Windows Vista

Windows Vista is an operating system developed by Microsoft. It was earlier known as Longhorn (codename) and on January 22, 2005, it was officially named as Vista. It is an upgraded version of Microsoft Windows XP and Window 2000. This newest version is created to provide overall a better experience to users. This OS can be used on personal computers, laptops, business desktops and tablet PCs

The development of Win Vista was completed on November 8, 2006.

It was made available for download from Microsoft's website and for purchase on January 30, 2007 worldwide.

Furthermore, Windows 7, released to manufacture on July 22, 2009 succeeded it.

Vista primarily aims to improve communication level between home network computers, by simplifying the way of exchanging files and media between computers and devices.

Win Vista Editions

• Window Vista boasts of eight editions that have been separated into two sets i.e. Home and Business.
• Windows Vista Ultimate: It contains all advanced features of business OS and digital entertainment features, focused on consumers.
• Windows Vista Enterprise: It has been prepared for all the highly complex IT infrastructures and it meets need of large global organizations.
• Windows Vista Business: It is created to meet needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
• Windows Vista Home Premium: E-mailing, web surfing, track your household expenses, multimedia needs and many more facilities are covered under this Operating System for a satisfactory computing experience,.
• Windows Vista Home Basic: It is for the users with basic computing needs and provides security, reliability and usability to home PC. This OS is designed for people intended for budget users with low needs.
• Windows Vista Starter: This version of OS is designed for developing countries.
• The "N" version: This software which is mainly for developing and small companies will have no media player.. You will have to download media player.

Features Of Windows Vista Operating System

• Self-healing helps you to remove and edit errors that may occur on the computer.
• Shadow copy assists you to recover deleted files
• Enhanced photo gallery
• Window Sidebar is used for adding endless number of gadgets
• Support for DirectX 10
• More parental control
• Explorer windows for instant search
• Improved Windows Calendar
• Windows Mobile Center
• File backup and restore
• Window system assessment tool
• Windows Media Player 11
• Windows DVD Maker
• Games Explorer

Vista Requirements

• Require 800 MHz Intel-compatible processor
• 512MB RAM and 20GB disk space
• Standard Sound card for sound capability
• DirectX 9.0 compatible video card
• Standard Microsoft Keyboard and Mouse

Security

Vista is designed with a main goal to ensure improved security. So, numerous security features have been added in this OS.

• User Account Control (UAC): It will allow users to use their PCs with less privilege by default. Regular use of the computer (surfing internet, running programs and printing) will not affect UAC prompts. Moreover, Symantec Corporation testing has proved the efficiency of UAC.
• Phishing filter is a new safety and security feature included in Internet Explore 7.
• ActiveX control is another security feature, which disabled by default.
• Windows Defender, which is integrated into Windows is Microsoft's anti-spyware product. It provides security against malware and other threats.
• BitLocker Drive Encryption is included in the Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Vista, for protecting entire volumes. It can work with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) cryptoprocessor (version 1.2) fitted in the computer's motherboard.
• For reducing the malware efforts, Obfuscation techniques like address space layout randomization have been introduced in Vista.
• With new filtering support for incoming and outgoing traffic, “Window Firewall” has been upgraded in this software.