By MICHAEL MILLER
What is Windows Vista?
Posted: 2007-05-15 14:31:37
What's New in Windows Vista?
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Click here and listen to our expert tell you more.
The most visible differences between XP and Vista are in the interface. XP's Luna interface was state-of-the-art at the time, but that time was more than five years ago. Vista pretties things up and takes advantage of today's more powerful video cards. Vista's Aero interface is smooth and sleek and provides a see-through 3D look to things. It also enables some slick three-dimensional program switching, which gives the illusion that you really have separate windows stacked on your virtual desktop.
Beneath the surface, Vista makes better use of the technology built into today's PCs, putting all that extra speed and memory to good work. A Vista-equipped PC starts up faster, loads programs faster, and crashes less frequently. It's also more secure, with built-in anti-spyware and anti-phishing utilities working alongside the established Windows Firewall.
Beneath the surface, Vista makes better use of the technology built into today's PCs, putting all that extra speed and memory to good work. A Vista-equipped PC starts up faster, loads programs faster, and crashes less frequently. It's also more secure, with built-in anti-spyware and anti-phishing utilities working alongside the established Windows Firewall.
You also get a lot more and better applications with Vista than you did with XP. Vista includes updated versions of Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Windows Movie Maker, as well as new Windows Mail, Windows Calendar, Windows Photo Gallery, and Windows DVD Maker programs. It's safe to say that Vista is better for web browsing and for managing all digital media.
Here's a short list of the most important items that are new or improved in Windows Vista:
Windows Media Center
Here's a short list of the most important items that are new or improved in Windows Vista:
The Home Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista come with Windows Media Center built-in. The Vista version of Media Center features a streamlined interface, improved music and video browsing, built-in support for HDTV, and support for CableCARD systems.
Aero Interface
Vista dramatically improves the user experience with the new Aero interface. Aero is a glass-like 3D interface; the see-through windows give a sense of depth when individual windows are stacked on top of each other. The Aero interface is possible because of Vista's new graphics engine, which harnesses the massive graphics processing power of today's PCs to create a three-dimensional desktop with glass-like windows and sophisticated animation effects.
Windows Sidebar and Gadgets
The Windows Sidebar is a pane on the side of the desktop that takes advantage of the extra screen real estate on widescreen computer displays. The Sidebar helps to organize new mini-applications that Microsoft calls Gadgets. Gadgets can deliver a variety of information and services, and can either be docked on the Sidebar or float above the desktop.
Windows Flip and Flip3D
Task switching is a lot more visual in Windows Vista. When you press Alt+Tab, the Windows Flip task switcher appears and shows live thumbnails of all active programs (instead of generic icons). Even better, press Start+Tab and Flip3D displays all open windows in a three-dimensional stack.
Instant Search
Finding specific files has never been easier. Whatever you're doing in Vista, you're never far away from an Instant Search box. Just enter a word or part of a word, and Vista locates all matching files and folders.
Fast Boot and Resume -- and new Sleep mode
Let's face it; it took way too long to start up Windows XP. Windows Vista starts and stops a lot faster, thanks to the new Fast Boot and Resume feature, which performs many processing tasks in the background. You may not even need to shut down your computer; Vista has a new Sleep function that lets your PC rest without going through the entire shutdown procedure.
Improved Networking
Whether you connect to a wired or a wireless network, Windows Vista does it better -- both more quickly and with greater security. And you can monitor all your network connections from the new Network Center, which shows a visual map of your entire network.
Parental Controls
Windows Vista makes it easier to keep track of your children's online activity. You limit when and how long your kids can use your PC, control which websites they can visit, restrict access to particular programs and games, and view detailed reports on your children's computer usage.
User Account Control
In previous versions of Windows, it was too easy for any user to inadvertently install dangerous software. Windows Vista makes it harder to do anything wrong by applying a new layer of User Account Control. You create a separate account for each member of your family and set which programs, games, and websites they can use and install.
Windows Defender
Windows Vista is more secure than Windows XP in a number of ways -- chief of which is the new Windows Defender anti-spyware utility. Defender runs in the background to protect your system against unwanted spyware programs -- and deletes any spyware it finds.
Microsoft Phishing Filter
Have you ever been tricked into clicking to a fake website? Then you'll appreciate the new Microsoft Phishing Filter, which works with both Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Mail. The filter lets you know when it finds a link to a suspicious website, so you won't inadvertently disclose personal information.
Internet Explorer 7
Microsoft's web browser has been updated with a new streamlined interface and innovative tabbed browsing, where each new page appears as a new tab within the same browser window. A Quick Tabs feature lets you view thumbnails of all tabbed pages on a single page.
Windows Mail
This is the new name for the old Outlook Express email program. Windows Mail has been updated with an Instant Search field that lets you search all your archived email messages for specific information. It also includes a junk mail filter to reduce spam and a phishing filter to protect you from scam emails.
Windows Calendar
Windows Calendar is a full-featured calendar and scheduling program, similar to those features offered in Microsoft Outlook. You can schedule appointments, create tasks, and share your calendars with family members and colleagues.
