by MS
Conventions Used in This Book
I've used a variety of elements to help keep the text clear and easy to follow. You'll find code terms and listings in monospace type, except when I tell you to actually type a command. In that case, the command appears in bold type. When I introduce and define a new term, I put it in italics.
Other conventions include:
Note
To provide additional details on a particular point that needs emphasis
Tip
To offer helpful hints or additional information
Caution
To warn you when there are potential problems you should look out for
Real World
To provide real-world advice when discussing advanced topics
Best Practice
To examine the best technique to use when working with advanced configuration and administration concepts
I truly hope you find that Windows Vista Administrator's Pocket Consultant provides everything you need to perform the essential administrative tasks on Windows Vista systems as quickly and efficiently as possible. You are welcome to send your thoughts to me at [email protected]. Thank you.
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Windows Vista Administration
Overview
Microsoft Windows Vista is the single largest rollout of the Windows operating system since Windows 95. From startup to shutdown, Microsoft Windows Vista is different from earlier versions of Windows. Not only is the operating system more versatile than its predecessors are, but it also introduces revolutionary architecture that fundamentally changes the way you work with and manage computers running the operating system. The most significant architecture changes are the following:
Modularization and disk imaging
Preinstallation and pre-boot environments
User account controls and elevation of privilege
This chapter covers getting started with Windows Vista and exploring the extent to which these architecture changes affect working with and managing computers running Windows Vista. Throughout this and all the other chapters this book, you'll also find detailed discussion of the all-encompassing security changes that introduce techniques for enhancing all aspects of computer security including physical security, information security, and network security. Although this book focuses on Windows Vista administration, the tips and techniques discussed throughout the text can help anyone who supports, develops for, or works with the Windows Vista operating system.
Keep in mind that this book is meant to be used in conjunction with the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant, Second Edition (Microsoft Press, 2006) or the Microsoft Windows Vista Server Administrator's Pocket Consultant (Microsoft Press, 2007). In addition to coverage of broad administration tasks, these server-focused Administrator's Pocket Consultants examine directory services administration, data administration, and network administration. This book, on the other hand, zeroes in on user and system administration tasks. You'll find detailed coverage of the following topics:
Customizing the operating system and Windows environment
Configuring hardware and network devices
Managing user access and global settings
Configuring laptops and mobile networking
Using remote management and remote assistance capabilities
Troubleshooting system problems
Getting Started with Windows Vista
Windows Vista is the latest release of the Windows operating system for client computers. The six main editions of Windows Vista available are:
Windows Vista Starter A budget edition of Windows Vista for emerging markets. It is compatible with the latest applications and devices, and is more reliable and secure than earlier releases of Windows are.
Windows Vista Home Basic A budget edition of Windows Vista for home users. It includes a basic set of entertainment features, but does not include features for joining a domain.
Windows Vista Home Premium An enhanced edition of Windows Vista that includes a premium set of entertainment features, but does not include features for joining a domain.
Windows Vista Business A basic edition of Windows Vista for business users. It includes a basic set of management features as well as features for joining a domain.
Windows Vista Enterprise An enhanced edition of Windows Vista for business users. It includes an extended set of management features as well as features for joining a domain.
Windows Vista Ultimate An enhanced edition of Windows Vista that includes the best of all the available home user and business user features as well as features for joining a domain.
Thanks to Windows Vista's new hardware-independent architecture, which is discussed later in this chapter, all editions of Windows Vista except Starter support both 32-bit and 64-bit hardware. This means every product edition except Starter can be used with computers that have 32-bit x86, 64-bit (IA-64), and 64-bit extension architecture. Computers with 32-bit x86 architecture can have up to 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. Computers with 64-bit architecture can have up to 8 GB RAM on Home Basic; 16 GB RAM on Home Premium; and 128+ GB on Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions. Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions also provide two-processor support. A detailed list of differences between the various Windows Vista editions is provided online at http://www.williamstanek.com/vista/.
