Top 10 new features in Windows Vista

Windows Vista, scheduled for release on January 30, 2007, has something for everyone, from tight security and amazing new graphics to some new built-in applications. In fact, there is a lot that this new operating system has to offer, which will be a true test for the hardware configuration of your PC. With its sleek new look and flashy interface, it’s actually what’s under the hood that impresses the most. Microsoft has done a great job improving security across the board, as this was their priority when they were developing Vista in the first place. Features like Windows and spyware library updates are streamlined, and I definitely appreciate more robust backup software.

Internet Explorer is the new web browser that comes with Windows Vista, but as we all know, you can download it for XP as well, so this article will not focus on it. Windows Media Player 11 can also be installed on XP system. One really intriguing thing is the Windows Sidebar, which displays real-time weather, stock quotes, system status, RSS feeds, and other information on the screen.

This article focuses on the top new features in Windows Vista, things you can’t find in XP. In addition to this article, another really great Windows Vista site full of information on new features is vista-hq.com.

1. New user experience, including Windows Aero

Windows Vista features four different levels of user experience: Basic, Windows Classic, Standard, and Windows Aero(TM). All controls are totally redesigned in Windows Vista and now look even better. Aero’s user interface is top of the line and takes advantage of the latest advancements in computer hardware. On computers equipped with graphics hardware that supports the Windows New Driver Display Model (WDDM), Aero provides more stability and smoother window handling. The main element of this interface is the transparent glass design, with subtle effects such as dynamic reflections and fluid animations. To see some screenshots, go to vista-hq.com/interface.html.

2. Windows Sidebar

The Windows sidebar can be placed on the right or left of the screen and is associated with mini-applications called gadgets, which provide specific information. Like for example, gadgets can give you information about the weather, show you the calendar, games, a calculator or all sorts of other tools. The sidebar fits perfectly, especially on widescreen monitors. It can be easily customized and you can add different types of gadgets. Gadgets are a new concept introduced in Windows Vista. They can connect to web services to deliver business data, weather information, news updates, traffic maps, Internet radio broadcasts, and even online photo album slideshows. By default, the operating system comes with a set number of devices to get you started, but you can always download more from an online device gallery.

3. Instant desktop search

Instant search is a new feature that will help you find what you are looking for. It’s available almost everywhere in Windows Vista, in explorer dialogs, in the start menu, in virtually every window on your system. Using it, you can write a filename, a property, or even text contained within a file, and it returns accurate results. On top of that, Instant Search also organizes results based on your current activity, whether it’s searching for music files in Media Player or going through all your files and apps in the Start menu. You can see some screenshots of that at vista-hq.com/interface.html.

In the start menu, the instant search box is in the bottom left corner, and instead of going through all the installed programs to find the one you’re looking for, you can just type its name in the box and as you type, Windows Vista Instantly search for file and application names, metadata, and the full text of all files, and display the search results. Search everything – Apps; Favorites/Internet History; Archives, including documents and media; and Communications, including email, events, tasks, and contacts.

4.Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a feature that protects your computer from pop-up windows, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware. It works by monitoring key system locations for changes that indicate the presence of spyware. The automatic update option will make sure Defender has all the latest spyware definitions from Microsoft. The interface is simple and easy to use, making everyday tasks like scanning, blocking, and removing unwanted software easier than ever. It has a built-in Software Explorer that determines what software and services are running on your computer and stops or disables “rogue” software.

It works in cooperation with Internet Explorer with the “Scan on Run” feature. This feature provides an extra layer of protection by scanning all downloaded files before they are saved and executed, reducing the chance of spyware being accidentally installed. For more information about Windows Defender, visit vista-hq.com/security.html.

5. Performance Center

Performance Center is a brand new tool that provides information about PC performance characteristics and can manage and fix performance issues. The very interesting thing here is WinSPR, or Windows System Performance Rating. This rating is from 1 to 5 and based on your rating you can determine if a given app can run on your machine. For example, if you have the latest hardware, your rating may go as high as 4.2, and in that case, any software with WinSPR 4.2 or below will work without any problems on your computer. For more information on this, go to vista-hq.com/performance.html.

6. Backup and restore

This new functionality allows you to keep your data safe from user error, hardware failure, and other issues that can result in data loss. There are several layers of protection to ensure maximum effectiveness. From the Backup and Restore control panel, you can enable the automatic feature that automatically caches older versions of your files into an image-based backup of your entire computer. Later, you can browse and search for files to restore from a backup.

Another great new feature allows you to access older versions of files without even having a backup. This is made possible by Volume Shadow Copy technology. If you want to do this manually, you’ll need to use the File Backup Wizard where you select the file types to back up, specify a storage folder, and start the process at any point you want. There is also an automatic programming function.

The system restore feature can revert system changes, but retain your data in its current state.

7.Network map

The Network Map is a new feature within the Network Center that graphically displays your network and Internet connectivity. If a computer on the network loses its connection to the Internet, you can graphically see which connection is down, and then use Network Diagnostics to help determine the cause of the problem and find possible solutions.

This is especially useful if you have a network of PCs and wired and wireless devices. With Network Map you can increase network performance and easily detect problems.

8.Windows Ready Boost

ReadyBoost is a new technology that comes with Windows Vista. It’s a whole new concept that will change the way people add memory to a system. With ReadyBoost, you can use flash USD as RAM to expand system memory and improve performance. So instead of buying RAM and opening up your computer, you can just plug in the Flash. Also, most motherboards have only two RAM slots, which will be taken anyway.

Using this technology is simple. Just plug the flash into the USB slot and Windows Vista will check if its performance is fast enough to work with Windows ReadyBoost. If that is the case, you will be asked if you want to use this device to speed up system performance. ReadyBoost is reliable and secure. You will not lose any data and your system will be restored to its original level of performance when the Flash is removed. There is no need to carry around the USB drive, due to the specifically optimized algorithms that are used.

9.Windows ReadyDrive

Windows ReadyDrive takes advantage of the latest hybrid hard drives to provide faster boot, hibernate, and resume. It works by writing data to the flash memory of the hybrid hard drive, which reduces the number of spins of the mechanical hard drive and therefore saves battery power. And it also increases the lifespan of your hard drive. With a hybrid drive, Windows Vista can resume from sleep faster because data can be restored from flash memory faster than from a spinning mechanical hard drive.

10. Windows Media Center

For a large number of users, the PC has become primarily a source of entertainment, which can be enjoyed while sitting with a remote control in hand. That’s not a strange thing considering the massive amount of media files you can download online. Windows Media Center lets you enjoy live and recorded TV, music, photos, videos, and online entertainment on one device. It can also be connected to Xbox 360, allowing you to transfer this experience to other rooms in your home.

It is integrated into the Home Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista and also offers built-in support for archiving TV shows to DVD. Take advantage of the latest technologies, including support for widescreen and high-definition (HD) displays. There are three separate sections: Music, Digital Photos, TV, and Movies. In the Music section, you can quickly search for your music by artist, song, or album title, as well as genre, composer, or year. When it comes to photos, Windows Media Center can turn your simple photo collection into a cinematic slideshow that can be shared on your living room TV. On top of that, WMC provides a seamless experience of watching your favorite TV shows and movies.

For lots of great information and lots of screenshots related to Windows Vista, check out [http://vista-hq.com/]