Tamero IT Consulting & Services

After five years of development, Microsoft has finally released the much-anticipated Windows Vista.

Enthusiasts and gamers love it!, but would families or home users upgrade?

Well Windows will be a really great experience for home users especially if they like using multimedia, and there are some big changes in Vista compared to XP.

There are three main significant changes to key areas:

1. A new look: Introducing Aero
When you first explore Vista's desktop, you'll immediately notice its new interface, called Aero.

Aero features opaque, glass-like windows; data file icons that are miniatures of what's inside; plus a preview mode that gives you a peek at what's in the minimised windows.

These new usability features are designed to take the guesswork out of using Windows and to make you more productive.

2. PC security: Improved and Secure
Microsoft has taken great care to improve security features. Microsoft's Windows Vista appears to be the most secure operating system to date. The new security features are aimed at protecting computers from viruses, spyware, worms and to keep them as secure as possible with features such as automatic security updates.

When you attempt to make changes to system settings, the User Access Control system (UAC) asks you to approve changes before it lets you proceed. It also ensures only programs you approve are installed.

The Windows Vista package also includes Windows Defender, a digital sentinel, which blocks and removes nuisance programs called spyware or adware. and to ensure your Windows Vista system is as secure as possible, use Windows Live OneCare, which acts as an all-in-one protection package for your PC. Once you add Windows Live OneCare to Vista, you don't need any other spyware or anti-virus protection.

3. Usability & search: Better and easier
Once you adjust to how Vista looks, you'll find it easier to locate your data and move around the desktop. The Start menu has been redesigned so that it no longer cascades outwards with each click. Instead, each successive menu click refreshes the content of the Start menu with a deeper listing.

Vista versions: What's available?
There are six versions of Windows Vista available, but only four on offer in Australia. Most users will opt for the Home Premium version for home use, however for those with older systems who aren't concerned with multimedia features or mobility can stick with Home Basic, geeks and gamers will go for Vista Ultimate.

Windows Vista Home Basic
This version is for the home user. It's designed for systems that don't have the hardware to run the Aero interface, which requires a new video card with at least 128 MB of video RAM.

Windows Vista Home Premium
This version replaces XP Home, and includes the TV and DVD application Windows Media Center. It's also suitable for laptops thanks to a mobility centre designed to tweak power and other mobile settings.

Windows Vista Business
Aimed at XP Professional users, this version includes business network support, but excludes Windows Media Center.

Windows Vista Ultimate
This premium version comes with all features turned on, including Windows Media Center. It also features BitLocker, a program which encrypts data on a hard drive so that it can't be retrieved without a password.