Are you one of those who automatically heads for the bookstore when you get a new system or some heavy duty software? Those days are changing as you can often find good books online. They don’t have the charisma of a bound book but they are convenient and often free.
Koroush Ghazi has an online book at the Tweaking Guide that you should check out if you want to learn about Vista (or XP). These books might be considered teasers to encourage you to buy the deluxe edition but the tease is good solid stuff.
The TweakGuides Tweaking Companion (TGTC) is the complete system optimization guide for Windows users. Designed for novice and advanced users alike, it is written in plain English to help you genuinely understand all aspects of Windows and your PC. The guide covers every major topic, from the correct installation of Windows and critical drivers and software, through to recommendations for every significant setting and feature, all the major performance and convenience tweaks and customizations, as well as detailed troubleshooting advice. There are also links to a range of reliable free applications for optimizing and maintaining your system, as well as to important resources for finding out even more about Windows and your PC.
The free download is 268 pages of solid, no holds barred, text. No frills, no page after page of dialog boxes and screen captures, just a solid rundown of the various aspects of your system, what they do, how they work, and what you can do with them to improve your system.
A book like this is a good one to have available to read in small chunks. Pick and choose topics and get an overview of some aspect of your system. There are links to utilities that you can use to start a deeper exploration.
Other resources:
Tweak Hound – has some Linux stuff, too
John Barnett Computer Journalist, Windows Vista™ Support – check out the FAQ and the how-to guide sections.
Star Support Vista Tips – a list of nifty tips