Vista

The most noticeable change from Windows XP to Vista is a significantly redesigned user interface called Aero, which stands for "authentic, energetic, reflective and open." Other additions include a faster and customizable search engine and an XML-based specification for creating documents similar to Portable Document Format (PDF) files.

Microsoft has also identified several underlying technology improvements that distinguish Vista, including:

• Enhancements to the basic structure of the operating system and the .NET framework.
• A new audio system.
• A simplified application deployment engine and application installer.
• Increased support for digital rights management (DRM)
• A messaging system that allows programs to interoperate similarly to Web services
• Built-in IPv6 and peer-to-peer networking capbilities.
• The multivendor security initiative previously known as Palladium.

Microsoft offered the beta 2 version of Vista for public download In early June 2006,. This release targeted experts and tech enthusiasts, rather than the general public. Microsoft hoped to get useful feedback from beta testers in preparation for broader release of the OS in 2007. According to Bill Gates, over 5 million users downloaded and tested Vista.

Getting started with Vista

To explore how Vista is used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources:

How to handle your Vista migration: Learn how to make a Windows Vista migration as painless as possible: Test hardware and software compatibility, develop a testing strategy and, finally, deploy it.

The ultimate Microsoft Vista tutorial on security: Read about User Account Control (UAC), Encrypting File System (EFS) and other Windows Vista security features and management best practices in our potpourri grab-bag.

Read more about Vista: - Microsoft has an official Web site for Vista information and downloads. - Watch a webcast on Microsoft.com.of Bill Gates giving the keynote at CES or of him hosting the worldwide launch of Vista. - Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows has a special section dedicated to Vista's progress and specifications. - Lockergnome.com solicits comments from Beta testers in their Vista forums. - CNET reviews looks at Vista Beta 2.

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