Windows

Create the next generation of gaming titles for Windows Phone 7!

Providing an overview of developing games for Windows Phone 7 while working within XNA Game Studio 4, this comprehensive resource covers such essential topics as device/emulator, development tools, device orientation, tilt and accelerometer sensors, multi-touch, working with Cloud and Web services, and more. Three complete games are included within the book plus hands-on explanations and clear example codes help you gain a deeper understanding of the Windows Phone 7 features so that you can start building a game right away.

• Serves as a comprehensive reference on Windows Phone 7 game development with XNA Game Studio 4
• Includes real-world examples and anecdotes, making this book a popular choice for those taking their first steps into the game development industry
• Demonstrates how to program for device orientation, incorporate Touch Input, add music to a game, work with 3D, and take your game to the marketplace

Put your game face on and start designing games for Windows Phone 7 with Professional Windows Phone 7 Game Development!

About the Author

Brian Travis has been disassembling technology since shortly after birth. Before computers came along, he was content to turn his attention to household appliances. An advocate of the “learn by making mistakes” school, Brian is never afraid of doing just that. He is an expert in information interchange, having been a member of the original SGML committee and involved in various XML-based standards. In addition to working as a consultant to large enterprise customers, Brian has shared his experience as an author, lecturer, and teacher to audiences all over the world. He lives in beautiful New Hampshire.

Listen up! Bestselling author Paul Thurrott whispers little know Windows Phone 7 tips, tricks, and advice

The newly revamped Windows Phone platform boasts sophisticated new features and functionality. Sharing his years of training and experience, bestselling author and Windows expert Paul Thurrott reveals little known tips, valuable insight, and unbeatable advice so you can get the most from your Windows Phone 7. You’ll benefit from the simple, straightforward solutions to common problems, all of which will go a long way to help if you are new to the Window Phone 7.

Written with access to unique information from the team at Microsoft, Windows Phone 7 Secrets is the ultimate guide to this exciting new mobile platform. Unlike other books, this title reveals the inner workings of the Windows Phone and how to make it work the way you want it. Thurrott begins with the basics of choosing the right Windows Phone, setting it up, and upgrading from another smart phone. He then moves on to customizing the screen; downloading applications; and using the Internet, e-mail, calendar, Microsoft Office; and more.

Coverage includes:

• Pre-Flight Checklist: What to Do Before You Get Your Windows Phone
• Windows Live ID: One Online ID to Rule Them All
• Using Windows Live ID to Access Your Social Networks and Other Services
• Picking a Phone
• Unboxing and Getting Started
• Unboxing Your Windows Phone
• Windows Phone Usage
• Understanding the Windows Phone User Interface
• The Way We Were: How Microsoft Screwed Up Mobile So Bad It Had to Start Over from Scratch
• A New Beginning: Metro
• Real World Metro: A Whirlwind Tour of the UI
• Hubs and Applications
• You and Your Friends: How to Connect with Others, Connect to the World.
• Managing Your Digital Persona
• Being a People Person: Managing Your Family, Friends, and Other Contacts
• Configuring the People Hub
• Digital Memories: Using the Pictures Hub and Camera
• Using the Pictures Hub
• Taking Pictures and Videos with the Camera
• Moving Photos Between the Phone and Your PC
• Sharing Photos and Customizing Your Phone
• Configuring Pictures Hub Options
• Zune to Go: Music + Videos
• Using the Zune PC Software with Windows Phone
• Enjoying Music and Video Content on Windows Phone
• Why Zune Is Different
• More Music: Pandora and Other Services
• Having Fun: Windows Phone and Games
• Windows Phone: Great Mobile Gaming Platform
• Understanding Xbox Live
• Xbox Live on Windows Phone:Not the Full Meal Deal
• Using the Games Hub
• Playing a Game
• Finding More Games in the Marketplace
• Browsing the Web
• A (Short) History of the Mobile Web

“The chapter on programming a KMDF hardware driver provides a great example for readers to see a driver being made.”

