Just when we've finally received a service pack that squashes the major issues with Windows XP™, Microsoft is setting our expectations even higher with VISTA (formerly known as Longhorn).
VISTA means "view" and the team at Microsoft is working hard to change the way you view your operating system by building in features and capabilities that not only enhance the security, functionality, and stability of Windows, but includes capabilities that used to require third-party solutions.
New VISTA Security Features
Noted for its vulnerability from viruses, and trojan horses, and hackers, Microsoft is adding multiple security layers to this latest product.
Earlier versions of Windows created security issues for corporate IT departments because of certain software requirements forcing users to operate as Admins in order to gain the full functionality of the product. VISTA provides a way for PC administrators to restrict various permissions while enabling most applications to provide full functionality.
Taking the concept one step further, the PC administrator can configure the rights that are available to users even when they log in as their machine's administrator. These rights are configurable on either an enterprise basis or by individual PC or workgroup.
Enhanced Firewall Protection
Vista's new firewall software provides both inbound and outbound filtering so network administrators can easily tighten the security net around users and the software they run.
Windows "Service Hardening"
There is now the ability to restrict the actions that any service can take. The goal of this feature is to restrict the ability of viruses and trojan horses from impacting PCs.
Extended Internet Explorer Security
Unsuspecting users who visit dangerous web sites account for the second greatest spread of malware behind e-mail. The new IE can be set to run with limited privileges regardless of the user's overall security permissions.
User Experience Enhancements
Many beta testers are saying that VISTA bears an uncanny resemblance to the latest MAC O/S when it comes to features and the way that windows pop open using animation, the placement of drop shadows, and "living" icons that glow and shimmer.
The new Search functionality is a prime example. There is a Search box in the corner of nearly every window. Like the Search feature on the XP Start Menu, you simply type the word or phrase that matches content in the document that you are looking for. You can also save search results in a virtual folder and return to them whenever you need to.Yep, just like
Mac OS X.
Enhanced File Backup
VISTA comes with a new and improved backup utility dubbed, "SafeDocs", that enables you to schedule backups, send them to specified backup devices, and automatically restore all or selected files. They also included a Shadow Copy Client to automatically cache files for instant restoration in the event that a particular file becomes corrupted.
Big changes in connectivity
VISTA is designed to make file sharing and peer-to-peer connectivity almost point and shoot. In addition to the most commonly expected connectivity capabilities, some versions of VISTA will include the ability for users to automatically detect and create a network connection to PCs or projectors on wired, wireless, ad hoc, and VPN network connections.
Bells and Whistles
Redmond is heaping on the toys as well. Here are some of the features available in the current beta releases:
- Migration Wizard for transferring data from one hard drive to another
- Improved Power Management Center for notebooks
- New Windows calendar
- New "Sleep" mode
- Startup Repair Tool
- Improved Task Scheduler
- Loads of new games
A version for everyone
Microsoft chose to muddy the waters by offering so many different versions that it could become a full-time job picking the one that's best for you.
Home versions
- Windows Vista Starter Edition
- Windows Vista Home Basic Edition
- Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
- Windows Vista Ultimate Edition
Business versions
- Windows Vista Professional Edition
- Windows Vista Small Business Edition
- Windows Vista Enterprise Edition
Each version layers on additional features (and costs) as you move up the list.
But will it run your existing software?
Ah, now there's the rub. According to the latest reports, VISTA will run most "Designed for Windows XP" software right out of the box. users of home-brew software, and commercial packages that weren't designed to XP standards, might find themselves out of luck. The "secret" word around Richmond is that the development team will pay more attention to compatibility issues as the product gets nearer to its scheduled December 2006 launch date. Time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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