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- Introduction to Windows Vista
- Understanding Windows Vista Hardware Requirements
- Understanding Productivity Features
- Running Windows Vista
- Summary
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Understanding Productivity Features
The Windows Vista user experience depends on the performance level of the system hardware. Aside from the hardware requirements, there are common features within Windows Vista that are available in all versions of Windows, whereas other features are targeted only to business users or to consumer users. This section looks at the OS function and features common to all users of Windows Vista. The following sections will explore features and functions targeted at business users and consumer users.
Users expect a lot from their computers. Their computers are used for accessing, searching, and sharing information from a variety of sources. Where sharing and communication of information between systems was once localized, delivery of information is now worldwide, instantly, at a user's fingertips. The prevalence of communication has made information sharing risky as well. By design, Windows Vista is ready to deliver a new user experience that is informative, intuitive, helpful, and secure. Following is a brief look at some of the features that combine to create a breakthrough computer experience for Windows Vista users:
- User Experience—Windows Vista provides a streamlined user interface with refined common window features that allow the user to focus on using the information on the screen rather than trying to retrieve it.
- Security—New security features, such as User Account Control, Windows Defender for spyware and malware protection, Automatic Updates, and the new Windows Security Center for the latest security patches, set a new standard for PC security.
- Search and Organization—New controls such as the Enhanced Column Headers and the Instant Search box make it easy to search, organize, and manage large amounts of onscreen data.
- Internet Explorer 7—The new IE7 Protected Mode feature, along with tabbed browsing, live previews, and shrink-to-fit printing, makes finding and delivering information easy, safe, and secure.
- Sidebar and Gadgets—The Windows Sidebar boosts personal productivity by providing instant access to gadgets and easy-to-use, customizable miniapplications offering easily accessible tools and information.
- Performance—New features such as Windows SuperFetch (memory management), Windows ReadyBoost (performance boost via flash drives), and Windows ReadyDrive (utilizing hybrid hard drives integrated with flash drives) helps productivity by improving battery life, system performance, and reliability.
- Windows Backup—New features such as Windows Backup and Previous Versions provide protection against data loss from user error, hardware failure, or software-related issues.
- Networking—New features such as Network Center and Network Map provide computer-to-network connectivity information in a graphical representation. If a PC on the network loses Internet connectivity, Network Diagnostics can determine the cause of the problem and provide a potential solution.
- Windows SideShow—The new Windows Vista SideShow platform enables hardware manufacturers to build auxiliary displays in a wide range of peripheral devices, such as keyboards, LCD display casings, remote controls, and cell phones. This feature saves users time and battery life by providing quick access to key information such as appointments, emails, or notes—without turning on the laptop.
- Speech Recognition—A new feature in Windows Vista enables users to interact with the computer using their voices. Using voice commands, users can start and stop applications, control the Vista operating system, or dictate documents and email.
- Help and Feedback—Windows Vista itself detects, diagnoses, and helps you respond to common problems. Also, when necessary, Windows Vista provides centralized support tools, such as Remote Assistance, to quickly diagnose and resolve issues.
- Windows Update—An improved version of Windows Update automatically keeps the computer up-to-date and more secure by providing software updates to the Vista operating system.
Exploring Business User Features
Some of the new technologies in Windows Vista are targeted at addressing issues that impact organizations, helping users to be more productive and drive business success. Windows Vista will help users collaborate and communicate more effectively by easily connecting them to corporate resources, to the Internet, and to each other, regardless of their physical locations. In addition, Windows Vista will also help businesses lower costs, improve system security, and comply with regulatory requirements. The new and improved business user features are the following:
- Security—Windows Vista includes key security features such as User Account Control to prevent unauthorized application installations, Windows Service Hardening to prevent file system and Registry changes, Brower Security with Internet Explorer 7 Protected Mode, Windows Firewall to control rogue programs, and Network Access Protection, which prevents systems that do not meet internal system health policies from connecting and infecting other systems with malware.
- Mobile PCs—Mobile computing has never been easier than with Windows Vista. New power-management features provide greater control over power options and system battery life. The Windows Mobility Center, discussed in Chapter 9, "Configuring Mobile Functionality in Windows Vista," contains key mobile computing-related settings in one easy-to-locate place. The new Windows Vista Sync Center provides one place where users can manage data synchronization for multiple PCs, between network servers and PCs, and with externally connected devices.
- Sharing and Collaboration—Windows Vista helps you more easily share files, folders, and computers. A new Sharing Wizard helps users specify other users to share information with. Formerly Windows Collaboration, Windows Meeting Space allows groups to instantly and securely form a shared, common session for up to 10 people. The capability to share files, programs, or something as simple as a desktop, anytime or anywhere, makes group collaboration a snap.