–Patrick Regan, network administrator, Pacific Coast Companies 

The First Authoritative Guide to Writing Robust, High-Performance Windows 7 Device Drivers

Windows 7 Device Driver brings together all the information experienced programmers need to build exceptionally reliable, high-performance Windows 7 drivers. Internationally renowned driver development expert Ronald D. Reeves shows how to make the most of Microsoft’s powerful new tools and models; save time and money; and efficiently deliver stable, robust drivers.

Drawing on his unsurpassed experience as both a driver developer and instructor, Reeves demystifies Kernel and User Mode Driver development, Windows Driver Foundation (WDF) architecture, driver debugging, and many other key topics. Throughout, he provides best practices for all facets of the driver development process, illuminating his insights with proven sample code. Learn how to

• Use WDF to reduce development time, improve system stability, and enhance serviceability
• Take full advantage of both the User Mode Driver Framework (UMDF) and the Kernel Mode Driver Framework (KMDF)
• Implement best practices for designing, developing, and debugging both User Mode and Kernel Mode Drivers
• Manage I/O requests and queues, self-managed I/O, synchronization, locks, plug-and-play, power management, device enumeration, and more
• Develop UMDF drivers with COM
• Secure Kernel Mode Drivers with safe defaults, parameter validation, counted UNICODE strings, and safe device naming techniques
• Program and troubleshoot WMI support in Kernel Mode Drivers
• Utilize advanced multiple I/O queuing techniques

Whether you’re creating Windows 7 drivers for laboratory equipment, communications hardware, or any other device or technology, this book will help you build production code more quickly and get to market sooner!

Everything you need to immediately get the most from Windows 7

This essential and unique book delves into the various elements that Microsoft fixed from Vista and investigates the new features that Microsoft added in response to user requests. Veteran author John Paul Mueller shows you how to work with security policies as well as manage the Windows Firewall in every way conceivable—both of which are topics you won't find anywhere else. In addition, he presents a clear, procedural approach to working with trigger-start services, details how to make the User Account Control part of an application, and shows how to use Group Policy Objects to work with the Windows Firewall. Ultimately, you'll discover how Windows 7 provides practical, usable functionality, just waiting for you to exploit.

Professional Windows 7 Development Guide:

• Walks you through picking files directly from pinned applications, checking on application status, and more, simply by viewing the Taskbar

• Discusses the new Ribbon functionality and shows how to use it effectively

• Examines libraries and looks at how they provide a centralized method of managing data

• Includes complete Windows PowerShell coverage with all of the Windows 7 updates

• Offers an in-depth look at 64-bit programming and parallel programming

• Addresses working with power management

• Reviews how you can create applications that automatically restart and recover lost data when there is a crash

Wrox Professional guides are planned and written by working programmers to meet the real-world needs of programmers, developers, and IT professionals. Focused and relevant, they address the issues technology professionals face every day. They provide examples, practical solutions, and expert education in new technologies, all designed to help programmers do a better job.

wrox.com Programmer Forums

Join our Programmer to Programmer forums to ask and answer programming questions about this book, join discussions on the hottest topics in the industry, and connect with fellow programmers from around the world.

Code Downloads

Take advantage of free code samples from this book, as well as code samples from hundreds of other books, all ready to use.

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THE ONLY HANDS-ON, UP-TO-DATE GUIDE TO VBSCRIPT, THE WINDOWS COMMAND LINE, AND WINDOWS POWERSHELL

Windows 7 and Vista contain state-of-the-art tools for streamlining or automating virtually any system management task. If you’re a power user, administrator, or developer, these tools can help you eliminate repetitive work and manage your systems far more reliably and effectively.

Renowned Windows expert Brian Knittel brings together the practical knowledge you need to use all these tools, including VBScript and Windows Scripting Host (WSH), traditional batch files, the advanced PowerShell command console, and more. Using plenty of examples, Knittel explains how each tool works, and how to solve real-world problems with them.

