Microsoft's long-awaited Vista operating system is packed with innovations but nothing revolutionary for computer users, who can find similar programs free on the Internet.
Most of Vista's new features are in its top-of-the-line "premium" edition, whose price tag has not yet been disclosed.
Vista innovations include:
- Windows Aero transparency software that enables users to see through a page to view what is beneath it on the screen. The feature is already in the Macintosh computer operating system made by Apple.
- New menu and organization tools for finding and tracking files stored in the computer. Google Desktop offers such tools online.
- Windows Center Media software for improved handling of audio or video files. It can be used to view high-definition television shows or films on Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game consoles, allows searching for shows using key words, and can be remotely controlled.
- Windows Tablet PC enables users to enter data using writing tablets or by touching computer screens instead of typing on a keyboard.
- Voice Recognition software allows users to give computers spoken commands.
- Backup and restore center automatically saves successive versions of files. Apple computer's latest Macintosh computer operating system has such a safeguard, called Time Machine.
- Windows Firewall and Defender, systems which guard against online attacks, spying and malevolent software such as viruses or worms.
- Windows DVD Maker, a tool for "burning," or copying, videos onto discs.
- Internet Explorer Seven, which allows users to do multiple searches in a single browser window and switch between the windows using tabs. The feature has been a trademark of the Firefox Internet browser, available free from Mozilla.
- Improved RSS (Really Simple Syndication) real-time feeds of information from selected websites.
- Parental controls that allow users to limit the range of websites accessible via a computer.
- Windows Mail replaces Outlook Express e-mail software with improved searching of stored messages and better filtering of electronic junk mail.
- Windows Calendar interactive diary, which had previously been part of an Outlook software package sold by Microsoft.
