Let's face it: Windows 7 doesn't come with an instruction manual. So where can an IT pro turn for help with deploying, configuring, and managing the OS?

A good place to start: Windows 7 Resource Kit, a new book from Microsoft Press.

The whopping 1,700-page tome explains how to perform these and other tasks:

• Use Microsoft Deployment Toolkit best practices and tools.


• Plan user-state migration and test application compatibility.


• Exploit new Group Policy features, settings, and ADMX templates.


• Configure software updates and client-security technologies.


• Administer disks, file systems, file sharing, search, and Windows Internet Explorer 8.


• Install and troubleshoot printers, devices, and services.


• Manage IPsec, IPv6, wireless, and remote connectivity.


• Use performance monitoring and diagnostic tools to manage desktop health.


• Resolve common startup, hardware, and networking issues.

You can read excerpts from the introduction and two chapters at the Microsoft Press blog.

The book lists for $69.99 but is available from Amazon for $44.09 shipped. Sounds like a must-have for anyone involved with Windows 7 operations.

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