Unlike earlier versions of Windows, Vista includes photo and video organization and editing software, called Windows Photo Gallery. This is particularly handy for families with digital cameras and camcorders. Although it might not include all the bells and whistles third-party software packages might offer, it can help you organize and show off those digital photos and videos you probably have scattered about your hard drive.
This figure tell us the following bullets give you a look into the main functions of Windows Photo Gallery.
Example of Windows Photo Gallery
Figure Notes:
1.Click here to edit and enhance the selected photo.
2.Click here to print selected photos.
Viewing and organizing: You can effortlessly browse through your photos and videos in a Thumbnails view, navigating by assigned tags and ratings, date taken, folders, or simply all available media. Hovering over a photo or video will display a larger image for better viewing. In addition, double-clicking on them brings them into the dedicated viewer and is where you can assign the tags and ratings. You can also organize the photos into separate folders by right-clicking on the folders and creating subfolders.
Fix: Selecting a photo and clicking the Fix button allows you to fine-tune the image by adjusting exposure and color, cropping, and removing red eye. In addition, an auto adjust feature can make automated enhancements.
Print: Windows Photo Gallery doesn't just offer simple photo printing; it can automatically adjust for printing various sizes, including 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, and wallets. Simply choose a photo (or multiple photos), select the Print menu, and click Print to get started.
Make CD and DVD movies: Windows Photo Gallery makes it easy to export photos and videos to Windows Movie and DVD makers. This allows you to create movies and presentations of images and clips, which make incredible keepsakes and gifts. You can either select particular media and choose Data-disc or Video DVD from the Burn menu, or click the Make a Movie button.
Windows Vista offers better searching methods than any other previous version of Windows. The Instant Search feature allows you to search through a prebuilt index or catalog of defined areas of your computer, such as documents, programs, email messages, web favorites, and history. This method allows for much quicker results. In fact, the new search features are so good, it's probable that you'll find what you are looking for before you're even done typing a keyword into the Search box.
You can use Instant Search via many locations and Windows applications, such as:
- Start menu.
- Windows Explorer and Computer.
- Windows Photo Gallery (see Figure 3.14)
Figure 3.14. Instant Search box in Photo Gallery.
figure Notes:
1.Type your search terms here and press Enter.
Internet Explorer 7 also offers a new search method, called Live Search, for Internet searching. This feature makes it possible to search many different search engines from one field (Figure 3.15). Not only can you add popular general search engines (Google, Yahoo!, and so on), you can add virtually any website that has search functionality. This offers a very convenient way to search through your favorite sites.
Figure 3.15. Example of using Live Search in Internet Explorer 7.
One of the most obvious and needed changes Microsoft made with Vista is the increased networking security and improved intuitiveness of its networking settings. In Windows XP, the networking configuration features were spread between many different dialog boxes. Vista, however, consolidates all of its network settings and features under one applet known as the Network and Sharing Center, which provides a one-stop shop for all your networking and Internet configuration needs.
Accessing the Network and Sharing Center
You can access the Network and Sharing Center via many methods:
A. Right-click on the Network Status icon in the system tray, as shown in Figure 3.9.
Figure 3.9. Accessing the Network and Sharing Center via the Network Status icon.
Figure Notes:
1.Right-click on the Network Status icon in the system tray...
2...and select Network and Sharing Center.
B. Double-click on the Network Status icon in the system tray.
C. Double-click on the Network and Sharing Center icon in Control Panel.
D. Click on the Network and Sharing Center button on the toolbar when viewing your network, as shown in Figure 3.10.
Figure 3.10. Accessing the Network and Sharing Center via the Network window.
Touring the Network and Sharing Center
As you can see in Figure 3.11, the Network and Sharing Center provides visual diagrams and maps of your home or office network. The full map that's accessible from this center provides an easy way to access any shared resources of other PCs and devices on the network.
Figure 3.11. Example of the Network and Sharing Center.
Figure Notes:
1.Depiction of the network
2.Click here to customize the network settings.
