7. The Windows Aero Interface

Aero is the top of the line Vista interface, but is only supported by the latest hardware. Aero features windows that are truly translucent with a glass effect that allows you to more easily focus on the content of a window, while providing better context for the surrounding elements on your desktop. The taskbar here is also new, allowing you to see the contents of the windows that are currently open or minimized to the taskbar.

With Aero, the whole desktop performs in a smoother way. You won't see no redraw artifacts, latency, or “tearing” effects that sometimes appear on existing computers. This interface is also more reliable as it reduces graphics driver–related system crashes and blue screens.

On the downside, you really need an up-to-date PC configuration to enjoy it. The Video card must support Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) and have at least 256MB of memory. Also 1 GB of dual-channel configured system memory (RAM) is required.

8. Easier Search and Organization

The information is getting digital. We are living in a digital world so it is vital to be able to find information in the fastest possible way. Windows Vista helps you do that. It can find a file for you, using just about anything you can think of the file, the type of file, when it was created, or even what it contains.

The new tool that makes the trick is the Instant Search. This feature is available almost anywhere you are in Windows Vista and enables you to type a filename, a property, or even text contained within a file, and it returns pinpointed results. On top of that, it is conceptual, it sorts the results based on your current activity—whether it’s searching Control Panel applets, looking for music files in Media Player, or looking for applications in the Start Menu.

9. Improvements in the Networking Technology

With Windows Vista networking is easier to set up, easier to use, and more secure and reliable. The Network Center is where you can check your connection status, see your network visually, or troubleshoot a connection problem. The whole information is summarized in what Microsoft has called Network Map so you can graphically see which connection is down and then use Network Diagnostics to help determine the cause of the problem and find possible solutions.

With Vista, you can connect to all types of networks, local wireless networks, corporate networks through a virtual private network (VPN) or a remote access service (RAS), or dial-up—all in one easy-to-find place.

10. Windows Movie Maker and Windows DVD Maker

Windows Vista versions of Movie and DVD Maker applications allow you to import, edit, and manage digital home videos and they also support the new HD format. The Movie Maker helps you create and manage video files and movies. Windows Movie Maker gives you maximum choice and control over the quality and size of your video files when you are encoding. It has a wide set of effects, titles and transitions that you can apply. Once you are done making the movie, you can use the Windows DVD Maker application that comes with Windows Vista to transfer your videos to a DVD format.

A very interesting site on Windows Vista with plenty of screenshots and articles is http://vista-hq.com/