GO! with Vista, Comprehensive

Shelley Gaskin, Series Editor for the GO! Series, is a professor of business and computer technology at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California. She holds a master's degree in business education from Northern Illinois   University and a doctorate in adult and community education from Ball State University. Dr. Gaskin has 15 years of experience in the computer industry with several Fortune 500 companies and has developed and written training materials for custom systems applications in both the public and private sector. She is also the author of books on Microsoft Outlook and word processing.   Kris Townsend is an Information Systems instructor at Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, Washington, where he teaches computer applications, Internet programming, and digital forensics.  Kris received his BA in Education and his BA in Business from Eastern Washington University with majors in Mathematics and Management Information Systems, respectively.  He received his MA in Education from City University with an emphasis in Educational Technology.  Kris has also worked as a public school teacher and as a systems analyst for a public school assessment department.  In addition to teaching and authoring, Kris enjoys working with wood, snowboarding, and camping.  He commutes to work by bike and enjoys long road races in the Palouse country south of Spokane.   Robert L. Ferret recently retired as the director of the Center for Instructional Computing at Eastern Michigan University, where he provided computer training and support to faculty.  He has authored or co-authored more than 70 books on Access, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, WordPerfect, and Word.  Before writing the GO! Series, Bob was a series editor and author for the Learn Series.  He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in geography, and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary technology from Eastern Michigan University.  Bob’s doctoral studies were in instructional technology at Wayne State University.  For fun, Bob teaches a four-week computers and genealogy class and has written genealogy and local history books.

&g>GO! with Windows Vista Comprehensive

 

Chapter 1 Getting Started with Windows Vista

 


Project 1A

Outcomes: Summarize the purpose and functions of an operating system

 

Objective 1: Manage User Accounts

(Hands-on Activities)

1.1     Logging Onto Your Computer

1.2     Working with User Accounts

Objective 2: Identify Operating System Functions

(Reading Activities followed by interactive quiz)

1.3     Examining the Purpose of an Operating System

1.4     Examining Graphical User Interfaces

1.5     Using an Operating System to Manage Hardware

1.6     Using an Operating System to Manage Software

1.7     Using an Operating System to Manage Data

1.8     Checking Your Understanding of Operating System Functions

Objective 3: Explore the Windows Vista Desktop

(Hands-on Activities)

1.9     Exploring the Desktop

Objective 4: Explore Files and Folders

(Reading Activities followed by interactive quiz)

1.10   Using File Systems

1.11   Using File and Folders

1.12   Checking Your Understanding of Files and Folders

Objective 5: View Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

1.13   Viewing the Hierarchical Structure

1.14   Changing and Organizing Views

Objective 6: Log off/Turn off the Computer

(Hands-on Activities)

1.15   Logging Off and Shutting Down

 

Project 1B

Outcomes: Locate files and folders in Windows Vista

 

Objective 7: Search for Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

1.16   Starting Searches and Sizing, Moving and Manipulating Windows

1.17   Opening Files

1.18   Installing a Printer and Printing a File

Objective 8: Improve a Search for Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

 

1.19   Saving Searches

 

1.20   Using Indexes and Wildcards to Improve a Search

 

There’s More You Can Do!

 

TryIt1: Using E-mail

 

 


 

Chapter 2 Managing Programs and Data

 


Project 2A

Outcomes: Organize files and folders in Windows Vista

 

Objective 1: Use the Taskbar, Toolbars, and Windows Explorer

(Hands-on Activities)

2.1      Launching a Program

2.2      Using the Taskbar

2.3      Using Toolbars

2.4      Using Computer and Windows Explorer

Objective 2: Copy Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

2.5      Copying Files and Folders

Objective 3: Move, Rename, and Delete Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

2.6      Moving Files and Folders

2.7      Renaming Files and Folders

2.8      Deleting Files and Folders

Objective 4: Change File and Folder Properties and Use Permissions

(Hands-on Activities)