3.Sharing and discovery status
Just below the network map in the Network and Sharing Center, you can view and access your connection information. The Customize link allows you to change the name of the network connection, the type (private or public), and the icon given to the network connection, such as the bench you see in Figure 3.11.
Next, you're provided with the status of all the main sharing and discovery settings and the ability to make quick changes, which is a big enhancement from XP.
Another exceptional improvement is the set of links (see Figure 3.12) at the bottom of the window, showing all the files and folders your account and computer are sharing on the network.
Next, you're provided with the status of all the main sharing and discovery settings and the ability to make quick changes, which is a big enhancement from XP.
Another exceptional improvement is the set of links (see Figure 3.12) at the bottom of the window, showing all the files and folders your account and computer are sharing on the network.
Figure 3.12. Links in Network and Sharing Center.
Figure Notes:
1.Click these links to see what you're sharing.
As a final point, the tasks pane on the left side of the window provides access to familiar connectivity settings and tasks, as well as a shortcut to the Internet Options and Wireless Firewall settings.
New Network Classification Scheme
In Windows Vista, the first time you connect to a network, you must classify its location/type: Home, Work, or Public (see Figure 3.13).
Figure 3.13. Example of pop-up window to classify network type.
This new scheme is extremely useful as it automatically modifies the appropriate network settings based upon the location type you choose. For example, suppose you connect to the Wi-Fi hot spot at your local café; you would choose Public location. Then, Vista will automatically disable all network discovery and sharing to protect your documents and privacy while on the unsecured network. Then, suppose you went back home and connected to your home network, naturally classified as a Home location. Windows Vista would then allow network discovery and sharing because you trust the other users on the network.
Support for Nonbroadcasting Wireless Networks
Windows Vista makes it easier to use wireless networks that do not broadcast their Service Set Identifier (SSID), also known as the network name. In Windows XP, these types of networks didn't appear on the list of available wireless networks; however, they now appear as unnamed networks in Windows Vista.
Instead of having to manually add a nonbroadcasting wireless network to the preferred network list to connect, all you have to do in Vista is select the Unnamed Network, click Connect, and enter the SSID when prompted (and enter the security key if encryption is enabled).
You might think that this degrades the security that hidden networks offer; however, the SSID is still needed to connect to the network. In addition, not broadcasting your SSID doesn't offer a whole lot of security anyway.
Instead of having to manually add a nonbroadcasting wireless network to the preferred network list to connect, all you have to do in Vista is select the Unnamed Network, click Connect, and enter the SSID when prompted (and enter the security key if encryption is enabled).
You might think that this degrades the security that hidden networks offer; however, the SSID is still needed to connect to the network. In addition, not broadcasting your SSID doesn't offer a whole lot of security anyway.
Windows Vista includes Windows Firewall, just as Windows XP offered, which provides protection against hackers and Internet attacks by regulating inbound and outbound Internet access. Windows Vista, though, offers even more protection from Internet attackers and pests with anti-spyware and adware software called Windows Defender.
Notes:You can also use Windows Defender on Windows XP computers running Service Pack 2.To download, go to www.microsoft.com/downloads and search/browse for Windows Defender.
Accessing the Security Tools
Similar to Windows XP, Vista includes Windows Security Center, which provides quick status and configuration of security tools and programs. Windows Update and Internet Options are also displayed in the center with Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.
Here's how to access Windows Security Center:
- Open the Start menu.
- Click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Security Center icon.
Figure 3.10. Example of the first screen of Windows Security Center.
Figure Notes:
1.Status of security components
2.Links to access individual security components
You can also independently access Windows Defender and Windows Firewall via their icons in the Control Panel.
Touring Windows Defender
After Windows Defender is opened, you can quickly see the status of the program, such as the date of the last update and scan. Figure 3.6 shows an example.
Figure 3.6. Example of Windows Defender.
Figure Notes:
1.Status information
2.Click here for a Quick scan or use arrow for Full System or Custom scans.
3.Click here to see details of past scans and alerts.
