Windows Vista Must Know Features
Microsoft has introduced a lot of new features in Windows Vista. I won't talk about the interface, colors, or the flip-3d feature, I'm going to mention features in memory management, security features and system restore... etc. Please note I will not mention all the new features introduced in Windows Vista, simply because I might not have all the knowledge that helps me with that.
#1. SuperFetch: SuperFetch is basically a feature where the OS collects information about how you use your computer, how do you open applications and what loads after what... etc. The OS uses these information to preloads your applications into your system memory so it'll be ready when you need them. Needless to say this saves a lot of time and increases the system response time and performance. More information.
#2. ReadyBoost: Windows Vista introduces Windows ReadyBoost, a new concept in adding memory to a system. You can use non-volatile flash memory, such as that on a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, to improve performance without having to add additional memory. It's easy to use Windows ReadyBoost. When a removable memory device such as a USB flash drive or a secure digital (SD) memory card is first inserted into a port, Windows Vista checks to see if its performance is fast enough to work with Windows ReadyBoost. If so, you are asked if you want to use this device to speed up system performance. You can choose to allocate part of a USB drive's memory to speed up performance and use the remainder to store files. More info.
#3. BitLocker Drive Encryption: It's a data security feature introduced in Vista. BitLocker enhances data protection by bringing together two major sub-functions: drive encryption and the integrity checking of early boot components. By default it uses the AES encryption algorithm in CBC mode with a 128 bit key, combined with the Elephant diffuser for additional security. More info.
#4. Built-in Diagnostics: Windows Vista contains built-in diagnostics—collections of instrumentation, troubleshooting, and resolution logic—to resolve external problems that affect the way Windows Vista behaves. It provides a number of diagnostic scenarios—including Network Diagnostics and troubleshooting—to address some of the most common and costly problems facing PC users. More info.
#5. Windows photo gallery: Is now easier with features like fix (color, brightness, red-eye... etc.). The more amazing about the photo gallery is that you always have a saved original backup of the image no matter how many times you edit it. Windows Photo Gallery lets users organize their digital photo collection in its Gallery view, by adding titles, rating, captions, and custom metadata tags to photos. More info.
#6. Parental Controls: These controls help parents determine which games their children can play, which programs they can use, and which websites they can visit—and when. You can review easy-to-read activity reports that show how your children have been using the computer. Monitoring your children's computer behavior not only makes it easy for you to keep track of what they are seeing, hearing, and doing, but it also enables you to refine and modify parental controls based on actual feedback. More info.
#7. Windows Defender: Superior scanning and removal technologies use up-to-date spyware definitions created by Microsoft, with help from Windows Defender users who submit reports of potential new spyware. More info.
#8. Backup and Restore Center: The Backup and Restore Center gives you one place to manage all backup-related features. Windows Vista include a useful innovation to help you protect your data: Shadow Copy. This feature automatically creates point-in-time copies of files as you work, so you can quickly and easily retrieve versions of a document you may have accidentally deleted. More info.
#9. Windows SideShow: Wouldn't it be great if you could read an e-mail message, confirm a meeting location, or check a flight reservation without turning on your computer? Windows SideShow is a new technology in Windows Vista that supports a secondary screen on your mobile PC. With this additional display you can view important information whether your laptop is on, off, or in sleep mode. More info.
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