Difference between revisions of "Vista (operating system)"
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| − | '''Windows Vista''' is the latest version of [[Microsoft]]'s flagship operating system. | + | '''Windows Vista''' is the next-to-latest version of [[Microsoft]]'s flagship operating system, superseded in 2009 by [[Windows 7]]. It comes in 6 different versions: Ultimate, Home Premium, Home Basic, Starter, Business and Enterprise edition. All versions except Starter are available for both 32-bit and 64-bit processor types. Business users are also entitled to downgrade to [[Windows XP]] for compatibility with old applications. |
[[Image:Windows vista 006-ig.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Windows Vista's Aero interface with gadgets on the right side.]] | [[Image:Windows vista 006-ig.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Windows Vista's Aero interface with gadgets on the right side.]] | ||
==Features== | ==Features== | ||
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Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista comes with BitLocker Drive Encryption feature that allows real-time encryption of an entire hard-drive partition using 128-bit [[Advanced Encryption Standard|AES]] encryption. The encryption key itself can be stored in the Trusted Platform Module chip on a computer's motherboard or in a [[USB]] key. | Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista comes with BitLocker Drive Encryption feature that allows real-time encryption of an entire hard-drive partition using 128-bit [[Advanced Encryption Standard|AES]] encryption. The encryption key itself can be stored in the Trusted Platform Module chip on a computer's motherboard or in a [[USB]] key. | ||
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| + | Vista also includes [[Digital Rights Management]] (DRM) software which is designed to prevent [[Copyright Infringement|illegal copying]] of programs. This feature has engendered much controversy as users have reported it prevents legitimate uses. | ||
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| + | Vista also pioneered User Account Control, a new feature designed to help prevent [[computer virus]]es and other [[malware]]. When a program tries to perform functions that require [[system administrator]] privileges, the operating system shows the user a confirmation box. If the user himself does not have system administrator privileges, he is required to enter an administrator password; otherwise, he must click an "OK" box. This feature has been criticized for irritating users legitimately trying to perform these operations. | ||
==Hardware Requirement== | ==Hardware Requirement== | ||
According to Microsoft, a computer needs to have at minimum an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB RAM to run Windows Vista. And in order to take advantage of Vista's new Aero graphical user interface, one needs a computer with a 1.0 GHz processor, 1 GB memory, and a DirectX 9 or Directx 10 graphics card with at least 128 MB memory and supports Microsoft's new Windows Display Driver Model. | According to Microsoft, a computer needs to have at minimum an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB RAM to run Windows Vista. And in order to take advantage of Vista's new Aero graphical user interface, one needs a computer with a 1.0 GHz processor, 1 GB memory, and a DirectX 9 or Directx 10 graphics card with at least 128 MB memory and supports Microsoft's new Windows Display Driver Model. | ||
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| + | However, these requirements have been reported to be quite stringent. | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
Revision as of 16:12, December 1, 2009
Windows Vista is the next-to-latest version of Microsoft's flagship operating system, superseded in 2009 by Windows 7. It comes in 6 different versions: Ultimate, Home Premium, Home Basic, Starter, Business and Enterprise edition. All versions except Starter are available for both 32-bit and 64-bit processor types. Business users are also entitled to downgrade to Windows XP for compatibility with old applications.
Features
All versions of Vista comes with Windows DVD Maker, .NET Framework 3.0, DirectX 10, Windows Sidebar, Backup and Restore Center, Windows Mail, Windows Calendar, Windows Photo Gallery, Internet Explorer 7, Windows Meeting Space, Windows SideShow, Speech recognition, Windows Contacts, Windows Media Player 11.
A new technology called SuperFetch is included in Windows Vista, which analyzes the usage pattern of a user then decides on which content should be loaded into system memory at any given time. A primitive version of SuperFetch called Prefetch is actually included in Windows XP.
Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista comes with BitLocker Drive Encryption feature that allows real-time encryption of an entire hard-drive partition using 128-bit AES encryption. The encryption key itself can be stored in the Trusted Platform Module chip on a computer's motherboard or in a USB key.
Vista also includes Digital Rights Management (DRM) software which is designed to prevent illegal copying of programs. This feature has engendered much controversy as users have reported it prevents legitimate uses.
Vista also pioneered User Account Control, a new feature designed to help prevent computer viruses and other malware. When a program tries to perform functions that require system administrator privileges, the operating system shows the user a confirmation box. If the user himself does not have system administrator privileges, he is required to enter an administrator password; otherwise, he must click an "OK" box. This feature has been criticized for irritating users legitimately trying to perform these operations.
Hardware Requirement
According to Microsoft, a computer needs to have at minimum an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB RAM to run Windows Vista. And in order to take advantage of Vista's new Aero graphical user interface, one needs a computer with a 1.0 GHz processor, 1 GB memory, and a DirectX 9 or Directx 10 graphics card with at least 128 MB memory and supports Microsoft's new Windows Display Driver Model.
However, these requirements have been reported to be quite stringent.