Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Credits

Copyright

Publisher's Note

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Introduction

Who Should Read This Book

What’s Inside

The Pocket Reference Series

How to Contact Sybex

Part I

Chapter 1: Installing Windows 7

Understand Windows 7’s New Features

Understand Windows 7 Architecture

Prepare to Install Windows 7

Install Windows 7

Chapter 2: Automating a Windows 7 Installation

Use the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010

Perform Unattended Installations

Deploy Unattended Installations

Use the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit

Work with Windows PE

Chapter 3: Configuring Disks

Configure File Systems

Configure Disk Storage

Access and Manage the Disk Management Utility

Manage Dynamic Storage

Troubleshoot with Disk Management

Manage Data Compression

Manage Data Encryption with EFS

Use Disk Maintenance Tools

Part II

Chapter 4: Managing the Desktop

Configure Desktop Settings

Configure Windows Gadgets

Manage Multiple Languages and Regional Settings

Configure Accessibility Features

Configure the Power Button

Manage a Multiple-User Environment

Chapter 5: Managing the Interface

Configure the Windows 7 Operating System

Manage Display Devices

Use Power Management for Mobile Computer Hardware

Configure Advanced Power Settings

Manage Windows 7 Services

Chapter 6: Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance

Use Remote Assistance

Use a Remote Desktop

Part III

Chapter 7: Configuring Users and Groups

Understand Windows 7 User Accounts

Log On and Log Off

Work with User Accounts

Manage the User’s Properties

Create and Manage Groups

Chapter 8: Managing Security

Manage Security Configurations

Create and Apply LGPOs

Configure User Account Control

Use the Advanced Security Options

Configure the Action Center

Use Windows Defender

Use BitLocker Drive Encryption

Part IV

Chapter 9: Configuring Hardware and Printing

Configure Hardware

Manage I/O Devices

Configure Printers

Chapter 10: Configuring Network Connectivity

Connect Network Devices

Connect Wireless Devices

Join and Share HomeGroups in Windows 7

Understand Network Protocols

Part V

Chapter 11: Configuring Internet Explorer 8

Use New IE8 Features

Use Updated Features of IE8

Use IE8’s New Security and Safety Features

Use IE8’s Enhanced Security and Safety Features

Configure IE8

Chapter 12: Installing and Configuring Applications

Use Getting Started in Windows 7

Access Email in Windows 7

Integrate Windows Fax and Scan

Use Windows Media Player 12

Control Digital Media with Windows Media Center

Install and Uninstall Applications in Windows 7

Part VI

Chapter 13: Maintaining and Optimizing Windows 7

Optimize Windows 7

Use Windows 7 Tools to Discover System Information

Maintain Windows 7 with Backup and Restore

Index

Acquisitions Editor: Agatha Kim

Development Editor: M.E. Schutz

Technical Editor: Tylor Wentworth

Production Editor: Christine O’Connor

Copy Editor: Elizabeth Welch

Editorial Manager: Pete Gaughan

Production Manager: Tim Tate

Vice President and Executive Group Publisher: Richard Swadley

Vice President and Publisher: Neil Edde

Book Designer: Maureen Forys

Compositor: Jeff Lytle, Happenstance Type-O-Rama

Proofreader: Publication Services, Inc.

Indexer: Robert Swanson

Project Coordinator, Cover: Lynsey Stanford

Cover Designer: Ryan Sneed

Copyright © 2011 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-0-470-65047-9

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 646-8600. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Panek, William, 1970-
Microsoft Windows 7 administration instant reference / William Panek. — 1st ed. p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-470-65047-9 (paper/website)
ISBN 978-1-118-00094-6 (ebk.)
ISBN 978-1-118-00096-0 (ebk.)
ISBN 978-1-118-00095-3 (ebk.)
1. Microsoft Windows (Computer file)—Handbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Operating systems (Computers)—Handbooks, manuals, etc. 3. Software maintenance—Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title.
QA76.76.O63P3366 2011
005.4’46—dc22 2010032264

TRADEMARKS: Wiley, the Wiley logo, and the Sybex logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates, in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Dear Reader,

Thank you for choosing Microsoft Windows 7 Administration: Instant Reference. This book is part of a family of premium-quality Sybex books, all of which are written by outstanding authors who combine practical experience with a gift for teaching.