4.Click here to change Windows Defender options.
Clicking the Scan button will perform a Quick scan, which checks for spyware and adware in the commonly infected areas of your computer. As pointed out in Figure 3.6, Full System and Custom scans can be executed by clicking the arrow next to the Scan button and selecting the desired option.
The History page, accessed via the History button (shown in Figure 3.6), displays the details of past actions, such as scans and alerts.
Clicking on the Tools button (shown in Figure 3.6) gives you access to settings and items such as automatic scanning and action preferences, scanning exclusions, and quarantined items.
The History page, accessed via the History button (shown in Figure 3.6), displays the details of past actions, such as scans and alerts.
Clicking on the Tools button (shown in Figure 3.6) gives you access to settings and items such as automatic scanning and action preferences, scanning exclusions, and quarantined items.
Touring Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall also gives you a quick look at its status, as shown in Figure 3.7. Windows Firewall will report whether it's enabled and providing protection. You also can see a breakdown of your current firewall settings.
Figure 3.7. Example of Windows Firewall.
Figure Notes:
1.Status information
2.Click here to configure settings.
3.Shortcuts to settings
The Windows Firewall settings can be accessed by the Change Settings link, also shown in Figure 3.7. The Windows Firewall Settings window (Figure 3.8 shows an example) allows you to turn the protection on and off, exclude certain programs and services from the firewall, and choose which network connections to protect.
Figure 3.8. Change Windows Firewall settings here.
The parental controls in Vista significantly surpass those in earlier versions of Windows, which only provided website-filtering capabilities with the Content Advisor in Microsoft Internet Explorer. In addition to improved website filtering, Windows Vista allows you to control and monitor the usage of the computer, applications, games, email, and instant messaging. Finally, you can take control of just about anything your children do on a computer, without the need for third-party software.
Controlling Capabilities
Vista's parental controls are a far cry better than those found in XP:
1. Windows Vista web filter
- Allows you to use automatic web content filtering options, including High, Medium, None, and Custom. Choosing Custom allows you to filter based upon desired categories such as Drugs, Tobacco, Pornography, and Bomb Making.
- Allows you to block certain websites and provides options to override automatic web content filtering options if the user is on the allow list.
- Allows you to block file downloads.
- Allows you to specify exactly (hour by hour) when the user can be logged on to the computer
- Allows you to specify whether the user can play games.
- Allows you to block or allow games by ratings (such as Everyone, Teen, and Mature) and content types (such as Crude Humor, Blood, Language, and Online Games).
- Allows you to block or allow specific games, regardless of its rating.
- Allows you to choose which programs any user on your computer can use; for instance, you might allow your spouse to run any program, but limit your children to only specific programs of your choosing.
Monitoring Capabilities
Even more interesting is the monitoring and reporting capabilities of the parental controls in Vista. Figure 3.2 shows an example of the computer activity summary for a Windows user.
Figure 3.2. Example of a computer activity summary for a parental control–enabled user.
Here's a review of all the items contained in an activity report:
1. Web browsing
- Most commonly and most recently visited websites.
- Websites that were blocked because of restrictions imposed by Vista's parental controls.
- Web overrides permitting a restricted action and which administrator allowed it.
- Downloaded files (filename and location on your computer)
- Date, time, and duration of account sessions
- Recently used or blocked programs.
- Overrides permitting a restricted action and which administrator allowed it
- Games played on your computer, including duration of gaming session and rating of the game
- Received emails, including pertinent details of each message.
- Sent emails, including pertinent details of each message.
- Changes to contact lists along with the details
- General instant messaging sessions.
- Web Cam and audio messaging sessions.
- Messaging in games.
- Files and links exchanged during instant messaging sessions.
- SMS messages sent to mobile phones.
- Changes to contact lists along with the details
- Media (music, movies, and so on) that were played, including details such as song and album titles and their ratings
- Setting changes with details such as which accounts apply to the change and which account performed the change.
- Changes to Windows account settings, including details such as what was changed and which account made the change.
