Windows Vista: The Complete Reference (Complete Reference Series)

Other Windows Vista Web Resources

Windows is a popular topic on the Internet. The beta and launch of Windows Vista caused quite a stir on online media sites and the blogosphere. A number of third-party web sites and blogs focusing on Microsoft topics offer support for and analysis into Microsoft software and operating systems including Microsoft Windows Vista.

Third-Party Web Sites

These third-party web sites provide information on a variety of computer- related issues, including Windows:

• CNET http://www.Download.com, at http://www.download.com This CNET site includes a number of popular Windows shareware and freeware software downloads.

• CNET http://www.News.com, at http://www.news.com Current news about Microsoft, Microsoft Windows, and other happenings in the high-tech industry.

• Microsoft Vista Ultimate, at http://www.vistaultimate.com While this site covers the gaming aspects of Microsoft Windows Vista, it does have well-rounded coverage and analysis of Microsoft Windows Vista news and releases.

• Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows, at http://www.winsupersite.com FAQs (frequently asked questions and their answers), reviews, and news about upcoming Windows releases.

• WinPlanet, at http://www.winplanet.com/winplanet Articles, tutorials, and downloads of utilities and drivers.

Blogs Covering Microsoft Windows Vista

A number of third-party blogs have started covering Microsoft Windows Vista, including:

• Download Squad, at http://www.downloadsquad.com A sister site to the popular http://www.Engadget.com blog, Download Squad is an AOL online property covering Microsoft and Microsoft Vista, among a number of other popular software topics.

• Lifehacker, at http://www.lifehacker.com While best known for its posting about technology and "life hacks" (productivity tips), they extend their focus into Microsoft Windows Vista at http://www.lifehacker.com/windowsvista.

• Windows Now, at http://www.windows-now.com/blogs/ This blog sponsored by Interscape Technologies has a mission to spread the word about Microsoft Windows Vista.

• Tech Blogs on ZDNet, at http://www.blogs.zdnet.com This network of blogs from venerable online publisher http://www.ZDNet.com (now part of CNET) covers Microsoft Windows Vista from productivity, technological, and technology industry angles.

Google Groups Covering Microsoft Windows Vista

While UseNet is a fading memory to many longtime Internet users, Google Groups (http://www.groups.google.com) has become an important interactive news and collaborative conduit for a myriad of topics, including Microsoft Windows Vista. Google Groups adds Google's rock-solid network infrastructure and web interface to the aging UseNet newsgroups model.

Google Groups about Windows Vista, including http://www.groups.google.com/group/ WindowsVista and http://www.groups.google.com/ group /windows-vista, were created during the Windows Vista Beta cycle. As Vista launches, it's safe to expect more Google Groups sprouting up to cover Windows Vista-related topics, especially related to tuning and troubleshooting.