User Interface & Programs

 

Vista Basic User Interface

The Basic User Interface(UI) is an upgrade from the Windows XP UI in both looks and stability.

For more information about UIs, please visit our User Interface Site.

Windows Aero

Windows Aero is primarily a cosmetic upgrade from the Vista Basic User Interface but it also has Smooth Window Animations which is an improvement to the functionality of the Windows user interface.

For more information about UIs, please visit our User Interface Site.

Integrated Instant Search

The integrated instant search is a function that allows the user to find files quickly. It is in almost all Windows Vista explorers as well as in the start menu allowing the user easy access to search functionality.

Internet Explorer 7.0 with Tabbed Browsing

Internet Explorer 7 offers many advances in security and in ease of use. With its tabbed browsing, you can now view multiple sites within one window, alleviating the need for numerous instances of Internet Explorer running. It also comes standard with RSS, a product that allows for users to keep watch on multiple sites and their headlines.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows Mail

Windows Mail is the upgrade to Outlook Express. It offers improved security and functionality over its predecessor.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows Photo Gallery

The photo gallery allows for users to view large amounts of photos at one time in addition to allowing for photo editing. It also helps with organizing your photos, adding tags, and giving them ratings.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows Sidebar

The Windows Sidebar allows a place for the new Windows Gadgets to reside. These gadgets are small programs that perform simple tasks such as post-it notes, an at-a-glance view of all contacts on your messenger, or even a game. Microsoft will maintain a website detailing how to develop your own gadgets and allowing you to download others.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows Calendar

Windows Calendar offers a way to have time management on your home computer. In addition, there is a shared calendar option to let everyone in a household, for example, share a calendar and see when others will be busy or available.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows Media Player 11

Windows Media Player 11 is a streamlined upgrade from Media Player 10. It has been redesigned for ease of use and simplicity. It will include a built-in music store called "Urge."

For more information, please visit here.

Windows Media Center Features

Windows Media Center is a way to allow easy access to your music, pictures, videos and games. With a TV Tuner card in your PC, it also allows for the watching and recording of television on your computer. Using a remote control allows you to control and manipulate the Media Center just as if it were on your television.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows Media Center Extenders Support

The Extenders Support allows for the users to all view or have access to the same material on multiple machines. Your Xbox 360 can also connect to your Windows Vista media center enabled PC to access your music and photos.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows DVD Maker

With DVD burners becoming more standard, Microsoft has released its own program allowing you to burn data to a DVD. This program works in nearly the same way as their Windows XP CD Burning software does, allowing for addition of multiple files and file types to a single DVD.

Windows Tablet PC Functionality

Windows Vista adds a variety of new features for Tablet PC's and increases security in many areas too, especially involving passwords. Some of the new features include customization of what pen actions trigger certain computer actions, highlights to help pinpoint where on the screen your pen did hit, and training to allow the machine to recognize your handwriting.

For more information, please visit here.

Windows SideShow

Windows SideShow is a function primarily for laptops that will allow them in the future to have a secondary, most likely external, screen where certain information such as upcoming meetings, battery life, and computer state can be seen quickly and easily without having to start up the machine or open it.

For more information, please visit here.

New Premium Games

The premium games are the games that come with Windows Vista. They include, but are not limited to, Chess, Solitaire, Purple Place, and Shanghai. These games have all been redesigned from their predecessors to take advantage of 3D technology.

Windows Movie Maker

Movie Maker helps take multiple videos and put them together, even coupled with still photos. This allows the average user the capability to make high quality DVD's.

For more information, please visit here.

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Last Updated: 04/24/2008

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