You’ll master techniques ranging from accessing files to manipulating the Registry, sending automated emails to configuring new users. Knittel also provides concise, handy references to Windows 7/Vista’s command line, GUI scripting, and object-based management tools.

The only single-source guide to all leading methods of Windows scripting and automation, this book will help you get far more done–in far less time!

•    Understand Windows Scripting Host (WSH) and the modern Windows scripting environment
•    Script objects with VBScript, JScript, ActivePerl, and ActivePython
•    Read and write files, including XML and HTML files
•    Manipulate programs and shortcuts
•    Manage network, printer, and fax connections
•    Make the most of PowerShell under Windows 7 and Vista
•    Monitor and administer Windows systems with Windows Management Interface (WMI)
•    Use ADSI to control Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange, and manage users more efficiently
•    Avoid mistakes that can compromise script security
•    Use Windows’ debugging tools to test and troubleshoot scripts
•    Develop batch files that take full advantage of the command line
•    Send faxes and email messages from scripts with Windows Fax and Collaboration Data Objects (CDO)
•    Deploy your scripts throughout your organization

Brian Knittel has been a software developer for more than 30 years. He has coauthored five
titles in Que’s Special Edition Using series, covering Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, and 2000.
He is also author of Windows XP Under the Hood, and coauthor of Upgrading and Repairing Windows (with Scott Mueller).

Covers Release Candidate of Windows 7. 

With purchase of this book you will get a free online edition written on final product. See product registration ad in back of book for details.

Microsoft® Windows 7 Unleashed gives IT professionals, serious power users, and true geeks the powerhouse Windows 7 tweaks, hacks, techniques, and insights they need: knowledge that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Top Windows expert Paul McFedries dives deep into Windows 7, returning with the most powerful ways to handle everything from networking to administration, security to scripting.

McFedries begins with advanced customization, covering everything from startup/shutdown to the file system. He introduces new ways to tune Windows 7 performance, police Windows via Group Policies, tweak the Registry, make the most of Windows 7s management tools, and control Windows 7 from the command line. You’ll find thorough coverage of securing Windows 7, including detailed guidance on web and email security and hardening both wireless and wired networks. You’ll also discover better ways to troubleshoot devices, networks, and startup; add Macs to Windows networks; and automate Windows administration with state-of-the-art scripting techniques.

This book is packed with expert tips, tricks, and troubleshooting techniques drawn from McFedries’ unsurpassed Windows experience. If you want maximum value and performance from your Windows 7 PCs, you won’t

find a more valuable resource.

• Customize everything about Windows 7: IE8, startup/shutdown, file systems, the Start menu, Taskbar, and more
• Systematically monitor, tune, and optimize Windows performance–including practical techniques for accelerating startup
• Set up an easy, automated 9-Step maintenance schedule for any Windows 7 PC
• Unleash Windows 7s power user tools, including Group Policies, the Registry, MMC, and the command line
• Secure Windows 7 with security settings: auto-lock, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, parental controls, BitLocker encryption, and more
• Protect your web privacy with Windows 7s new InPrivate Browsing
• Solve problems with Windows 7, startup, networking, and hardware
• Set up reliable Windows 7 networks, and manage them efficiently
• Safely provide remote access and VPN connectivity
• Use Windows 7 as a Web server
• Program the Windows Scripting Host and Windows PowerShell

ON THE WEB:

• Free Online Edition! When Microsoft releases the final product, you can get an updated edition of this book absolutely free!
• All examples and source code presented in this book

$49.99 USA / $59.99 CANz

Covers Release Candidate of Windows 7. 

With purchase of this book you will get a free online edition written on final product. See product registration ad in back of book for details.

Microsoft® Windows 7 Unleashed gives IT professionals, serious power users, and true geeks the powerhouse Windows 7 tweaks, hacks, techniques, and insights they need: knowledge that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Top Windows expert Paul McFedries dives deep into Windows 7, returning with the most powerful ways to handle everything from networking to administration, security to scripting.

