Book Review: Windows 7 Inside Out by Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and Craig Stinson

After my faithful old Windows XP computer's useful life ended nearly simultaneously with Microsoft's introduction of the new Windows 7 operating system, I opted to skip the much maligned Windows Vista and take the plunge into the unknown territory of the new Windows 7 with my new computer. To help with the transition to Windows 7, I picked up a copy of Windows 7 Inside Out by Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and Craig Stinson. I had found their WindowsXP Inside Out book to be very useful in understanding the older operating system, and once again, they've written a highly informative reference book.

Windows 7 Inside Out begins by pointing out new features of Windows 7 compared to XP and Vista, and brief explanations of the different Windows 7 versions available. A more thorough comparison of the features of the different versions of the operating system is available in an appendix. (Throughout the book, the authors point out if there are any differences in the various editions of Windows 7 as they relate to the material in each chapter). This is followed by information on installing the operating system both as a clean installation or as an upgrade.

Windows 7 has a new user interface called Windows Aero, and the authors devote plenty of space to describing how to modify and personalize the look and function of the desktop. Reflecting just how much computers are used now as entertainment systems, the authors devote three chapters to Windows 7 and digital media, including information on recording and watching television programs on systems equipped with TV tuners.

It's not all fun and games of course, and the authors cover security issues in depth. Three chapters are dedicated to setting up and maintaining networks. Four chapters are devoted to file management, starting with a section on the redesigned Windows Explorer and other changes. Readers are also introduced to Windows 7's new and improved diagnostic tools for troubleshooting and maintenance. And for those with fond memories of performing tasks by using a Command Prompt and typing into a command line, there is even a section on that.

A lot of detailed technical information is presented in Windows 7 Inside Out, and in general, it is presented and explained very clearly. Experienced Windows users who are at the intermediate level or above would find this book useful; those with limited or no experience may want to try something a little more basic first.

Also included with the book is a CD that contains, among other things, an electronic version of the book and some troubleshooting tips. Searchable electronic copies of books can be useful, but sometimes it's easier to just have that print copy of the book sitting in one's lap while familiarizing oneself with an operating system or software package, and Windows 7 Inside Out fits that role very well.