- Changes to the system clock.
- Failed logon attempts
Accessing the Parental Controls
The parental controls can be accessed via the icon in Control Panel.
The Parental Controls screen, as shown in Figure 3.3, will appear listing the Windows accounts, along with a few global tasks on the left and a link to create additional users.
Figure 3.3. First screen after opening parental controls.
Clicking on an account will open another screen, as shown in Figure 3.4, to edit its individual parental control settings.
Figure 3.4. Screen showing a user's parental control settings.
To enable the parental controls for the chosen account, check the On, Enforce Current Settings option. Then specify if you want to record the activity and make other desired changes to the settings. You can access the settings by clicking the categories in the Windows Settings section. For quick access to certain settings, you can click on the status of the items, on the right side of the window, in the Current Settings section.
No matter which Windows Vista edition you choose, or have chosen, it will contain a redesigned look and functionality. The taskbar, Start menu, and the new desktop feature, called Windows Sidebar, will likely be the first noticeable changes you'll discover in Vista.
Figure 2.8 shows examples of the new taskbar, Start menu, and Windows Sidebar.
Figure Notes:
1.Redesigned Start menu
2.Taskbar with the new Vista shiny black color scheme
3.New Windows Sidebar feature
4.Start button
Taskbar
Longtime Windows users might remember the drastic change in the look and feel of Windows between Windows 95/98 and XP. Microsoft has again changed the scheme in Vista. Gone is the default blue-and-green color scheme XP users know so well. In Windows Vista, Microsoft has chosen a fading black color scheme. Although this tones down the look and brightness of Windows, the black scheme projects a sleek interface.
Another major change to the taskbar is the Start button. The usual button containing the word start has been replaced with a Windows logo, which you can see in Figure 2.9. If your system is capable of running the new Aero interface, Vista offers the use of live thumbnails, which provide a preview of the open document or application, simply by hovering your mouse over an application in the taskbar.
Another major change to the taskbar is the Start button. The usual button containing the word start has been replaced with a Windows logo, which you can see in Figure 2.9. If your system is capable of running the new Aero interface, Vista offers the use of live thumbnails, which provide a preview of the open document or application, simply by hovering your mouse over an application in the taskbar.
Figure 2.9. Example of the taskbar live thumbnails.
Figure Notes:
1.Hovering your mouse over an application in the taskbar...
2....shows a live preview, making it easier to determine the contents of each open file.
The time is still displayed by default on the taskbar in the lower-right corner of the screen. After clicking on the time to bring up the calendar and clock and you'll see that Microsoft has revamped the clock and calendar.
Start Menu
As you can see from the example in Figure 2.8, the Start menu now contains a Search box for the new Instant Search feature. Instant Search allows you to quickly find files, programs, email messages, web favorites and history, and more.
If you are a fan of the Run prompt from previous versions of Windows, you might be disappointed because it's not included on the Start menu by default. You can, however, use the Search box to run commands like you would with the Run applet found in other versions of Windows. Nevertheless, the Run prompt can be accessed in the Accessories section of the Start menu and can also be added back onto the Start menu if you choose.
Another notable change you'll discover after seeing the Start menu is that the word My has been dropped from the names of common items and directories. For example, "My Computer" is now simply "Computer" and "My Network Places" is just "Network." In addition, the My Documents folder is now named after the Windows user and You can also add these icons (such as Computer and Network) to your desktop.
You'll also likely notice the Turn Off Computer and Log Off buttons have been removed and replaced with other options. The first button on the left, indicated by the power symbol, will put the PC into Sleep mode. Similar to Stand By mode in previous versions of Windows, Sleep mode powers down most of the PC and puts the session into memory so you can resume right where you left off.
The button with the lock will, of course, lock your PC. This option is best used when you want to secure your PC when leaving for short durations. To resume use of the PC, you must press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and enter the Windows account password.
