By
By Dale Farris
Reviews Coordinator
Golden Triangle PC Club
April 2007
Do you yearn for the days when you bought software that included a well designed user manual? We have for so long lived
without a manual with new software, that when a rare vendor does supply
one, we are thrilled at what we now perceive as "extra value"
provided with the program.
Apress publishers presents a new series of manuals that not only meet the
needs of those new to Windows and Microsoft Office, but goes "beyond the
manual" to explain more of the features and tools of interest to more
experienced PC users.
These Beyond The Manual series of titles are aimed at
experienced Windows and Office 2007 users who need assistance getting in the
swing of things with all the new design features of Windows Vista and Office 2007. This super
Beyond The Manual series is a new fast-paced, high-density set of books
written for experienced computer users wishing to maximize their knowledge
and productivity. The books are targeted at users of Windows and Office 2007 who have
moved beyond the manual and are interested in the more complex aspects
of the new Vista operating system and Office 2007.
As many readers know, Office 2007 includes some of the most conspicuous
changes to the Office applications for many years. Even long-standing users
of the Office applications will be forgiven if they find the increased
capacity and new interface of Office 2007 a bit daunting. The new Windows
Vista operating system also presents an entirely new look that is
accompanied by many new features not found in any prior version of Windows. These marvelous
Beyond The Manual books will help you to quickly familiarize yourself with
the new Vista features and especially the new Office 2007 Ribbon and navigate to the popular features inherited
from the previous releases of Office, as well as introduce you to more
advanced components and the new tools available in the new version.
These Beyond The Manual books take a fresh look at the world's most popular
operating system and office applications, going beyond the basics to allow you to quickly
become confident with some of the more powerful tools in Vista and Office 2007.
These Beyond The Manual books are aimed at Windows users and current users of Office who already have
some familiarity with previous versions of Windows and Office and who
want an overview of the modifications and new features being introduced in
the new edition. The books are also intended to serve as a practical guide
to anyone wishing to update their Windows and Office skills and progress to the more
advanced features of these essential software tools.
Many readers may have some familiarity with the long established The
Missing Manual series from O'Reilly. However, these Beyond The Manual books from Apress do not directly compete with the O'Reilly Missing Manual titles. I
find that the Apress books provide a badly needed manual of tips, tricks,
and techniques that will help experienced Windows and Office users who have become
comfortable with the standard, basic functionality of Windows and Office. The O'Reilly
Missing Manual titles provide a nice introduction to using Windows Vista and Microsoft Office,
while the Apress Beyond The Manual titles provide an important collection of ideas and
tips that will help experienced users move more quickly into the
higher, more complex functionality that is not emphasized as much
in the O'Reilly titles. Both sets of titles nicely complement one another.
The Beyond The Manual Titles
The current series of Apress Beyond The Manual
books Include
the following titles.
Windows Vista: Beyond The Manual
Price -
$39.99
$20.00 eBook Price
Date -
February 2007
About the Book -
Windows Vista: Beyond the Manual is a comprehensive guide to installing,
configuring, exploiting, and using the richest Microsoft client operating
system on the market. It guides you through the complexities of configuring
and running a successful Windows Vista client computer. It also takes an
in-depth look at the wealth of features and functions comprising the various
flavors of the software.
Windows Vista provides a range of new capabilities and features, many of
which are apparent through a totally redesigned interface, and many more
that are hidden just beneath the surface. With the help of Windows Vista:
Beyond the Manual, IT professionals and home PC enthusiasts alike will
become expert users, taking full advantage of the myriad functions and
features that make up this release. Noted authors Jonathan Hassell and Tony
Campbell pack this book full of their own experience, plus hundreds of
hints, tips, and walkthroughs, making it an indispensable companion that
won’t waste your time.
It’s a one-stop shop for geeks and knowledgeable users getting to know
Windows Vista. The authors walk you through practically every useful
function. All versions of Windows Vista are covered and analyzed, and
recommendations are offered. The book devotes a section to next-generation
Media Center. A complete "Where Am I" guide is included for new Vista users.
Domain integration and unattended installation are also covered in detail.
