Beta 2 Technical Reviewer’s...

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Beta 2 Technical Reviewer’s GuideMay 2006

Beta Code Recommendations and Restrictions This guide is designed to assist press in their review of the Beta 2 version of Microsoft® Windows VistaTM Ultimate. Please remember that this is a pre-release version of the operating system and should not be installed on your production machine. Specific product features are subject to change and performance testing or benchmarking of this pre-shipping code is inadvisable as it has yet to be optimized. And as always, be sure to back up your data often. To request a DVD of Windows Vista Ultimate Beta 2 for review or for questions about the information contained within this guide please contact:

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3Microsoft Windows Vista Reviewer’s Guide | Contents

Overview of Windows Vista .......................................................................... 4Improving Productivity ......................................................................................................6Fostering a Highly Mobile Work Environment ............................................................6Boosting Security ................................................................................................................6Optimizing the Desktop Infrastructure ..........................................................................6What’s New ..........................................................................................................................7Windows Vista Editions .................................................................................................. 10

Improving Productivity ................................................................................11A New User Interface ...................................................................................................... 12An Enhanced Visual Experience ................................................................................... 14Better Searching and Organizing ................................................................................ 16Performance ...................................................................................................................... 18XPS Documents ................................................................................................................ 19Windows Sidebar and Gadgets .................................................................................... 20New Accessibility Features ............................................................................................. 21A New Internet Explorer ................................................................................................. 22

Fostering a Highly Mobile Work Environment ....................................27Networking User Experience ......................................................................................... 28Corporate Roaming ........................................................................................................ 30Mobility Center ................................................................................................................. 32Presentation Settings ...................................................................................................... 32Improved Tablet PC Support ........................................................................................ 33

Boosting Security ............................................................................................34Isolation and Resiliency .................................................................................................. 35Security Management .................................................................................................... 36Access Control .................................................................................................................. 37Dynamic Security Protection with Internet Explorer 7+ ......................................... 40

Optimizing the Desktop Infrastructure ..................................................44Networking ........................................................................................................................ 45Fast Start and Resume .................................................................................................... 48Automatic Recovery ........................................................................................................ 48WinFX .................................................................................................................................. 48Improved Architecture and Better Manageability in Internet Explorer 7+ ........ 49Deploying Windows Vista .............................................................................................. 50Supporting and Managing Windows Vista ............................................................... 52

Windows at Home .........................................................................................54Productivity ........................................................................................................................ 55Memories ........................................................................................................................... 56Music ................................................................................................................................... 58TV & Movies ..................................................................................................................... 59Communication ................................................................................................................ 60Gaming ............................................................................................................................... 61Parental Control Settings ............................................................................................... 62

Summary ...........................................................................................................63Feature List by Windows Vista Edition ........................................................................ 65System Requirements ..................................................................................................... 74

Table of Contents

Microsoft Windows Vista | Beta 2 Technical Reviewer’s Guide4

Overview of Windows VistaIn today’s world of work, there’s more. More information. More ways to communicate. More possibilities. And, of course, there are always more tasks to complete. Our digital world can be both exciting and overwhelming. For example, Internet use is at an all-time high and continues to grow. Consider this: Just 10 short years ago, only 4 percent of the population was online. By the end of 2006, 17 percent of the world’s population will be regular Internet users. And by the end of 2008, there will be 115 million broadband users in the United States alone1.

Improving Productivity

Fostering a Highly Mobile Work Environment

Boosting Security

Optimizing the Desktop Infrastructure

What’s New

Windows Vista Editions1All from Pyramid Research

Microsoft Windows Vista | Beta 2 Technical Reviewer’s Guide 5

Companies of all sizes are faced with a proliferating number of networks, new hardware form factors, and a staggering amount of digital data. There is more of an emphasis on deflecting security threats while at the same time providing users with ways to find, organize, and act on the critical information they need. And to complicate matters, companies are under ever-increasing pressure to reduce the costs of deploying and managing their desktop computers. Microsoft is answering these challenges with solid computing fundamentals, which are evident in every subsystem in the operating system, every scenario enabled by Windows Vista, every feature built, and every promise made to our customers.

Microsoft® Windows VistaTM has continued the improvements initiated with Windows® 2000 and Windows XP to strengthen operating system fundamentals. A re-engineered development process has helped build a high-quality product at every stage—whether from the individual developer’s desktop, synthesis at the feature team level, or during integration of the entire operating system. Windows Vista strives to increase opera-tional efficiency, provide a better user experience, and enable a significant reduction in the cost of deploying and maintaining desktop software. Ultimately, our goal is to provide all users—from seasoned IT professions to novice consumers—with computing that is clear, confident, and connected.

Clear.Windows Vista puts a company’s greatest asset—its people—at the forefront. The user experience in Windows Vista represents files and information in more intuitive ways, enabling users to find, manage, and organize the data they work with in ways that make sense to them.

Confident. Significant investments have been made in operating system fundamentals in order to improve the security, reliability, and management of networks and data and lower their costs.

Connected.Taking advantage of the power of today’s personal computer, Windows Vista ushers in new ways of connecting with people, places, and devices.


Improving Productivity

All organizations know that their success hinges upon people—and that a truly productive workforce relies on having the right tools at its disposal. Today, the right tools include smooth and effective collaboration, so that information can be shared with others. But sharing information relies on the ability to find it. According to a Microsoft study, up to 80 percent of an organization’s critical data resides on the hard drives of individual users, making it impera-tive that people can easily find the right information on their own computers when they need it.

Windows Vista boosts productivity by putting users at the center of their computing experience. New ways of organizing, accessing, and sharing information help users work in ways that make sense to them. A wealth of visualization tools shift the focus away from the mechanics and toward what really matters: getting the right information at the right time. Plus, Windows Vista helps end users troubleshoot—and fix—issues on their own, quickly and easily.

Boosting Security

Most companies today walk a fine line between protecting highly confidential material and giving users the access they require to perform their jobs. A growing number of regulations intended to protect consumer data and privacy require that all organizations implement additional security measures. Add to that a growing number of security threats—such as the estimated 620,000 laptops lost or stolen worldwide in 20023 and increasing incidents of data and identity theft—and the need for heightened security is clear. The Windows Vista development process emphasizes what we call the Security Development Lifecycle, which includes rigorous code review, threat modeling, and in-depth training to address security requirements as thoroughly as possible. From identity and access control to information recovery and protection, Windows Vista helps mitigate both vulnerability and threats, giving organizations the confidence they need to manage confidential data.

2 International Telework Advisory Group for WorldatWork (ITAC) and Dieringer Research Group (DRG) based on a survey taken between August 15–September 1, 2005

3 Safeware Insurance Agency

4 Silver, Michael and Troni, Federica, “Using Best Practices to Reduce Desktop PC TCO, 2005-2006 Update”, December 2005, RN G00135328, Gartner.

Optimizing the Desktop Infrastructure

Deploying and managing computers can be a costly, time-consuming process. In fact, a typically managed computer costs a 2,500-user organization in the United States between $4,618 and $5,024 per year.4 Windows Vista reduces the burden of rolling out new PCs and ensuring that new systems perform well with existing networks and applications. As a result, organizations can dramatically lower the costs associated with their desktops while getting a better return on their IT investments. For example, built-in diagnostics can automatically detect and repair many causes of computers that cannot be started, automatically assist users in restoring lost network connectivity, or even with walk users through the exact steps necessary to fix a problem with guided help. In addition, networking improvements, hundreds of new Group Policy settings, and integra-tion with management tools help companies reduce the issues associated with desktop maintenance and desktop management.

Fostering a Highly-Mobile Work Environment

Powerful mobile devices, coupled with pervasive wireless networks, make it easier than ever for people to access information and work more flexibly from more places. ITAC and DRG found that 45.1 million Americans are working outside the office, often in more than one location2. Integrated Tablet PC support, improved power management, and better wireless networking are just a few of the features in Windows Vista that make it easier for users to collabo-rate and share—no matter where they are. With Windows Vista, a redoubled focus on security in the mobile realm provides features such as network-aware firewalls and Network Access Protection.


Fostering a Highly Mobile Work EnvironmentWindows Vista offers greater support for an increasingly mobile workforce so they can stay connected at all times. Features include the following:

• The Network Center simplifies how users connect to the Internet and home or corporate networks.

• Wireless networking is easier to use and more secure.

• Network Explorer puts all network connections—like printers, other computers, and devices—into one centralized location.

• Sync Center helps users manage all their devices from one place.

• Windows Meeting Space enables person-to-person interaction, even over temporary networks.

• Fast remote access is available from a button on the desktop.

• Corporate roaming supports offline folders, which boosts productivity through client-side caching and synchronization whenever users are connected to the network.

• Business and Enterprise Search makes it easy for users to find exact information, whether it resides in redirected folders, offline folders, removable hard drives, or on other Windows Vista–based computers.

• Tablet PC functionality is integrated into every version of Windows Vista except Home Basic and Starter editions.

• Improved Tablet PC support offers smarter writing features.

• New power management features for mobile computers enable users to optimize battery life performance while giving them accurate indicators of the time remaining.

• The mobility center centralizes all the settings users may need to adjust when using a mobile computer.

• Presentation mode enables users to change settings and connect to external devices easily.

What’s New

The following are just some of the advancements that make it faster and easier for users to do the things they need to do, while giving IT administrators the right tools to manage their infrastructures more easily and effectively.

Improving ProductivityWindows Vista helps boost user productivity by making computers easier to use. Some of the highlights include the following:

• A revitalized user interface focuses on content, rather than the window around it.

• New Explorers, including a Programs Explorer, make navigating content easier.

• A streamlined Start menu makes finding applications and documents fast and easy.

• Instant Search in every Explorer helps users find information right away.

• A Search Pane makes it possible to organize information by author, date, or type of document.

• The Windows AeroTM user interface provides a new visual experience.

• Windows SuperFetchTM preloads frequently used applications to reduce start-up time.

• Windows ReadyBoostTM can use external flash memory to improve system performance.

• The Start feature enables people to restart their computers with one click.

• Support for Extensible Markup Language (XML) Paper Specifica-tion (XPS) Document format (called XPS Document) helps users create and share documents with others who don’t have the relevant application.

• Windows Sidebar puts frequently used information and tasks right on the desktop, enabling instant access.

• Speech Recognition enables users to interact with their computers by voice.

• New Microsoft Internet Explorer features such as tabbed browsing, better printing, the ability to zoom, and full Really Simple Syndication (RSS) support make viewing information simpler.


Boosting SecurityWindows Vista bolsters security, helping organizations be more confident about their systems. Features include the following:

• Windows Service Hardening helps improve system safety by preventing critical Windows services from being used for abnormal activity in the file system, registry, or network.

• Windows BitLockerTM Drive Encryption, a data protection feature that encrypts the entire Windows Vista drive, protects informa-tion from offline attacks that could lead to data exposure or loss. (Available only in Ultimate and Enterprise editions.)

• Improved Network Access Protection protects the network when users try to log on from infected computers (when used with the upcoming version of Microsoft Windows ServerTM code-named “Longhorn”).

• Enhanced firewall management gives administrators one tool to manage both corporate and personal firewalls, and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) helps protect computers against unauthorized network traffic.

• An improved authentication infrastructure enables independent software vendors (ISVs) and organizations to implement their own authentication methods.

• New User Account Control increases security and improves total cost of ownership by reducing the need for users to work in administrator mode to be productive.

• Dynamic security protections in Internet Explorer 7, such as the new Protected Mode, help users achieve a higher level of security protection when browsing the Web.

• Windows Defender helps protect computers with regular scanning and the removal of spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Optimizing the Desktop InfrastructureThe infrastructure of Windows Vista has been strengthened with a number of key technological advancements, including the following:

• Built on the principle of modular design Windows Vista enables IT professionals to service individual components, reducing the need for testing during deployment; languages can be installed as optional components, reducing the number of images a global organization must maintain.

• Windows Firewall integration gives administrators new levels of control over their networks, such as the ability to define firewall policies.

• Domain Join is a standard business networking feature that enables improved security and manageability for business computers (available in Windows Vista Ultimate).

• A new wireless networking architecture emphasizes security, manageability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Network profiles are dynamically adjusted depending on where a user is located, enabling firewalls and management tools as necessary.

• Policy-based Quality of Service (QoS) reduces network traffic with centralized bandwidth management.

• Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) provides enterprises with the ability to scale and support large networks with ease.

• Improved automatic recovery can diagnose issues such as failed services or corrupt system files, which helps reduce support costs.

• A new event logging infrastructure and dramatically redesigned Event Viewer makes the Windows Vista desktop easier to manage and monitor, while providing better information for troubleshooting.

What’s New


Windows Vista at HomeIn addition to the new capabilities for businesses, Windows Vista offers a plethora of new and improved features for home users that are designed to make their computing experience safer, easier, and more reliable. These include the following:

• Windows Easy Transfer makes it easy to set up new computers by automatically transferring important information from the old computer to the new one.

• Windows Movie Maker enables people to create powerful home videos and then burn them to DVD. It comes with its own codec, eliminating software issues with third-party drivers.

• With Windows Photo Gallery users can organize all visual media in a single, easy-to-use location.

• Improved Windows Media® Player is designed to help users manage large music libraries with ease.

• Windows Media Center provides a full entertainment experience, including live and recorded television, music, photos, and videos.

• Classic Windows games, plus several new ones, provide hours of fun.

• Windows Mail has improved security and improved productivity features.

• Windows Calendar helps people schedule, create to-do lists, and coordinate with others.