If you are a fan of the Run prompt from previous versions of Windows, you might be disappointed because it's not included on the Start menu by default. You can, however, use the Search box to run commands like you would with the Run applet found in other versions of Windows. Nevertheless, the Run prompt can be accessed in the Accessories section of the Start menu and can also be added back onto the Start menu if you choose.
Another notable change you'll discover after seeing the Start menu is that the word My has been dropped from the names of common items and directories. For example, "My Computer" is now simply "Computer" and "My Network Places" is just "Network." In addition, the My Documents folder is now named after the Windows user and You can also add these icons (such as Computer and Network) to your desktop.
You'll also likely notice the Turn Off Computer and Log Off buttons have been removed and replaced with other options. The first button on the left, indicated by the power symbol, will put the PC into Sleep mode. Similar to Stand By mode in previous versions of Windows, Sleep mode powers down most of the PC and puts the session into memory so you can resume right where you left off.
The button with the lock will, of course, lock your PC. This option is best used when you want to secure your PC when leaving for short durations. To resume use of the PC, you must press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and enter the Windows account password.
Finally, the other shutdown options are accessible when hovering over the arrow on the right. Figure 3.0 shows an example.
Figure 3.0. New location for the power options in Windows Vista.
Figure Notes:
1.Enable Sleep mode.
2.Lock your PC.
3.Click here for power options.
Desktop
Other than the slightly larger default icon size (Figure 3.1 shows an example), not much has changed with the actual desktop.
Figure 3.1. Comparison of Windows XP and Vista default icons.
Figure Notes:
1.Icons in Windows XP
2.Icons in Windows Vista
If you're used to having the main icons (such as My Computer and My Network Places) on your desktop, you can easily add them. Remember that these items have been renamed, with the My dropped from the name.
Windows Sidebar
Windows Sidebar is a time- and space-saving program that can be displayed on the side of your screen, as shown earlier in Figure 2.8 Windows Sidebar contains your desired gadgets that display and provide accessibility to certain things. Examples of gadgets include personalized slideshows of your photos, news and weather feeds, quick access to contacts and notes, and much more.
Despite the confusion of all the Vista editions and installation methods, Windows Vista is one of the easiest Windows systems to install (after you get the version you're going to use picked out and your data backed up). Simply inserting the DVD will get you started on the approximate 45-minute installation. The following will step you through the process:
1. Log on to your current Windows (or other operating system) and insert the Windows Vista DVD (or specially ordered CD). The DVD should be automatically detected and the Install Now screen will appear(see figure 2.2)
Figure 2.2. Windows Vista installation install screen.
Notes:
1.Click here to install Vista
2. Click here to learn more about Vista
If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, you need to manually run the setup program: Click Start, click Run, click Browse, find and select the setup.exe file from the DVD, click OK to return to the Run prompt, and then click OK to run the setup program file.
2. Click Install Now. The product key screen (see Figure 2.3) appears.
Figure 2.3. Windows Vista installation product key screen.
Notes:
1. Enter the product key here
2. Check this box to automatically
activate you copy of Vist the
next time you connect to the
Internet.
Windows Vista by default must be activated within 30 days (online or by telephone) or it will stop working. The product activation basically informs Microsoft that the particular product key is being used so they can track additional installations and control software piracy.
Checking the Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online option will configure Windows to automatically try activating itself three days after your first logon, which is useful because you probably won't have to bother with it again.
3. If the updates screen (see Figure 2.4) appears, choose an option to continue.
Figure 2.4. Windows Vista installation updates screen
Notes: 1. Click here to launch Windows Update and download updates that
have been added.
2. Click here to skip the updates (though you should update Vista
as soon as you get it installed if you skip it here).
2. Click here to skip the updates (though you should update Vista
as soon as you get it installed if you skip it here).
3. Click here to send anonymous information to Microsoft to help
Microsoft improve the installation process.
It's best to get the Windows updates now in case you don't remember to do so later. The updates contain fixes and patches that address found bugs, issues, and security holes.
Checking the I Want to Help Make Windows Installation Better option will securely share information about your installation experience (such as any errors you encounter) and PC specifications to Microsoft. It's part of the Windows Installation Customer Experience Improvement Program. For more information, click the What Information Will Be Sent to Microsoft? link.
