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Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading - What is Windows Vista?

SUMMARY: Explains the basics of the Windows Vista Operating System.

Windows Vista is Microsoft's successor to the Windows XP operating system. Updates and new features are found throughout the operating system, including:

Windows Aero - A new user interface for Windows Vista, Aero supports translucent windows, 3D window flipping, live thumbnails of applications on the Windows Taskbar, and more.

Windows Sidebar - Graphical gadgets can be added to the desktop, providing for instant access to features such as the weather, RSS feeds, photos, and e-mail.

Built-in updates of Windows Components - Internet Explorer 7, Windows Media Player 11, Windows Defender, Windows Media Center, and Windows Mail.

Updated search features - Create search folders allowing for later access to frequently used data. Search for files, folders, and applications directly from the Start button.

Windows Explorer Enhancements - Display graphical thumbnails for more file types. Plus, files support searchable metadata fields.

Security Updates - Windows Vista supports enhanced security features over Windows XP such as Drive Encryption (BitLocker), parental controls, and User Account Control.

	Screenshot: Windows Vista Parental Controls screen

Note that different editions of Windows Vista exist that may or may not have all of the features mentioned above.