You'll find the search box built into the start menu, as well as into just about every window. It helps eliminate the clicks between you and what you want to do. That's where Vista's instant search box shines. ![]() You can also set the view option in your explorer window to display files as thumbnail icons.īrowsing for a file when you're already in a running application in Windows XP, when attempting to attach a file to an email for example, can be painful. You'll see these file and application preview images when you switch between programs using alt-tab or when you mouse over them in the taskbar. Vista uses live thumbnail preview images to help speed up multitasking by making it easier to find what you need. However, despite Flip3D's pretty interface, we have to admit that we still use the basic alt-tab function to switch applications. If you press start and tab to switch into a Flip3D mode, you can cycle through your open windows like a rolodex. Remember that Windows start key you tore off your keyboard because you kept on pressing it at the most inopportune times? You might want to find it again because the key actually has a use in Vista. For those who are wondering, the Aero desktop won't hurt game performance. You will need a DirectX 9-level GPU to run Aero. The Vista desktop now uses the video card's 3D processing power to create translucent windows. Microsoft also offers an Enterprise edition for large-scale IT rollouts that is similar to the Business edition.Īero is the 3D desktop theme available in the Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions. The stand-alone installation costs $299, and upgrades run for $199. However, the Windows Media Center, DVD Maker, and Movie Maker media applications have been swapped out for extra data backup, remote desktop, and security features. The Business edition has a lot of the same features as Home Premium. Windows Vista Ultimate will cost $399 for the full installation or $259 for the upgrade. Do you remember that full-motion desktop background from the Bill Gates CES 2007 keynote address? That will be an Ultimate Extra. The main reason to opt for the big package will be to get special access to Windows Ultimate Extras, which are downloadable upgrades that are available only to Ultimate users. The Ultimate version has all the Home Premium features with a few data and network management features from the Business and Enterprise editions. The Windows Vista Ultimate edition is for big spenders who want the entire Vista experience. You should expect to pay $239 for the retail box or $159 for the upgrade version. Microsoft has rolled Windows Media Center functionality into Vista Home Premium, which will let people use their Xbox 360 systems as media extenders. The Premium version also has new media applications, including Windows DVD Maker and Windows Movie Maker. The Premium version has the complete user-interface upgrade, including Aero, Flip3D, and live thumbnail icons. Microsoft is positioning Windows Vista Home Premium as the upgrade of choice for most users. The Home Basic version retails for $199 as a stand-alone installation or $99 as an XP upgrade. Think of Windows Vista Home Basic as Vista "Lite." You'll get the DX10 support, instant search, Windows Sidebar, and all the security updates you won't get the Aero 3D desktop theme, Windows Media Center support, or several other new features and applications that make Vista, well, Vista. Let's take a look at the different editions. ![]() Not all versions of Windows Vista share the same feature set. Overview Most of us are waiting for the DirectX 10 games to arrive before upgrading to Windows Vista, but the new operating system does offer a number of new features that might make it a worthwhile upgrade even if the games aren't here yet. By: James Yu and Sarju Shah - Posted on Tuesday, Feb.
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