475 pages; trade paperback
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introducing Windows Vista
Chapter 2 Meeting the Hardware Requirements
Chapter 3 Installing and Setting Up Vista
Chapter 4 Finding Your Way Around the Desktop
Chapter 5 Customizing Windows Vista
Chapter 6 Working with User Tools
Chapter 7 Administering Windows Vista
Chapter 8 Working with the Command Line
Chapter 9 Understanding the New Folder Structures and Elements
Chapter 10 Working with the File System
Chapter 11 Using BitLocker
Chapter 12 Hooking Up Wired and Wireless Networks
Chapter 13 Understanding TCP/IP
Chapter 14 Connecting to the Internet
Chapter 15 Using the Remote Desktop Connection
Chapter 16 Setting Up a Network Presentation
Chapter 17 Using Windows Internet Explorer 7
Chapter 18 Setting Up Windows Mail
Chapter 19 Collaborating with Windows Meeting Space
Chapter 20 Using Windows Fax and Scan
Chapter 21 Working with Windows Media Player 11
Chapter 22 Working with Windows Movie Maker
Chapter 23 Working with Windows Photo Gallery
Chapter 24 Working with Windows DVD Maker
Chapter 25 Working with Windows Media Center
Chapter 26 Managing General Windows Vista Security
Chapter 27 Implementing the Windows Firewall
Chapter 28 Using Windows Defender
Chapter 29 Best Practices: A Six-Step Guide to Better Security
Chapter 30 Maintaining the Windows Registry
Chapter 31 Troubleshooting
Chapter 32 Recovering from Serious Issues
Index
ISBN 10: 1-59059-771-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-59059-771-2
Authors -
Jonathan Hassell and Tony Campbell
About the Authors -
Jonathan Hassell Jonathan Hassell is an author, consultant, and speaker on a
variety of IT topics. His published works include RADIUS, Hardening Windows,
Using Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, and Learning Windows
Server 2003. His work appears regularly in such periodicals as Windows IT
Pro, PC Pro, and TechNet Magazine. Jonathan also speaks worldwide on topics
ranging from networking and security to Windows administration. He is
currently an editor for Apress, which specializes in books for programmers
and IT professionals.
Tony Campbell is a veteran Microsoft consultant (MCP) specializing in the
architecture and design of secure Microsoft-centric business solutions. He
also has vast experience in many other industry niches such as networking,
collaboration, security, business logic, and disaster recovery and
resilience. Tony has been involved with all sizes of business, from the very
small to the very large, and has successfully delivered secure, reliable,
robust solutions to over 150,000 clients in his 18 years in the business.
Tony started his career back in the 1980s as a “green screen” mainframe
programmer for the British Meteorological Office, finally arriving after a
long journey in his current role as a self-employed IT consultant for over a
dozen full-time customers.
Tony is a regular contributor to a number of
IT journals distributed across the globe, and has been involved in the
production of software manuals, user guides, white papers, hardware manuals,
and training courses. His love of writing has led to publication of some
fiction by a number of small presses as well as by a few more obscure
magazines.
Word 2007: Beyond The Manual
Price -
$34.99
$17.50 - eBook Price
Date -
March 2007
About the Book -
If you’re familiar with Word, but not Word 2007, this is the book for you.
Word 2007: Beyond the Manual focuses on new features of Word 2007, as well
as older features that were once less accessible than they are now. This
book also makes a point to include examples of practical applications for
all the new features.
Written by Connie Morrison, a university instructor of Microsoft
applications, this book will help you grow into a confident Word 2007 user.
The book assumes familiarity with Word 2003 or earlier versions, so you can
work effectively with the material here. Overall, this book cuts to the
chase by skipping over basic or obvious features to get you up and running
with Word 2007 in the shortest possible time.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Word 2007 Overview
Chapter 2 Getting Started with the New User Interface
Chapter 3 Viewing Documents
Chapter 4 Formatting and Editing
Chapter 5 Creating Documents More Efficiently
Chapter 6 Designing Page Layouts
Chapter 7 Using Reference Features
Chapter 8 Creating Envelopes, Labels, and Merge Documents
Chapter 9 Working with Others
Chapter 10 Creating and Using Macros
Chapter 11 Using Templates, Form Controls, and XML
Chapter 12 Publishing Documents
Index
ISBN 10: 1-59059-799-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-59059-799-0
300 pages; trade paperback
Author -
Connie Morrison
About the Author -
Connie Morrison has more than 30 years of diversified experience in
educational publishing, training, marketing, and education for elementary,
secondary, and postsecondary levels of instruction. She is a published
author for numerous middle school, secondary, and postsecondary textbooks
for Microsoft Office applications. Connie is also a professional speaker and
trainer nationwide. She is frequently a guest lecturer at universities for
graduate credit courses.
