7 features that make Windows Vista essential to any PC
If you’re new to Windows Vista or wondering whether or not to upgrade, discover the functions you must try today
Published
on 04 November 2007
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about with the latest version of Windows, prepare to be amazed.
If you’ve already purchased Windows Vista then you’re about to discover some great new features; if you’re still running Windows XP then you’ll find out exactly why it’s time to move on to the new generation.
Windows Vista isn’t just a prettified version of what’s gone before – it’s completely revamped and packed with new features with exciting yet practical benefits, from improving your computer’s reliability and security to bringing all of your multimedia content together in one convenient spot.
We’ve distilled these into seven basic categories, plus we reveal the first things you should try as soon as you’ve got Windows Vista installed. Once you’ve scratched the surface of Windows Vista, you won’t go back.
Why we love Windows Vista
1. Surf Safely. The built-in Windows Firewall helps block both hackers and unwanted programs, while Windows Defender provides real-time protection against spyware. The Parental Controls are designed to keep your kids safe, blocking inappropriate web sites and programs.
2. Files at your fingertips. Open a folder or drive and you’ll see how files and folders are more visible thanks to scalable thumbnails. Select a file to see more information appear at the base of the window – if it’s a multimedia file you can even tag it with extra information.
3. Find what you need. In Windows Vista, searching for anything takes seconds, and you don’t even need to know the exact file name. You can search for text in documents, or keyword tags attached to music, video and photos as well as the file’s name (or part of its name).
4. The heart of your digital home. Now your PC can take its rightful place in your living room. Windows Media Player and Windows Photo Gallery make accessing your collections easier than ever, while Windows Media Center gives all-encompassing access to all your media.
5. Burn DVDs effortlessly. Fancy burning your own DVD movies? If you have Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate, Windows DVD Maker enables you to do just that – use it in conjunction with Windows Movie Maker to transfer footage from your camcorder.
6. Protect your data. The revamped Backup Status and Confi guration tool makes things as simple as possible – just choose your backup device, and what drives and file-types you want to back up. Then pick a time for the backup to run automatically and you’re done.
7. Run Windows with confidence. Windows Vista is packed with troubleshooting tools to ensure any problems you might encounter are dealt with as efficiently as possible. Along with revamped tools like System Restore, there are brand new tools available to help you.
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