4. Type your product key into the field and click Next. The license terms screen
appears.
You can actually try out any Vista edition regardless of the one you purchased. Just don't input a product key and click Next. Then, a window appears where you can select the desired edition to install. Keep in mind that you must activate Vista within 30 days after the installation by inputting a product key matching the installed Vista edition.
5. Review the terms, check the I Accept the License Terms option, and click
next the installation type screen appears.
6. Choose the appropriate type of installation to perform an in place installation,select Upgrade.To perform a clean installation, choose Custom (Advanced).
7. If you select Custom (Advanced), you will see a screen on which you are asked to choose which hard disk or partition you want to install Vista.
Select where you want to install Windows Vista (and make any desired changes to your drives and partitions) and click Next.
From this screen, you can make configuration changes to hard drives and partitions. For example, if you're doing a clean install or have properly backed up your data, you can reformat your hard drive(s) which can help eliminate any current or future disk errors.
To access these drive options, you must start the Windows Vista installation from bootup: Exit the installation and with the installation DVD in the drive, restart the computer, and, if prompted, hit a key after the initial boot to load from CD.
After you're back on the drive and partition screen, click the Drive options (Advanced) link to access the tools. Then, use the buttons to perform the configurations. For example, click on a partition and hit Format to reformat the drive/partition.
8. After you're done choosing and/or setting up partitions, click Next to continue. The installation will begin.
After Windows Vista has been installed, you'll need to do the initial setup:
1. First, you're prompted (see Figure 2.5) to create a user account. Type a user name and, if desired, a password, and click Next.
Figure 2.5. Creating a user account during the Windows Vista installation.
2. Next you're prompted (see Figure 2.6) to define the computer name and desktop background. Type a computer name and, if desired, select a desktop background, and click Next.
Figure 2.6. Defining the computer name and desktop background during the Windows Vista installation.
3. Next you're prompted to specify whether to download and install updates for Windows Vista. This setting enables or disables Windows Update. It does not install updates during the Vista installation process (you were prompted to do that earlier in the installation process). Choose a desired option and click Next.
Notes: Remember, you must be connected to the Internet (such as via DSL, cable modem, or a network connection) to download and install the updates.
4. Next you're prompted to review/set the time and date settings. If needed, select the correct settings and click Next.
5. If the PC is connected to a network, you're prompted to specify its type/location.
Figure 2.7. Specifying a network's type/location during the Windows Vista installation.
6. After you're completely done, you'll see the Thank You screen. Click Start to begin using Vista.
Want the cool new interface and all the cutting-edge features that Windows Vista offers? Well, before you run out and buy the software for your existing PC, you need to ensure your system will support it!
Here's The Steps:
1. Use Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
The first thing to do when thinking about upgrading one of your Windows XP PCs to Windows Vista is to evaluate your PC and its system components to ensure it can be upgraded. Although you can manually review and evaluate your PC against the requirements and recommendations for Vista, as discussed in the next sections, you can make the whole process easier by simply using the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is a blessing for beginners.
If you find that the location of the Upgrade Advisor has changed from the address given, you can visit the Microsoft Windows main website (www.microsoft.com/windows), browse to the Windows Vista section, and find a link to the Upgrade Advisor.
2. Check the System Requirements and Recommendations
In case you can't get the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to work properly on your PC or you want to take a quick look at what it takes to run Windows Vista, this section covers the system requirements and recommendations. In addition, you can refer to the next several sections on how to manually check the specs of the different system components on your PC.
First, you can take a look at the bare-minimum system requirements to install and run Windows Vista:
- 800MHz processor
- 512MB of memory (RAM)
- 20GB hard drive with at least 15GB of available space
- Support for Super VGA graphics
- CD-ROM drive
It's important to keep in mind that you won't experience very good performance and won't be able to use many of the neat new features of Vista if running on a system just meeting the bare-minimum requirements. Therefore, you might want to only install and use Windows Vista on a system exceeding the recommended system requirements.
