Know Windows Vista

• Virtually every Windows Vista edition (with the exception of Starter) will ship with both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions

Parental Control

Which is not present in the Windows XP, will allow parents to control their children's PC activities without a fuss. In fact, parents will be delighted with Vista's ability to block objectionable content. Parents can also curtail access to specific applications and view where other users have been on the computer and on the Web

User Account Control (UAC)

UAC is a new security feature that allows users to operate Windows Vista more as a standard user than as a true administrator, where one has complete access to everything.

Windows Firewall

Vista features two different firewalls: the standard firewall that was available in Windows XP and Windows Firewall with advanced features. The latter offers true firewall protection, including bi-directional filters, meaning that both incoming and outgoing data is scanned before being let out.

Windows Defender

Formerly known as Microsoft AntiSpyware, Windows Defender is the built-in spyware blocker bundled in Windows Vista. Windows Defender (already available for past many months as a free standalone application to the Windows Genuine users) is an improved version of Microsoft AntiSpyware, and sports a simpler interface and very rapid access to scanning.

Booting process

The NT Boot Loader present in XP has been replaced by Windows Boot Manager. Vista does not allow storing users' own as well as application files in Windows installed boot drives such as C drive for security reasons, for users, including the administrator.

Features

Windows Aero : There is a new feature called Aero which is enabled for use if the system contains a high graphics card that can support DirectX 9.0 and higher. This feature, which again is not present in Windows XP.

Windows Sidebar : Vista brings a sidebar similar to the sidebar in MS-Office 97. Programmes can be quickly accessed, through customizable buttons provided for the purpose. One need not navigate through Start > Programmes > Programme Group > Programme Name to run a programme.

Windows Search

One of the most helpful new features in Windows Vista, is the new, vastly improved search for files or applications from almost anywhere. Unlike in Windows XP, with Window Search, you can simply type a few letters of your search request, and the results appear on the fly — a very helpful feature when looking for a file or application from the Start menu. Google watch your Desktop!

Enhanced User Experience

Start menu : Microsoft has redesigned the desktop items, such as the start menu. The taskbar, which consists of the start button, is similar in look to the Windows XP Start button. However, the default colour of the task bar has been changed. Instead of classic blue, the colour has been changed to coffee black.

The Start menu displays everything within the context of a single menu.

Live Icons : When Windows Aero starts, users can hover their mouse over open windows in the taskbar and see a live representation of what's running in them.

The Vista disc is a DVD, not a CD-ROM anymore!