• Parental Controls Settings help parents manage children’s computer use, including what they can access, where they go online, and even when they can use the computer.

What’s New

Optimizing the Desktop Infrastructure (continued)• New file-based image formats, called Windows Imaging, mean

an organization needs only a single image to roll Windows Vista out to the entire enterprise and enable users to switch between languages as easily as logging on.

• Hundreds of new Group Policy settings can be used to configure wireless network settings, removable storage devices, printers, Internet Explorer, and even power management settings.

• Application compatibility helps ensure that the majority of existing applications will run on Windows Vista.

• Virtual PC Express simplifies operating system migration by making it possible to run previous versions of Windows and applications at the same time as Windows Vista.

• The redesigned Task Scheduler provides a more configurable and reliable way to managed automated tasks.

• Built-in diagnostic scenarios prevent and reduce the impact of failures—lowering downtime and the need to troubleshoot.

• Microsoft WinFX®, the Windows Vista programming model for developing rich client applications, gives applications exciting new capabilities.


Windows Vista Editions

Microsoft recognizes that no single computer system is perfect for every user. For this reason, Windows Vista is available in different editions targeted at different needs. The product lineup is simple: there are two main categories, home and business, each containing a basic and a premium offering.

Home customers fall into one of two segments: those who have asked primarily for improved security and reliability and easier ways to organize their materials and those who require more advanced music, video, and photography features, and better mobility options. To meet both these sets of needs, Windows Vista is avail-able in a Home Basic edition and a Home Premium edition.

The business editions of Windows Vista are similarly segmented. Windows Vista Business offers the features needed in a shared environment for small, medium, and large companies that require improved security and reliability and need one offering that spans all device types. Large enterprises, in contrast, often face additional issues associated with complex, global IT infrastructures. Windows Vista Business Enterprise will help them reduce IT cost and complexity, while offering additional safeguards to protect company data.

Two additional editions of Windows Vista are available. Windows Vista Starter targets emerging markets and consumers who have very basic computing needs. At the other end of the spectrum, Windows Vista Ultimate combines the best features of each edition into a single version for advanced use at both home and work. For example, it features both the extra security safeguards of Windows Vista Business Enterprise and the advanced media features of the Home Premium edition.

All Windows Vista editions—with the exception of Windows Vista Starter edition—will support both native x64 and 32-bit proces-sors. Users can upgrade a computer from 32-bit Windows XP Professional to 32-bit Windows Vista Professional or from Windows XP Professional x64 Edition to 64-bit Windows Vista Professional. Upgrading from a 32-bit operating system to a 64-bit operating system is not supported.

Figure 1: Windows Vista editions

For Small Businesses For Large and Medium Businesses

For Consumers

For Emerging Markets


Improving ProductivityWindows Vista offers a wide array of new features designed to help people feel more confi dent in their ability to perform everyday tasks. It provides an improved interface that helps users navigate through the data that resides on their computers—yet also offers a much more sophisticated experience. People can view, manage, and organize fi les however they want. With just a click of the mouse, they can see all the fi les on their computers in a way that makes sense to them. Users are at their most productive because they can focus on information instead of how to access that information.

A New User Interface

An Enhanced Visual Experience

Better Searching and Organizing

Performance

XPS Documents

Windows Sidebar and Gadgets

New Accessibility Features

A New Internet Explorer


A New User Interface

Windows Vista introduces a user interface that is more visually appealing and simpler to use. Because it refines common window elements to focus on content rather than on how to access that content, the user interface is more efficient. New tools help people bring clarity to information on computers, enable them to see what their files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and use wizards and dialog boxes more confidently.

ExplorersThe Windows Vista interface is based on Explorers, the main tools for finding, viewing, and managing information and resources. From documents and photos to applications, devices, and Internet content, Explorers provide a consistent visual and functional experi-ence throughout Windows Vista. Menus, toolbars, navigation, task, and preview panes are streamlined into a single interface that puts all data within instant reach, making it easy to manage information quickly, with optimal flexibility and control.

The Add or Remove Programs option, found in previous versions of the Control Panel, has been replaced with Programs Explorer, which provides a real-time account of all the installed applications on a computer. It shows clear information about installed applica-tions—and even displays all the licensed applications available for installation.

An Instant Search field is always available and finds files instantly. It also serves as a launch point to larger desktop searches as well as Internet searches.

Live Icons display a thumbnail of the actual contents of each file.

The Preview pane shows a high- resolution thumb-nail and detailed metadata for any selected item.

The Navigation pane enables users to view, navigate, and organize content using a familiar folder tree method or the new Windows Vista metadata property-based method.

The Command Bar displays contex-tual, one-click tasks appropriate for the files being displayed.

Enhanced address bar, title bars, and borders give users more options for what they can do with their data.

Figure 2: Explorers provide a consistent look and feel across Windows Vista.

Figure 3: The Programs Explorer displays installed applications and their properties.


Start MenuLooking for specific applications, Web sites, and e-mails is faster than ever with the streamlined Windows Vista Start menu. To find a specific application or file, users simply press the Windows applica-tion key on the keyboard (or open the Start menu) and enter the file name in the Instant Search field. As they type, Windows Vista dynamically searches file names, metadata, and the full text of all files instantly, and displays the choices according to file type.

For example, if users want to find a particular Microsoft Office Word document, they simply type in the subject matter, or the date, or even who created it. Windows Vista immediately displays shortcuts to the most likely documents.

The tree-style navigation is similar to what is found in previous versions of Windows—but now there’s no waiting for the system to search for data. Instead, menus and submenus respond immediately. Submenus now also use less space, making it easier to navigate to the right application without extending successive submenus over the entire desktop.

Figure 4: The Windows Vista Start menu provides a familiar, compact tree view (left), improving upon the cascading menus and submenus of Windows XP (right).

Windows Vista Windows XP


An Enhanced Visual Experience

Windows Vista offers four levels of visual experience: Windows Classic, Basic, Standard, and the exciting new Windows AeroTM user interface.

The Basic user experience offers an entry-level but upgraded and streamlined experience when compared to previous versions of Windows. The Classic user experience includes all the great new features of Basic, but uses the Windows 2000 look and feel for those who prefer a more traditional look. Like Basic, Classic is available on any version of Windows Vista.

The Standard user experience builds on the new features of Basic, and also uses the new Windows Driver Display Model (WDDM), Windows Vista advanced graphics technology. The WDDM is more stable and also displays information in a much more compelling way. For example, windows perform better with the new Desktop Compositing Engine (DCE), with fewer redrawing issues, time lag, or the “tearing” effect. DCE-based performance enhancements benefit all versions of Windows Vista on systems that have the WDDM driver installed. The result is a rich visual experience that helps people focus on their tasks rather than the interface. Finally, there’s the compelling Windows Aero experience.

Windows AeroAero offers a premium visual experience for working with informa-tion. Because it relies on the WDDM—like Standard—it offers a smoother desktop experience. Aero also offers several key enhance-ments to make the visual experience clear and compelling.

Glass Windows In Aero, content pops with translucent windows. Glass windows remove the distracting clutter of window elements, so it is easier to focus on the information. People can even personalize the color, saturation, and level of transparency.

Live Taskbar Thumbnails Many people work with several different documents at the same time, multi-tasking between several applications. It is productive— but it can also lead to a confusing number of open windows. With live thumbnails, users can pause the cursor over any of the tiles within the task bar, and each one will pop up to provide an exact picture of the corresponding pane—even those running video or burning a CD.

Figure 5: The translucent windows can be personalized with different colors, saturation, and level of transparency.

Figure 6: The Toolbar displays a thumbnail version of images.


Windows Flip (ALT+TAB) People who liked the ALT+TAB feature, which switches between open applications, will love Windows Flip. It’s the same concept, only it shows live thumbnails. Plus, there is always an entry showing the desktop; if selected, Windows Flip automatically minimizes every open window. Keyboard shortcuts are included for even more control. ALT+TAB with ALT+C or F4 closes a window. ALT+M minimizes it, ALT+R restores it, and ALT+X maximizes it.

Windows Flip 3D (Windows application key+TAB)Taking Windows Flip one step further, the scroll wheel on a mouse flips through open windows as a stack.

Try It OutWindows Aero1. Open several different types of documents.2. Press the Windows application key+TAB to invoke Flip 3D.3. While holding the Windows application key, use the arrow

keys or mouse wheel to rotate through the open windows.4. Clicking a window selects it and exits Flip 3D.

Figure 7: Flip 3D offers even more flexibility when looking through multiple open windows.


Better Searching and Organizing

People store an incredible amount of data on their computers, and managing all of it can be hard. Windows Vista reflects a shift in thinking about viewing and managing information. Instead of storing data in strict hierarchies or specific locations, Windows Vista gives people the flexibility to organize information the way they each think about it. They don’t have to rely on traditional file folders to find and access certain files—although, of course, that option still remains. If they want to see all documents arranged by date or by an author, they can. The system organizes content using the metadata that is automatically saved with files. Furthermore, searching is no longer confined to a single desktop. People can search across the network, in other computers, and even in removable hard drives.

Instant SearchThe Instant Search feature, found in every Explorer and on the Search menu, helps people find applications and files more easily than ever. All they need to do is type in something about the file they want, such as the type of file, when it was created, or even what it is about. Windows Vista will find the right file automatically. Or, if more than one file is available, it will list possibilities in ranked order. Even better, Instant Search always considers context. For example, Instant Search in the Control Panel Explorer will always seek ways to complete a task associated with the Control Panel.

Try It OutInstant Search1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.2. In the Instant Search field, type power. Power options should

appear.3. Close the Control Panel.

Search PaneFor more detailed searches within an Explorer, the Search Pane can conduct a search with multiple search criteria. Users choose a specific location or the type of content. Then they can add additional filters, such as specific keywords and date ranges. If a search is useful, it can be saved as a new Search Folder and re-used at any time.

Figure 9: The Search Pane refines searches using multiple filters.

Figure 8: With Instant Search, users can find the files or programs they are looking for immediately.


Tagging FilesAll files can be tagged with relevant properties. For instance, if a company is working on a particular project, all the associated documents, presentations, spreadsheets, images, and more can be tagged with the project name. The system brings together all of these resources during a search—regardless of where they are stored.

Small Business and Enterprise SearchIn most companies, data is stored in multiple locations, which can lead to lost productivity as users navigate through folder after folder and server after server. Windows Vista offers a range of search capabilities specifically designed for distributed data environments.

• Redirected folders. Windows Vista search and organiza-tion features work as well over the network as on individual computers, even for folders that are stored on a server.

• Offline Files and Folders. Windows Vista indexes informa-tion stored on a server and synchronizes it with individual computers. As a result, content is always available, even when people aren’t online. Even better, access to content is faster because it is retrieved from the client cache. This is particularly useful when using a dial-up link or retrieving information from a branch office.

• Windows Vista computer-to-computer search. Windows defaults to searches conducted on a single computer—but can also be configured to search other computers over a network.

• SharePoint offline documents. For companies using the 2007 Microsoft Office system, information stored in Microsoft Office SharePoint® Services libraries can be replicated using Microsoft Office Outlook®. That content can then be searched and indexed offline.

• Third-party data source support. Developers can use filters and protocol handlers to add their applications’ data to the Windows Vista system index so it is available to users.

• Removable and connected hard drives. Windows Vista can search stand-alone hard drives.

• Generic file shares and previous computers. Windows Vista can also search generic file shares and computers not running Windows Vista. In this case, search performance will be compa-rable to that of a Windows XP search over these devices.

Enhanced Column Header ControlsInstant Search is one way to find files instantly. But imagine if users could view as many as 200 files in a single folder—and still find what they’re looking for easily. With the new column header controls, they can.

Drop-down menus display all metadata values across the columns so users can organize them in whatever way makes sense. For example, a user could choose the “Author” column header control to show who created each of the visible documents. Or they could organize by name or date. Then, they simply pick and choose which documents they want. Enhanced column controls even feature their own embedded Instant Search for fast filtering if there are many different values in a particular column.

Figure 10: Enhanced column controls help users organize and search for information more effectively.


Performance

Windows Vista has been performance-tuned to be more responsive than ever. From revolutionary memory management to support for innovative hardware advances, it helps users get up and running quickly—and stay that way.

Windows SuperFetchWindows SuperFetchTM is a new memory management technology in Windows Vista that tracks which applications people use the most and preloads them into memory, thus speeding up the starting up process. SuperFetch even differentiates between programs used on a weekend versus during the week.

Windows ReadyBoost

One of the best ways to improve the performance of a computer is to add memory. After all, more memory means that more applications can run without creating swap files on the hard drive. Windows Vista introduces a new concept for adding memory to a running system. Windows ReadyBoostTM enables people to use flash memory on a USB 2.0 drive, secure digital (SD) card, Compact Flash card, or other memory form factor to provide additional memory cache—memory that the computer can access much more quickly than it can access data on the hard drive. When combined with SuperFetch technology, using an external memory device can significantly boost system responsiveness.

Fast Startup, Fast Shutdown, and SleepWindows Vista shuts down and goes into Sleep mode with speed and responsiveness. Sleep mode is a great option for suspending activity of a computer while still being able to get back up and running within a matter of seconds. Better driver integration means that people do not lose necessary functionality, such as the ability to print or use external devices.

Figure 11: Windows ReadyBoost enables users to use external flash

Figure 12: Now it is easy to put a computer into Sleep mode.


