WINDOWS VISTA: FEATURES OVERVIEW
Windows Vista comes with a number of new and enhanced features. Some or all of these features (and others not listed here) will be available depending on the edition of Vista you have.
Whichever edition of Vista you get, keep in mind that in order to run all of its features, rather than just the "core" features and functions, you must make sure that your computer meets the Vista minimum system requirements. For example, the new graphical interface, Aero, will not work properly unless your computer meets these requirements.
Vista also enhances support for portable computers by providing improved security, more efficient power management, and better wireless networking functionality.
Note: If you're considering buying a new computer, be sure to buy one designated as Windows Vista Premium Ready so that you'll be able to take advantage of all the features and functions in Vista.
The following are categories of new and updated features in Vista. To view the features for a category, simply click on the category name.
Note: This is not a complete list of Vista features. For a complete list, please visit the Microsoft Windows Vista features web site.
New Graphical Interface
Security
Performance
New and Updated Applications
Moving Between Files and Folders
Networking
Other Features
New Graphical Interface
Windows Vista has a different visual look and feel than all previous versions of Windows. The new interface, called "Aero", has a 'glass-like' translucent effect.
If you've seen or used the Mac OS X operating system, you'll recognize the similarities between the two.
The Start Menu has been overhauled in Vista.
In the Start Menu's Search box, type in a keyword or phrase, and Vista will show you applications, files, e-mail messages, or web site favorites. It updates the list as you type.
Vista comes with an improved search function that is integrated into the operating system, meaning that Vista will search throughout the operating system as well as through all your programs. This search function is faster has more thorough search capabilities.
The search function is available from most places in Vista. To conduct a search, just look for the looking glass icon. You can refine your search criteria, save your searches, and even start up a program, or web page from the search at the bottom of the Start menu. The new search also incorporates "search-as-you-type", so that you'll see results instantly as you're typing.
In previous versions of Windows, you would see a generic application icon Microsoft Word, Thunderbird, etc.) for any open documents. Vista has replaced them with Live Icons (scalable thumbnails), which are used throughout Vista (e.g., in the taskbar). So you can now see the first page of a document, the actual image of a photo, for example, to see immediately what you're looking for.
Windows Explorer has also been overhauled in Vista, and includes new options for viewing, grouping, and collecting files and folders. Among the changes/improvements in Vista: a breadcrumb bar for easier navigation, a details pane that displays information on the file or folder that's currently selected, "live icons" that display a thumbnail of the actual contents of a file, an instant search function available for finding files, e-mail messages, web browser favorites, etc., and a preview pane that provides detailed information about files you select as well as additional options for viewing file information.
Wizards are assistants (actually, computer programs) built into Windows to help you install and set up applications and hardware devices (e.g., printers). Vista comes with impovements in the look of wizards, as well as changes to text messages so that they're clearer and more helpful.
The Sidebar is a brand-new feature in Windows. The Sidebar is a panel on the desktop that enables you to display different "gadgets" (small applications called applets) that are designed for specific purposes (e.g., time, weather, calculator, currency converter, clock, notes, stocks).
Security
Microsoft made security a primary goal for Vista. As a result, Vista comes with numerous security-related improvements and enhancements in response to constant security threats.
This feature is, by default, a reduced privileges mode to prevent anyone on your computer (whether you or anyone else with whom you're sharing your computer) from working as an Administrator. To make any change that would affect the system, an Administrator password is required.
Gives you the ability to encrypt all files on your computer, thereby protecting from viruses, hackers, and other threats. Also offers the option to require a password to access the data.
Built into Vista, Windows Defender provides protection against spyware. (Spyware is a computer program that collects personal information about people without their informed consent.) It also watches programs as they install, and can help point out such malware before it hits you in the first place.
Note: Symantec Antivirus (available for free from the UIS Software Database) can be installed on computers running Vista.
- Windows Backup and Restore Center
Vista comes with a backup and restore program that enables you to schedule backups, as well as restore files from previous backups. Another feature of this program is CompletePC, which enables you to back up the contents of your entire computer onto another hard disk or DVD.
Similar to those found on cable television services and video games that enables parents to monitor and limit what a child can see or do on their computer (e.g., blocking certain Internet sites).
Performance
Vista has added and improved the ability to maximize computer performance. Below are a few of the performance-enhancing features in Vista.
Technology that enables files to be opened faster by loading them into the computer's memory.
This feature enables you to temporarily boost your computer's performance using a compatible USB flash memory device.
Enables Vista PCs to boot up faster from hibernation to preserve battery power.
New and Updated Applications
Vista comes with improved and added applications. Below is a list and brief description of some of these applications.
Windows Mail replaces Outlook Express. It includes a phishing filter and enhanced junk mail filtering capability.
Windows Calendar is the new calendar application that appears in Vista. It supports the popular iCalendar format.
Faxing and scanning application. With this application, you can send and receive documents, or fax or e-mail scanned documents.
This application replaces NetMeeting, and allows you to share your computer with any other computer on your local network.
The Snipping Tool is screen-capture program in Vista. With the Snipping Tool, you can capture an entire window or any portion of a window. You can also save your capture (called a "snip") as an HTML file.
Moving Between Files and Folders
Flip and Flip 3D are Vista's redesigned view of moving between open windows using the Alt+Tab keys. With Flip and Flip 3D, you'll be able to see thumbnails of each window (called "Live Icons"), rather than just a generic icon of the application. Move between open windows on your computer and view thumbnails of those windows.
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Flip enables you to "flip" through open windows by using the Alt+Tab key combination. Flip provides a "live" thumbnail of each window.
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Flip 3D enables you to use the scroll wheel on your mouse to move between open windows on your desktop; the windows appear in a 3D "stack."
Networking
Networking support in Vista has been upgraded and improved, with the focus, according to Microsoft, on security and performance.
This replaces "My Network Places." Network Center is the main source for viewing, setting up, and modifying all connections to wired and wireless networks. You can also view a visual map of your network layout that will show you if there's a problem with your connection.
Other Features
Vista is the first Windows operating system to include integrated support for speech recognition. The speech recognition system lets you control your machine through voice commands, and enables dictation into many applications.
Vista includes recognition for 8 languages: US English, UK English, traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, Japanese, German, French, and Spanish.