2.9      Adding and Removing Properties and Meta Data

2.10    Using Permissions and Rights for Files and Folders

 

Project 2B

Outcomes: Create files and folders in Windows Vista

 

Objective 5: Create Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

2.11    Creating a Folder

2.12    Creating Files

Objective 6: Examine the Registry

(Reading Activities followed by interactive quiz)

2.13    Locating Registration File Types in the Registry

Objective 7: Identify File Types and File Extensions

(Hands on Activities)

2.14    Identifying File Types in the Registry

2.15    Printing Files

 


 

Chapter 3 Customize and Maintain Your Computer

 


Project 3A

Outcomes: Personalize your computer for ease of use

 

Objective 1: Open Control Panel and Personalize the Desktop

(Hands-on Activities)

3.1      Changing the Appearance and Personalization of the Desktop

3.2      Personalizing the Desktop from Control Panel

3.3      Personalizing the Desktop from the Shortcut Menu

Objective 2: Customize the Taskbar and Start Menu

(Hands-on Activities)

3.4      Customizing the Start Menu

3.5      Customizing Icons on the Taskbar

3.6      Changing the Pictures on the Start Menu

Objective 3: Adjust the Screen View and Keyboard Settings

(Hands-on Activities)

3.7     Making Screen Viewing Adjustments

3.8     Using the Screen Reader

3.9     Making Keyboard Adjustments

Objective 4: Add and Delete Fonts

(Hands-on Activities)

3.10   Adding and Deleting Fonts

Objective 5: Use the Sidebar and Gadgets

(Hands-on Activities)

3.11   Using the Sidebar

3.12   Adding Gadgets to the Sidebar

3.13   Maintaining Gadgets

 

Project 3B

Outcomes: Maintain and protect your computer

 

Objective 6: Backup Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

3.14    Creating Backups of Your Files and Folders

Objective 7: Restore Files and Folders on Your Computer

(Hands-on Activities)

3.15    Restoring Files and Folders to Your Computer

Objective 8: Backup and Restore Your Entire Computer

(Reading Activities followed by interactive quiz)

3.16    Selecting the Correct Backup for Your Computer

3.17    Selecting the Correct Restore for Your Computer

3.18    Using System Restore

 

There’s More You Can Do!

Security Center

TryIt 1:    Using the Security Center

TryIt 2:    Using the Windows Firewall

TryIt 3:    Using Windows Defender

TryIt 4:    Using Windows Internet Security

 


 

Chapter 4 Managing Storage Devices and Advanced Search Techniques

 


Project 4A

Outcomes: Organize a computer’s storage devices

 

Objective 1: Organize Storage Devices

(Hands-on Activities)

4.1      Reorganizing an Existing Disk

Objective 2: Use Tools to Manage Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

4.2      Using Taskbar and Start Menu Options to Access Files

4.3      Altering Start Menu Options

4.4      Customizing the Start Menu

4.5      Using Tags to Locate Files and Folders

 

Project 4B

Outcomes: Use advanced techniques to find files and search the Internet

 

Objective 3: Use Advanced Techniques to Search for Files and Folders

(Hands-on Activities)

4.6      Searching Your Computer for Files and Folders

4.7      Setting Search Criteria for Files and Folders

4.8      Using Indexes

Objective 4: Search for Files and Folders on a Network

(Hands-on Activities)

4.9      Searching a Network

Objective 5: Search the Internet

(Hands-on Activities)

4.10    Searching the Internet

 


 

Chapter 5 Exploring the World Wide Web with Internet Explorer 7+

 


Project 5A

Outcomes: Browse the Web by using Internet Explorer 7+

 

Objective 1: Explore the Internet

(Reading Activities followed by interactive quiz)

5.1      Identifying TCP/IP and Web Addresses

Objective 2: Display Web Sites in Internet Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

5.2      Displaying Web Sites in Internet Explorer 7+

5.3      Locating Web Sites by Using History

Objective 3: Use Tabbed Browsing in Internet Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

