|
Windows Vista,
previously codenamed "Longhorn", is Microsoft's next upgrade to their
last OS - Windows XP. The "Vista" name was announced on
July 22nd 2005.
Windows Vista is
an advanced and robust operating system, featuring better
security than Windows XP, a new Windows Aero GUI, integrated search
and better multimedia support.
Notable new features in Windows Vista include:
Windows Aero
- redesigned GUI that is clean, eye-pleasing, supports transparencies and animations.
Windows Shell
- significantly different from Windows XP and includes built-insearch. Even the Start Menu has changed.
Search
- much faster and more thorough, similar to Window's Desktop Search and Apple's Spotlight.
Windows Sidebar
- new panel on the right that has replaceable Desktop Gadgets (or widgets), e.g. weather.
Internet Explorer
- more secured than before, supports tabbed browsing like Firefox and reads RSS.
Windows Media Player 11
- includes new GUI, search-as-you-type, sharing music and iTunes-like music store called URGE.
Windows Defender and Firewall
- advanced anti-spyware and 2-way firewall now integrated into the OS.
Windows Mail
- replaces Outlook Express with better stability and enhanced features.
Windows SideShow
- supports auxillary displays, e.g. an additional smaller display on the outside of a laptop LCD.
Speech Recognition
- completely integrated into Windows Vista to activate commands and for dictation.
Windows Photo Gallery
- photo and movie app that supports easy importing, editing, slideshows and DVD burning.
Windows Collaboration
- replaces NetMeeting and allows collaboration over the network or P2P technology.
SuperFetch
- speeds up the loading of Windows and other applications by storing them in memory.
ReadyBoost
- temporary performance booster by utilizing any flash disk (e.g. USB drive) as memory.
ReadyDrive
- enables Windows Vista PCs equipped with hybrid hard drives to boot up almost instantly.
DirectX 10
- includes Shader Model 4.0 and Geometry shaders, which require the graphics card to support WDDM. This will allow the GPU to render complex scenes by itself.
Windows Media Center
- previously existed as a separate edition in Windows XP called Windows XP Media Center. It is now built into Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions.
Back to: Windows Vista FAQs
|
