Vista Business Upgrade DVD

Windows Vista Business:
This edition is aimed at the business market. It includes all features of the Vista Home Basic Edition except Windows Vista Standard theme and Parental Controls.


Features:
Aero Glass UI
Scheduled Backup
Offline Files/Folders
Remote Desktop
IIS Web Server
Rights Management Services
Fax and Scan
Meeting Space Interaction
Premium Games
Tablet PC Functionality
Slide Show
User Account Control (UAC)
Windows Firewall
Unlimited logical CPUs (cores) Support
Two Physical CPU Support
Instant Search
Media Player 11
Photo Gallery

Windows Vista - Is It Worth Upgrading?

I decided to purchase Windows Vista Home Premium for one reason and that was because of the improved parental controls. I have a problem where my son spends so much time on the computer he has started to lose his social skills. Not to mention the fact that once I go to bed he gets up and starts playing games on the pc until 3 or 4 in the morning.

So the advanced parental controls in Windows Vista really appealed to me, especially the time controls. This is where you can allocate time slots for each account. So as soon as I installed it, the first thing I did was to specify what times he is allowed to access the computer. For this reason alone, the cost of upgrading was well worth it.

Well that's my reason, but what is the rest of Vista like?

Well Vista arrived, via the postman, on Tuesday morning. Once unwrapped, you are presented with a very nicely packaged box. Not sure this level of packaging is required, when you consider you'll probably only use it once or twice before the next upgrade to the Windows family is released.

So after backing up all my critical data, I put the Vista disk into my machine. It started checking my PC and came up with a message that I had to rename a data file and uninstall Nero. So once this was done, I had to start Vista again. This time it passed the checks and I spent the next four hours twiddling my thumbs! It is not a quick process let me tell you that!

However, once the four hour upgrade had been completed, I was ready to check out all the new features!

The way Windows Vista presents itself is absolutely stunning compared to older versions. Two things I really like are the Windows sidebar and the screen switching button (Areo Feature).

The screen switching button is great, as when you have a number of screens open you can press it and Vista shows all the screens in a 3D cascade in the middle of the screen. It looks great and is really useful.

The sidebar is also equally as good. The sidebar is a collection of small info gadgets that are fixed to the side of the screen. On mine I have an analogue clock, a calender, a local weather panel, cpu usage meter, latest $ to £ exchange rates and yahoo news. Other gadgets can be added, and I believe more can be downloaded via the web. This is an excellent utility as I always found it difficult to find out the date when working at the pc under older windows versions.

Another good addition is the ability to review what programmes are in your start menu. As I've had my pc for over a year there were programmes in there which I very rarely use and it is really easy to turn them off using this utility.

The start menu is much slicker than it used to be on XP. On clicking the start button, you are presented with similar information to that of XP but it is organised much better. All the programs in the All Programs menu are now listed sequentially in a scrolling box as opposed to expanding right across your screen as in XP. The usual shortcuts are also there, like control panel, recent files, etc...

Windows Mail is much improved. Essentially Microsoft has taken Outlook and integrated it right into Windows Vista. Mail can be checked at a click of a button. The features of Windows Mail have not been scimped upon, with 99% of Outlooks features available, i.e. calender, tasks, etc...

Windows Explorer has changed quite substantially and it is so easy to find the files you are looking for. As you drill down through the directories, a link to each directory/subdirectory is displayed above the main window so going back on yourself is very much simplified. Also the used/free space on each drive is shown in a bar above the drive letters, much like a progress bar when downloading something off the web. My Documents, My Pictures, My Music are now given a specific short cut link at the top of the Explorer Window, which makes finding your media files really easy. Also Microsoft have dropped the 'My' part of the directory name. Something which always used to bug me!

Security is much improved. When you try to install anything, Windows pops up a question confirming you requested this action. Should help to stop some of those Trojans I guess.

Having used Internet Explorer 7.0 on XP and now on Vista, I can see why I had so many problems with XP. The 7.0 update was designed to integrate into Vista and this is plainly obvious when you use it for the first time. Pages load faster and IE is much more stable in Vista. I used to get 2 or 3 crashes a day in XP.