5.4      Using Tabbed Browsing and Quick Tabs

Objective 4: Use Favorites With Internet Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

5.5      Locating Frequently-Used Web Sites by Using Favorites

5.6      Creating Tabbed Lists in Favorites

Objective 5: Use RSS Feeds with Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

5.7      Identifying RSS Feeds

5.8      Subscribing to and Reading an RSS Feed

 

Project 5B

Outcomes: Customize Internet Explorer 7+

 

Objective 6: Change the Home Page in Internet Explorer

(Hands-on Activities)

5.9      Creating Home Pages in Internet Explorer

Objective 7: Change the Appearance of Web Content in Internet Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

5.10    Changing the Appearance of Web Content in Internet Explorer by Using the Page Menu

5.11    Changing the Appearance of Web Content in Internet Explorer on the Menu Bar by using Tools and Internet Options

Objective 8: Manage Web Site Content with Internet Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

5.12    Managing Web Site Content With Internet Explorer

5.13    Restricting Objectionable Content  in Internet Explorer


 

Chapter 6 Maintaining and Optimizing Your Computer

 


Project 6A

Outcomes: Optimize your computer’s performance

 

Objective 1: Locate System Information

(Hands-on Activities)

6.1      Discovering Information About Your Computer

Objective 2: Locate Disk Information

(Hands-on Activities)

6.2      Discovering Disk Information

6.3      Detecting and Repairing Errors on a Hard Disk

Objective 3: Optimize System Performance

(Hands-on Activities)

6.4      Using Disk Cleanup

6.5      Removing Unused Programs

6.6      Contiguous and Non-contiguous Files

6.7      Using Disk Defragmenter

 

Project 6B

Outcomes: Maintain a computer

 

Objective 4: Maintain Your Computer Automatically

(Hands-on Activities)

6.8      Using Task Scheduler

6.9      Automatically Running Disk Cleanup

6.10    Automatically Running Backup

Objective 5: Check for Updates and Security Patches Automatically

(Hands-on Activities)

6.11    Automatically Check for Windows Updates and Security Patches

Objective 6: View the Windows Registry

(Hands-on Activities)

6.12    Viewing the Windows Registry

 


 

Chapter 7 Monitoring and Tracking System Performance

 


Project 7A

Outcomes: Monitor a computer’s system performance

 

Objective 1: Use Task Manager

(Hands-on Activities)

7.1      Using Task Manager to View Values

7.2      Using Task Manager to View Computer Performance When Using Programs

7.3      Using Task Manger To View Processes and Services

7.4      Using Task Manager to View Users and Networking Use

Objective 2: Use Performance Information and Tools

(Hands-on Activities)

7.5      Using the Performance Information and Information Tools

7.6      Using Advanced Tools in Performance Information and Tools

Objective 3: Use Administrative Tools

Hands-on Activities)

7.7      Using Administrative Tools — Computer Management

7.8      Using Administrative Tools — Reliability and Performance Monitor

 

Project 7B

Outcomes: Track system performance

 

Objective 4: Add and Remove a Performance Counter

(Hands-on Activities)

7.9      Adding and Removing a Performance Counter

Objective 5: Use Event Viewer to View Alerts

(Hands-on Activities)

7.10    Using Event Viewer to View Alerts

Objective 6: Use Administrative Tools to View Services

(Hands-on Activities)

7.11    Using Administrative Tools to View Services

 

 


 

Chapter 8 Computer and Internet Security

 


Project 8A

Outcomes: Set computer security

 

Objective 1: Use the Security Center

(Hands-on Activities)

8.1      Using Security Center to Check Your Computer’s Security

8.2      Using Security Center to Require a Password

8.3      Using Security Center to Alter the User Account Control

Objective 2: Use Windows Firewall

(Hands-on Activities)

8.4      Using Windows Firewall to Protect Your Computer

Objective 3: Use Malware Protection

(Reading Activities followed by interactive quiz)

