by Nancy Muir
Windows Vista
™
Just the Steps
™
FOR
DUMmIES
‰
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by Nancy Muir
Windows Vista
™
Just the Steps
™
FOR
DUMmIES
‰
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Windows Vista™ Just the Steps™ For Dummies®
Published by
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published simultaneously in Canada
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

Manufactured in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
1B/QX/RS/QW/IN
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About the Author
Nancy Muir has written over 50 books on topics rang-
ing from desktop applications to online safety and
distance learning. She has also contributed articles to
several national magazines on topics such as distance
learning and home design. Prior to her freelance career,
Nancy worked in the software and book publishing
industries and has taught technical writing at the
university level. She holds a certificate in distance
learning design.
Dedication
To my wonderful husband, Earl, for his neverending
support and love. And to his folks, Nettie and Dick,
for putting up with my hectic schedule during their
summer visit with grace and humor.
Author’s Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank the folks at Wiley for
their continued faith in her work, and specifically
Kyle Looper and Blair Pottenger, the acquisitions
and project editors on this book, respectively.
Their support and encouragement made working on
a tight schedule with a very new version of Windows
bearable!
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Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development
Project Editor: Blair J. Pottenger

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher
Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director
Composition Services
Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services
Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services
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Introduction............................................1
Part I: Working in Windows Vista ............3
Chapter 1: Exploring the Windows Vista Desktop........................5
Chapter 2: Controlling Applications with Windows Vista.........15
Chapter 3: Working with Files and Folders.................................23
Chapter 4: Using Built-In Windows Applications.......................35
Chapter 5: Using the Windows Sidebar and Gadgets.................43
Part II: Getting on the Internet ..............55
Chapter 6: Accessing the Internet.................................................57
Chapter 7: Browsing the Web with Internet Explorer.................67
Chapter 8: Exchanging E-Mail with Windows Mail....................83
Chapter 9: Working Remotely ......................................................99
Part III: Setting Up Hardware
and Networks .....................................107
Chapter 10: Setting Up New Hardware......................................109
Chapter 11: Setting Up a Network..............................................119
Part IV: Customizing the
Windows Desktop................................127
Chapter 12: Setting Up Your Display ........................................129
Chapter 13: Customizing Windows Ease of Access..................137
Part V: Using Security and
Maintenance Features .........................147
Chapter 14: Setting Passwords and File Access.........................149
Chapter 15: Protecting Windows ...............................................157

book is all about getting productive right away.
Why You Need This Book
You can’t wait weeks to master Windows Vista. It’s where all your software
lives as well as how you get to your e-mail and documents. You have to fig-
ure out Windows Vista quickly. You might need to poke around Windows
Vista and do work while learning. When you hit a bump in the road, you
need a quick answer to get you moving again. This book is full of quick,
clear steps that keep your learning in high gear.
Conventions used
in this book
➟
When you have to type something in a text
box, I put it in bold type.
➟
For menu commands, I use the ➪ symbol to
separate menu items. For example, choose
Tools➪Internet Options. The ➪ symbol is just
my way of saying “Choose Internet Options
from the Tools menu.”
➟
Points of interest in some figures are circled.
The text tells you what to look for, and the cir-
cle makes it easy to find.
This icon points out insights or
helpful suggestions related to
tasks in the step list.
➟
Introduction
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How This Book Is Organized

part, I explain how to deal with hardware and software
problems as well as how to get help when you need it.
Part VII: Fun and Games
Finally, you’ve earned some fun. Go to these chapters to dis-
cover a world of games, music, and photos just waiting for
you in Windows Vista.
Get Ready To . . .
Whether you need to open a piece of software and get work-
ing, check your e-mail, or get online, just browse this book,
pick a task, and jump in. Windows Vista can be your best
friend if you know how to use it, and the tasks covered in
this book will make you a Windows Vista master in no time.
➟
2
Windows Vista Just the Steps For Dummies
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Part I
Working in Windows
Vista
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