While earlier releases of the Windows operating system could not be upgraded from one edition to another, Microsoft provides an easy upgrade path from the basic editions to the enhanced editions of Windows Vista using Windows Anytime Upgrade. You can buy an upgrade disc at a retail store or use the built-in Windows Upgrade Anytime feature to buy the upgrade online. To start an upgrade using the built-in Windows Anytime Upgrade feature, click Start and then click Control Panel. In Control Panel, click System And Maintenance and then click Windows Anytime Upgrade. To complete the upgrade, follow the instructions provided. You'll need the Windows Vista distribution media. The distribution media contains the components for all Windows Vista versions, and it is the product key you provide that unlocks and installs the features for a specific version.
Table 1-1 provides an overview of the upgrade paths. As the table shows, you have several options for upgrading the most basic editions to the enhanced editions.
Table 1-1: Upgrade Paths for Windows Vista Editions
Version of Windows
Upgrades to…
Upgrades to…
Home Version
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows Vista Home Basic
Yes
Yes
Windows Vista Home Premium
—
Yes
Business Version
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows Vista Business
Yes
Yes
Windows Vista Enterprise
—
Yes
Additionally, Windows Vista provides four levels of user experience:
Windows Classic Provides a Windows 2000 look and feel while retaining the functionality improvements in Windows Vista. The Classic user experience can be used on any edition of Windows Vista, including Starter, and has no hardware requirements beyond the core Windows Vista system requirements.
Windows Vista Basic Provides the basic user experience for entry-level desktops. The user interface (UI) is upgraded and streamlined compared to earlier versions of Windows. You'll find a refined Start menu that allows you to instantly find and start anything on your PC, streamlined Explorer windows with integrated desktop search and icons that let you more easily see your data, live icons that show their contents, preview and reading panes, and new wizards and dialog boxes. The Basic user experience can be used on any edition of Windows Vista, including Starter, and has no hardware requirements beyond the core Windows Vista system requirements.
Windows Standard Adds improved performance and enhanced reliability to the Basic user experience. This experience level is ideal for mid-level computers equipped with graphics hardware that supports the new Windows Driver Display Model (WDDM). With the Standard experience, Windows Vista uses the advanced WDDM graphics technology to enable smooth window handling, increase stability, and reduce glitches, such as relics and slow screen refreshes while moving UI elements. The Standard user experience can be used with any edition of Windows Vista except the Starter edition, and has the same hardware requirements as Windows Aero.
Windows Aero Adds improved visual design and enhanced dynamic effects to the Standard user experience. These enhancements allow you to use UI elements with transparent glass, live taskbar thumbnails, and the Windows Flip and Flip 3D views–all of which are discussed in Chapter 2. Aero is available only on the Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista.
As you can see, each user experience level builds on and includes the features of the preceding level. It is important to point out, however, that the user experience level that can be used on a computer depends on the Windows Vista edition and the computer's hardware, as discussed in the next section.
Installing and Running Windows Vista
When you install Windows Vista on a computer with an existing operating system, you can either perform a clean installation or an upgrade. With a clean installation, the Windows Vista Setup program completely replaces the original operating system on the computer, and all user and application settings are lost. With an upgrade, the Windows Vista Setup program performs a clean installation of the operating system followed by a migration of user settings, documents, and applications from the earlier version of Windows. Setup migrates previous settings because Windows Vista doesn't store user and application information in the same way as earlier versions of Windows do.
Installing Windows Vista
Before you install Windows Vista on a computer, you should determine whether the underlying hardware meets the requirements for physical memory, processing power, and graphics capabilities. Microsoft provides both minimum requirements and recommended requirements. Requirements for memory and graphics are measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB); requirements for processors are measured in gigahertz (GHz).
Windows Vista Starter and Home Basic editions require a minimum of 512 MB of RAM; an 800 Mhz or higher processor; and a graphics processor that supports Microsoft DirectX 9. For Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions, you'll have a better experience and get better performance if the computer has at least 1 GB of RAM; a 1.0 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor; and a graphics processor with 128 MB of graphics memory that supports Microsoft DirectX 9.
Note
Before installing Windows Vista, you should also check the size of the computer's hard disk. Although a base installation of Windows XP uses about 2 GB of disk space, a base installation of Windows Vista uses 4 GB or more of disk space. Various features in Windows Vista, such as protection points that include previous versions of files and folders that have been modified, can quickly increase the size of the installation to 6 GB or more. For optimal performance of the hard disk, you'll also need at least 10 percent free space at all times.
