5 Most Significant New Features in Microsoft Vista
Microsoft Vista is thus far the largest upgrade since the Windows operating system was invented. With approximately 6 years in development, Microsoft wanted to make sure it had a new operating system that was a vast improvement from all previous versions. New features include improved graphics, safety upgrades, and many more.
1) The Aero graphical user interface (GUI) in Vista is being touted by Microsoft as the best and highest performing interface to come out of Microsoft workshops. Aero is slick and dynamic and allows the user greater control over the desktop. In addition, user experience is enhanced because of the manner in which the interface elements can scale and move with fluidity. Furthermore, you can set the color and opacity level of the windows. Another interface upgrade, the flip feature (alt + tab), lets you see your current document in the semi transparent screen while you check out the other open documents making it easier to move between them.
2) The Instant Search present with Windows Vista is a major enhancement over previous operating systems released by Microsoft. The search function has been made ubiquitous and is integrated in all Explorer windows. It is also more intuitive as you are able to search for a file or an email by putting in any bit of information you can remember, be it the filename, type of file, date of creation, etc. The search function has been made contextual so the results that are returned will mirror your current activity. The search function is of fast-as-you-type nature. Other Microsoft applications like Outlook and OneNote are building on top of this search facility.
3) The Windows DVD Maker that is available with the Premium and Ultimate editions of the operating system lets you create first class DVDs that you can then view on any DVD player anywhere in the world unhindered by geographical region codes. You can transfer your creations to a DVD format from any program that you may be running on Windows Vista. You can also, burn the DVD from the Windows Photo Gallery, transfer content directly from your video camera onto the DVD in the MPEG-2 format and make use of the Software Development Kit (SDK) provided by Microsoft to add your own ingenious creative inputs to the final DVD picture.
4) The Windows Sidebar on Vista is on the right hand side and can be used to place Desktop Gadgets which are applets that let you accomplish a number of activities. The sidebar is customizable and you can move it to any place on the screen where you feel it looks best on your desktop. Windows Vista comes with thirteen default gadgets some of which include: a calculator, clock, CPU Meter, currency converter, feed viewer, feed watcher, notes, etc. Other gadgets developed by Microsoft and submitted by users can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.
5) The Windows Mobility Center user interface (Windows+X) is another feature which compiles all important information within a series of square tiles. Each tile has one piece of information about a particular part of the system. These tiles contain options such as brightness and sound adjustment, battery level as well as some new computing functions such as presentation settings. More tiles may even be added so mobile computer manufacturers are free to add further information that tells more about how their particular product functions. However, this system is only accessible on mobile computers.
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