Excel 2007: Beyond The Manual
Price -
$39.99
$20.00 - eBook Price
Date -
March 2007
About the Book -
Many experienced users may initially find Excel 2007 rather disorientating.
But Excel 2007: Beyond the Manual will introduce those who are already
familiar with Excel basics to more advanced features, like consolidation,
what-if analysis, PivotTables, sorting and filtering, and some commonly used
functions.
You’ll learn how to maximize your efficiency at producing
professional-looking spreadsheets and charts and become competent at
analyzing data using a variety of tools. The book includes practical
examples to illustrate advanced features. It also covers new features of
Excel 2007 along with ways to access old features. You’ll even gain
timesaving tips and shortcuts.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 What’s New in Excel 2007?
Chapter 2 Customizing Excel
Chapter 3 Excel Essentials
Chapter 4 Styles and Formatting
Chapter 5 Sorting and Filtering
Chapter 6 Analyzing Data Using Subtotals, Consolidations, and Tables
Chapter 7 Creating PivotTables and PivotCharts
Chapter 8 Editing PivotTables and PivotCharts
Chapter 9 What-If Analysis
Chapter 10 Formulas and Functions
Chapter 11 Charts
Chapter 12 Adding Graphics to a Worksheet
Chapter 13 Preventing and Correcting Errors
Chapter 14 Protection and Security
Chapter 15 Getting Data from External Sources
Chapter 16 Sharing, Reviewing, and Distributing Data
Chapter 17 SharePoint and Excel Services
APPENDIX A Location of Popular Excel 2003 Commands in Excel 2007
APPENDIX B Selecting Data in a PivotTable Report
Index
ISBN 10: 1-59059-798-2
ISBN 13: 978-1-59059-798-9
417 pages; trade paperback
Author -
Helen Dixon
About the Author -
Helen Dixon works for Queen’s University in Belfast, training staff and
students in IT and providing a consultancy service for staff. Her
qualifications include a bachelor’s (with honors) in business studies and a
master’s in computing and information systems. She is currently studying for
a Ph.D. in electronic commerce.
Outlook 2007: Beyond The Missing Manual
Price -
$39.99
$20.00 eBook Price
Date -
March 2007
About the Book -
This new book, written specifically for this version of the software, not
only offers the basics of how to create, save, set up, run, and print a
basic bullets-and-background slideshow, but takes you into the world of
multimedia, animation, and interactivity. You'll learn how to add pictures,
sound, video, animated effects, and controls (buttons and links) to their
slides, along with ways to pull text, spreadsheets, and animations created
in other programs. You can also create your own reusable design templates
and learn to automate repetitive tasks with macros. Learn how to take
advantage of advanced functions (such as adding custom background images)
that existed in previous PowerPoint versions, but were so cleverly hidden
that few people ever found them.
Like every other application in Microsoft Office suite, PowerPoint is loaded
with features. So many, in fact, that even veterans don't know where to find
them all. Microsoft solved this problem in PowerPoint 2007 by redesigning
the user interface with a tabbed toolbar that makes features easy to locate
and use. PowerPoint 2007 also boasts improved graphics, additional
templates, the ability to save custom layouts, and improved collaboration
through SharePoint. One thing Microsoft hasn't improved is its poor
documentation. To learn the ins and outs of all the features in PowerPoint
2007, Microsoft merely offers online help. If you're familiar with previous
versions of the program, you may be lost the first time you fire up the new
PowerPoint; or you would be if it weren't for PowerPoint 2007: The Missing
Manual.