8.5      Protecting Your Computer from Malware

Objective 4: Use Windows Defender for Spyware Protection

(Hands-on Activities)

8.6      Using Windows Defender — Spyware Program Protection

8.7      Using Windows Defender Tools

 

Project 8B

Outcomes: Apply Internet security and parental controls to your computer

 

Objective 5: Manage Website Content with Internet Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

8.8      Managing Web Site Content With Internet Explorer

Objective 6: Use Parental Controls and Restrict Objectionable Content with Internet Explorer 7+

(Hands-on Activities)

8.9      Using Parental Controls and Restricting Objectionable Content  in Internet Explorer

Objective 7: Use Pop-up Blockers and Phishing Filters to Protect Your System

(Hands-on Activities)

8.10    Using Pop-up Blockers and Phishing Filters to Protect Your System

 


 

Chapter 9 Setting Up a Network and Sharing Information on a Network

 


Project 9A

Outcomes: Set up a network

 

Objective 1: Identify Network Types

(Reading Activities followed by an interactive quiz)

9.1      Identifying Types of Networks

Objective 2: Create a Small Business or Home Network

(Reading Activities followed by an interactive quiz)

9.2      Creating a Small Business or Home Network

9.3      Identifying Hardware Needs

Objective 3: Install a Small Business or Home Network by Using Linksys

(Hands-on Activities)

9.4      Installing a Small Business or Home Network Using LinkSys

9.5      Identifying Firewall and Virus Protection Considerations

 

Project 9B

Outcomes: Share information on a network

 

Objective 4: View Shared Resources, Network Connections, Computers and Devices on a Network

(Hands-on Activities)

9.6      Viewing Shared Resources, Network Connections, Computers and Devices on the Network

Objective 5: Share Resources on the Network

(Hands-on Activities)

9.7      Sharing Devices on a Network

9.8      Sharing Files and Folders on a Network

9.9      Viewing Shared Files and Folders on a Network

9.10    Manipulating Files and Folders on  a Network

9.11    Managing Printers on a Network

Objective 6: Map Drives on the Network

(Hands-on Activities)

9.12    Mapping Drives on a Network

Objective 7: Use Wi-Fi Hot Spots

(Hands-on Activities)

9.13    Using Wi-Fi in Hot Sports

 


 

Chapter 10 Using Audio and Video with Windows Media Player 11 and Windows Media Center

 


Project 10A

Outcomes: Use Windows Media Player

 

Objective 1: Explore Windows Media Player

(Hands-on Activities)

10.1    Installing Windows Media Player and Configuring Settings

Objective 2: Play Music on Media Player

(Hands-on Activities)

10.2    Playing Music

10.3    Altering the Media Center View

Objective 3: Create and Use a Media Library and Create Playlists

(Hands-on Activities)

10.4    Creating and Adding files to the Media Library

10.5    Creating a Playlist and Copying Tracks in the Playlist

Objective 4: Rip a CD

(Hands-on Activities)

10.6    Understanding Windows Media Audio Formats

10.7    Understanding Digital Rights

10.8    Ripping and Encoding a CD

10.9    Burning Discs From Windows Media Player

10.10  Copying Music to a Portable Player

10.11  Synchronizing with Portable Devices

Objective 5: Share Your Music Library

(Hands-on Activities)

10.12  Configuring Your Computer for Sharing Music

10.13  Connecting to a Shared Music Library

10.14  Accessing Online Music Stores

 

Project 10B

Outcomes: Use Windows Media Center

 

Objective 6: Use the Windows Media Center

(Hands-on Activities)

10.15  Setting Up and Configuring the Media Center

10.16  Navigating the Windows Media Center Menus

Objective 7: Use Windows Media Center to Play DVDs

(Hands-on Activities)

10.17  Playing a DVD with Media Center

10.18  Burning a DVD with Media Center

Objective 8: Use Windows Media Center to View Online Content

(Hands-on Activities)