Automatic Disk DefragmentationIf a computer isn’t defragmented often enough, it will run more slowly. Windows Vista includes a new disk defragmenter that runs in the background and automatically defragments the hard disk as the need arises. It also doesn’t need to finish in one session, meaning that it will defragment piece by piece whenever the computer is idle.

Windows ReadyDrive and Hybrid Hard Disk SupportA completely new type of hard drive, hybrid hard drives include a non-volatile flash memory buffer. Windows Vista offers complete support for hybrid hard drives with Windows ReadyDriveTM, which makes starting a computer and resuming from hibernation faster than ever. ReadyDrive also minimizes the amount of time a hybrid hard drive will need to spin, saving battery life for laptop computers and reducing the risk of damage.

XPS Documents

An XML Paper Specification (XPS) Document is basically a page-by-page view of content as it would be printed. It focuses on creating the most accurate representation of on-screen content, even if viewers don’t have the software in which it was originally created.

With the Windows Vista new XPS (XML Paper Specification) Docu-ment capability, any on-screen content can be turned into an easily viewed and printed document. With full-text searches plus the ability to protect documents with digital signatures and the latest rights management, basic functionality remains.

Try It OutCreate an XPS Document1. Create a Word document.2. On the File menu, click Print.3. In the Print dialog box, make sure Microsoft XPS

Document Writer is selected.4. Click OK.5. The Save As dialog box will appear.

6. Name the file and save it to your desktop.

7. Close Word, and then open the XPS document you just created.


Windows Sidebar and Gadgets

Windows Sidebar and gadgets are new features in Windows Vista that enhance productivity and help keep users connected to the features and services they use the most. Gadgets are mini-applications with a variety of possible uses. They can connect to Web services to deliver business data, news updates, traffic maps, Internet radio streams, and even slideshows of online photo albums. They can also integrate with applications to provide streamlined interaction. For example, a gadget can provide an at-a-glance view of all online instant messaging contacts or a view of a calendar. Windows Vista comes with a set of gadgets —and more can always be downloaded from an online gadgets gallery.

The Windows Sidebar appears on the desktop and can be used to organize gadgets so they are always accessible. People can even customize where on the desktop Windows Sidebar appears according to personal preference.

Try It OutSidebar and Gadgets1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and

then click Windows Sidebar.2. You will see gadgets displayed on your Sidebar.3. Drag one of the gadgets onto the desktop. Then drag it back

to the Sidebar.4. Click the + at the bottom of the Sidebar to view the gadgets

in your library.5. Close the gadgets library6. Right-click the Sidebar icon in the notification area, and then

click Exit.

Figure 13: The Sidebar provides instant access to gadgets.


New Accessibility Features

A recent study found that 101.4 million working-age adults in the United States have a mild or severe impairment of some kind.5 Combine this with a rapidly aging workforce and the large number of people who experience temporary impairments caused by illness or accidents, and the need for accessibility enhancements is clear.

Major accessibility improvements are included in Windows Vista that are particularly helpful to people with visual difficulties, full or partial hearing loss, pain in their hands or arms, dexterity issues, or reasoning and cognitive issues. But anyone can use these features to customize and make a computer more comfortable to use.

The new Ease of Access Center provides a centralized location where users can get quick access to adjust accessibility settings and manage assistive technology programs. Microsoft works closely with assistive technology manufactures to ensure that as many assistive technology products as possible are available with each new version of the Windows operating system. Windows Vista users will be able to select from a wide variety of additional assistive technology products and devices that are compatible with Windows Vista.

Speech Recognition in Windows Vista empowers users to interact with their computer by voice. Speech Recognition is designed for those who want to significantly limit the use of the mouse and keyboard while maintaining or increasing their overall productivity. They can dictate documents and e-mail messages in whatever program they are using, fill out online forms with voice commands, or even manage applications and the operating system—simply by saying what they see. Built with the latest Microsoft speech tech-nologies, Speech Recognition adapts to people’s individual speaking styles and vocabularies. It also supports multiple languages.

A newly improved Narrator enables people to “read” Narrator menus without ever leaving the active window and includes a new, natural sounding voice. They can move around the desktop with the arrow keys, switch between programs with number keys, and use bookmarks to find commonly used programs.

Magnifier, the magnification program built into Windows Vista, provides improved magnification quality. Now computer screens can be magnified up to 16 times.

5 . Study commissioned by Microsoft, conducted by Forrester Research, Inc. 2003

Figure 14: With the Ease of Access Center people can change accessibility settings quickly and easily.


A New Internet Explorer

The improvements to Internet Explorer 7+ are evident the moment the new browser is launched. First, Internet Explorer 7+ boasts a clean, sleek look that gives users more space to see the content they are browsing. For example, the Back and Forward buttons are smaller and have been moved to a more convenient location on the Address bar, while the Windows logo in the upper-right corner of Internet Explorer 6 has been removed to make room for the Instant Search field. Second, new features, such as tabbed browsing, simpler ways to conduct tasks, and other improved functions, make the most out of being online.

Tabbed BrowsingTabbed browsing is the single most-requested browser naviga-tion feature. Now there is no need to open multiple windows for different sites. Instead, a single Internet Explorer window runs with the convenience of multiple pages. The empty tab on the toolbar opens a new page. Right-clicking any hyperlink and choosing New Tab does the same thing. Users can also refresh individual pages, refresh pages as a group, or close either individual tabs or an entire group by right-clicking tabs.

Figure 15: The new, streamlined header of Internet Explorer 7+ was designed with simplicity in mind.

Figure 16: The tabbed browser eliminates the need to open multiple windows.


Quick TabsWith the Quick Tabs feature, thumbnail images of all open tabs can be seen in a single view. The Quick Tabs icon just to the right of the Favorites icon opens the Quick Tabs view. Clicking the Quick Tabs image opens that tab, and clicking the Close button in the corner of the image closes it. The Quick Tabs page automatically scales to size, depending on the number of pages open.

Try It OutQuick Tabs1. Open Internet Explorer 7+.

2. Click the empty tab in the Tab toolbar to create a new tab.

3. Type live.com into the Address bar and press ENTER.

4. Click the Quick Tabs button to the left of the Tab toolbar to see the Quick Tabs view.

Tab GroupsManaging multiple tabs is easy with the Tab Groups feature. With Tab Groups, multiple tabs can be categorized as their own group. The Save as Favorite feature even works to save a favorite Tab Group, which can be opened all at once.

Command BarThe Command Bar, which appears to the right of the tabs area, is the new main interface to all of Internet Explorer 7+ function-ality. These top-level buttons provide quick access to common tasks such as accessing home page tabs, printing pages, and subscribing to RSS feeds.

Figure 18: Save Tab Groups to access all information at once.

Figure 17: Select Quick Tabs to view all open Web pages.

Figure 19: The Command Bar provides users with instant access to frequently-used tasks.


Instant Search Instant Search makes it quick and easy to search the Internet directly from the browser frame using a preferred search provider. The drop-down list provides a variety of search providers—and even shipping company package tracking. New search providers can always be added by the user.

Try It OutAdding Search Providers1. Open Internet Explorer 7+.

2. Click the arrow on the Search button next to the Toolbar Search Box, and then select Find More Providers.

3. Click the link to the Microsoft.com search provider. When a confirmation dialog box appears, click the Add Provider button.

4. Click the arrow on the Search button again, and then select Microsoft.com Search.

5. Type Internet Explorer into the Instant Search field, and press ENTER. Search results for Internet Explorer from Microsoft.com will appear.

Printing AdvancesWith Internet Explorer 7+, there’s no need to fight just to print a simple page. By default, Web pages are shrunk to fit so content doesn’t get cut off mid-column. Web page margins and page layouts are adjustable, just as headers and footers can be removed and the print space increased or decreased.

Figure 21: Web pages are now easy to print correctly—the first time.

Figure 20: Users can choose their default search provider from a wide list of options.


Page ZoomInternet Explorer 7+ has a Page Zoom feature, which means page sizes can be increased or decreased for easier viewing. Not only can text size be changed, but so can any graphics or embedded text in graphics.

Try It OutPage Zoom1. Visit any Web site with Internet Explorer 7+.

2. Click the magnifying glass icon at the bottom-right corner of the window to zoom to 125%.

3. If your mouse has a wheel button, then hold the CTRL key and rotate the wheel to alter the zoom percentage.

4. Click the arrow next to the zoom percentage indicator and select 50% to zoom to 50%.

5. Either press CTRL+Plus key five times to incrementally zoom back to normal size, or press CTRL+0 to zoom back to 100% immediately.

Figure 22: Zoom in on pages quickly and easily.


RSS Feed SupportBlogs are more popular than ever. So are feeds using Really Simple Syndication (RSS). Web publishers use RSS to create and distribute feeds that include links, headlines, and summaries. With an embedded RSS reader, users can now subscribe to many feeds and read new entries in one place—without having to visit individual Web sites. Previous versions of Internet Explorer showed RSS feeds in raw XML. Integrated support for RSS means feeds can be read directly in the browser, with the ability to scan for important stories and get content descriptions. Subscribing to feeds requires only a single click of the mouse.

Try It OutRSS Feeds1. In Internet Explorer 7+, go to MSNBC.com.

2. Click the Feeds (XXX) button in the Command Bar when it becomes highlighted to view the MSNBC RSS feed.

3. Click the Subscribe to this feed link to subscribe to the RSS feed. Click the Subscribe button when a confirmation dialog box appears.

4. Click on the title of any item in the RSS feed to view the full item.

Favorites CenterThe new Favorites Center, which appears in a pane to the left of the window when selected, replaces the Favorites menu on the toolbar. All favorites—including tab groups, RSS feeds, and more—can be stored in this one convenient location.

Figure 23: People can view feeds directly in a browser window.


Fostering a Highly Mobile Work EnvironmentPeople are more mobile today than anytime in the past. They may work from home or spend a lot of time traveling for their jobs. As a result, meeting the needs of an increasingly mobile and virtual workforce is more important than ever. Windows Vista offers a wide range of features to help users connect to networks, access information remotely, and communicate with others. As a result, they can stay connected wherever they are—whether they are in the office, at home, or on the go.

Networking User Experience

Corporate Roaming

Mobility Center

Presentation Settings

Improved Tablet PC Support


Networking User Experience

Whether connecting to wireless networks or devices at work or at home, accessing secure corporate data while on the road, or collaborating with colleagues and friends across the Internet, today’s computer users are more connected than ever. But all these ways to connect has resulted in undesired complexity. Windows Vista simpli-fies how people connect to networks and data, as well as how they work together. Users can worry less about managing connections and spend more time on what is important.

The Network CenterThe Network Center, located in the Control Panel, offers one centralized location for all networking needs. Now people can see details about the networks their computers are connected to and verify whether they can get online.

The Network Center even presents this information in the summary form of the Network Map so IT managers can immediately see connectivity status to the network and Internet. If a computer on the network loses Internet connectivity, they can see graphically which connection is down, and then use Network Diagnostics and Troubleshooting to help determine the cause of the problem and quickly and easily get people up and running again.

Enhanced Wireless NetworkingMany people have connected to the Internet using a wireless connection at a coffee shop or airport. Unfortunately, fraudulent wireless networks—in which someone spoofs a legitimate network to get credit card information—are on the rise. Windows Vista enhances support for the latest wireless security protocols, including Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), helping people avoid these fraudulent wireless networks. Windows Vista also provides an easy way to create computer-to-computer wireless networks to enable direct sharing and peer-to-peer applications.

Figure 25: Users can also check their own connection status, see the networks visually, and troubleshoot a connection problem.

Figure 24: Users can see all the networks available to them from one location.


Network ExplorerAfter users have connected to a network, they may need to browse content on networked computers, devices, and printers. The new Network Explorer in Windows Vista makes it easy to share files and take advantage of the connectivity that a network provides. It pres-ents a view of all computers, devices, and printers on the network and is significantly faster and more reliable than My Network Places in Windows XP. The Network Explorer is even able to use custom, representative icons for different devices (if enabled by the manu-facturers). Finally, users can interact directly with select devices to complete common tasks, such as adjusting settings.

Sync CenterMore and more corporate users are connecting their personal computers to personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cell phones and using Folder Redirection and offline folders. The range of computers and devices and locations and data sources that customers want to sync has exploded in recent years. Until now, however, there has been no easy way to manage all these individual sync relationships. As a result, people have had to rely on syncing procedures dictated by device or data source, which often differ greatly.

Windows Vista gives users one place—the new Sync Center—to manage data synchronization between personal computers, between personal computers and servers, and between personal computers and devices. The new Sync Center enables users to initiate a manual sync, stop an in-progress sync, view the status of all current sync activities, and receive notifications to resolve conflicts. While offering customers a unifying synchronization experience, the Sync Center does not replace third-party sync tools or functionality. For example, Windows Mobile® devices still use their own infrastructure—Windows Mobile Device Center—to physically synchronize the data between it and a Windows Vista computer. Windows Mobile Device Center is the replacement for Microsoft ActiveSync®. If users want to change the sync settings for any relationship, the Sync Center simply directs them to the Windows Mobile Device Center or, in the case of a partner device, to that third party’s data-management settings infrastructure.

Figure 26: The Sync Center enables users to manage all their devices from one location.


Corporate Roaming

Many organizations need ways to store user data and settings on a server. Perhaps they need to manage, store, and back up data against loss. Or maybe they have users with multiple computers who need to be able to access the same information from each one. Alternatively, they may have multiple users in an environment in which no one has a dedicated personal computer.