Sybex was founded in 1976. More than 30 years later, we’re still committed to producing consistently exceptional books. With each of our titles, we’re working hard to set a new standard for the industry. From the paper we print on, to the authors we work with, our goal is to bring you the best books available.

I hope you see all that reflected in these pages. I’d be very interested to hear your comments and get your feedback on how we’re doing. Feel free to let me know what you think about this or any other Sybex book by sending me an email at nedde@wiley.com. If you think you’ve found a technical error in this book, please visit http://sybex.custhelp.com. Customer feedback is critical to our efforts at Sybex.

Best regards,

Neil Edde

Vice President and Publisher

Sybex, an Imprint of Wiley

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my wife Crystal and my two daughters, Alexandria and Paige, for all of their love and support during the writing of all my books. They make it all worthwhile.

I want to thank my family and especially my brothers Rick, Gary, and Rob. They have always been there for me.

I would like to thank Jeremy Hodgson, my training partner, who spends more time with me on the road than anyone else. His sense of humor keeps me smiling—even when I am homesick.

Finally, I want to thank everyone from Sybex who backed me up on this book: especially Mary Ellen Schutz, developmental editor, who helped me make this the best book possible; Tylor Wentworth, who was my technical editor and has co-authored multiple books with me; Christine O’Connor, who did a great job keeping all the edits organized; Pete Gaughan; Liz Welch; and finally, Agatha Kim, who was the lead for the entire book. She was always there for me and she was great to write for. Thanks to you all and everyone else behind the scenes on this book.

About the Author

William Panek, (MCP®, MCP+I®, MCSA®, MCSA® W/SECURITY & MESSAGING, MCSE – NT (3.51 & 4.0)®, MCSE — 2000 & 2003®, MCSE W/SECURITY & MESSAGING, MCDBA®, MCT®, MCTS®, MCITP®, CCNA®, CHFI®)

After many successful years in the computer industry and a degree in computer programming, William Panek decided that he could better use his talents and his personality as an instructor. He started teaching for such schools as Boston University, Clark University, and GlobalNet, just to name a few.

In 1998, Panek started Stellacon Corporation. Stellacon has become one of New England’s most respected training companies. Stellacon is also a two-time winner of the Best Computer School award in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

William brings years of real-world expertise to the classroom and strives to ensure that each and every student has an understanding of the course material.

William currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife and two girls. In his spare time he likes to golf, ski, and snowmobile. William is also a commercially rated helicopter pilot.

Introduction

This book was written with over 20 years of IT experience. The author has taken that experience and translated it into a Windows 7 book that will help you develop a clear understanding of how to install and configure Windows 7 while avoiding the possible configuration pitfalls.

Many Microsoft books just explain the Windows operating system, but with this Administrative Instant Reference, the author takes it a step further, with many in-depth, step-by-step procedures together with the explanations of how the operating system performs at its best.

Microsoft Windows 7 is the newest version of Microsoft’s client operating system software. Microsoft has taken the best of Windows XP and Windows Vista and combined them into their latest creation, Windows 7. Along with the best of Windows XP and Vista, Microsoft has added several new features to Windows 7 to make the more functionality available the users from one location such as Device Stage.

Windows 7 eliminates many of the problems that plagued Windows Vista, and includes a much faster boot time and shutdown. It is also easier to install and configure, and barely stops to ask the user any questions during installation. I will show you what features are installed during the automated installation and where you can make changes if you need to be more in charge of your operating system and its features.

This book takes you through all the ins and outs of Windows 7, including installation, configuration, Group Policy Objects, auditing, backups, Windows Server 2008, and so much more.

Windows 7 has improved on Microsoft’s desktop environment, made home networking easier, enhanced searchability, improved performance, built in wireless support, and even built-in touchscreen capabilities—and that’s only scratching the surface.

There have been several enhancements that allow Windows 7 to better serve the end user in terms of getting Remote Assistance from others. Windows 7 even adds a simple Easy Connect feature. I will show you the enhancements to Remote Desktop, making the user experience even better than it was before.

