Windows Vista OS Features
- Launched for the public in 2007, Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system follows the successful Windows XP operating system in Microsoft's lineup. From XP to Vista, Microsoft made numerous changes to the operating system. This included both performance-enhancing features and aesthetic changes. Features within Windows Vista were further expanded in the newest edition of Windows, Windows 7. Some Windows Vista features are specific to certain editions of the software.
- In order to protect computers from potential malicious changes to the operating system, Microsoft implemented the "User Account Control" feature for all four versions of Windows Vista. "User Account Control" requires the user to authorize any changes to the system, such as installing or running certain programs. This prevents outside sources from intruding upon the computer.
Vista machines also come equipped with Windows Security Center, a cumulative program that provides malware protection, a firewall and automatic updating. Windows Defender, the malware service, protects Vista machines from viruses and spyware with real-time monitoring. Users can create a scheduled scan as well. Windows Firewall deters hacking and other malicious attacks on the operating system. Windows Update seeks out updates to the operating system and installs them in order to keep the system running smoothly. - Microsoft tweaked the performance of its operating system to make it function better and faster. Windows ReadyBoost helps devices perform faster when inserted into the computer. After insertion into the USB port, an AutoPlay dialog window pops up offering the option to use ReadyBoost for that particular device. This way, the next time the device is connected, the storage space on that device is used for performance enhancement.
Other common Windows functions are present in the Vista operating system. For instance, users can run network diagnostics and troubleshooting to check for errors on their machine. Sleep and hibernate allow for lowered power consumption when the computer is not in use. Users can search through files with the Search function in order to find files easily. - All Vista versions, except Home Basic, include the new Windows Aero design. With Aero, users have a sleeker, more streamlined aesthetic to the operating system. Aero gives the windows a glass-like look, allowing for some translucency. Windows also feature new animations when they are maximized, minimized and repositioned.
Another aspect of Aero is Windows Flip 3D. Flip 3D lets users arrange the windows in a 3D stack in order to sort through them without using the taskbar. In the taskbar, users can hover over a taskbar button and see a preview of the window, including a thumbnail view of running video. - Because not every moment spent on a computer is for work or school, Microsoft included an array of entertainment features. Games like Spider Solitaire and Heart come preloaded onto Vista computers, in addition to a photo gallery to store and view pictures. Each version comes with Windows Media Player 11, but only Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate contain Windows Media Center. Windows Media Center allows users to watch, pause and record live television.