- Faxing and Scanning—New enhancements in Windows Fax and Scan provide complete document-handling and communications capabilities. Integrated with improved scanning capability, Windows Fax and Scan supports scanning of documents from both local or network-connected scanners and multifunction print/scan/fax devices.
- Built-in Diagnostics—Although Windows Vista is more reliable than Windows XP, system problems may still occur. To reduce the frequency and impact of disruptions, Windows Vista can self-diagnose a number of common problems, including failing hard disks, memory problems, and networking issues. Built-in Diagnostics provides automatic diagnosis and correction for common error conditions and helps to protect data when failures occur. For example, the Built-in Diagnostics feature in Windows Vista will warn users of impending hard drive failures and provide advice for corrective action before data is lost. In the worst case, a new Startup Repair technology provides step-by-step diagnostics to guide users through recovery and minimize data loss if a computer will not start up.
- Data Protection—With increasingly mobile workforces, companies' sensitive data is at risk if a laptop is lost or stolen. Windows Vista includes both software and hardware solutions for protecting against data loss and unauthorized access. Encrypting File System provides user-level file and folder encryption to protect data. BitLocker Drive encryption, new to Windows Vista, is a hardware-enabled data protection that encrypts the entire Windows file system and prevents data from being compromised on lost or stolen PCs. Additionally, Windows Vista includes the capability to restrict the use of removable storage devices such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drives with corporate computers.
Exploring Consumer User Features
Windows Vista delivers better personal productivity and digital entertainment for consumer PCs through its improved reliability, security, and performance. Windows Vista helps home users accomplish tasks faster, with a rich new interface and new ways to organize and find the information stored on their PCs. Windows Vista includes the tools and entertainment features necessary to incorporate a family PC as an integral part of the home entertainment experience.
- Family Safety Settings—Windows Vista makes it simple for parents to control their children's experiences at the computer. With the new Family Safety Settings, parents can limit computer time, access to certain programs and games, and restrict content viewed or downloaded from the Web. Parents can also view reports that detail their children's computer activities.
- Windows Mail—Windows Mail is the latest version of its "free" email client. It is the successor to Outlook Express and builds on the foundation of Outlook Express. Windows Mail adds an assortment of new features designed to make the email experience more productive and fun, while helping reduce risks and annoyances such as phishing and junk email.
- Windows Calendar—Windows Calendar is a flexible, easy-to-use calendar built directly into the Windows Vista operating system. It allows users flexibility in coordinating and scheduling events with peers, family, or friends. Windows Calendar includes all the features needed to manage personal schedules, such as personal task lists, task notifications, and appointment reminders.
- Windows Photo Gallery—Windows Photo Gallery provides home users with the tools needed to organize, find, and view family photos and home videos. Home users can save, edit, print, and share photos with peers, family, and friends. Providing a complete solution for photo and video management, Windows Vista facilitates transferring photo data from camera to PC with a simple import process.
- Windows Media Player—The latest version of Windows Media Player is incorporated into Windows Vista. Windows Media Player 11 is an easy way to enjoy, organize, and manage digital information such as videos, music, and pictures on the PC.
- Windows Movie Maker—With the latest Windows Vista edition of Windows Movie Maker, home users can easily import, edit, and organize all their digital home videos. With new tools, such as new effects and transitions and improved graphics performance, home users can manage and edit their home videos like professionals.
- Windows Media Center—Windows Media Center in Windows Vista makes it easier than ever for home users to find, play, and manage their digital photos and home movies on their PC or TV. Optimized for the latest in widescreen and high definition display technology, Windows Media Center using Windows Media Extenders (included in Xbox 360) systems can display digital entertainment on up to five additional displays.
- Gaming—Consumer gaming has never been so convenient. Windows Vista contains enhancements that make managing, accessing, and playing games easy. The Games folder is located directly on the Start menu, and thumbnail graphics display game information, such as publisher, developer, version owned, the last time the game was played, game release, rating, and genre. Another nice feature is support for the universal controller so that home users can use the same controller for their Xbox 360 and their PC.
- Windows Easy Transfer—Using a data transfer wizard, Windows Vista makes transferring personal data easy. Windows Easy Transfer helps home users transfer important data such as files and folders, email messages and settings, contacts, photos, music, and more. Transfer media choices are plentiful and home users can use an Easy Transfer cable, home network, or removable storage devices such as USB drives, CDs, or DVDs.