Windows Vista

What is Vista?

Windows Vista is Microsoft’s new Operating System (OS) that replaces XP. Vista has new capabilities, an updated interface, improved security features, and updated applications.

The Graphical User Interface, or GUI, has been updated with the default Windows Aero Glass look, with sleek, pretty glass-like graphics and subtle animations. Some of it is simply eye-candy, and older systems may not be able to display all the glorious wonder of Glass, but there are improvements in functionality because of this new look, and besides, who wants a new OS if things don’t look a little different? If you have a recent computer with adequate video processing power, this thing is beautiful. There are new methods of navigating and using the files on your computer, a new Start Menu, and a Sidebar on the desktop that contains “gadgets”, or mini-applications.

Besides the visible difference that Aero Glass provides, there are major changes in the way you will interact with Vista.

Instant Search is a part of almost every function within Vista. With this improved Search function, you can enter a word, partial word, or phrase, and Windows will find and display all instances containing that search term. Instant Search can be found in all Explorer windows, and even the Start Menu, allowing you to search for a program name instead of looking for it in a list. If you find that you are performing the same searches, you can save searches and return to them repeatedly.

The Command Bar, found in all Explorer windows, contains tasks consistent with the contents of the file or folder that you are working with. In other words, if you are working with a picture, commands will show in the Command Bar that you would typically use with pictures.

Vista has improved security features, such as Microsoft’s Windows Defender, a real-time malware scanner that acts to prevent or remove spyware or adware. Windows Vista now includes Parental Controls, which were previously only available as third-party applications. Other improvements include an improved firewall (which debuted in XP SP2), a better Windows Update experience, and User Account Controls. Vista also includes the recently released Internet Explorer 7, which has improved handling and protection against phishing attacks and fraudulent websites. Whether these security improvements prove to be that much more effective remains to be seen.