Rating: 

Buying a new computer with Windows Vista seemed like a huge challenge for a person with limited computer skills. I was very happy to win “O’Reilly’s “Windows Vista For Starters” at the monthly NNCUG meeting. Thank you so much for all your donations.

Windows Vista has come to us whether it or we are ready. The new look, drivers for 12,000 components, better security, managing your pictures and music all seem overwhelming at first glance but following the manual with the step by step instructions and illustrations will certainly help.

This publication illustrates some good points for the new Vista : the “sleep mode”, a sensible solution to turning the computer off during the day or night when you’re not using it continuously; the “search” from the start menu ; burning CDs and DVDs “live file system”, a new format letting you use cheap CD-R as many times as you like.( This works only in Windows XP or Vista leaving out Mac and older Windows programs. However, the old “mastered” format is still available). The book points out an excellent feature which lets programs crashing end without shutting down the computer and losing all unsaved data. It explains how parental controls can be made easier.

“The Missing Manual” books are the best on the market for beginners as well as others who purchase a new program. They are easy to read and the illustrations make the challenge almost fun.

Carol H.