing and Conguring Windows Live OneCare ...................................................................... 945 Windows Live OneCare Features .................................................................................................... 947 Windows Home Server .......................................................................................................................... 954 Windows Home Server Installation and Conguration .................................................................. 955 Admin Console Drive-By .................................................................................................................. 958 Deep Dive: Windows Home Server Features .................................................................................. 965 Windows Live OneCare/Windows Home Server Integration ............................................................971 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................971 Index .........................................................................................................................................................97342001ftoc.indd xxv9/2/08 1:02:27 PM 27. 42001fpref.indd xxvi9/2/08 1:02:51 PM 28. Preface Welcome to the SP1 edition of Windows Vista Secrets, which I hope youll agree is a vastly expanded and improved version of the original. I also hope you enjoy combing through this book as much as I enjoyed digging deep into Windows Vista to find the most valuable information for you. Paul Thurrott thurrott@windowsitpro.comJuly 2008Web Site Supporting the Book For updates, errata, new information, and an ongoing blog with interactive discussions, please visit www.winsupersite.com. This book is only the beginning: More secrets can be found online.Icons Used in This Book The following icons are used in this book to help draw your attention to some of the most important or most useful information in the book.The Secret icon marks little-known facts that are not obvious to most Windows users. This information is rarely documented by Microsoft, and when it is, its done so in a way thats not easy for users to nd.The Tip icon indicates a helpful trick.The Note icon points out items of importance.The Cross-Reference icon points to chapters where additional information can be found.The Caution icon warns you about possible negative side-effects or precautions you should take before making a change.42001fpref.