What is Windows Vista?

Windows Vista is a desktop operating system which replaces Windows XP. Windows Vista is significantly different from all previous Microsoft operating systems. Windows Vista offers a redesigned user interface, security and reliability enhancements and new management tools.

What is this course about?

This course covers installing the Windows Vista operating system and applications, interacting with a Microsoft network, sharing resources, configuring the operating system and user interface as well as other major Windows Vista features. While this course illustrates the integration of Vista into an enterprise environment, it does not cover centralized enterprise administration or deployment in detail.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course provides an excellent introduction to Windows Vista and is ideal for personnel who are moving into Windows support and IT professional roles. Typical participants include: PC technicians, IT and desktop support staff, systems administrators and power users. This course will also benefit those who have taken Course 551, Windows^® XP Professional: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction.

What background knowledge do I need?

Prior experience with Microsoft Windows or a similar operating system is assumed. A background in IT is helpful but not required for this course.

Does this course cover all editions of Vista?

All versions of Vista share the same operating system core. This course focuses on the Vista editions appropriate for business use. Since there are many similarities between editions, much of the course content also applies to non-commercial installations.

How does Vista fit into the Windows family?

Windows Vista is available in multiple editions and is the latest desktop operating system from Microsoft, the successor to Windows XP. There is no Windows Vista server. Windows Vista is strictly a desktop operating system.

I have recently been promoted to a PC support role and I'm new to Windows technologies. Will I be adequately prepared for this course?

Most likely. During the course, you learn what you need to know about installing the operating system and applications, sharing resources, participating in a Windows network, configuring security and the other major Windows Vista features.

Will this course help me to better support and secure my organization's mobile workforce?

Yes! Technologies such as Mobility Center, Sync Center, Remote Desktop and other TPM technologies enable portable and remote data access. This class will cover configuration and management of these technologies.

How does this course help prepare me for Course 595, Hands-On Windows Server 2003 or Course 960, Course 960, Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction?

Windows Vista: A Hands-On Introduction introduces concepts necessary to effectively support and manage desktop operating systems in a Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 AD environment. It does not cover the details of configuring servers or centrally managing security, computers and users via the Active Directory. Course 595 and Course 960 are more advanced course that includes a thorough introduction to Active Directory and other advanced enterprise technologies.

Does this course cover troubleshooting and optimization?

This course provides a general understanding of troubleshooting and optimization issues, including editing the Registry and using System Restore.

Will this course teach me to set up a TCP/IP network?

This course covers basics related to operating Windows Vista in a TCP/IP environment. It does not cover all of the details of IP addressing, subnetting, DNS and other more advanced TCP/IP topics.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are included in this course?

Throughout this course 45 percent of class time is spent in hands-on exercises where you gain practical experience configuring Windows Vista operating systems. Exercises include:

• Preparing a Windows Vista image
• Organising files into virtual folders
• Configuring ACPI power plans
• Backing up and restoring system data
• Customising Windows Defender to provide a tailored security environment
• Sharing files, folders and printers
• Configuring network security, protocols and discovery options

I have recently taken course 551, Windows XP Professional: A Hands-On Introduction. Will this course be of benefit to me?

Yes. There are significant differences between XP and Vista, including redesigned user interfaces, security features, reliability enhancements and management tools. In this course you will gain hands-on, real-world experience with Windows Aero, User Account Control (UAC), Windows Resource Protection (WRP) and Network Diagnostics.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Courses in the Windows Server 2003 curriculum include:

• 595, Windows Server® 2003: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 596, Windows Server® 2003 Active Directory®: Hands-On 
• 598, Troubleshooting Windows Server® 2003 Environments 
• 960, Windows Server® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 961, Windows Server® 2008 Administration: Hands-On 
• 951, Deploying Windows Vista®: Hands-On 
• 2400, Windows ®7: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 

For detailed information about these courses, please refer to the individual Q&As.