With Windows XP, “stateless computing” can be achieved in one of two ways: Roaming User Profiles (RUP) or Folder Redirection (FR). While RUP allows people to access all their data, it is inefficient; the computer must first copy all files to the current computer, wasting a lot of time. FR, on the other hand, is faster—but it also limits the folders that can be searched.

Windows Vista supports corporate roaming in environments that use Group Policy. IT professionals can configure computers so that user data is more secure and stored on a server, and then their data can then be taken offline or accessed from any computer on the network.

Windows Vista also enables easier remote access to any resource or application that an organization has made available. For instance, if a sales person requires remote access to a financial or customer relationship management (CRM) application, Windows Vista enables the corporate IT manager to place the icon for that application on the user’s desktop. When the user clicks on the icon, an automatic remote desktop connection is made back to the company over the Internet and through Windows Server “Longhorn” Terminal Server—without requiring a virtual private network (VPN).

At the same time, Windows Vista also gives corporate IT managers enhanced control over which applications and information they want to make available to remote users. By eliminating the need for a VPN connection—which also required giving users access to the entire network—Windows Vista makes it easy to limit remote users to a predetermined list of applications and desktops.

Offline Files and Folders The ability to use offline files and folders is a useful feature in Windows XP because it enables a user to point to any remote folder on another personal computer or file server and create a sync rela-tionship between that location and the user’s computer. The only drawback is that users must sync the entire document, even if there are only a few changes. This can waste both time and bandwidth, especially if there are multiple documents to sync.

Windows Vista uses Delta Sync to make offline folders more effi-cient. Delta Sync is the ability to sync changes to a document—as opposed to the entire document— made on a client computer to the version on the server. The local version is stored in the client-side cache. Just as in Windows XP, a sync relationship is established between the local and server version. Advanced sync algorithms in Windows Vista optimize the speed at which data can be sent “over the wire,” adding efficiency.

Windows Vista also supports “ghosting” for online files and folders. If only one on-screen item out of many is available offline, Windows Vista will create offline ghosts of those other items, which are stored in the client-side cache. These ghosts remind the user that the items are available online. If a user clicks on any ghosted item, Windows will ask if the user wants to make the file available offline the next time the user’s computer is on the network.

Figure 27: Users can make network files available offline.


Power PlansIn Windows Vista, Power Plans have been simplified to include three settings:

• Automatic. This is the default mode, in which a mobile computer balances performance and power consumption automatically.

• Power Saver. This mode extends the battery life.

• High Performance. This mode sacrifices some battery life in favor of overall performance.

Windows Vista also offers the option to create a custom Power Plan tailored to a user’s specific needs and preferences.

Power Control PanelWith the Power Control Panel, users can manage default power settings such as display brightness, what action is taken when the lid of the computer is closed, and the length of time before a mobile computer goes into standby mode. The Power Control Panel makes it easier to create or revise customized Power Plans to make optimal use of battery life.

Updated Battery MeterWindows Vista replaces the previous battery power icon with an updated battery meter. By hovering a cursor over the battery meter, a user gets an at-a-glance view of which power plan the computer is using and the time and percentage of battery life left. Clicking the battery meter will reveal an expanded view, which displays whether the computer is using A/C or battery power, provides a link to Help files, and enables the user to open the Power Control panel.

Figure 29: Use the Power Control panel to manage default power settings.

Figure 28: Users can choose the right power management plan for their needs.

Figure 30: The updated battery meter shows users how much time they have left and which power plan they are using.


Mobility Center

Because people use their mobile computers in so many different places and ways, they need a more effective way to manage their computers depending on the where they are and what they are doing. Do they need to change screen brightness or turn off the wireless connection to save battery power? Or do they need to adjust settings to give a Microsoft Office PowerPoint® presenta-tion? With the Windows Mobility Center, it is easy to modify settings as the need arises—from a single location. In addition to changing basic settings, users can also do the following:

• Synchronize a mobile personal computer and all the data sources and devices connected to it

• Quickly change the screen view as they rotate from portrait to landscape orientation with one touch (Tablet PC users)

• Enable fast turn on and turn off for Presentation settings

• Detect all external display connections, such as projectors, with a single click

Presentation Settings

When giving a presentation, a user may need to set up an external display, change personal wallpaper to something more professional, or make sure network notifications or instant messages do not cause unwanted interruption. Using Presentation settings in the Mobility Center, users can quickly and easily:

• Change the desktop background or wallpaper to a pre-selected image that fits the presentation.

• Change the volume of a presentation to a pre-selected level.

• Prevent the computer from hibernating and displaying a blank screen during presentations.

• Automatically suppress notifications from the operating system during the presentation, including network connection and e-mail notifications.

With Windows Vista, it is also easy to connect to external devices. In fact, Windows Vista treats LCD monitors, projectors, and other display hardware as plug-and-play devices. As a result, the moment they are connected, these devices are automatically detected and easily configured. From there, users can decide whether they want to be in Mirrored or Extended display mode. In Mirrored mode, the external and internal displays are exactly the same. Extended mode provides one logical desktop that spans the two displays, allowing users to drag windows from one to the other.

Windows Vista also allows people to connect to projectors in the same way they now connect to a network printer—even wirelessly. The Network Projection user interface detects any nearby projectors on the local network. Users can see which projectors are available, choose one, and easily connect and configure settings.


Improved Tablet PC Support

The Tablet PC ushered in a new era of mobile computing: a single, fully functioning computer that is practical and comfortable while on the go but also works well when users are at their desks. By recognizing handwriting and translating it into text, Windows Vista integrates Tablet PC support, giving users more flexibility and enabling them to use their Tablet PCs in places where typing on a standard keyboard is not appropriate.

An Improved Pen InterfaceWindows Vista offers many core improvements to the way the pen interface works, making it easier to operate. New features include:

• Visual feedback. When the pen touches the screen, Windows Vista provides subtle visual feedback to give users more confi-dence about which operation they actually completed.

• Check boxes. Before Windows Vista, it was difficult to select multiple files when using a slate Tablet PC or a convertible Tablet PC in slate mode. Windows Vista improves multiple file selection functionality with a feature called Explorer check boxes.

• Pen Flicks. Windows Vista enhances pen functionality by adding Pen Flicks, which are customizable gestures that help users quickly navigate and perform navigational or editing shortcuts.

• New touch screen support. If touch input is available, users can use a finger to do many of the things that they do with a mouse or a tablet pen.

• Tablet PC Input Panel improvements. Windows Vista improves the Tablet PC Input Panel, an accessory on Tablet PCs that enables users to enter text with handwriting or an on-screen keyboard.

• AutoComplete. Similar to AutoComplete found other Microsoft applications, AutoComplete speeds input by listing possible matches in the Input Panel based on text that a user has entered before.

Handwriting recognition improvementsIn Windows Vista, users can provide handwriting samples to teach the handwriting recognizer about their writing styles and teach it to target specific recognition errors. Using this tool increases the likelihood that handwriting will be recognized correctly by the Input Panel and by programs for the Tablet PC that use handwriting recognition.

With the automatic learning feature, the handwriting recognizer learns users’ handwriting styles by collecting data about the words they use and how they write them. The personalization occurs behind the scenes, without user interaction.

Figure 31: Handwriting recognition improvements mean individual writing styles are automatically recognized through a set of training modules..


Boosting SecurityMicrosoft has dedicated many resources to what we call a Security Development Lifecycle. Windows Vista provides a security infrastructure along with a usable, consistent, and manageable experience. Windows Vista helps increase security in every sphere in which computers are used, whether at home, in the small busi-ness or enterprise, or on the road. For corporate environ-ments, Windows Vista helps security policies be easily deployed, managed, and integrated into the network environment. As a result, businesses can be more confi-dent in their ability to reduce security threats and their associated costs.

Isolation and Resiliency

Security Management

Access Control

Dynamic Security Protection with

Internet Explorer 7+


Isolation and Resiliency

Threats to security and privacy from malicious users and malware have escalated significantly over the past several years. Malware does damage either by writing to areas of the hard disk drive like the program files directory or the registry or by opening ports to the Internet and using them to propagate to other computers. Isolation and resiliency are terms that describe how Windows Vista helps protect systems against these behaviors. This approach includes anti-malware scanning tools, firewall protection to block unauthorized incoming and outgoing Internet traffic, a more secure Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, and tools that make it difficult for an unauthorized user to open or take files from a computer.

Spyware and Potentially Unwanted SoftwareSpyware and other types of malicious software compromise users’ computers and gather information about users without their explicit consent. Windows Vista has integrated Windows Defender software that scans and removes spyware and other types of unwanted soft-ware. Windows Defender also makes it easy to determine exactly which applications are communicating over the Internet.

Firewall and Service Hardening PlatformMalware often exploits unpatched vulnerabilities in Windows services to write to areas of the file system and registry and to communicate over network ports that a service would not write to under normal operation. For example, the Blaster worm in 2003 exploited a buffer-overrun vulnerability in the Windows remote procedure call (RPC) service. After it exploited that vulnerability, Blaster was able to copy a malicious executable onto the target system and modify the registry on the target system to force the executable to run at system startup and attempt to infect other vulnerable systems.

In Windows Vista, Windows Service Hardening will help prevent Windows services from performing abnormal activity in the file system, registry, and network that could be used to allow malware to persist on a computer or propagate to other computers. The Windows Vista firewall enforces the rules set in the service hard-ening platform. If the firewall detects abnormal behavior as defined in the service hardening rules, it will attempt to block it. Other firewall enhancements include outbound filtering to provide full directional control over which applications are allowed to communi-cate on the network.

Figure 32: The Windows Firewall gives administrators new levels of control over their networks.


Security Management

IT professionals are responsible for the configuration of corporate computers and for adhering to corporate security policies. They are also responsible for providing a computing environment that encourages user productivity without burdening users with complex security procedures. Security management features in Windows Vista can help strike the balance between these two needs. With Windows Vista, IT professionals can search for vulnerabilities, monitor for security configuration lapses, and provide rich reporting on the state of security across all corporate computers—while providing a computing environment that helps users get their work done.

Network Access ProtectionThe standard Internet-facing corporate firewall does not always provide protection against worms and other malicious software. They can infect enterprise networks when vulnerable computers become infected while away from the network. These computers then attack other computers on the corporate network when they connect through a VPN or are plugged into the network.

The Network Access Protection service in the Windows Vista client and in Windows Server “Longhorn” helps protect against this threat. Network Access Protection enables IT managers to set up requirements for client health status, such as the state security updates and up-to-date virus scanner signatures. These requirements are then checked once a user connects to the network. If the computer does not meet the “health requirements,” it will not be allowed on the network.

Restricted Access to Removable Storage DevicesMany organizations and governmental agencies are concerned about Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash memory drives, which can be used to copy large amounts of sensitive data from a computer. Both Windows XP and Windows 2000 provide minimal control over the use of these types of devices, which install automatically when plugged into a USB port. Some organizations even put epoxy in USB ports to prevent flash memory devices from being used. Such drastic measures are no longer necessary; Windows Vista enables administrators to control the installation of removable storage devices through Group Policy settings. They can also use Group Policy to control read/write access to removable storage devices that are already installed.

Windows Server Update ServicesWindows Server Update Services (WSUS), a new version of Software Update Services (SUS), improves the ability to manage updates. Administrators can use WSUS to review updates quickly—and then determine whether the updates are needed in their environments. If Automatic Updates are used, WSUS can be used to deploy all updates automatically.

The Windows Update Agent (WUA) is now a stand-alone applica-tion that can download updates either directly from Microsoft or from an internal WSUS server. Because the WUA provides a single interface to updates downloaded either from Microsoft or from an internal enterprise server, users do not have to learn how to use two separate tools.


Access Control

Access control is any mechanism by which a system grants or revokes the right of a user or application to access data or perform an action. Windows Vista Access Control gives administrators full control of who can access information and services.

User Account ControlLimiting the privileges granted to users makes it more difficult for malware—such as viruses, worms, and spyware—to install itself and cause damage. While Windows XP and Windows 2000 computers can be installed without giving end users (known as standard users) administrative rights over their computers, many older applica-tions require administrative rights in order to run well. Windows Vista now gives standard users permissions to perform more tasks. Windows Vista also improves compatibility for applications that do not work without administrator permissions. Even administrators can run most applications with limited privileges, but they have the ability to elevate their privileges when necessary. Granting admin-istrator privileges only when necessary helps prevent users from unintentionally running dangerous programs.

Figure 33: User Account Control helps protect computers by prompting users to enter a password before they are granted administrator privileges.


BitLocker Drive EncryptionBitLockerTM Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that addresses the very real threats of data theft and exposure from lost or stolen computers. It uses a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) to protect user data and ensure that a computer running Windows Vista has not been tampered with while the system was offline. BitLocker is available in Ultimate and Enterprise editions.

Encrypting the drive prevents unauthorized users from breaking Windows file and system protection—and it encrypts the entire Windows volume along with swap and hibernation files. Checking the integrity of early boot components helps ensure data decryp-tion happens only when the components have clearly not been tampered with and that the hard drive is in its original computer.

BitLocker provides a seamless, encrypted, and easily manage-able data protection solution for the enterprise. For instance, an organization can use its existing Microsoft Active Directory® directory service domain services infrastructure to escrow recovery keys remotely. It also provides a disaster recovery console that is integrated into the early startup components to provide “in the field” data retrieval.

Figure 34: BitLocker encrypts the entire hard drive, protecting against data loss from lost or stolen computers.


