Windows Vista

Microsoft and the tester have really worked hard to build the latest version of Windows Vista. Vista has gone through the testing period for almost 4 years and has emerged as a winner. More than 1 billion people who use the previous Windows versions, Windows Vista will be a revolution for them. Microsoft has changed everything from the setup to the first boot and then the initial glimpses of the new Windows Vista desktop everything has been changed by Microsoft. Like its predators, Windows Vista is just an operating system but it provides an emotional touch with the users that Windows XP does not provide. The new qualities of Windows Vista extend from packaging to sounds and to new visual glass effect of course.

New Windows Vista experiences
Setup
Microsoft has fully changed the setup. The setup is more users’ friendly which gives the feel of Windows Vista. It has lot of features as compared to that of the Windows XP setup. The time taken for installation on my Pc was less than the time taken to install Windows XP though the space taken by it is approximately 8.5 GB whereas Windows XP used to take around 1 GB. Here is how the setup looks-

New boot screen
The Boot screen of Windows Vista is very simple with no images, though the boot time taken by Windows Vista is less than the boot time taken by Windows XP due to this simple screen. Take a look at it-

The Windows desktop
When we first boot into the Windows Vista desktop,we are struck by the beautiful looking start menu,the side bar and the other onscreen elements.The glass effect provided by theme which the microsoft calls “Glass Aero” is simply mind blowing.
In any event, the new Windows desktop, with its effects, is a warmer, more welcoming place than that provided by previous Windows versions.

High quality wallpapers
The wallpapers used in Windows Vista are of high resolution; professional quality photographed and contains mostly all of the types from black and white to color to widescreen. The wallpapers are sure to make the desktop more favorable and to suit the user’s choice. The aim of the Microsoft to use these images is to build an emotional connection between the users and their PC’s.

New system sounds
Microsoft has worked really hard on the sound effects. Once while posting a topic on the merawindows I read that Microsoft has tested more than a thousand sound effects and has employed a professional to do so.

New system icons and mouse cursor
Microsoft has introduced the latest icons with 3-dimensional effects. The large icon style has been used by Microsoft. The icons too are of very high quality with soothing effects. Vista also includes new document icons which provide an underlying view of the document.
Likewise, a new aero mouse cursor has also been introduced by Microsoft in Vista .It is available in three different sizes, but the basic look remains the same like that of Windows XP.

Windows Vista Features

Windows Flip
This new feature in Windows Vista helps us in switching between the windows. It can be used by pressing ALT + TAB keys together or by just using Switch between Windows button in the quick launch toolbar.

Windows Sidebar
Windows sidebar is a panel that is by default at the right side of the windows desktop and which contains some of the gadgets which are useful. There are many different types of gadgets available like the clock, the calendar, feeds, weather etc, and also we can download more of gadgets from the internet.

New Start button and Start Menu
Microsoft has change the start button to an orb, though the function of the orb is just the same as that of the start button in Windows XP. The start menu has also been changed by Microsoft. Instead of the usual Run button in Windows XP they have added the search box, which is very useful. The buttons for logging off and shutting down has also been fully changed. But the biggest change in the start menu is the placement of all programs, now instead of opening in the other pane; it opens in the same which is very useful.

Improved System Tray
Microsoft has fully changed the system tray. The clock has been fully changed. We can now get clocks of three different places at the same place. You can add additional clocks by choosing to change the Date and Time settings, you’ll see a new dialog box, and discover that you can add up to three additional clocks. Doing so changes both the date display and the clock, both in very attractive ways.

Windows Media Center
One of the greatest features of Windows Vista is its Windows Media centre. Media Centre is simply cool with lots of features. We can now watch Television with great quality, hear songs and watch DVD’s. We can also just record the live television using Windows Media Centre. Finally, we can now access to the new games in windows vista like Purple Palace, Hearts, Chess Titans, Solitaire, Mahjong Titans, FreeCell and Spider Solitaire directly within Media Center. We can also connect to online music stores and download videos. Media centre is one such feature in Windows Vista that will surely enthrall you.

Windows Media Player 11
By default Windows Vista comes loaded with Windows Media Player 11. Windows Media player 11 is one of the best Media Player ever built by Microsoft. Microsoft has introduced the new user interface in Media Player 11. Apart from listening songs in Windows Media Player 11 we can also watch videos and pictures in it. We can also search for the online music. We can also maintain our own gallery in Windows Media Player 11.The new visualization added by Microsoft in Media player 11 is also enthralling. I enjoy using Windows Media Player 11 to a great extent due to its latest interface and due to its emotional touch with the user.

Disk Defragmentation
The updated version of Disk defragmentation has been found on Windows Vista. Disk defragmentation now runs automatically (once in a week by default) to ensure that the disk is fully defragmented and also it is enabled by default. By using disk defragmenter the speed of my computer has been improved to a great extent.

Conclusion
Microsoft has really worked hard on Windows Vista to make it easier and user friendly to use. Many new improvements have been added to Windows vista that would definitely make it as one of the favorites in coming years. Some of the plus points of Windows vista are-
• Faster installation
• New Welcome Screen
• Media Player 11
• Updated and new Games
• Windows Sidebar
• Flip 3D
• Windows Media Centre
• And the list continues……………….

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