The New Features of Windows Vista

As someone who doesn't do well with change, at first I didn't like Windows Vista. I was surprised it had so many differences and new features. I loved my old Windows XP and couldn't understand why Microsoft was always updating their computer versions.

Now that I've been using Windows Vista for a few months, I'm beginning to actually like it. But before it became "friendly" to me I had to learn my way around, discovering the ways it was different from Windows XP. If you're a new user of Windows Vista, here are a few helpful tips to make to make your Windows Vista computer more at home with you.

Separate user accounts---It took me a couple of days to realize that I had to log on to my own account to get my email, as well as my own files and programs. Unlike Windows XP, Windows Vista has each user sign in with a different user name and password. This is for security purposes so other users in your household won't have access to your email and files. This is a good thing in a way, but it still concerns me that kids can hide files from their parents by having their own accounts. On the other hand, Windows Vista does provide parental controls letting the household computer administrator set definite boundaries for other uses. For example, parents can determine which sites their children can visit, as well as when they can access the computer.

Windows Search Bar---Unlike Windows XP, Windows Vista lets you search for files, as well as applications from just about any place on your screen. All you have to do is type the first couple of letters of your search appeal and presto, your answers will show up on the "fly". This is especially useful when searching for a file from the Start menu, as well as an application.

New Start menu---Again, being a creature of habit, at first I was upset they changed the start menu. Then, once I got used to it, I found it to be an improvement over the old Windows XP Start menu. The new Start menu shows everything within the framework of a single menu, as opposed to scrolling through an entire listing of applications. I didn't realize it, but the old Start menu of Windows XP actually took up a lot of screen area. In other words, with Windows Vista, a user can now see a single collapsible Start menu.

Improved Firewalls protection---With Windows Vista you get two separate firewalls---the regular one of Windows XP and the Windows Firewall, complete with advanced features (with bidirectional filters letting both incoming as well as outgoing data get scanned.)

There are many more new features in Windows Vista which I'm sure users are enjoying. Now that I feel at home with my new Windows Vista, I think I'll keep it. To be honest, I think I like it ever more than my old Windows XP. That says a lot coming from an old dog who doesn't like to learn new tricks.