McFedries begins with advanced customization, covering everything from startup/shutdown to the file system. He introduces new ways to tune Windows 7 performance, police Windows via Group Policies, tweak the Registry, make the most of Windows 7s management tools, and control Windows 7 from the command line. You’ll find thorough coverage of securing Windows 7, including detailed guidance on web and email security and hardening both wireless and wired networks. You’ll also discover better ways to troubleshoot devices, networks, and startup; add Macs to Windows networks; and automate Windows administration with state-of-the-art scripting techniques.

This book is packed with expert tips, tricks, and troubleshooting techniques drawn from McFedries’ unsurpassed Windows experience. If you want maximum value and performance from your Windows 7 PCs, you won’t

find a more valuable resource.

• Customize everything about Windows 7: IE8, startup/shutdown, file systems, the Start menu, Taskbar, and more
• Systematically monitor, tune, and optimize Windows performance–including practical techniques for accelerating startup
• Set up an easy, automated 9-Step maintenance schedule for any Windows 7 PC
• Unleash Windows 7s power user tools, including Group Policies, the Registry, MMC, and the command line
• Secure Windows 7 with security settings: auto-lock, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, parental controls, BitLocker encryption, and more
• Protect your web privacy with Windows 7s new InPrivate Browsing
• Solve problems with Windows 7, startup, networking, and hardware
• Set up reliable Windows 7 networks, and manage them efficiently
• Safely provide remote access and VPN connectivity
• Use Windows 7 as a Web server
• Program the Windows Scripting Host and Windows PowerShell

ON THE WEB:

• Free Online Edition! When Microsoft releases the final product, you can get an updated edition of this book absolutely free!
• All examples and source code presented in this book

$49.99 USA / $59.99 CANz

THE ONLY HANDS-ON, UP-TO-DATE GUIDE TO VBSCRIPT, THE WINDOWS COMMAND LINE, AND WINDOWS POWERSHELL

Windows 7 and Vista contain state-of-the-art tools for streamlining or automating virtually any system management task. If you’re a power user, administrator, or developer, these tools can help you eliminate repetitive work and manage your systems far more reliably and effectively.

Renowned Windows expert Brian Knittel brings together the practical knowledge you need to use all these tools, including VBScript and Windows Scripting Host (WSH), traditional batch files, the advanced PowerShell command console, and more. Using plenty of examples, Knittel explains how each tool works, and how to solve real-world problems with them.

You’ll master techniques ranging from accessing files to manipulating the Registry, sending automated emails to configuring new users. Knittel also provides concise, handy references to Windows 7/Vista’s command line, GUI scripting, and object-based management tools.

The only single-source guide to all leading methods of Windows scripting and automation, this book will help you get far more done–in far less time!

•    Understand Windows Scripting Host (WSH) and the modern Windows scripting environment
•    Script objects with VBScript, JScript, ActivePerl, and ActivePython
•    Read and write files, including XML and HTML files
•    Manipulate programs and shortcuts
•    Manage network, printer, and fax connections
•    Make the most of PowerShell under Windows 7 and Vista
•    Monitor and administer Windows systems with Windows Management Interface (WMI)
•    Use ADSI to control Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange, and manage users more efficiently
•    Avoid mistakes that can compromise script security
•    Use Windows’ debugging tools to test and troubleshoot scripts
•    Develop batch files that take full advantage of the command line
•    Send faxes and email messages from scripts with Windows Fax and Collaboration Data Objects (CDO)
•    Deploy your scripts throughout your organization

Brian Knittel has been a software developer for more than 30 years. He has coauthored five
titles in Que’s Special Edition Using series, covering Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, and 2000.
He is also author of Windows XP Under the Hood, and coauthor of Upgrading and Repairing Windows (with Scott Mueller).