Other updates include, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Movie Maker, Windows DVD Maker, Windows Meeting Space, Sync Center, Ease of Access Center, and some great new games. I haven't had chance to play with these new additions yet, except a few games of Mahjong, but on the surface they look really good.

The Control Panel is one area where Microsoft have really improved things, everything is now organised more sensibly into various categories, i.e. security, system & maintenance, user accounts, appearance & personalisation, network and internet, etc...

Perhaps the biggest addition is the Media Center. This allows you to view all your pictures and videos either on your desktop or onto a linked TV. You can also watch, pause and record live TV if you have a TV tuner in your machine.

Conclusion

I'm a bit of a gadget freak and love anything new. This is why I bought XP when it came out and now Vista. I have to say though that Vista is without doubt a massive improvement on XP. Everything about the operating system is so much more stable and it's packed with useful utilities and gadgets.

So is it worth the investment? You bet it is!

Provided by ArticleGOLD: Articles Directory - Article Directory

Options For Troubleshooting Vista

The new Windows Vista operating system has become very popular as it is making its way into more and more homes and businesses. However, as with any new product it is accompanied by a lot of questions. This system is a big change from what most people are accustom to using.

The easiest way to ensure that you find the right solution is to properly identify what is causing the problem in the first place. Once you determine what the problem is, you will be able to find the type of resources you need to help you correct the problem.

Knowing what the problem is the only way that you can start searching for a solution. The manual available with your Windows Vista can help you with basic operating problems. These include things like setting up Vista or changing your personal settings. It also can tell you all about using and setting up parental controls.

If your problem is more complicated than what a manual can help with and you still have access to the internet, then go to one of the many sites that offer tutorials or videos on troubleshooting with Windows Vista.

Online is also a great place to get information surrounding technical support. Keep in mind that you will also run across user-submitted sites when you are online. These are sites that are designed by people who have experience with Microsoft Vista. They design these sites as a way to pass on useful tips and other information to new users that are having the same problems.

There are many user-submitted sites out there which are not endorsed by Microsoft or affiliated companies but can work to provide you with troubleshooting tips and ideas from other people who have been there or who may be more experienced in Microsoft Vista or a particular problem with Vista than you are.

If you decide to use one of these sites just be careful. You are searching for good information that can help you with your problems. Using information that is submitted by someone who does not understand the system could create even more problems.

On those same lines, official Microsoft sites have been set up to help you with troubleshooting Microsoft Vista and when you purchase a copy of Vista for home or business use, you should also receive telephone numbers for technical assistance which you can use if you are not able to get online. You can also visit www.microsoft.com for more information.

By: Mr. Miyagi

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

About the Author: Mr. Miyagi, an Orange County Web Design Expert with interests including Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System and Microsoft Vista OS.

Vista Themes

Windows Vista is the latest offering from the house of Microsoft, Windows Vista has fast established itself for some of the fantastic graphic effects that it offers. The problem is that not everyone can afford to upgrade to Vista or they just don’t have the hardware needed to run Windows Vista. Currently one of the most popular ways for anyone to change the look and feel of their operating system is using themes. From animal based themes, to cars and bikes there is pretty much every kind of theme available online.

If you are looking to change the look and feel of your Windows operating system, then the simplest way to do so is to install themes; the best part is, after Windows 98 Plus every subsequent desktop version of Windows supports themes. Today there is no shortage of quality Windows themes on the internet. And there are not just paid themes available online; there are free themes available online as well. With so many themes available there are few criteria that a user should consider before downloading and installing a theme.

Ease of installation

If you are not a power user or a computer expert, then you should target themes that are easy to install, usually themes require downloading and copying into a particular folder. Today however an increasingly large number of themes are designed to be very easy to use, all you have to do is download an executable file, the executable file automatically installs the files in the correct locations and makes all the required modifications. No matter how advanced a Windows user you are, you should always try and find a theme that is easy to install.

Compatibility

Not all themes are designed to run on all Windows versions, in fact the first thing you need to do before installing a theme is checking to see which version of Windows its designed for, the next thing you need to do is make sure that your computer has sufficient memory and hard disk space to run the theme. Especially users that are running older operating systems and hardware should make sure to their computer has the correct hardware to support the theme. In fact it is not uncommon for themes to slow down older computers, so you should make sure that the themes you are installing are compatible with both your hardware and software.

