Review: Windows 7 Inside Out
Ian Waugh indulges in heavy reading to discover what makes his new PC tick...
| Product | Windows 7 Inside Out |
|---|---|
| Company | Microsoft |
| Web | www.microsoft.com/mpress |
| Price | $49.99 £38.99 |
| We like | More Windows info than a double-glazing salesman, searchable CD |
| We don't like | Not much |
| Rating | 9/10 |
| Requirements |
This is a Big Book. It weighs in at over 1000 pages and it's impossible to even summarise the contents as they run to over 12 pages! However, it's broadly split into six sections - getting started; file management; digital media; security and networking; tuning, tweaking and troubleshooting; and hardware.
The book covers every topic and aspect of Windows 7 that you can think of - and many more that you can't! It offers detailed explanations of every function, window and applet that you'll come across along with hints and tips about their use.
Inside Out
One major feature is the Inside Out box-outs which offer hints and tips that you're unlikely to pick up just from using that part of Win 7. For example, there are many tips on how to create a multiboot system but the authors suggest that using virtualisation software is far easier and cleaner.
It explains why AutoRun has been disabled on some USB media and when ReadyBoost may be beneficial to a system and when not (essentially you're only likely to see a benefit on an underpowered computer with low RAM and slow CPU).
There's a tip on how to see hidden information in Windows Media Player and lots of tips on using the Media Center. It explains how to remove the metadata in media files for added privacy.
Another tip describes how to use the Date Navigator to home in on files and folders and there's an entire section on configuring parental controls.
There is a lot of information about advanced search techniques and how to organise your data to make it easier to find. There are also dozens of customisation tips and some info on the use of Libraries which may not be obvious to XP or Vista users, including how to use Libraries to help create backups.
One interesting tip is to keep the Windows Firewall on even when using a third-party firewall.
On The Net
Although networking has been simplified with Win 7 (although mainly if you're using other Win 7 computers), there is a detailed section on creating Ethernet and wireless networks and setting up security. Needless to say, networking is one area which can cause even seasoned PC users to scratch their head and the book includes a section on trouble shooting and managing network connections.
Windows 7 Inside Out is advertised as suitable for Intermediate and Advanced users. If you've just got your very first computer then this book is probably not the place to start - you'll be so overwhelmed you'll go running back to pen, paper and an abacus!
However, if you've used XP or Vista, even at an entry level, you'll be on familiar terms with most of this book - and pick up some mega tips in the process.
This is an absolutely stonking book for anyone who wants to delve a little further into Windows 7 and get more - much more! - out of it. In addition to the tome, you also get a searchable CD with links to downloadable tools, tutorials and useful websites. Nice idea.
The RRP may seem a little heavy but you're getting a helluva lot of book and information for your money. Plus, Amazon has come along and knocked around 40% off making it a steal.
