Computer Times
July 2007
Editor's Choice Training
LearnKey's Learning Windows Vista
Reviewed by Terry Kibiloski
Learning Windows Vista (Retail $105), from LearnKey, is by far the best Windows Vista training software we have found on the market. Erin Olsen, the narrator/trainer provides a clear, no nonsense tutorial that is supported by superb graphics and crisp sound. Her voice is very clear and friendly and is a pleasure for the listener. The content is straightforward, with all of the details you need to truly understand Windows Vista, plus the installation is quick and the user interface is intuitively easy to use. If you are using Windows Vista, or just want to know more about Windows Vista before taking the plunge for yourself or your business, this LearnKey software is exactly what you need.
Learning Windows Vista, from LearnKey, is a very professional and comprehensive training software package. It comes with 3 CDs that provide 9 hours of interactive training.
As Erin points out in the introductory training session, Microsoft's Windows Vista is the first major operating system change we have seen from Microsoft in almost 10 years. While it still has many of the features of the older operating systems, the user interface is very different. Additionally, Microsoft has added many new security features and a host of entertainment and productivity features. While you could learn Windows Vista by trial and error, it would be virtually impossible to discover all of the in-depth features that are presented by Erin in this triple set of CDs. Whether you are trying to learn Windows Vista as a home user, or you are responsible for training multiple users in a work setting, LearnKey's Learning Windows Vista will provide you a great way to learn from an expert, on your own time and at your own pace. A complete outline of the 3-CD set is shown below.
Session 1
Section A: Introduction
· Vista Editions
· Upgrading
· Checking Hardware
· Vista Upgrade Advisor
Section B: Getting Started
· Domain vs. Workgroup
· The Power Button
· Booting the Computer
· The Welcome Center
· Computer Details
· Transfer Files and Settings
· Registration and Activation
· Logging Off and Switching Users
· Sleep vs. Shutting Down
Section C: Vista Interface
· Basic vs. Aero
· The Taskbar
· Thumbnails
· ALT+TAB Switching
· Flip3D
· Windows in Vista
Section D: Vista Desktop
· Notification Area
· Clock
· Quick Launch
· Sidebar
· Icons and Shortcuts
· Customizing the Desktop
· Screen Saver
Section E: Start Menu
· Using the Start Menu
· All Programs Menu
· Quick Search
· Customizing the Start Menu
Section F: Navigation
· File Structure
· File Navigation
· Search Box
· Modifying Index Locations
· Advanced Search
· Saving Searches
Section G: Organizing and Viewing Files
· Creating a Folder Structure
· Deleting Files
· Command Bar
· Removing Properties
Session 2
Section A: Internet Explorer 7
· Window/Toolbar
· Search Bar
· Other Search Providers
· Multi-Tab Browsing
Section B: Viewing and Printing Web Pages
· Tab Groups
· Quick Tabs
· Setting a Home Page
· Multiple Home Pages
· RSS Feeds
· History
· Zoom
· Print Preview
· Print Options
Section C: IE7 Security
· Security Settings
· Protected Mode
· Add-Ons
· Security Reports
· Other Security Tools
· Deleting Browsing History
· Downloading Files
Section D: Windows Mail
· Configuration
· Navigating the Window
· Stationery
· Creating Mail
· Message Options
· Folders
Section E: Microsoft Communities
· Subscribing to Newsgroups
· Unsubscribing from Newsgroups
· Newsgroup Options
Section F: Windows Contacts
· Opening Contacts
· Creating New Contacts
· Additional Information
· Contact Groups
· Importing Contacts
· Exporting Contacts
· Views
Section G: Windows Calendar
· Overview
· Scheduling Appointments
· Recurrence
· Multiple Calendars
· Publishing Calendars
· Subscribing to a Calendar
· Tasks
· Printing
Section H: Windows Meeting Space
· Creating New Meetings
· Settings
· Joining Meetings
· Sending Notes
· Control
Session 3
Section A: Multimedia
· Windows Media Center
· Windows Media Player
· Playlists
· Media File Options
· Layout Options
· Playing Music
· Windows Movie Maker
· AutoMovie
· Publishing Movies
· Windows Photo Gallery
Section B: Managing Software
· Windows Defender
· Software Explorer
· Uninstalling Programs
· Windows Features
· Startup Programs
· File Associations
· Media Options
· Windows Marketplace
· Windows Update
Section C: Managing Hardware
· Adding Printers
· Printer Options
· Printer Sharing
· System Sounds
· Mouse Settings
· Power Options
Section D: Ease of Access
· Ease of Access Center
· Magnifier
· On-Screen Keyboard
· Narrator
· High Contrast and Other Features
· Speech Recognition
· Speech Tutorial
· Basic Speech Commands
Section E: Managing Users
· User Accounts
· Creating User Accounts
· Parental Controls
· Web Filtering
· Time Limits
· Game and Program Controls
· Activity Reports
Section F: Networking
· Network Communication
· Wireless Connections
· Network Panel
· Network and Sharing Center
· Managing Connections
· Windows Firewall
· Firewall Exceptions
· Security Center