488 pages; trade paperback
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 What’s New and What’s Improved in Outlook 2007
Chapter 2 Messaging
Chapter 3 Message Organization
Chapter 4 Contacts and Address Books
Chapter 5 Calendaring
Chapter 6 Notes and Journals
Chapter 7 Task Management
Chapter 8 Storage Management
Chapter 9 Color Categories
Chapter 10 Customization
Chapter 11 Security and Backup
Chapter 12 Outlook Outside the Office (or Home)
Chapter 13 Forms and Macros
Index
ISBN 10:
0-596-52738-1
ISBN 13:
978-0-596-52738-9
About the Authors -
Tony Campbell is a veteran Microsoft consultant (MCP) specializing in the
architecture and design of secure Microsoft-centric business solutions. He
also has vast experience in many other industry niches such as networking,
collaboration, security, business logic, and disaster recovery and
resilience. Tony has been involved with all sizes of business, from the very
small to the very large, and has successfully delivered secure, reliable,
robust solutions to over 150,000 clients in his 18 years in the business.
Tony started his career back in the 1980s as a “green screen” mainframe
programmer for the British Meteorological Office, finally arriving after a
long journey in his current role as a self-employed IT consultant for over a
dozen full-time customers.
Tony is a regular contributor to a number of IT journals distributed across
the globe, and has been involved in the production of software manuals, user
guides, white papers, hardware manuals, and training courses. His love of
writing has led to publication of some fiction by a number of small presses
as well as by a few more obscure magazines.
Jonathan Hassell is an author, consultant, and speaker on a variety of IT
topics. His published works include RADIUS, Hardening Windows, Using
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, and Learning Windows Server
2003. His work appears regularly in such periodicals as Windows IT Pro, PC
Pro, and TechNet Magazine. Jonathan also speaks worldwide on topics ranging
from networking and security to Windows administration. He is currently an
editor for Apress, which specializes in books for programmers and IT
professionals.
Target Readers
These important books are designed to accommodate readers at every technical
level, especially those experienced Windows users and Office users who have moved beyond
the basics of using Office into the more complex functions. These more
complex functions usually are not covered in most other manuals on Windows
and Office,
and these Apress Beyond The Manual books will nicely support anyone who is a
heavy and experienced users.
The primary discussions are written for advanced or intermediate PC
users. If you are a first-time Windows PC owner or Office user, you may be interested in the
other titles on the new Windows Vista operating system and Office 2007 from O'Reilly, such as
Windows Vista: The Missing Manual, Word 2007: The
Missing Manual, or Excel 2007: The Missing Manual.
About Apress
Apress is a publishing company devoted to meeting the needs of programmers
and IT professionals. Apress' unique approach to computer book publishing
grew out of conversations between Dan Appleman and Gary Cornell, Apress'
founders, who believe that too many programming books are of such low
quality that they are a complete waste of time. Computer professionals need
quality books that are not just rehashes of documentation.
The obvious question is: How does Apress acquire manuscripts of the highest
quality? Well, that's simple. This is done by attracting the best authors
and technical experts that the world has to offer.
How can a publishing company like Apress attract these authors? The answer
is simple: Apress makes authors partners in the publishing process. Apress
doesn't impose a "house style" on their authors and they do not make them
conform to a series that straightjackets them. Apress also makes sure that
authors are treated equitably: their contract is open for all to see and has
no hidden clauses in the fine print.
However, the concept doesn't stop there. Another key feature of the Apress
approach to publishing books is taken from the software industry: Apress
treats the technical review process as seriously as the best software
companies treat the quality assurance process.
Apress is convinced that these innovations such as those listed above make
it possible to produce the highest quality books, recruit the highest
quality authors, and publish titles that information technology
professionals need and want.
The Apress management team ensures that the distribution and fulfillment of
Apress titles is second to none, and ensures that the capital is available
to move aggressively and take advantage of any publishing opportunities that
arise. To accomplish this, Apress has entered into a partnership with
Springer, one of the world's most respected publishing houses. Springer is
convinced that Apress will be the publisher of quality trade computer
paperbacks in the years to come and Apress is very pleased to be working so
closely with them.
Apress will continue to publish titles of the highest quality, and has
compiled a team of authors that reads like a veritable "Who's Who" list of
the computing industry.
Publisher Contact
Cheryl Martinez
Marketing Coordinator
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219
Berkeley, California 94710
510-549-5930, Ext. 129
FAX 510-549-5939
cheryl@apress.com
www.apress.com |
Beyond The Manual Series