Introduction to Windows Vista

• Evaluating Windows Vista editions
• Examining hardware requirements
• Selecting an installation method
• Licensing and activation issues

Exploring the User Interface

Configuring the desktop

• Investigating Windows Aero and Flip 3D
• Populating the Sidebar with Gadgets

Organising user data

• Navigating the file system
• Creating virtual folders
• Grouping files via search queries

Configuring Windows Vista

Keeping systems current

• Customising automatic updates
• Installing service packs and hotfixes
• Leveraging new SP2 features
• Maintaining device drivers

Leveraging system tools

• Diagnosing performance issues
• Recovering from start-up failures
• Exploring Control Panel applets
• Performing diagnostics with built-in tools and utilities

Managing advanced features

• Selecting power options
• Modifying registry settings
• Safeguarding system and user data

Administering Users and Groups

Implementing local and domain accounts

• Creating and managing local domain users and groups
• Nesting role and resource groups
• Interacting with User Account Control (UAC) in Windows Vista

Applying security policies

• Improving password security
• Restricting access to the system
• Defining Group Policy Objects (GPOs)

Securing Local Resources

Benefiting from advanced technologies

• Investigating Windows Resource Protection (WRP) and service hardening
• Recovering critical files, folders and registry settings with WRP
• Encrypting drives with BitLocker
• Protecting privacy with Windows Defender

Configuring system security

• Auditing files and folders
• Granting and denying access permissions
• Improving physical and data security with TPM technologies

Managing Network Connectivity

Fine-tuning network configuration

• Optimising network settings
• Providing data mobility
• Resolving problems using Windows Network Diagnostics
• Analysing network maps

Sharing printers and folders

• Choosing the best method of sharing
• Leveraging the Network and Sharing Center
• Locating shared volumes and printers

Interacting with the Internet

• Securing inbound and outbound connections with Windows Firewall
• Customising the Internet experience

Supporting User Applications

Installing and maintaining software

• Deploying Microsoft Installer (MSI) packages
• Coping with problematic processes in user applications
• Auditing application behaviour

Improving software compatibility

• Investigating virtual storage redirection
• Overcoming permission barriers
• Modifying registry security to ensure application compatibility
• Correcting application compatibility problems