2. Verify Audio Card
Because Microsoft doesn't offer many up-front details on the requirements for the audio component, you can either wait until you install Windows Vista to see if the audio works or you can check ahead of time on the Microsoft list of supported components at the following website: http://winqual.microsoft.com/hcl/
Of course, I recommend that you check first so that you know what to expect when you install Vista.
Of course, I recommend that you check first so that you know what to expect when you install Vista.
3. Check PC Peripherals and Accessories
Whether you are upgrading an existing PC or you're planning to purchase a new system preloaded with Vista, you should check that your accessories and/or peripherals (such as printers, scanners, network adapters, and music players) will work with Windows Vista.
First, you can check the Microsoft list of supported components at the following website: http://winqual.microsoft.com/hcl/
If you can't find your component on the Microsoft list, you can check with the manufacturer/vendor, as some might supply alternative drivers that will work with Windows Vista. Go to the manufacturer's/vendor's website and find the support /download section to search for the device driver.
4. Verify Software Applications Are Vista Compatible
Whether you are upgrading an existing PC or you're planning to purchase a new system preloaded with Vista, you should check that your software applications will be supported with Windows Vista.
You can reference the following lists that Microsoft supplies to see if your applications are supported:
Certified for Windows Vista:
https://winqual.microsoft.com/member/softwarelogo/certifiedlist.aspx
Works with Windows Vista:
https://winqual.microsoft.com/member/softwarelogo/workswithlist.aspx
If the application isn't listed, you can also check the publisher's/vendor's website for information on the product's Windows compatibility before giving up.
5. Move to a New PC Preloaded with Windows Vista
Although buying a new PC system loaded with Windows Vista might have saved you time, you'll probably still need to transfer your files and documents from your old PC to the new one and install your desired software applications.
Unlike previous versions of Windows, which came in one or two basic flavors, Vista comes in a whopping five flavors—each offering different features and an entirely different price tag. As you can imagine, making this choice can be daunting.
This articles, however, will help you decide which version is right for you. Regardless of whether you are upgrading an existing computer to Vista or shopping for a new computer with Vista preloaded, this chapter will help you make the best choice.
Compare Vista Editions
As you might have already discovered, there are five different editions of Windows Vista you can choose from, which are summarized in the following list:
- Home Basic: Includes only the new basic features and is best for light home use on PCs meeting only the minimal system specs.
- Home Premium: Allows home/small-office PC users to take advantage of new effects and enhancements to the desktop and special mobility and entertainment features. This edition is best suited for newer PCs that exceed minimum system specs and for those users who use their computers daily.
- Business: Comes with better backup and restore features than home editions; however, instead of the entertainment applications, it includes more business applications, such as Remote Desktop Connection and Windows Fax and Scan.
- Ultimate: For power users in homes and businesses, this edition provides even better data protection tools and desktop enhancements. This edition is a good choice for those wanting the business features without sacrificing the entertainment applications.
- Enterprise: Includes additional tools and features specifically for large businesses with complex computer and technology systems. This edition of Vista isn't realistically available to consumers; it's only available to Volume License customers who have PCs covered by Microsoft Software Assurance.
Full or Upgrade Version
the upgrade versions of the Windows Vista editions are about $100 cheaper than the full versions. You can use the upgrade versions if you're going to install it on a PC currently running Windows 2000 or Windows XP. PCs with other operating systems (such as Windows 95, 98, or Me), however, don't qualify for an upgrade and a full version of Vista is required.
Notes: If you have more than one PC on which you want to install Windows Vista, you might be able to purchase additional licenses (after buying your first Windows Vista package), which are a bit cheaper than buying another full Windows Vista package.
Notes: If you have more than one PC on which you want to install Windows Vista, you might be able to purchase additional licenses (after buying your first Windows Vista package), which are a bit cheaper than buying another full Windows Vista package.
For more information, visit the vista website at:
www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/addlicense
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