AuthenticationPasswords are the most popular method of authentication today, yet this type of single-factor authentication has many limitations. A short, easy-to-remember password can easily be cracked by an attacker—yet stronger passwords are hard to remember and are often written down. Half of all viruses specifically go after user names and passwords. To counter this, Windows Vista introduces a revised architecture for adding authentication methods into the operating system. Smart cards, for example, are an ideal option for enterprises. In addition, there are enhancements to authentication protocols such as Kerberos, smart card log on (PKINIT, Public Key Cryptography for Initial Authentication in Kerberos), and full support of IPv6.

AuthorizationWindows Vista provides enhanced rights management capabilities to help maintain control over intellectual property. With Authoriza-tion Manager now on the client, developers will find it easier to write applications that take advantage of role-based security. They will also find support for Extensible Rights Markup Language (XrML) to express rights and conditions associated with digital content, along with a new managed-code implementation of access control lists (ACLs).

AuditTo comply with many governmental regulations, organizations must be able to track when administrators use their privilege to access systems or data and to detect whether unauthorized users are attempting to access sensitive data. Windows Vista has new capa-bilities to assist in the auditing process, helping to simplify regula-tory compliance. Previous versions of Windows categorized all audit events into one of nine categories. For instance, if administrators want to enable auditing of file system access in Windows XP, they must also enable object access, which audits registry and kernel access. Windows Vista adds subcategories under the top-level categories, significantly reducing the amount of extraneous data the auditor has to filter when reviewing audit logs.

Credential ManagementThe management of credentials (for example, passwords and certificates) and hardware that holds credentials (for example, smart cards) is a challenge for many organizations. Windows Vista has new tools to help support credential management for roaming users, including the new Digital Identity Management Service (DIMS) and a new certificate enrollment process. Smart cards will be easier to deploy with new smart card management tools such as self-service personal identification number (PIN) reset tools. For small businesses and consumers, it will now be possible to back up and restore the credentials.

Cryptography ServicesCryptography is a critical component of the authentication and authorization services of Windows. Windows Vista delivers Crypto Next Generation (CNG) services, which have been requested by many governments and organizations. In its initial release, CNG allows new algorithms to be added to Windows for use in Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) and IPSec, with other scenarios such as Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) and Encrypting File System (EFS) possible in the future. In addition, a new security processor that enables trust decisions for services such as rights management is part of Windows Vista.


Dynamic Security Protection with Internet

Internet Explorer 7+ emphasizes security—from the individual user all the way up to the largest enterprise. In fact, security has been integrated into every aspect of the new browser, so that both individuals and IT personnel can have greater assurance that online activity is not putting them at risk.

Personal Data SafeguardsInternet Explorer 7+ has been reconfigured to help take the guess-work out of surfing the Internet safely. With the rising threats against computers, it’s hard to know whether a site is safe or a malicious site designed to trick users into providing personal information. Windows XP Service Pack 2 delivered increased security. Windows Vista takes Internet Explorer 7+ one step further with alerts that help people determine whether they’re at risk.

Security Status BarSites that have encrypted communications and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technologies help protect against others obtaining personal information. Still, it is difficult to be sure that a user is giving their information to the intended party. Internet Explorer 7+ addresses this issue with clear, prominent, color-coded visual cues to the safety and trustworthiness of a Web site.

The gold padlock in the lower-right corner from previous versions of Internet Explorer has been replaced with a much more prominent indication of an encrypted channel at the top of the browser. This box can be clicked to reveal certificate information.

If the address bar turns red, it means there are irregularities with the site’s certificate information, and the user is directed to a neutral page with a clear warning. In contrast, highly trusted Web sites will clearly display the name of the certificate owner and a green back-ground to indicate that users can provide confidential data safely.

Explorer 7+

Figure 35: The certificate information displays detailed information about Web sites.


Microsoft Phishing FilterPhishing happens when someone sends an e-mail message that appears to be from a trusted company, like a bank, in the hopes that the user will click on the link and reveal personal informa-tion. Internet Explorer 7+ features a new Phishing FilterTM that consolidates the latest industry information about fraudulent Web sites. Because it is updated several times an hour, Internet Explorer will always be up to date with the most current protection against phishing scams. For sites that act suspiciously—using numeric IP addresses, for example—the browser will detect it and highlight the address bar in yellow to indicate that the user should proceed with caution.

If a user navigates to a known phishing site, rather than just a site that appears suspicious, Internet Explorer 7+ navigates the user away from the page and displays a clear warning to prevent the user from revealing personal information to a fraudulent organization.

Together, these features are designed to help users make better decisions with their personal information.

Figure 36: The Security Status Bar alerts users to a potential spoof.

Figure 37: The Security Status Bar alerts users of a known phishing site.


URL Display ProtectionsMalicious users commonly attempt to mislead people into thinking they are looking at information from a known and trusted source by hiding true URL information. Internet Explorer 7+ foils this with two powerful visual tools:

• An Address Bar in every window. With Internet Explorer 7+, all browser windows require an Address Bar, which means that even pop-ups must clearly identify what site they come from.

• Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) support. Operators of malicious Web sites may use non-Latin characters, which may display differently if the right alphabet is not installed. This is yet another way to hide the true Web site domain name. Internet Explorer 7+ alerts users if characters are being used in an alphabet that the user does not have installed.

Privacy of Browsing HistoryWith Internet Explorer 7+, personal history can be erased with a single click of the mouse. The Delete Browsing History option erases all personal data instantly, including history, cookies, and temporary files. This feature can be disabled through group policy in the enterprise setting or Parental Controls at home.

Fix My SettingsInternet Explorer 7+ ships with security settings that are designed to balance security with usability. Sometimes, however, a custom appli-cation or legitimate Web site will require lower security settings. If the user forgets to reset the security settings they may be browsing the Web in an unsafe state. With the new Fix My Settings feature, an Information Bar alerts users when their security settings are too low. In fact, the instant settings are changed, unsafe settings are automatically highlighted in red along with a reminder. When users are ready to increase security again, all they need to do is click the “Fix My Settings” option. And, if they close out of the browser, they are notified that their settings are unsafe the next time they launch the application.

Figure 38: A user is alerted that the URL includes characters from an alphabet that is not installed on the user’s computer and may not be legitimate.

Try It OutFix My Settings Bar1. Open Internet Explorer 7+.

2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.

3. When the Internet Options dialog appears, switch to the Security tab. Click Custom level.

4. Scroll down in the Settings list and set Download signed ActiveX controls to Enable (not secure). Notice how the entire item is highlighted in red.

5. Click OK, and then click Yes to accept the security warning that appears.

6. Click OK to close the Internet Options dialog.

7. Click the gold information bar that appears at the top of the browser, and then click Fix Settings for Me. When a confirmation dialog appears, click Fix Settings.

Figure 39: The Fix My Settings feature enables users to reset security back to the default Medium-High level with a single click.


Protection Against MalwareWeb browsers perform a broad range of functions. They must be powerful enough to handle anything Web creators imagine—yet at the same time be flexible enough to handle new applications. In the past, this flexibility has sometimes led to security risks. Internet Explorer 7+ takes bigger steps than ever before to ensure that users can customize their browsers however they want and still stay secure.

ActiveX Opt-InInternet Explorer 7+ offers a powerful new security mechanism for the Microsoft ActiveX® platform. With the ActiveX Opt-In feature, entire classes of controls—essentially all the controls that aren’t enabled—are completely disabled by default. Before these controls may be used, the end user must enable them by responding to a prompt on the Information Bar. As a result, these disabled controls cannot be accessed or attacked over the Internet.

Protection Against Cross-Domain Scripting Attacks Cross-domain scripting attacks happen when a script from one Internet domain manipulates content from another domain. For instance, a user visits a malicious page that opens a new window containing a legitimate page (such as a banking Web site), which prompts the user to enter account information. The malicious user then uses his or her own domain to extract this information.

Internet Explorer 7+ addresses this issue by marking the domain name from which each script originates. The script can then interact only with windows and content from the same domain. These cross-domain script barriers help ensure that users’ information remains secure. Furthermore, this new control limits the potential for a malicious Web site to manipulate flaws in other Web sites and start downloading undesired content to a user’s computer.

Internet Explorer Protected ModeInternet Explorer Protected Mode gives Windows users new levels of security and data protection. In Protected Mode, Internet Explorer 7+ in Windows Vista cannot modify user or system files and settings. Instead, all communications occur using a broker process between the Internet Explorer browser and the operating system—and the process is initiated only when users click on Internet Explorer menus and screens. Designed to defend against “elevation of privilege” attacks, Protected Mode allows users to have a rich Web experience, yet reduces the risk of malicious users taking over the browser and executing code through the use of adminis-trator rights.

Windows DefenderMalware has a particularly sneaky way of installing itself without users knowing about it. Sometimes, users will download one program and get spyware or other unwanted applications at the same time. Microsoft Windows Defender, a feature of Windows Vista, lets them know when this happens and them lets them remove the unwanted software. When used with Internet Explorer 7+, downloads are scanned making it much less likely that the malware ever has a chance to install itself in the first place. Windows Defender also performs nightly scans across the entire PC to ensure that it is safe.


Optimizing the Desktop InfrastructureWindows Vista simplifies the process of managing desk-tops with an infrastructure that offers core innovations. These improvements simplify every aspect of managing the desktops, from deploying computers and connecting them to the right networks to supporting users and managing the overall IT infrastructure. By keeping computers running smoothly, IT departments can focus on enabling strategic IT decision making.

Networking

Fast Start and Resume

Automatic Recovery

WinFX

Improved Architecture and Better Manageability

in Internet Explorer 7+

Deploying Windows Vista

Supporting and Managing Windows Vista


Networking

Connecting users to resources and content in a highly secure, simple, and manageable way is critical to the productivity of any organization. Windows Vista enhances many areas of networking to keep configuration needs to a minimum while helping to ensure that client access to resources is both seamless and highly secure. It is also easy to use Join Domains, a standard business networking feature that improves security and manageability for business computers.

Next Generation TCP/IP StackTo help IT administrators optimize network efficiency, Windows Vista includes the Next Generation TCP/IP Stack. This new technology provides a rich architecture that enables, among other benefits, self-tuning for better network efficiency over time:

• Dual IP layer architecture for IPv6. The Next Generation TCP/IP stack supports the dual IP layer architecture in which the IPv4 and IPv6 implementations share common Transport and Framing layers. It also has both IPv4 and IPv6 enabled by default; there is no need to install a separate component to obtain IPv6 support.

• Automatic configuration of stack settings based on different network environments. The Next-Generation TCP/IP stack automatically senses the network environment and adjusts key performance settings, such as the TCP receive window. Improved stack auto-tuning and configuration reduces the need for manual configuration of TCP/IP settings. It also enables faster network transfers, more intelligent bandwidth usage, and fewer retransmissions of lost data on the network. As a result, IT professionals can save a significant amount of time when trans-ferring large files or backing up hard drives over the network.

• Routing compartments. To prevent unwanted forwarding of traffic between interfaces for VPN, Terminal Server, and multi-user logon configurations, the Next Generation TCP/IP stack supports routing compartments. A routing compartment combines a set of interfaces with a logon session that has its own IP routing tables. A computer can have multiple routing compartments that are isolated from each other. Each interface

can belong only to a single compartment. For example, after a user initiates a VPN connection across the Internet with the current TCP/IP stack, the user’s computer has partial connec-tivity to both the Internet and a private intranet by manipulating entries in the IPv4 routing table. In some situations, it is possible for traffic from the Internet to be forwarded across the VPN connection to the private intranet. Routing compartments in the Next Generation TCP/IP stack isolate the Internet connectivity from the private intranet connectivity with separate IP routing tables.

• New security and packet filtering application program-ming interfaces (APIs). A new framework called the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) has replaced the interfaces in the current TCP/IP stack for TCP/IP security (filtering for local host traffic), the firewall hook, the filter hook, and the storage of packet filter information. WFP now provides filtering capability at all layers of the TCP/IP protocol stack, and it is much more secure and integrated. Furthermore, it is now easier for inde-pendent software vendors (ISVs) to build drivers, services, and applications that need to filter, analyze, or modify TCP/IP traffic.

• Reconfiguring of network settings without having to restart the computer. A new method of storing configuration settings enables more dynamic control and does not require that a computer restart each time settings are changed.

• Supportability enhancements. Windows Vista has extensive support for run-time diagnostics, including support for TCP Management Information Base (MIB)-II and better system event logging and tracing.


Wireless NetworkingWireless networking is being deployed more widely but requires a much greater focus on security, manageability, and cost-effec-tiveness. Windows Vista provides an all-new wireless networking architecture that addresses these issues. In Windows Vista, the security of wireless networking is enhanced through built-in support for the highest level of industry standards-based security (WPA2/IEEE 802.11i). Administrators can manage the deployment and security settings of wireless Windows Vista clients using Group Policy or a scripting command-line interface, which enables administrators to configure and deploy wireless networking efficiently. In addition, Built-in Diagnostics allow users to resolve connection issues quickly, and new wireless functionality can be developed by extending the native Wi-Fi wireless architecture.

IPv6As the number of networked devices continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly difficult to scale an Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) architecture to meet the growing needs of organizations. To support the demand for scale, IT administrators currently use tech-nologies such as Network Address Translation (NAT)—which adds complexity and can cause application incompatibilities—or combine public and private IP addresses on the same network. Unfortunately, additional point solutions or techniques increase the cost of network operations and can create security vulnerabilities.

Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) support in Windows Vista enables enterprises to support a larger network address space while eliminating the need for NAT or other workarounds. IPv6 scales well beyond the IPv4 address space, and it provides additional security with full support for IPSec. Enterprises can deploy IPv6 within their infrastructures without having to completely upgrade their networks with IPv6 transition tunneling mechanisms to support the tunneling of IPv6 traffic across an IPv4-only infrastructure.

To ease the transition to IPv6, Windows Vista supports the Teredo IPv6 transition technology, which performs NAT traversal for IPv6 traffic. Teredo connects server or peer-based applications running on computers located behind NATs, without requiring that applica-tions or NATs be configured. Teredo is enabled by default in Beta 2 of Windows Vista and will send multiple packets for address configuration and periodic packets to a Teredo server.

Figure 40: Network Diagnostics helps users troubleshoot wireless issues so they can get up and running quickly.


IPsecWith the explosive growth and adoption of pervasive, highly connected networks, organizations are faced with a potentially paradoxical situation: They must provide greater accessibility while maintaining security. Employees, business partners, and customers are all demanding greater flexibility and mobility when connecting to networked resources. And even though more ubiquitous connec-tivity can yield productivity gains and operational cost savings, it may also introduce new risks to the organization’s networked infrastructure.

The implementation of IPsec within Windows Vista enables an IT administrator to do the following:

• Easily create security policies based on user or computer credentials as part of network access authorization

• Use Group Policy to centrally distribute these policies in a flexible manner based on business requirements

• Create Windows Firewall policies based on IPsec

Windows Vista also gives IT administrators the ability to effectively manage access to critical information assets in the following ways:

• Server isolation restricts connectivity to a server or groups of servers by computer, port, IP address, user, and subnet. For example, the administrator can restrict access to the Finance department’s Microsoft SQL ServerTM to the Finance Web server only, while also restricting access to the Finance Web server to users who are in the Finance user group.

• Domain isolation restricts connectivity to a domain of computers. The administrator could allow all outbound connec-tivity while restricting inbound connectivity to other domain-joined computers. Domain isolation is a Sarbanes-Oxley control solution to protect intellectual property. It also limits the affect of worms and viruses by restricting connectivity from computers not joined to the corporate Active Directory domain.

• Network Access Protection restricts connectivity to the corporate network to computers that are healthy as determined by NAP. IPsec integration with Network Access Protection provides real-time enforcement of health policy, which cannot be achieved by 802.1x or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) enforce-ment. If the status of the computer changes to unhealthy, IPsec would immediately block that computer’s connectivity to the corporate network.

• Windows Firewall with user and computer authorization allows for the definition of richer firewall policies. These policies restrict which applications can bypass the firewall (such as network scanners), as well as restrict connectivity by computer, user, IP address, port or subnet. All of these policies can be defined and managed from one central user interface.

Network ProfilesThe Windows Vista Network Profiles feature reports changes in network connectivity to applications in order to provide a more seamless experience to the end user. As the user connects to different networks, the change is communicated to Network Profile-aware applications, which can take appropriate action. For example, when a user switches from the home office to a corporate network, firewall settings can be configured to allow the use of IT management tools. Group Policy will detect the reconnection to the corporate network and begin processing policy changes immedi-ately instead of waiting for the next detection cycle.

Policy-based Quality of ServiceToday, network traffic is not easily prioritized and managed. Mission-critical and latency-sensitive traffic must compete for bandwidth against lower priority and latency-tolerant traffic, such as bulk data transfers. At the same time, users and computers with specific network performance requirements may require differenti-ated service levels. The challenges of providing predictable network performance levels often first appear over wide area network (WAN) connections or with latency-sensitive applications like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video. However, the goal of providing predictable network service levels applies to any network environ-ment and to applications other than VoIP applications—including any custom line-of-business application.

Policy-based Quality of Service (QoS) in Windows Vista and the next version of Windows Server alleviates network congestion by enabling central management of hosts’ bandwidth. An IT depart-ment can now define flexible QoS policies to prioritize and/or throttle outbound network traffic without requiring modifications to applications.


Fast Start and Resume

As a computer starts up, Windows Vista performs many processing tasks in the background—such as loading items in the Startup folder—giving users control over their computers sooner. Moreover, this shorter wait happens less frequently than it might have before, because users do not have to restart Windows Vista as often.

Instead of shutting down the computer to save power, users can now use the new Sleep state, the default state for turning off computers running Windows Vista. Sleep combines the resume speed of Standby mode with the data protection and low power-consumption characteristics of Hibernate. When entering the Sleep state, Windows Vista records the contents of memory to the hard disk, just as it would with Hibernate. However, it also maintains the memory for a period of time, just as Windows XP maintains the memory in Standby mode. Windows Vista enters and recovers from Sleep state in seconds, and while the system sleeps, power consumption is extremely low.

WinFX

WinFX is the Windows Vista programming model for organizations that need to deploy rich client applications. It delivers new tech-nologies for building applications that have visually stunning user experiences, seamless and secure communications, and the ability to model a range of business processes.

The most significant benefit of Sleep is simplicity; users don’t have to choose between using Standby or Hibernate because Sleep offers the best of both. If they accidentally remove the computer’s battery during a Sleep state, the applications and data stored in the computer’s memory are safe because they’ve already been written to the hard disk. And shorter startup times benefit both mobile and desktop users by making their computers useful sooner.

In addition, the one-click computer turn off feature enables users to either turn their computers off or put them in Sleep state immedi-ately (the default can be changed). Similarly, if system updates are available, users can single-click both to install updates and shut down the computer.

Automatic Recovery

Windows Vista automatically recovers from many types of failures, including failed services and corrupted system files. For instance, startup problems are some of the most difficult to troubleshoot, because an administrator cannot start the operating system and use the built-in troubleshooting tools. Often, they choose to reinstall the operating system rather than attempt to solve the problem—even though the solution might be as simple as replacing a single file.

Windows Vista includes the Startup Repair tool that can fix many common problems and enable IT staff to diagnose more complex problems easily and efficiently. In the case of a boot failure, the system fails over into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and launches Startup Repair, which diagnoses and repairs the problem. If a boot failure occurs on the main operating system, the system is rolled back to the last known working state.


Improved Support for AJAXWhile Internet Explorer 6 handled XMLHTTP requests with an ActiveX Control, Internet Explorer 7+ exposes XMLHTTP natively. This improves syntactical compatibility across different browsers and allows clients to configure and customize an ActiveX security policy without compromising key Asynchronous JavaScript And XML (AJAX) scenarios. As a result, Web developers will be able to write AJAX applications more easily while users can lock down ActiveX Controls without interfering with the functionality of AJAX applications.

RSS Feed PlatformThe Windows RSS Platform is included as part of Internet Explorer 7+ for Windows Vista and Windows XP. The platform provides rich functionality for downloading, storing, and accessing feeds across the entire operating system, and it will help more users than ever to use RSS. After a feed has been subscribed to in one application, it will be available in all applications running on the same Windows Vista computer.

The Windows RSS Platform provides this rich data layer through two primary components:

• The Common Feed List provides a common storage area for all sites that have been subscribed to. Any application can add or delete sites and can share information about the feeds. It can be accessed either through the Windows RSS APIs or the file system.

• The Common Data Store downloads, stores, and manages read and unread feed data. This is an ideal tool for ensuring that updated content—such as text, calendar entries, pictures, or podcasts—is delivered and accessible to anyone who subscribes to it.

Developers will find that building synching applications is much easier. As RSS adoption grows and Internet Explorer installations increase, Microsoft expects general users to begin using RSS ubiquitously—even if they are unaware of the underlying technology.

Improved Architecture and Better Manageability in Internet Explorer 7+

Internet Explorer 7+ has a re-engineered browser architecture that addresses compatibility and supports a range of rich user experi-ences. With better cascading style sheets support and transparent Portable Network Graphics (PNG) support, Internet Explorer 7+ is also more standards-compliant and makes Web and application development even easier. Better yet, it can be centrally managed with Group Policy rather than the Internet Explorer maintenance (IEM) snap-in.

Better Cascading Style Sheets SupportBecause the cascading style sheets format is a widely used standard for creating Web pages, Internet Explorer 7+ has implemented the features that developers have said are most important to them. Developers will not experience inconsistencies that previously made it harder to produce rich, interactive Web pages. They can now do the following:

• Eliminate the positioning and layout issues related to how Internet Explorer 6 handled <div> tags.

• Hover on all elements.

• Fix positioning.

• Use cascading style sheet Level 2 Selectors.

• Take advantage of HTML 4.01 improvements.

• Use Windowless Select Element.

Transparent PNG SupportInternet Explorer 7+ has added support for alpha-channel trans-parent PNGs. As a result, Web developers can use special effects they could not before. For example, they can create Web page images that have shadows but do not obscure the background image behind them.


OpenSearch Internet Explorer 7+ also supports OpenSearch 1.1., the latest Creative Commons release of the standard from A9.com Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc. OpenSearch enables syndication formats such as RSS and Atom to be used in search applications. In addition, the Toolbar Search Box in Internet Explorer 7+ adopts OpenSearch extensions, permitting search engines to plug into Internet Explorer simply by supporting OpenSearch.

File-based Image FormatsWindows Vista will be distributed using the new Windows Imaging technology (WIM), a hardware-agnostic image file format. This means that an organization needs only one image to address a range of hardware configurations. This format also allows multiple images to be stored in one file—that is, multiple Windows Vista SKUs can be located in a single file, and Microsoft can ship a single worldwide binary to its customers (one each for 32-bit and 64-bit architectures) that supports multiple languages. WIM also allows for a compressed file format and single instancing, thus reducing file size significantly. Another advantage of the WIM files format is the ability for IT professionals to service the image offline—including adding and deleting optional components—without starting up each desktop or creating a new image.

Administration ImprovementsWith Internet Explorer 7+, administrators have centralized control over settings through Active Directory Group Policy, which makes the browser more manageable. All previous and new features—including the Phishing Filter and all browser add-ons— can be managed using Group Policy. This helps ensure that browser users comply with company standards. In addition, fully customized Internet Explorer deployments become possible with the enhanced Internet Explorer Administration Kit. Plus, it is easier to confirm compatibility of key applications with Internet Explorer 7+; simply use an updated version of the Application Compatibility Toolkit that was included in Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Deploying Windows Vista

Windows Vista is easier and more cost-effective to deploy than previous versions of Windows. Its capabilities support an organiza-tion’s preliminary steps, from planning and application compatibility testing to migration analysis and desktop engineering. Architectural redesigns and changes to the core of the operating system have enabled many advances to help reduce the cost and complexity of deployments.

ModularizationA number of Windows Vista features have been built using the principles of modular design. This approach has several advantages, including the ability for IT professionals to customize the platform to a certain degree, service individual components, and minimize the need for testing during deployment. For example, localized UIs and support for different languages can be installed as optional components without the need for separate images.


Non-Destructive ImagingWindows Vista provides an easy in-place migration path from previous versions of Windows. The new image-based setup and built-in migration capabilities of Windows Vista ensure that user data and state/profile information can be easily and safely moved onto a computer with a newly installed operating system.

XML-based Unattend FilesThe new Windows Vista setup exclusively uses unattend files based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) to enable remote and unattended installations. The ultimate goal is to replace multiple unattend files with a single unattend file format. Additionally, with XML comes the ability to automate increasingly larger portions of the desktop engineering and deployment process. For example, the component settings will be exposed in a consistent method, allowing tools such as System Image Manager to create, manipu-late, and validate complete unattend files. As a result, installations are faster, manageable, and less error-prone.

Windows PE TechnologyWindows PE, a Win32-based minimal operating system, simplifies deployment, testing, diagnostic, and recovery processes in a secure and flexible environment. Many of the deployment tools are built on a Windows PE foundation.

Application Compatibility and MigrationOne of the biggest challenges any organization faces when deploying a new desktop environment is to migrate applications without breaking them and thus slowing the upgrade process. Application compatibility has been a major area of focus in the development of Windows Vista. First, Windows Vista is designed for compatibility. Microsoft’s development teams have tested more than 400 applications from more than 150 different vendors. If even the smallest issue is detected, the team requires that it be addressed. Second, as security-enhancing changes were designed into the basic Windows Vista file structure, system processes were also redesigned to automatically handle remapping to the new file structures. As a result of this commitment, most existing applications will be fully compatible with Windows Vista. In addition, Virtual PC Express simplifies the migration process by making it possible to run older operating systems and applications along with Windows Vista.

Script-based InstallationsWindows Vista includes extensive support for using command line scripting to enable remote, automated, and repeatable deployment scenarios.


Supporting and Managing Windows Vista

Reliability enhancements in Windows Vista help users work with greater confidence and productivity while reducing support costs for organizations. Windows Vista also offers many new and improved management and troubleshooting features designed to diagnose problems more efficiently, reducing the cost and complexity of desktop support and configuration.

Built-in DiagnosticsWindows Vista is engineered to reduce the frequency and impact of disruptions to users. It fixes many common causes of unresponsive systems and programs, and includes enhanced instrumenta-tion that provides greater insight into what causes unresponsive conditions. Windows Vista will self-diagnose a number of common problems, such as failing hard disks, memory problems, and networking issues. When possible, Windows Vista will either correct the problem automatically or help the user fix it. As one example, the Built-in Diagnostics detects impending disk failures and guides users through the backup process. Similarly, it helps identify faulty memory and can even fix a non-starting computer.

IT staff can control the behavior of Built-in Diagnostics with Group Policy. For example, they many decide they do not want users to receive warnings. In this case, Group Policy can be used to configure computers so that the warning is logged to the event log, but the user does not receive an alert.