10.19  Looking at Movie Trailers with Media Center

10.20  Looking at Games with Media Center

10.21  Looking at News and Sports with Media Center

 


 

Chapter 11 Using Pictures and Videos

 


Project 11A

Outcomes: Create and save pictures

 

Objective 1: Locate Digital Photos on Your Computer

(Hands-on Activities)

11.1    Locating Digital Photos on Your Computer

Objective 2: Acquire Photos and Use Photo Gallery

(Hands-on Activities)

11.2    Acquiring Photos

11.3    Using Photo Gallery to View Photos

11.4    Organizing Photos with Photo Gallery

Objective 3: Use Tags and Ratings in Photo Gallery

(Hands-on Activities)

11.5    Using Tags in Photo Gallery

11.6    Using Ratings in Photo Gallery

Objective 4: Edit Photos in Photo Gallery

(Hands-on Activities)

11.7    Basic Editing of Photos in Photo Gallery

11.8    Advanced Editing of Photos in Photo Gallery Altering Exposure and Color Adjustments

11.9    Making or Ordering Prints

11.10  Making and Sharing Slideshows

11.11  Emailing Photos

11.12  Burning Photos to a CD

11.13  Building a Photo Screen Saver

11.14   Using Commercial Sites to Share Photos

 

Project 11B

Outcomes: View movies, use Movie Maker and DVD Maker

 

Objective 56: View Movies

(Hands-on Activities)

11.15  Viewing Movies with Photo Gallery, Windows Media Player and Media Center

Objective 6: Import and Edit Videos Using Movie Maker

(Hands-on Activities)

11.16  Importing Videos

11.17  Editing Videos

11.18  Sharing Videos

Objective 7: Use Windows DVD Maker

(Hands-on Activities)

11.19  Launching DVD Maker

11.20  Creating the DVD

 


 

Chapter 12 Trouble Shooting Your Computer and Using Windows Live

 


Project 12A

Outcomes: Troubleshoot problems with your computer

 

Objective 1: Troubleshoot Problems

(Hands-on Activities)

12.1    Analyzing Problems

12.2    Using Windows Built-in Troubleshooters

12.3    Using Windows Remote Assistance

Objective 2: Install and Configure Printers

(Hands-on Activities)

12.4 Installing and Configuring Printers

12.5    Creating Ports

12.6    Advanced Printer Options

12.7    Troubleshooting Printing

Objective 3: Work With Fonts

(Hands-on Activities)

12.8    Working with Fonts

12.9    Using Character Map and Calculator with Fonts

Objective 4: Manage Hardware and Devices

(Hands-on Activities)

12.10  Installing Hot-Plug Devices

12.11  Using Ratings in Photo Gallery

Objective 5: Use Device Manager to Add and Manage Devices

(Hands-on Activities)

12.12  Identifying Problems with Device Manager

12.13  Adding a removable Drive

12.14  Adding a Monitor and Setting Up and Using Multiple Monitors

Objective 6: Recover From System Problems

(Hands-on Activities)

12.15  Running Memory Diagnostics

12.16  Using the System Configuration Tool

12.17  Using Safe Mode and the Startup Menu

12.18  Startup Repair

 


Project 12B

Outcomes: Use Windows Live

 

Objective 7: Use Windows Live Services

(Hands-on Activities)

12.19  Learning about Windows Live Services

Objective 8: Install, Configure and Use Windows Messenger

(Hands-on Activities)

12.20  Installing and Configuring Windows Messenger

12.21  Chatting with Windows Messenger

12.22  Transferring Files with Windows Messenger

12.23  Using Free PC to PC Telephone Calling with Windows Messenger

12.24 Using Video with free PC to PC calling with Windows Messenger

Objective 9: Install, Configure and Use Windows Live Spaces

(Hands-on Activities)

12.25  Installing and Configuring Windows Live Spaces

12.26  Creating Your Space on Windows Live Spaces

12.27  Creating a Blog on Windows Live Spaces