When all is said and done, this is a technical book for IT professionals who want to take Windows 7 to the next step. Most IT people just get a copy of Windows 7 and try to learn it. With this book, not only will you learn Windows 7, but you will also become a Windows 7 Master.

Who Should Read This Book

This book is intended for mid- to high-level administrators of networks that use Microsoft operating systems. Such people probably fall into a few basic groups:

Administrators who are responsible for client operating systems and are looking to implement the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system

Server administrators or IT managers who are responsible for deciding which operating systems to use and what functionality they need

Help desk administrators who are responsible for supporting the Windows 7 operating system

This book will help anyone who has to administer Windows 7 in a corporate environment, but it will also help anyone who wants to learn the real ins and outs of the Windows 7 operating system.

What’s Inside

Here is a glance at what’s in each chapter:

Chapter 1: Installing Windows 7 I take you through the requirements and multiple ways to install the Windows 7 operating system in this chapter.

Chapter 2: Automating a Windows 7 Installation This chapter shows you how to install Windows 7 without the need of user intervention and also how to install multiple copies of Windows 7 quickly and easily.

Chapter 3: Configuring Disks In this chapter you are taken through the process of configuring and managing your physical disks.

Chapter 4: Managing the Desktop I show you how to manage your desktop environment, including customizing the taskbar and Start Menu, creating shortcuts, setting display properties for themes, and configuring Windows Gadgets.

Chapter 5: Managing the Interface I examine the process of configuring the Windows 7 environment in this chapter, including an overview of the main configuration utilities, including Control Panel and the Registry.

Chapter 6: Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance This chapter explains the new features and benefits to using Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop within Windows 7, how to support end users, and implement Group Policy and scripting.

Chapter 7: Configuring Users and Groups I take you through the various ways to create and manage your users and groups on the Windows 7 operating system.

Chapter 8: Managing Security You will see how to configure different types of security on Windows 7, including Local Group Policy Objects (LGPOs), shared permissions, and NTFS security.

Chapter 9: Configuring Hardware and Printing This chapter explains how to install and configure new hardware, drivers, and printers by using the different installation applets. A discussion of the new Device Stage feature is included as well.

Chapter 10: Configuring Network Connectivity I explain in this chapter how to set up hardware to provide network connectivity, connect to network devices, set up peer-to-peer networking, and configure network protocols.

Chapter 11: Configuring Internet Explorer 8 You will see how to configure Internet Explorer 8, including Accelerators and Web Slices, pop-up blockers, InPrivate Security features, and security for Internet Explorer 8.

Chapter 12: Installing and Configuring Applications This chapter shows you how to add and configure many applications that are installed on Windows 7, together with how to install new applications on the Windows 7 operating system. A discussion of Live Mail and Calendar from the online Live Essentials download is also included.

Chapter 13: Maintaining and Optimizing Windows 7 In this exciting chapter you will learn how to monitor, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize Windows 7 using Performance Monitor, Reliability Monitor, System Information, Task Manager, System Tool, System Configuration, Task Scheduler, and Event Viewer.

The Pocket Reference Series

The Pocket Reference series from Sybex provides outstanding instruction for readers with intermediate and advanced skills, in the form of top-notch training and development for those already working in their field and clear, serious education for those aspiring to become pros. Every Pocket Reference book includes:

Skill-based instruction, with chapters organized around real tasks rather than abstract concepts or subjects

Step-by-step procedures showing you how to install and configure Windows 7 properly

How to Contact Sybex

Sybex strives to keep you supplied with the latest tools and information you need for your work. Please check their website at www.sybex.com, where I’ll post additional content and updates that supplement this book should the need arise. Enter Windows 7 in the Search box (or type the book’s ISBN—9780470650479), and click Go to access the book’s update page.

