Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Windows Vista All in One Review

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(More customer reviews)I was thinking of giving this just three stars, but after using Vista for a month, the book does seem to be complete and fairly accurate, so I didn't want to ding it too badly.
Now for the bad part. For one, the book is way too big at 750 pages. As someone with a good knowledge of XP and a few days poking around in Vista before I started the book, the "hey, I didn't know that" moments were few and far between. But even for a book aimed at novices this one is too bloated. Just one example, though there are plenty more - most of p. 492 describes six categories of non-system programs. The categories seem to be of the authors making and there's no indication that they are of any practical value, and certainly not when using Vista.
The other issue, minor and understandable but annoying nonetheless is the relentless promoting of Vista. Discussing Media Player, a third of the way through the book, the author says "at the risk of letting this turn into something that sounds like a Microsoft-paid commercial". In my mind it had reached that point on page 1 with the sentence, "Windows Vista is cool." It continued on page after page. I realize this book wasn't intended to be either an exposé or a dry college textbook, and that badmouthing Vista would hardly help the authors book sales, but a little detachment would be nice.
The author's contention (highly suspect to begin with) that the book is designed for users from beginner to advanced doesn't hold up. For a novice user, this is probably a good book. The advanced user should be prepared to wade through 735 pages of dross for their 15 pages of gold.

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Vista is the brave new world of Microsoft Windows computing, and with it, what once was old, is new again. In just a short time, Sams Teach Yourself Windows Vista All in One will have you up and running with this new, must-have Windows operating system. Using a straightforward, step-by-step approach, each lesson builds upon a real-world foundation forged in both technology and everyday user scenarios, allowing you to learn the essentials of Windows Vista from the ground up. If you're a pro or a newcomer to Windows, you have in your hands the book you need to make the most of Vista with the least effort possible.Step-by-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common questions, issues, and tasks, and you'll learn the extra under-the-hood features that enable you to leverage Windows even more.Learn how to… • Do more with Windows Vista in less time• Quickly start using Vista's new user interface like a pro• Leverage the power of Vista's new Aero graphics• Keep often-used tools and utilities handy by adding Gadgets to your new Windows Sidebar• Manage your digital picture library with Windows Photo Gallery• Utilize Vista's Explorer windows to quickly get to data you need• Master Vista's new Instant Search feature, so your files no longer get lost in the shuffle• Use the new Windows Media Player 11 to manage both your music and video collections• Automate routine Windows tasks so your computer works while you sleep• Improve security with Vista's state-of-the-art Windows Defender• Easily optimize your disk's files and folders and configure your home network• Protect your valuable data with Vista's Backup and Restore Center• Surf the 'Net with tabbed browsing, manage RSS feeds, and more, using the new Internet Explorer 7Greg Perry has been a leader in computer education for 20 years, having taught at the college level and written enough books and articles to be called "the most proficient computer author on earth." In addition to writing about computers, he speaks, consults, and writes about other topics including real estate and the government. He and his wife Jayne offer unique training and insights for new and advanced eBay users as well as run an eBay consignment and training business, BidMentor.com, out of their rural, countryside home.

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