Remember, at the end of the day a theme is meant to improve your multimedia experience, if you have installed a theme that is hampering the performance of your computer, or is not what you were expecting the best thing to do, is to uninstall the theme or switch themes. There is no need to stick to a theme because it has a nice wallpaper, you are better off finding a similar wall paper on the internet or you can actually find the wallpaper within the theme itself. At the end of the day a theme is supposed to enrich you’re computing not make it more tedious or difficult to use your computer. As mentioned earlier make sure that your computer is capable of handling some of the newer graphic intensive themes that are available.

By: McCaul David

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

David McCaul is the author of this article on vista skins. Find more information about vista themes here.

Windows Vista Business Full Version (DVD-ROM)

The Microsoft Windows Vista Business (DVD-ROM) helps your business run more efficiently than ever before. Designed to keep your network running smoothly and securely without excessive reliance on dedicated IT support, Windows Vista Business is the primary edition of Windows Vista for business desktop and mobile PCs.Ideal for organizations of all sizes, this software provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling IT staff to spend more time adding strategic value to the business and less time troubleshooting glitches. Windows Vista Business also offers powerful new ways to organize, find, and share information, while helping people stay better connected in the office and on the road.





This edition is aimed at the business market. It includes all features of the Vista Home Basic Edition except Windows Vista Standard theme and Parental Controls.


Features:
Aero Glass UI
Scheduled Backup
Offline Files/Folders
Remote Desktop
IIS Web Server
Rights Management Services
Fax and Scan
Meeting Space Interaction
Premium Games
Tablet PC Functionality
Slide Show
User Account Control (UAC)
Windows Firewall
Unlimited logical CPUs (cores) Support
Two Physical CPU Support
Instant Search
Media Player 11
Photo Gallery
Speech Recognition

Only the 32-bit DVD-ROM is included. Inside the box, you will find instructions on how to order a 32-bit CD-ROM or 64-bit DVD-ROM directly from Microsoft for a minimal fee, including shipping and handling.

Vista Home Basic Upgrade DVD

Update Eligibility
You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 (including Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP Tablet PC, Windows XP Professional x64, Windows 2000) to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing this upgrade copy of Windows Vista. Depending on which edition of Windows you are running and the edition of Windows Vista you would like to install, you have two options for the installation process: You can upgrade in-place, which means you can install Windows Vista and retain your applications, files, and settings as they were in your previous edition of Windows or you can do a clean install. If you are currently using Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional x64, you are eligible for an upgrade copy to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista, but a clean install is required. For versions of Windows earlier than Windows 2000, upgrade copies are not available. These earlier versions of Windows require you to install a full copy of Windows Vista.

Vista Home Basic Edition:

Vista Home Basic edition is suitable for home use for users who do not require advanced media support.

Features:
User Account Control (UAC)
Windows Firewall
Unlimited logical CPUs (cores) Support
One Physical CPU Support
Instant Search
Media Player 11
Photo Gallery
Speech Recognition

Windows Vista Home Basic DVD-ROM

Similar to Windows XP Home Edition, Home Basic is intended for budget users not requiring advanced media support for home use. The Windows Aero theme with translucent effects is not included with this edition. Home Basic supports one physical CPU. 64-bit Home Basic supports up to 8 GB of physical memory, and will be supported until 2012.

This version includes Windows Firewall, parental control, safety center, Windows Movie Maker, photo gallery, and more functions. Source:Wikipedia

Windows Vista Home Basic (DVD-ROM) offers search and organize innovations as well as improved networking opportunities. Windows Vista Home Basic is the edition of Windows Vista for users with the most basic computing needs. The features in this user-friendly software also form the foundation of all of the other editions of Windows Vista, including Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate.

Windows Sidebar gives you quick access to gadgets like picture slide shows, Windows Media Player controls, or news headlines. You pick the gadgets you want to see in Windows Sidebar. View larger.

Use Instant Search to quickly find the information you need. View larger.

Compare Windows Vista editions.