Part I: Installation

In This Part

CHAPTER 1: Installing Windows 7

CHAPTER 2: Automating a Windows 7 Installation

CHAPTER 3: Configuring Disks

Chapter 1

Installing Windows 7

In this chapter, you will learn to:

Understand Windows 7’s New Features

Understand Windows 7 Architecture

Prepare TO INSTALL Windows 7

Install Windows 7

There is an old saying: “To build a good house, you must have a good foundation.” Well, that’s what this chapter is all about. You’ll learn how to properly install Windows 7. We’ll show you how to install Windows 7 on one machine and then install Windows 7 on multiple machines using various installation techniques and tools.

With each release of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft tries to take the best of the previous Windows versions and add even better functionality. This is no different with Windows 7. Let’s start by looking at some of the features in Windows 7.

Understand Windows 7’s New Features

Windows 7 has resolved many of the problems that plagued Windows Vista. Windows 7 has a much faster boot time and shutdown compared to Windows Vista. It is also easier to install and configure.

The Windows 7 operating system functions are also faster than its previous counterparts. Opening, moving, extracting, compressing, and installing files and folders are more efficient than previous versions of Microsoft’s client operating systems.

Let’s take a look at some of the improvements and features of Windows 7. This is just an overview of some of its benefits.

Windows 7 Taskbar In the previous versions of Windows, you had a Quick Launch bar on the left side and on the right side you could see which programs were loaded and running. The Quick Launch bar has been replaced by the Windows 7 Taskbar and Jump List. The Taskbar is shown in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1: Windows 7 Taskbar

The Windows Taskbar allows users to quickly access the programs they use the most. One advantage to having the applications on the Windows 7 Taskbar is that you have fewer icons on the Desktop, thus allowing for a more manageable desktop environment.

Jump Lists Jump Lists are a new feature to the Windows lineup. They allow you to quickly access files that you have been working on. For example, if you have the Microsoft Word icon in the Taskbar, you can right-click it and it will show you all the recent files that you have been working with.

Another advantage to using Jump Lists is that you can preset certain applications, like Windows Media Player. For Internet Explorer, you could view all the recent websites that you have visited.

New Preview Pane Windows XP and Windows Vista have a Preview pane, but Windows 7 has improved on the Preview pane by allowing you to view text files, music files, pictures files, HTML files, and videos. Another new advantage is if you have installed Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, you also have the ability to view Office and PDF files.

Windows Touch Windows Touch is one of the coolest features included with Windows 7. It allows you to control the operating system and its applications by using a touchscreen.

For example, you can open a picture and then move it around, make it larger or smaller, or place it anywhere on the Desktop—all with the touch of your fingertips on the screen.

Touchscreens are included on laptops, tabletops, GPS devices, phones, and now on the Windows 7 operating system.

Windows XP Mode Microsoft realizes that many organizations are running Windows XP. Also, many of these same organizations run older applications on these Windows XP systems. This is where Windows XP Mode comes into play. Windows XP Mode gives an organization that chooses to upgrade to Windows 7 the ability to run older Windows XP applications on their new system.

To run Windows XP Mode, Windows 7 uses virtualized technology to run a virtual XP operating system to allow the organization to use the older applications.

HomeGroup Networking Windows 7 networking has been made easier with the improvement of HomeGroups. HomeGroups are an easy way to set up a network using Windows 7. Windows 7 searches for your home network, and if one is found, it connects after you enter the HomeGroup password.

If a home network is not found, a networking wizard automatically creates a password for the HomeGroup. This password lets you connect all your other computers to the same network. The password can be changed any time after you install Windows 7.

Device Stage Device Stage is new to the Windows operating systems family. Device Stage enables you to connect a compatible device to your PC and a picture of the device appears. Device Stage allows you to easily share files between devices and computers.

Before Windows 7 Device Stage, when you connected a device to the PC, you might have seen multiple devices appear. For example, when you added a multifunction printer (printer, scanner, and copier), the device might have been added as three separate devices. Device Stage helps resolve this issue.

Another feature of Device Stage is that the device vendors can customize the icons for Device Stage, so that the same multifunction printer can have the ability to order ink from Device Stage.

View Available Networks (VAN) If you have used a laptop, you have used this feature. When you use a wireless network adapter and you right-click the icon in the system tray, you can choose the wireless network that you want to connect to. You connect to a wireless network through the wireless network adapter. Now that same functionality is built into the Windows 7 operating system.

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!