5 Most Significant New Features in Microsoft Vista

 

 

 

There has been much talk about Microsoft Vista. The question really is whether Vista can offer significant new features that will set it apart from previous Microsoft operating system editions. Its new features can be divided into non-technical features, technical features, security features and management features.

 

It may be easier for technical experts to understand and take advantage of the new technical and security features of Vista. Millions of average individuals however who will be using Windows Vista in their homes and personal offices will wonder what else Vista has in store for them.

 

Windows AERO

For non-technical users, Windows AERO is definitely a feature to look forward to. AERO stands for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective and Open. It is basically another name for Vista’s Shell and is actually a replacement of the Luna desktop of XP. In this new feature, windows and the desktop appear tidier and nicer to look at than other editions. With AERO, menus can look like translucent glass with more visual data about icons. Graphics and videos are also apparently sharper and clearer with AERO. Dialogue box and control panel statements have also been revised.

 

Aside from the translucent glass effect, users can also choose Basic, Standard and Classic looks.

 

Instant Search

Other editions of Microsoft Windows also have search options and functions. With Vista’s Instant Search however, searches are more integrated, quicker and more customized. Like other edition search functions, searches can be performed over limited areas. Vista however, also works with Help and the Control Panel for instant and quick returns.

 

Great Vista Search features include customized file indexing, single view of indexed and non-indexed search results, index search of another networked Vista machine, low priority I/O, document rating, and up to date data listing.

 

User Account Control

This is a security feature that will make sure that there are no unauthorized revisions. In previous editions this was a problem if a user was not an administrator. Standard users usually encountered errors without full administrative privileges. With Windows Vista, one can get in as a standard user and be assigned limited privileges. An administrator on the other hand may receive elevated privileges. An administrator will then be prompted and asked if Windows will be allowed to continue for actions that may affect the operating system.

 

Windows Sidebar

Located at the right hand portion is the Windows Sidebar. It contains applets for special uses. Default Vista gadgets include stocks, calculator, notes, clock, currency conversion, slide show, recycle bin and more. One can also add more gadgets online through Microsoft which also features user made gadgets along with company made ones.

 

Windows Mail

This may not be entirely new. In previous editions and versions, this was more popularly known as Outlook Express. With the binary database on previous editions, file corruption was a frequent occurrence. With Vista, e-mails can be stored in individual files. Searching for messages can also now be performed in real time. Windows Mail also has the Phishing Filter which can be easily updated through Windows Update.