How To Cheat At Microsoft Vista Administration

Windows Vista, the new version from Microsoft, is an ambitious overhaul and this guide shows administrators the major differences between the versions, covers the most important new features, and offers instructions for easy migration.

The Perfect Reference for the Multitasked SysAdmin
The Microsoft Windows Vista operating system offers several changes and improvements over its predecessors. It not only brings a new and redesigned interface, but also improves on many administrative utilities and management consoles. It also enhances the system's reliability, performance, and problem-solving tools. As administrators, Vista will sometimes look like its predecessor, Windows XP, and at other times, look like an all-new operating system. How to Cheat will help you get Vista up and running as quickly and safely as possible and provide you with a solid idea of all the important changes and improvements the new Microsoft Vista OS has to offer.
In the book you will:
* Automate Windows Vista Installation
See how Windows installations can be automated for large-scale deployments using the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK).
* Install and Maintain Devices
Windows Vista contains device drivers for hundreds of PnP devices, and the Device Manager snap-in is the main utility on a local computer for managing them.
* Customize Appearances, Taskbars, and Toolbars
See how to use a personalization page, use the taskbar, and customize desktop themes.
* Manage File System Formats, Partitions, and Volumes
Learn how Windows Vista supports basic and dynamic volumes and two partition styles: MBR and GPT.
* Increase File System Performance
Learn how using tools such as disk defragging, cluster size adjustment, removing short filename support, and compression can help with performance.
* Administer via Remote
Remote Desktop and Windows Firewall can help administrators perform administrative taskson remote computers.
* Managing Services
The Services utility allows you to view the status of services, as well as to disable nonessential services.
* Configure TCP/IP in Vista
See how to configure TCP/IP (both IPv4 and IPv6) via the user interface or via the netsh command.
* See What's New with Wireless in Vista
Understand wireless security and learn how to install a wireless network.
* Optimize Windows Startup, the Hard Disk, and More
Optimize memory, applications, and the network connection, and see how to monitor performance.
Contents Include
Introducing and Installing Microsoft Vista
Installing and Maintaining Hardware Devices and Drivers
Customizing Desktop Properties
Managing File Systems and Disks
General Administration Tasks
Managing Local Networking Essentials
Managing the Wireless World and Its Security
Managing Security Essentials
Securing User Access
Tuning for Better Performance
Troubleshooting
*Provides the multi-tasked SysAdmin with the essential information needed to perform the daily tasks
*Covers the major new release of Windows, which will create significant challenges for IT managers
*Emphasizes best-practice security measures