Fewer Hangs, Crashes, and RebootsWindows Vista includes updates for known reasons for unre-sponsive systems and programs and enhanced tools that provide greater insight into what causes them. Over time, the reliability of applications will improve because of new error reporting capabili-ties. Windows Vista also includes new platform technology that can be used to prevent restarting computers—or if restarting cannot be avoided, to minimize its impact. This technology is used by the Windows Installer, reducing the need to restart after using the Windows Add/Remove Programs feature. It is also used by some programs—including key applications in the 2007 Microsoft Office system—to restore an application’s state after restarting the computer after an installation or an update.

Furthermore, Windows Vista provides information to IT profes-sionals to solve problems that cannot be fixed automatically. For instance, the Reliability Analysis Component (RAC) tracks a comput-er’s stability and then correlates that data to any important changes to the system, such as Windows updates, application installations, and driver installations.

Improved Remote AssistanceRemote Assistance, first included with Microsoft Windows XP, enables support center personnel to view and control a remote computer’s desktop across the network. Windows Vista offers significant advances to make Remote Assistance even more effective: It is faster, uses less bandwidth, and can navigate the Network Address Translation (NAT) found on many firewalls with much greater success. In addition, Remote Assistance is now written as a stand-alone application. As a result, users can use it outside the Help and Support Center, while IT departments can configure Remote Assistance so that it launches directly from customized Help applications.

Windows Resource ProtectionWindows Resource Protection (WRP) is another feature that helps minimize desktop support costs. WRP offers additional protection from potentially damaging system configuration changes. In addi-tion to guarding key registry settings against accidental changes, it defends against changes to system files initiated by any process other than the Windows trusted installer.


Task SchedulerThe Task Scheduler has been completely redesigned in Windows Vista to provide improvised management and monitoring of user desktops. Task Scheduler can still be used to launch tasks at specific times, when the computer starts up, or when a user logs on—and it is entirely backward-compatible with Windows XP. Now, however, it can also schedule tasks to launch in response to a number of conditions, including the following:

• A specific event. For example, if there is insufficient disk space, administrators can use Task Scheduler to notify the support center or address the issue automatically.

• A user logs on. Administrators can use Task Scheduler to launch a script or application instead of adding it to the user’s Startup group.

• The computer is idle. Task Scheduler can run maintenance tasks when the computer is not in use.

Furthermore, administrators can set conditions on tasks (such as running them only when the computer is plugged into the network), manage tasks more easily with reports, and launch tasks in sequence. Credential storage for tasks is also more secure and easier to manage.

Event ViewerThe Event Viewer in Windows Vista is entirely redesigned, making it simpler for administrators to monitor computers. In previous versions of Windows, many components stored logging infor-mation in text files, resulting in hard-to-discover information. Now, information about all Windows components is accessible in a single viewer. And with event forwarding, administrators can centrally manage events from computers anywhere on the network. As a result, it is easier to troubleshoot, proactively identify problems, and correlate problems that affect multiple computers.

Group Policy EnhancementsManaging desktop settings with Windows Vista takes less time. Group Policy in Windows Vista is easier to use, more reliable, and has hundreds of new policy settings. Just some of the capabilities that can be managed using Group Policy are wireless networking, removable storage devices, Internet Explorer, printers, and power management.

Many IT professionals are already familiar with the Microsoft Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), a must-have tool for managing Group Policy objects (GPOs) in Active Directory domain environments. GPMC is now integrated into the Windows Vista operating system, so administrators do not need to download and install it every time they need to manage GPOs from a different computer.

Furthermore, Windows Vista also supports multiple local GPOs, so administrators can specify separate policies for different users on a single Windows Vista computer, when the computer is not joined to a domain. Perfect for shared-use environments, this feature improves security and facilitates management.

Windows Remote ManagementWith Windows Remote Management, the Microsoft implementa-tion of the Web Services for Management (WS-Management) standard, Windows Vista is easier to manage remotely and across firewalls. Windows Remote Management—along with the proper software tools—enables administrators to run scripts and perform other management tasks remotely. Communications can be both encrypted and authenticated, limiting security risks.

Microsoft Management Console Microsoft Management Console (MMC)—available in Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP—has been improved to make administrative tools simpler to use. First, Windows Vista allows administrators to run multiple tasks at the same time, yet keep administrative tools responsive even after launching a complex or processor-intensive management task. Instead of requiring administrators to right-click objects, a sepa-rate action pane shows them exactly what they can do with any particular object.


Windows at HomeChances are, if people use Windows at work, they use it at home too. One of the great things about Windows Vista is that it offers both business users and home users a wealth of new productivity, management, and security features. Safer, easier, and more reliable, Windows Vista offers users better compatibility with a wide range of solutions so they can do the things that matter to them. From watching TV and movies, and managing large music collections to playing games and improving personal productivity, Plus, Internet Explorer 7+ offers improved geatures that help make surfing safer while also making it easier to find the right information quickly. Windows Vista delivers an excellent computing experience whether users are busy at work or relaxing at home.

Productivity

Memories

Music

TV & Movies

Communication

Gaming

Parental Control Settings


Productivity

Windows Vista makes it easier to save time and get more done. Organizational tools allow users to file things in a way that is natural to them. Whether organizing activities, creating personal documents, or ensuring a computer is running at its best, Windows Vista is packed with tools that make it simple to use computers more effectively.

Using Windows Vista for the First TimeWhen people use a new computer for the first time, they usually complete a set of tasks such as connecting to the Internet for the first time or adding user accounts for different people.

Getting StartedWindows Vista greatly simplifies the process of setting up a new computer. It asks people to complete only the most essential tasks during setup, which means they can start using a new computer faster. First, they review and accept the Microsoft and OEM Windows license terms. Then after they create a user account, users can begin using their computer immediately.

A new Welcome Center presents all of the common tasks users perform after the initial PC setup in one easy-to-find place. Welcome Center automatically appears when the computer is used for the first time; if desired, it can be configured to appear on future starts as well.

Windows Easy Transfer An easy-to-use wizard, Windows Easy Transfer automatically moves users’ files and settings to their new computers from their Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista-based computers. They can use a specially designed USB Easy Transfer Cable (available from partners), removable hard drive, CD or DVD, or a network to move the following:

• User accounts

• Files and folders

• Program data files and setting

• E-mail messages, settings, and contacts

• Photos, music, and videos

• Windows and Internet settings

A user can choose to transfer his or her entire user account, every user account on the computer, or make custom selections of what to transfer.

Figure 41: The new Welcome Center appears the first time a user logs on to a new PC.

Figure 42: Windows Easy Transfer gets people up and running on a new computer quickly.


Memories

Windows Vista provides new and improved ways to manage digital memories. Editing, organizing, and sharing photos and videos is simpler than ever. Built-in editing tools help produce great looking prints and videos. Easier-to-use backup tools help keep memories safe. And great tagging and searching tools make organizing and finding them a snap. Plus, Windows Vista Home Premium even lets people view and show photos on their TVs.

Windows Photo Gallery The Windows Photo Gallery in Windows Vista makes it easy to organize, find, and view personal photos and videos. It is also effortless to edit, print, and share them. Getting started is easy. Users merely select Windows Photo Gallery from the Start menu, or they can plug in a camera, and select Import Photos from the list of available options. An easy-to-use wizard helps import files directly from a camera or video camcorder. Plus, users can double-click on any existing photo or video file to launch the Photo Gallery—and from the Photo Gallery, all relevant applications are automatically available, including third-party photo editing applications. Finally, the Photo Gallery integrates with applications such as Windows Movie Maker and Windows DVD Maker so users can drag photos and video clips from the Photo Gallery to create home movies that include titles, credits, transitions, effects, narration, and background music. Then, they can burn these creations to a DVD that can be watched on their DVD players.

Try It OutWindows Photo Gallery1. .Open the Windows Photo Gallery.

2. Browse through the Windows Photo Gallery.

3. Click the Thumbnail Slider (the magnifying glass at the bottom left) to resize photos in view. Leave at a smaller size.

4. Pause the cursor over a few photos to reveal quick previews.

Figure 43: Windows Photo Gallery simplifies managing photos.


Windows Movie Maker and Windows DVD Maker

Figure 44: Creating a movie or DVD is easy.

Windows Movie Maker HD offers a wide range of tools for managing and creating great home movies. Anyone can create stunning pieces with new effects, transitions, and vastly improved graphic performance. In addition, Windows Movie Maker is easy to use; an intuitive interface guides people through the entire process. Plus, users get increased control over the quality and size of video files as the files are being encoded. Windows Movie Maker now comes with its own codec instead of relying on third-party solutions that can cause software incompatibility issues. And that makes it easier to play and burn movies without conflict.

When a video has been completed, the next step is to create a DVD. The Publish menu can be used to transfer the Movie Maker creation to Windows DVD Maker. DVD Maker supports a variety of publishing styles and will automatically generate background scenes. A software development kit (SDK) will be available to enable third-party developers to create more styles and transitions for even more creative DVD production.


Music

With Windows Vista you can sort your music collection the way you choose and connect to an array of portable devices. Windows Media Player 11 features a simplified media library, so it is possible to manage a growing music collection with ease. Optimized to handle large music collections—with new features like the lightning-fast Instant Search—Windows Media Player offers a smooth audio and video playback experience. The Album Art view can be resized, while stacked views of music collections and improved artist, track, and CD information make the player easier to use. A Windows Media Player library can even be accessed from a Microsoft Xbox 360TM to bring music to any room or create the ultimate in-game soundtrack.

Windows Media Player 11 features a streamlined interface that gets users to their music faster. Deep integration with online stores—including URGE from MTV—makes it as simple to discover new music as it is to navigate through the Media Library. Furthermore, with a single click of the mouse, playlists can be shared and burned to a CD or synced with portable devices.

Figure 45: Windows Media Player automatically downloads album covers.


Figure 46: Users can manage all audio and visual entertainment from Windows Media Center.

TV & Movies

Windows Vista unites the computer and TV for a better entertain-ment experience. A standard feature in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Media Center makes it more straightforward for people to find, play, and manage digital entertainment using a mouse and keyboard or even a remote control. People can enjoy live or recorded television, music, photos, videos, and online entertainment from a single device.

Windows Media Center offers a more compelling visual experience than ever. Optimized for widescreen and high-definition displays, movies can be watched in the original format. If a TV tuner is available in the computer, people can record, watch, and pause live television. If there are multiple TV tuners, they can even watch TV on one channel while recording a program on another.

The audio component is better, too. People can browse their music libraries in traditional ways—by artist, song, album—or even by genre, composer, or year. Windows Media Center performs smoothly even with huge music collections. Album covers are automatically downloaded, helping users browse, sort, and organize large music collections.

It is also easy to store, share, and access digital memories. Users can turn photos into a cinematic slideshow, add music, and then burn the slideshow to DVD to share with friends and family. Or they can view home videos from the videos library.

Windows Vista supports up to five Media Center Extenders, including Xbox 360, which has Media Center Extender functionality built in, so people can enjoy their media throughout their homes.


Communication

Windows Vista includes useful communication tools that help users stay connected to the people and information they care about. And with smarter security settings and parental controls, everyone can enjoy a safer Internet experience that is simpler to navigate.

For many people, sending e-mail is the most important thing they do on their computers. But just as e-mail’s popularity has grown, so have risks and annoyances. Windows Mail is designed to help meet these challenges for a productive and fun e-mail experience. One feature, also found in all Windows Vista Explorers, is built-in Instant Search, which makes it possible to search through all messages without leaving the application. Plus, Windows Mail is built so that opening large data files of saved e-mail messages is no longer difficult.

Windows Mail also offers heightened security features. A new junk mail filter automatically screens e-mail messages to identify and separate junk e-mail messages. Unlike other filters, which require that people “train” the filter, Windows Mail automatically identifies most junk e-mail messages. Plus, a new Phishing Filter analyzes e-mail messages to help detect whether an e-mail message is actually a phishing scheme, in which users are tricked into giving personal information, like credit card numbers or passwords.

Windows Calendar has also been greatly enhanced. Built directly into the Windows Vista operating system, it enables people to plan and manage all their activities—and even coordinate their schedules with others. Personal task lists and automatic notifications and reminders help people organize their days. Individual calendars for multiple people help people sync up with each other, a feature that is especially helpful for families or other groups of people who share a single PC. Windows Calendar also integrates with Windows Mail, so people can send e-mail invitations and schedule task reminders to others. Finally, Windows Calendar is fully compatible with the popular iCalendar format, which gives users ability to import and export calendar information to and from other applica-tions and Web sites.

Figure 47: The Windows Mail Inbox makes organizing messages simple.

Figure 48: With Windows Calendar, users can manage multiple schedules.


Gaming

Gaming packs more punch for every level of player with Windows Vista. Rich parental controls and jaw-dropping 3-D graphics make it easier to install, find, and play your favorite games. It provides the ultimate in gaming platforms.

One new feature is Games Explorer, which is located right on the Start menu and displays box-cover art for all installed games, providing a user-friendly interface similar to Windows Media Player. The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is compatible with both Windows computers and Xbox 360, enabling gamers to use one controller for both platforms. Windows Vista will ship with brand new games as well as updated classics. New titles include Mahjong Titans and Chess Titans, which will take advantage of the enhanced graphic technology available in Windows Vista. Microsoft DirectX® 10, which ships with Windows Vista, will provide several times the graphic performance of the previous version. DirectX 10 will improve gaming by allowing for more realistic visuals while increasing stability.

