Why Should I upgrade To Microsoft Vista?
Okay, right now there is only one Vista that people are talking about and so are we in this article. The $250 question is: does the new Microsoft Vista offer anything new to users or is it just a jazzed up version of Windows XP?
What does one look for in a software upgrade? Well, three things mainly - new features, better security, and enhanced user experience.
New features in Windows Vista include the following:
Windows Aero: A totally new interface that features Live icons, a cleaner and uncluttered look with excellent graphics make Vista appear very different. You may have to install a high-quality video graphics card to enjoy the enhanced graphics of Windows Aero but it's worth the visual orgasm you will experience.
Windows Sidebar: A transparent sidebar that lets you take in at a glance all the Windows gadgets that you have selected. These include clock, currency exchange, calendar, Outlook inbox, etc.
Windows Media Player 11: The latest version of WMP features a graphics-oriented interface which is a departure from the earlier versions. It also allows you to share media wirelessly over your home network. Finally, you can now, more than ever, connect your computer to your living room entertainment center with ease to watch movies, photo slides and more on your television.
Improved security features:
MS Vista has considered the security aspects on two levels - computer security and user security.
Administrative controls: Better administrative controls mean that parents can set the boundaries beyond which children cannot venture. You can create separate user accounts that also let you decide the hours during which a user can access a PC. Excellent centralized management of PCs across a network of users makes Vista ideal for business because it allows for more control and security which can be vital.
User Account Control: UAC involves acquiring permission or validation for accessing features that have been protected; the features are denoted by a multi-colored shield. In some cases, people do say this feature is a bit, "annoying", but luckily, this feature can be shut off.
Windows Firewall: There are two different firewalls present with Windows Vista, the one developed purely for Vista features bidirectional filters that scan both incoming and outgoing data.
Windows Defender: the anti-spyware from Microsoft, phishing filters, performance tuning, auto backups, and BitLocker Drive Encryption are other security features available with Vista.
Enhanced User Experience:
How does one define and measure a concept as slippery as User Experience? In an age where the user/consumer may not be the best candidate to make the best choice, it is a no mean feat to come up with a package that can push the boundaries of user experience further outward.
A collapsible Start menu that saves precious real estate on the screen, simpler folder naming and intuitive search results that display document, music, and video folders are some ways Vista helps the user's experience. Another superb addition is that of Live icons that let you view the content of windows in the task bar without having to open the windows. Similar effects have been achieved with Windows Flip 3D however, the Live icons present in Vista save time and effort and make navigation easier.
All said and done, Windows Vista is surely worth its $250 price tag. A fast operating system, Vista loads in less than one minute and is ready to use in a flash. If you think this price is a bit steep, you can also consider some of the more inexpensive versions. You will get a smaller price tag, but you will also be removing some of the key features that make Vista one of the most impressive operating systems every created.
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