Chapter 1. Getting Started with Windows Vista

In this chapter, you will learn to:
	Log on to Windows Vista.
	Activate Windows.
	Update Windows system files.
	End a computing session.
	Make your computer easier to use.

Each time you turn on your computer, it goes through a process of starting up (also called booting) during which it loads the system files necessary for you to interact with your computer and for your computer to interact with other devices. After the startup process completes, you log on to your Windows Vista user accounta package of permissions and preferences (recorded in a user profile) in accordance with which Windows Vista presents an individually tailored working environment (or user interface). If your computer is part of a domain, logging on to Windows Vista also logs you on to the domain. The process might sound somewhat complicated, but in actual practice, it is quite simple.

The first time you log on to Windows Vista, it is a very good idea to check for and install any available system updates. Then you can be sure that your computer system includes the most current features, tools, and security precautions by instructing Windows to update itself whenever necessary. You might also want to adapt Windows Vista to make its features easier for you to use or to make the on-screen elements easier to see.

When you finish working with your computer, you can either shut down the computer entirely, or you can leave it in running in various ways. For example, you can log off from Windows Vista, lock the computer, or put the computer into sleep mode to conserve resources.

In this chapter, you will log on to Windows Vista and if necessary, activate it. You will ensure that any available system updates are installed on your computer and that Windows Vista is configured to keep itself up to date by automatically checking for, downloading, and installing any available security and performance updates. Then you will explore different methods of logging off and shutting down your computer. We end with a discussion of the many accessibility features available as part of the Windows Vista operating system.

Upgrading to Windows Vista

Upgrading is the process of updating your computer's operating system to a newer version, without disturbing the programs installed on your computer, your personal preferences and settings, or existing information, such as documents, spreadsheets, and data files. You can upgrade to Windows Vista from Microsoft Windows XP. You might be able to upgrade from a computer running an earlier version of Windows, but most computers purchased more than two years ago probably won't meet the Windows Vista hardware requirements.

Although upgrading to Windows Vista should not affect your personal files and settings, it is always a good policy to back up important files before upgrading. The time and effort it takes to back up files and settings will likely be far less than the time and effort required to re-create the same information.