Taking advantage of the new technology from Microsoft

When you hear the name Microsoft you probably automatically think of the Windows operating system. Microsoft is a giant corporation that is constantly advancing technology in the computer world. But if you pay close enough attention you will find out that Microsoft actually has a schedule that they use when they release new software or operating systems. Microsoft is a leader of the computer industry and you usually find their products on systems throughout the world.

One of Microsoft's newest technologies is the Windows Vista operating system. Here are some ways that people have begun to take advantage of this newest technology.
- If a user chooses to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista, Vista has the technology to transfer data, applications and customized settings when upgrading, which makes the process a lot easier, you no longer have to remember to install your printer software, camera software, etc. But it is still a good idea to back up your computer.

- New entertainment capabilities - support for more sources of high-definition video
- Improved security - while it is still a good idea to have anti-virus software installed on your computer Vista's security has been improved to help stop the swell of malicious software that is aimed at Windows-based PC's
- Redesigned user interface and visual style - this improvement is intended to be cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing and includes transparencies and window animations. The visual styles come in three forms: basic, standard, and classic.
- File operations - this is a great feature for people who like to move or copy files from one folder to another. If another file has the same name as the file you are currently trying to move you now have the option to rename the file rather than having to cancel the transfer and rename the file.
- Default programs - allows file type associations and protocol handlers to be set on a per-user basis using the new Default Programs
- Flip and Flip 3D - when using the shortcut Alt + Tab to switch between open windows a preview of the window appears rather than just the program icon. With Flip 3D you can use your mousse scroll wheel to flip through your stack of open windows. Windows can also be stacked and rotated in 3D to provide views of all of them at the same time.
- Active Desktop is no longer supported. JPEG files can now be set as the desktop wallpaper without using Active Desktop
- Can set the languages used with the entire shell user interface on a per-user basis
- Search - Vista offers a system wide integrated search that runs faster and offers more customized search capabilities. The search boxes have been added throughout the Explorer user interface, to the Start menu, Open/Save dialog boxes and many other applications included with Vista.
- Windows Sidebar - panel on the right hand side of the screen where the user can put Desktop Gadgets. By default Vista comes with thirteen gadgets in the sidebar: calculator, clock, puzzle, CPU meter, currency conversion, feed viewer, feed watcher, notes, number puzzle, picture puzzle, recycle bin, slide show, stocks, and an egg timer. But the user is free to add as many gadgets as they wish.
- New and updated applications - Windows Mail replaces Outlook Express; Windows Contacts replaces Windows Address Book, includes Windows Calendar, Windows Fax and Scan, and Windows Photo Gallery.

Windows Vista is the newest technology from Microsoft and if you know a little bit about the features that are unique to Windows Vista you will be able to take advantage of the technology that Microsoft has introduced. Just remember that the above items are only a sample of the new technology that is included in Windows Vista.