This section will prepare you for
Vista. Topics include a review of the new features, advice on upgrading from XP, and explaining the hardware requirements. Also before you actually order Vista, check which edition is best for your
circumstances. After all that planning, the installation will be straightforward.
True to the principles of my website, my mission is to get you
ready for the Windows Vista operating system. For example, I have a page on how to install Vista using
Virtual PC 2004 (or 2005). By all means admire the impressive AERO graphics, icons and desktop; however, I advise you that the most important practical task is to get acquainted with the new Vista
version of Windows Explorer. Next step --> Windows New
Features
Microsoft Vista Security
Security is rarely a glamorous topic, yet it may be the killer reason to persuade the financial director to loosen the purse strings so that you can upgrade from XP to Vista. The wide ranging and
detailed measures that Microsoft have take to make the operating system secure, underpin every aspect of Vista. From controlling actions with UAC (User Account Control), through 'service hardening' to registry restriction, Windows
Vista offers top to bottom security. Not only has each component been created from scratch, but also Microsoft have redesigned each component with security in mind. More on
Microsoft Vista Security
Windows AERO Graphics
Aero Graphics is hard to define, but fortunately it's easy to use. From one perspective, AERO is Vista's replacement of XP's Luna desktop. Others define AERO as Windows Graphics Foundation 2.0
and the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) combining to deliver stunning visual displays. Microsoft would like to emphasis that AERO is the most efficient and intuitive front end to date. For me, I would cast aside the hype and
ignore the jargon
and say, 'Vista is fun to learn and gives me more information than any other Version of Windows Explorer'. See more on Vista's Aero Graphics
Installing Windows Vista in a Virtual PC
I got my copy of Vista through the MSDN program. From January
30th 2007 you can by your copy of Microsoft Vista on DVD. Launch the Virtual Machine
console to create a new Virtual disk / image / machine. Capture the image from the CD menu. The actual installation takes about half an hour, but the menus are straightforward, even easy if you have
experience from
installing XP. Get started with Virtual PC
Guy Recommends: A Free Trial of the Network Performance Monitor
(NPM)
Solarwinds'
Orion performance monitor
will help you discover what's happening on your network. This
utility will also guide you through troubleshooting; the dashboard will
indicate whether the root cause is a broken link, faulty equipment or
resource overload.
Perhaps the NPM's best feature is the way it suggests solutions to network
problems. Its
second best feature is the ability to monitor the health of individual VMWare
virtual machines. If you are interested in troubleshooting, and creating
network maps, then I recommend that you take advantage of Solarwinds' offer.
Versions of Microsoft Vista that I have been involved with:
Vista general release of all editions January 30th 2007
Vista Business edition released to manufacturers December 2006
Vista 5728 October 2006
Vista RC2 Build 5600 September 2006
Beta 2 5536 August 2006
Beta 2 5384 June 2006
Beta 2 5384 June 2006
Beta 2 5308 March 2006
Beta 2 5270 January 2006
Beta 2 5231 Winter 2005
Beta 2 5219 Autumn 2005
Beta 1 5112 Summer
2005 (Longhorn 5112)
Windows
Server 2008 Enterprise Admin
Train Signal have an excellent Windows Server 2008 course. You get over 70
hrs instruction with Ed Liberman and Ben "Coach" Culbertson. Try their
step-by-step videos and master Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Admin.
The package includes the Transcender exams, which are the key to gaining the
coverted Microsoft Certified IT Professional certification. However, the
course also builds practical experience so that you can manage your network
effectively once you complete the course.