Windows Media Player 11
The latest version of Microsoft's media player software features a totally revamped and easier to use interface. Just click a tab to access a function -- and then view your entire music library sorted by album art. Instant search helps you find songs or albums, and its easier than ever to sync music between your PC and a portable music player.
Windows Photo Gallery
This new application helps you organize and edit all your digital photos. It's easy to display your photos in variable-size thumbnail view, launch an automated slideshow, burn your photos to CD or DVD, or create photo prints. Fix and enhance your photos by adjusting exposure or color, cropping, removing red-eye, and more.
Windows Movie Maker HD
This popular video editing program sports a revamped interface and a batch of new tools to help you make professional-quality home movies. The HD version adds editing for high definition movies -- in both normal and widescreen versions.
Windows DVD Maker
Finally, Windows Vista now includes built-in DVD burning functionality. You can easily create professional-looking DVDs of your home movies, as well as burn other videos you own to DVD.
So is Windows Vista in your PC future? Definitely yes, if you're buying a new PC -- and a firm "maybe" if you have an older machine that meets Vista's system requirements.
Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.
Vista dramatically improves the user experience with the new Aero interface. Aero is a glass-like 3D interface; the see-through windows give a sense of depth when individual windows are stacked on top of each other. The Aero interface is possible because of Vista's new graphics engine, which harnesses the massive graphics processing power of today's PCs to create a three-dimensional desktop with glass-like windows and sophisticated animation effects.
The Windows Sidebar is a pane on the side of the desktop that takes advantage of the extra screen real estate on widescreen computer displays. The Sidebar helps to organize new mini-applications that Microsoft calls Gadgets. Gadgets can deliver a variety of information and services, and can either be docked on the Sidebar or float above the desktop.
Task switching is a lot more visual in Windows Vista. When you press Alt+Tab, the Windows Flip task switcher appears and shows live thumbnails of all active programs (instead of generic icons). Even better, press Start+Tab and Flip3D displays all open windows in a three-dimensional stack.
Finding specific files has never been easier. Whatever you're doing in Vista, you're never far away from an Instant Search box. Just enter a word or part of a word, and Vista locates all matching files and folders.
Let's face it; it took way too long to start up Windows XP. Windows Vista starts and stops a lot faster, thanks to the new Fast Boot and Resume feature, which performs many processing tasks in the background. You may not even need to shut down your computer; Vista has a new Sleep function that lets your PC rest without going through the entire shutdown procedure.
Whether you connect to a wired or a wireless network, Windows Vista does it better -- both more quickly and with greater security. And you can monitor all your network connections from the new Network Center, which shows a visual map of your entire network.
Windows Vista makes it easier to keep track of your children's online activity. You limit when and how long your kids can use your PC, control which websites they can visit, restrict access to particular programs and games, and view detailed reports on your children's computer usage.
In previous versions of Windows, it was too easy for any user to inadvertently install dangerous software. Windows Vista makes it harder to do anything wrong by applying a new layer of User Account Control. You create a separate account for each member of your family and set which programs, games, and websites they can use and install.
Windows Vista is more secure than Windows XP in a number of ways -- chief of which is the new Windows Defender anti-spyware utility. Defender runs in the background to protect your system against unwanted spyware programs -- and deletes any spyware it finds.
Have you ever been tricked into clicking to a fake website? Then you'll appreciate the new Microsoft Phishing Filter, which works with both Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Mail. The filter lets you know when it finds a link to a suspicious website, so you won't inadvertently disclose personal information.
Microsoft's web browser has been updated with a new streamlined interface and innovative tabbed browsing, where each new page appears as a new tab within the same browser window. A Quick Tabs feature lets you view thumbnails of all tabbed pages on a single page.
This is the new name for the old Outlook Express email program. Windows Mail has been updated with an Instant Search field that lets you search all your archived email messages for specific information. It also includes a junk mail filter to reduce spam and a phishing filter to protect you from scam emails.
Windows Calendar is a full-featured calendar and scheduling program, similar to those features offered in Microsoft Outlook. You can schedule appointments, create tasks, and share your calendars with family members and colleagues.
The latest version of Microsoft's media player software features a totally revamped and easier to use interface. Just click a tab to access a function -- and then view your entire music library sorted by album art. Instant search helps you find songs or albums, and its easier than ever to sync music between your PC and a portable music player.
This new application helps you organize and edit all your digital photos. It's easy to display your photos in variable-size thumbnail view, launch an automated slideshow, burn your photos to CD or DVD, or create photo prints. Fix and enhance your photos by adjusting exposure or color, cropping, removing red-eye, and more.
This popular video editing program sports a revamped interface and a batch of new tools to help you make professional-quality home movies. The HD version adds editing for high definition movies -- in both normal and widescreen versions.
Finally, Windows Vista now includes built-in DVD burning functionality. You can easily create professional-looking DVDs of your home movies, as well as burn other videos you own to DVD.
So is Windows Vista in your PC future? Definitely yes, if you're buying a new PC -- and a firm "maybe" if you have an older machine that meets Vista's system requirements.
Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.
2006-10-30 11:55:49