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With the release of Windows Vista just
around the corner, many home computer users are probably wondering
if now is the right time to make the jump to Microsoft's latest
addition to the Windows family. Some are perhaps concerned about
security and stability, while many are probably wondering why they
should even switch to Windows Vista, because Microsoft Windows XP
seems to be doing the job.
The short answer is that there are
several reasons for upgrading. For example, Windows Vista has:
- New Features
- Improved
Security
- Better Overall
User Experience
It has got new features as written
below.
Windows Aero: Windows Vista
features a totally different look for its interface - a cleaner,
transparent look with impressive graphic quality, not to mention
Live Icons and the new Windows Flip 3D feature. Windows Aero
requires a higher-end video graphics card; otherwise, Windows Vista
is displayed using Windows Basic. Check with your computer
manufacturer, or use the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to see
whether your video card is ready for Windows Aero.
Windows Sidebar: Windows Vista
offers a panel (transparent, if you're using Windows Aero) that
displays your selection of Windows gadgets—mini-applications that
perform useful functions, such as a clock, a calendar, a Microsoft
Office Outlook inbox representation, and currency exchange.
Microsoft Windows Media Player 11:
While you can download it for Windows XP, this latest and greatest
version of Windows Media Player is designed for Windows Vista and
shouldn't be missed. With its new graphics-oriented interface,
Windows Media Player 11 abandons the text-oriented look and field of
previous versions. Did I mention that you can also use Windows Media
Player 11 to share your media over your private home network?
Windows Search: One of the most
helpful new features in Windows Vista, you can now search for files
or applications from almost anywhere. Unlike in Windows XP, with
Window Search, you can simply type a few letters of your search
request, and the results appear on the fly—a helpful feature when
looking for a file or application from the Start menu. For example,
type fir, and Windows Firewall entries appear in the Start
menu.
Enjoy better security
People are concerned
about security these days—not only Windows security but also how to
protect themselves and their families when using their home
computers. Microsoft has addressed both of these issues head on in
Windows Vista. Some of the improved security features in the new
operating system include:
Parental
Controls: Windows Vista includes Parental Controls that let you
as the computer administrator set highly specific boundaries for
other users, including separate standard user accounts for family
members, especially children. You can set rules such as which sites
a certain user can or cannot access and hours during which a
particular user can use the computer; you can also curtail access to
specific applications and view where other users have been on your
computer and on the Web.
Windows Vista
User Account Control (UAC): UAC is a new security feature that
lets you operate Windows Vista more as a standard user than as a
true administrator, where you have complete access to everything.
Features that UAC protects, denoted with a multi-colored shield,
require your permission or validation before you can access them.
Windows Firewall:
Windows Vista now features two different firewalls: the standard
firewall that was available in Windows XP and Windows Firewall with
Advanced Features. The latter offers true firewall protection,
including bidirectional filters, meaning that both incoming and
outgoing data are scanned.
Other security
features, such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, are available in some
editions of Windows Vista. All Windows Vista editions feature the
latest version of Windows Defender, Microsoft's anti-spyware
application.
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