A single compositing engine based on Microsoft Direct3D® application programming interface eliminates the need for multiple drivers and state transitions between two-dimensional and three-dimensional, thus improving graphics performance and reliability. The compositing engine uses vector graphics instead of bitmaps because vector graphics require less memory than bitmaps. The result is easier- to-read text; scalability for larger, higher quality displays; and better system performance.

Try It OutGames and Graphics1. .Open Mahjong Titans.

2. Maximize the screen to see superior graphics rendering.

Figure 49: All the old favorite games, combined with some exciting new ones.


Figure 50: Parental Controls can place limits on a child’s computer use.

Parental Controls Settings

All parents have things they don’t want their children doing on the computer. Windows Vista comes with a set of family safety features that give parents full control over the games their kids can play, the Internet sites they can access, who they can chat with online, and even the times they are allowed on the computer.

The Parental Controls Settings panel provides one location where parents can configure controls for both the computer and its applications. Monitoring children’s computer behavior is just as easy. Parental Controls also offers easy-to-read activity reports that can be used to make modifications to permissions.

Try It OutParental Controls1. .Ensure you are logged in as Abby.

2. Click Start and select Control Panel.

3. Under Family Safety and User Accounts, select Set up Parental Controls.

4. Select the Toby account. This produces the Windows Parental Controls user interface.

5. If necessary, clink on Enforce Settings to enable Parental Controls for Toby’s account.

6. Describe each Parental Control setting.

7. If you want, you can log off, and log on as Toby


Summary

Feature List by Windows Vista Edition

System Requirements


Windows Vista provides a clear, confident, and connected computing experience. As the most secure Windows operating system to date, it offers fast, cost-effective deployment; advancements in reliability and performance; and better support for an increasingly mobile workforce. In addition, Windows Vista redefines how users organize, search for, and view information. New information management tools boost improved user productivity, while powerful, integrated search capabilities put the information they need right at their fingertips. The new user interface is more intuitive, simple, and visually striking than ever.

Windows Vista also provides seamless connectivity between people and systems, including easy and more secure collaboration and data sharing. A completely revamped Internet Explorer 7+ redefines surfing the Web. Improved connectivity with increased ability to manage and secure networks enhances the productivity of end users while decreasing support costs. Finally, enhancements to Media Center, Windows Media Player, and graphics performance make home computing more enjoyable while parental controls keep it safe.


Feature List by Windows Vista Edition

Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Windows Vista Basic user interface ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows AeroTM user interface with Glass, Windows Flip, Windows Flip 3D, live task bar thumbnails, dynamic windows, and a smoother-performing desktop

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Instant Search integrated throughout the operating system ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Automatic content organization based on file properties/tags ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Internet Explorer 7+ with Tabbed Browsing, Quick Tabs, and integrated search ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Internet Explorer 7+ with RSS Feed Support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Support for next-generation applications built on WinFX ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows SuperFetch Improves computer responsiveness and makes system performance more consistent by tracking which applications are used most often and preloading them into memory

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows ReadyBoost Makes computers more responsive by caching key system information on a USB flash drive in addition to the hard disk

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Low-priority I/O Makes computers more responsive by running lower-priority processes in the background

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Automatic hard disk defragmentation Automatically defragments the hard drive when the computer is not in use ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Mail Replaces Outlook Express ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Calendar Enables detailed calendaring functionality ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Sidebar Boosts personal productivity with instant access to gadgets—customizable mini-applications that offer useful information at a glance

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

clear


Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Windows Photo Gallery Used for organizing, editing, printing, and sharing photos and videos ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Themed slide shows ✓ ✓Windows Media Player 11 Handles large music collections with ease ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Media Center A unified experience for music, photos, videos, radio, live and recorded TV, and online entertainment

✓ ✓

Windows Media Center Enables recording and watching of high-definition TV ✓ ✓Windows Media Center—CableCard support Hardware dependent, U.S. only ✓ ✓Support for Media Center Extenders, including Xbox 360 Turns a computer into a fully-fledged entertainment center ✓ ✓Windows Movie Maker Makes movie creation fast and easy ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Movie Maker A sophisticated tool for giving movies added pizzazz ✓ ✓Windows DVD Maker Enables users to create DVDs with a click of the mouse ✓ ✓Games Explorer All game information in one location, including date last played and game creator

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Updated games All the classic games, updated with better visuals and performance ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓New premium games New games destined to become favorites ✓ ✓* ✓* ✓Universal game controller support ✓ ✓ ✓* ✓* ✓Speech Recognition Enables users to interact with their computers using speech ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

clear


Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Accessibility Settings and Ease of Access Center All accessibility settings located in one easy-to-use location ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Welcome Center Makes getting started fast and easy ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓XPS Document support The most accurate representation of on screen content, even for users who do not have the relevant application

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Small Business Resources A guided tour with practical, easy-to-use advice and instructions to help small business get the most out of their computers

✓ ✓

Windows Fax and Scan ✓ ✓* ✓*

clear

confidentHome Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Network Center A single resource for network information, settings, and troubleshooting ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Network Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Built-in Diagnostics help users identify and solve problems ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Improved wireless networking Enables users to connect to wireless networks in the workplace, at home, or in public hot spots with more confidence, privacy, and ease

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Wireless network provisioning Enables administrators to centrally manage wireless network settings such as which wireless networks are allowed and which security protocols are on each computer, thus helping keep employees, computers, and data safe

✓ ✓ ✓


Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

User Account Control Alerts users when potentially dangerous software is trying to run ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Security Center Provides a single place to view and set security settings ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Defender Regularly scans your computer and offers to remove any spyware or other unwanted software found

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Firewall Provides advanced new capabilities to help better protect networks and computers from malicious attack

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Internet Explorer 7+ Protected Mode Restricts the browser’s ability to modify user or system files and settings ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Internet Explorer 7+ Fix My Settings Warns users of potentially risky safety settings ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Anti-phishing in Internet Explorer 7+ Warns users when they are connecting to a potentially risky Web site ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Anti-phishing in Windows Mail A built-in filter that warns users when they are connecting to a potentially risky Web site

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Update Provides a single interface for updates from Microsoft or an internal server ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Parental Controls Helps parents control their children’s computer usage ✓ ✓ ✓Fewer hangs, crashes, and reboots New technologies prevent many common causes of unresponsive systems and programs

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Service Hardening Prevents critical Windows services from being used for abnormal activity in the file system, registry, or network

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Built-in performance self-tuning and hardware diagnostics Can self-correct many performance issues ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

confident


Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Next-generation TCP/IP stack Enables faster network transfers, more intelligent bandwidth usage, and improved network security

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Dual IPv6 and IPv4 support Enables better Internet connectivity and easier collaboration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows ReadyDrive Takes advantage of hybrid hard drive technology to improve the perfor-mance, battery life, and reliability of mobile computers

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) Enables a new level of graphics stability and reliability for a smoother-performing desktop

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Easy Transfer Facilitates automatic transfer of important information from an old computer to a new one

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

64-bit processor support Provides more powerful performance for demanding applications ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Fast Startup, Fast Shutdown, Sleep Speeds up the start up process ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Support for two processors (two processor sockets) Provides extra horsepower for the most demanding applications ✓ ✓ ✓Backup and recovery of user files and folders Keeps data and computer safe from user error, hardware failure, and other issues that could result in data loss

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Scheduled backup of user files Keeps data and computer safe from user error, hardware failure, and other issues that could result in data loss

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Backup of user files to a network device Keeps data and computer safe from user error, hardware failure, and other issues that could result in data loss

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows ShadowCopy Creates point-in-time copies of files for easy retrieval of versions acciden-tally lost or deleted

✓ ✓ ✓

confident


Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

System image-based backup and recovery Creates an image of desktops for easy backup and recovery ✓ ✓ ✓Encrypting File System Helps keep data secure even on shared computers by encrypting the files of each user

✓ ✓ ✓

Desktop deployment tools for managed networks ✓ ✓ ✓Policy-based quality of service (QoS) for networking Ensures the most important network traffic from designated applications, users, or computers gets priority handling

✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) Client Helps enterprises control and protect critical digital information by providing smart-card integration, longer key lengths, and support for business-to-business (B2B) information exchange

✓ ✓ ✓

Control over installation of device drivers Helps protect computers, the network, and sensitive company data by enabling administrators to set policies to allow or deny the use of remov-able storage devices and other device drivers

✓ ✓ ✓

Network Access Protection Client Agent Restricts clients who lack current security updates or virus signatures from joining the network

✓ ✓ ✓

Pluggable logon authentication architecture Enables independent software vendors (ISVs) and organizations to imple-ment their own authentication methods

✓ ✓ ✓

Integrated smart card management Supports credential management with a new credential enrollment process and tools to back up and restore a user’s credentials

✓ ✓ ✓

Windows BitLockerTM Drive Encryption Provides full-volume encryption and boot integrity, checking to ensure that confidential data remains safe, even in the case of a lost or stolen computer

✓ ✓

Support for simultaneous installation of multiple user interface languages ✓ ✓

confident


Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Improved peer networking ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Improved VPN support Simplified Get Connected Wizard for easier connection to corporate virtual private networks (VPNs)

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Improved power management ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Simultaneous Server Message Block (SMB) peer network connections 5 10 10 10 10

connected

Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

All worldwide user interface languages (36 languages total) available ✓ ✓Subsystem for UNIX-based applications Enables running UNIX-based applications on a Windows Vista Enterprise edition–based computer

✓ ✓

Virtual PC Express Simplifies operating system migration by making it possible to run a previous operating system and previous applications at the same time as Windows Vista

✓ ✓

Windows Anytime Upgrade Upgrade a version or edition of Windows quickly and easily simply by going online

✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Ultimate Extras Valuable tips, services, and software for customers with Windows Vista Ultimate edition

✓

confident


connectedHome Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Windows HotStart Enables users to play music with the touch of a button without waiting for the computer to start

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Mobility Center Enables users to quickly access and set key mobile system settings from one location

Partial Partial ✓ ✓ ✓

Sync Center Keeps digital media devices, Smartphones, and other devices synchro-nized in one common place

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Tablet PC with integrated pen/digital ink input ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Tablet PC touch screen support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Tablet PC handwriting recognition improvements ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows Tablet PC usability and navigation improvements ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Windows SideShow Supports secondary displays for portable computers and other devices, making it easy to view important information stored inside laptops or access key controls on other devices, even when the computer is closed or in Sleep mode

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Windows Meeting Space Makes face-to-face meetings more productive by enabling collaboration among small groups of Windows Vista users even over an improvised wireless network

View only ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Improved file and folder sharing Makes it easier to find and configure sharing features ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Network Projection Enables wireless connection to networked projectors, making sharing cables or moving equipment unnecessary

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓


connectedHome Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise

Ultimate

Presentation Settings Gives mobile users one place to configure and change settings quickly ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Remote Desktop Enables access to documents and programs on a computer remotely from across a home network or across the Internet from another computer

Client only

Client only

Client and host

Client and host

Client and host

Domain join for Windows Small Business Server Lets a Windows Vista computer join a Small Business Server network domain—a standard business networking feature that enables improved security and manageability for business computers

✓ ✓ ✓

Domain join for Windows Server Lets a Windows Vista computer join a network domain—a standard busi-ness networking feature that enables improved security and manageability for business computers

✓ ✓ ✓

Group Policy support Enables administrators to configure wireless network settings, removable storage devices, printers, Internet Explorer, and power management settings

✓ ✓ ✓

Offline files and folder support Enables users to work offline and then automatically synchronize network files with the server when reconnected

✓ ✓ ✓

Client-side caching Preserves network bandwidth and provides the user with a more seamless and reliable experience between online and offline states

✓ ✓ ✓

Roaming User Profiles Allows users to access the same set of data using different computers ✓ ✓ ✓Folder Redirection Allows for more fine control as users take files with them ✓ ✓ ✓Centralized power management through Group Policy ✓ ✓ ✓Internet Information Server ✓* ✓* ✓*

* Feature is optional


Buying a PC can be complicated. Consumers and small businesses must choose between different types of desktop and notebook systems that vary based on processing power, memory, storage, form factors, and price. The challenge is amplified in corporate settings where IT must procure and manage many PC configurations. With Windows Vista, Microsoft helps address these questions by scaling operating system features based on the underlying hardware, a logo program and addi-tional guidelines. For more information, see www.windowsvista.com/getready/.

Minimum Recommended by VersionLevel Windows Vista Capable Windows Vista Premium ReadySKU All Home Premium Business UltimateCPU Modern processor (at least 800 MHz)1 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1

System Memory 512 MB 1GBGPU DirectX 9 Capable

(WDDM Support recommended)Runs Windows Aero2

Graphics Memory 128 MBHDD 40 GBHDD Free Space 15 GBOptical Drive DVD-ROM drive3

Audio audio output capabilityInternet Internet access capability

Additional or enhanced hardware may be required to take advantage of advanced features like TV tuning and BitLocker.

1) Processor speed is specified as the nominal operational processor frequency for the device. Some processors have power management which allows the processor to run at lower rate to save power.

2) Windows Aero requires:a. Direct X 9 class graphics processor that:

i. Supports a WDDM Driver ii. Supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware iii. Supports 32 bits per pixel

b. Adequate graphics memoryi.64 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels ii. 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 to 2,304,000 pixels iii. 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels iv. Meets graphics memory bandwidth requirements, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor running on Windows XP

3) A DVD-ROM may be external (not integral, not built into the system)

System Requirements

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