Any computer that meets or exceeds these requirements can run Windows Vista. You can perform an interactive installation of Windows Vista by completing these steps:
Start the Windows Vista Setup program using one of the following techniques:
q For a new installation, turn on the computer and insert the Windows Vista distribution media into the computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. When prompted, press a key to start the program from the CD or DVD.
q For an upgrade, start the computer and log on using an account with administrator privileges. Insert the Windows Vista distribution media into the computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. The Windows Vista Setup program should start automatically. If Setup doesn't start automatically, use Windows Explorer to access the distribution media and then double-click Setup.exe.
Click Install Now to start the installation. If you are starting the installation from an existing operating system and are connected to a network or the Internet, choose whether to get updates during the installation. Either click Go Online To Get The Latest Updates For Installation or click Do Not Get The Latest Updates For Installation.
Tip
You don't have to get updates during the installation. If you decide not to get updates, you can update the computer later using the Windows Update feature.
With retail versions of Windows Vista, you typically have to provide a product key. If prompted for a product key, enter the product key and then click Next.
Read the license terms. If you agree, click I Accept The License Terms (Required To Use Windows) and then click Next.
If you are upgrading the computer, you can specify the installation type as either Upgrade or Custom (Advanced). Select Upgrade if you want to upgrade the previously installed operating system to Windows Vista. Otherwise, select Custom (Advanced) to install a clean copy of Windows Vista.
Note
When you install a clean copy of Windows Vista on a computer running an earlier version of Windows, Setup moves folders and files for the previous installation to a folder named Windows.old, and the previous installation will no longer run.
When prompted for an installation location, choose the disk drive on which you want to install the operating system and then click Next.
If the disk you've selected contains a previous Windows installation, you'll see a prompt telling you that existing user and application settings will be moved to a folder named Windows.old and that you must copy these settings to the new installation to use them. Click OK.
Setup will then start the installation. During this process, Setup copies the full disk image of Windows Vista to the disk you've selected and then expands it. Afterward, Setup installs features based on the computer's configuration and detected hardware. This process requires several automatic restarts. When Setup finishes the installation, the operating system will be loaded and you can complete the installation.
When prompted, choose your country or region and your keyboard layout. Then click Next.
You must next create a local machine account that will be created as a computer administrator account. Enter a user name. Type and then confirm a password. Enter an optional password hint and then choose a picture for the account. Click Next.
Tip
Passwords used with user accounts should be fairly complex. You make passwords difficult to guess and crack by using combinations of all available character types, including lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Type a computer name and select a desktop background. Click Next.
Select a Windows Update option for the computer. Typically, you'll want to use the recommended settings to allow Windows Vista to automatically install all available updates and security tools as they become available. If you choose Ask Me Later, Windows Update will be disabled.
Review the date and time settings, and then make changes as necessary. Click Next.
If a network card was detected during set up, networking components were installed automatically. Depending on your location type, click Home, Work, or Public Location. Windows Vista will then configure networking for this locati
on.
Click Start. Windows Vista will then check the computer performance and assign a performance rating.
When the operating system starts, you'll see the Welcome Center. By default, Windows Vista stores user profile data under %SystemDrive%Users %UserName%. Within the user profile folder, each user who logs on to the system has a personal folder, and that personal folder contains the following additional folders:
Contacts The default location for storing contacts and contact groups
Desktop The default location for storing the user's desktop
Documents The default location for the user's document files
Downloads The default location for storing programs and data downloaded from the Internet
Favorites The default location for storing a user's Internet favorites
Links The default location for storing a user's Internet links
Music The default location for storing a user's music files
Pictures The default location for storing a user's pictures
Searches The default location for storing a user's saved searches
Videos The default location for storing a user's video files
Note
%SystemDrive% and %UserName% refer to the SystemDrive and UserName environment variables, respectively. The Windows operating system has many environment variables, which are used to refer to user-specific and system-specific values. Often, I'll refer to environment variables using this syntax: %VariableName%. If you've upgraded to Windows Vista from an earlier version of Windows, the user's personal folder will also contain shortcuts to the folders and settings used by that earlier version.