Windows Photo Gallery gives you a whole new way to manage, find, and view your digital photos. View larger.

Manage your schedule, sync up with other calendars, and make sure you never miss another appointment using Windows Calendar. View larger.

Windows Mail includes features that help you minimize the annoyances and risks associated with using e-mail while enjoying the benefits of staying in touch with others. View larger.

Breakthrough Windows Vista Experience
Designed to help you feel confident in your ability to view, find, and organize information and to control your computing experience, all editions of Windows Vista introduce a breakthrough user experience. The visual sophistication of Windows Vista helps streamline your computing experience by refining common window elements so you can better focus on the content on the screen rather than on how to access it. The desktop experience is more informative, intuitive, and helpful. And new tools bring better clarity to the information on your computer, so you can see what your files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and use wizards and dialog boxes more confidently.

Secure and Effective
Windows Vista Home Basic helps people use their PCs securely and reliably, makes it simple to stay better connected, and, like all of the editions of Windows Vista, is compatible with the widest range of software, devices, and services that people use and trust every day. For those who simply want to use their PC to surf the Internet, correspond with friends and family using email, or perform basic document creation and editing tasks, Windows Vista Home Basic delivers a safer, more reliable, and more effective computing environment.

More Productivity
Windows Vista Home Basic helps encourage better personal productivity while providing digital entertainment on your PC through its improved reliability, security, and performance. It also helps you to accomplish tasks faster, with a rich new interface and innovative ways to organize and find the information stored on your PC.

Safer and More Reliable
Specifically designed to be the safest operating system Microsoft has ever delivered, Windows Vista Home Basic frees you from worry about the safety and security of your time on the computer. In fact, every edition of Windows Vista, including Windows Vista Home Basic, provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. In addition, Windows Vista Home Basic includes innovative tools that warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. Additionally, this system comes equipped with up-to-date parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities on your PC that might concern you as a parent.

Easy Set-Up and Operation
As with all of other editions of Windows Vista, Windows Vista Home Basic makes your PC significantly easier to use thanks to helpful tools that let you painlessly move your personal files and settings from your old PC to your new Windows Vista-based PC. Additionally, Windows Vista Home Basic integrates new search tools throughout the operating system to help you quickly find the precise file or program you need. Even if your existing PC seems to be adequate for basic tasks such as reading e-mail and browsing the web, by upgrading your PC to Windows Vista Home Basic or by purchasing a new PC installed with this software, you will benefit from a better computing experience and more peace of mind.


From the Manufacturer
Windows Vista Home Basic is the edition of Windows for basic home computing needs. If you only want to use your PC for tasks like browsing the Internet, using e-mail, or viewing photos, then Windows Vista Home Basic may be the right edition for you. While it won't provide as many benefits as Windows Vista Home Premium, it will help you use your PC more easily and more safely than you could with Windows XP.

Easily Search and Find Everything on Your PC and the Internet
The first thing you'll notice about Windows Vista Home Basic is how easy it is to find the programs and files you're looking for. The instant desktop search feature looks across all of your documents, e-mails, photos, and other files, organizing the results in the way that you want to view them. When coupled with the built-in web search of Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista, you'll spend less time looking for the things that you need and more time on the activities that you care about.

Better Protection for Your PC and Your Family than with any Previous Version of Windows
With automatic defenses against malicious software and fraudulent websites, Windows Vista Home Basic enables you and your family to use your computer with greater confidence. Plus, parents can use built-in controls to help ensure their children's computer use is protected and appropriate.

Simplified Setup and Maintenance
Windows Vista Home Basic makes it easier than ever to set up your new PC, with features that easily transfer all of your data and settings from your old PC to your new one. What's more, you can have peace of mind for years to come with technology that keeps your system running quickly and reliably over time.

Simply put, Windows Vista Home Basic provides you with just the essentials you need for home computing.

Features in Windows Vista Home Basic

Easier

• Instant Search--integrated throughout Windows Vista.
• Internet Explorer 7--includes web searching right from the browser and tabbed browsing.
• Windows Sidebar and gadgets--bring real-time information directly to your desktop.
• Flexible organization features--view your files any way you want.
• Windows Photo Gallery--Download, organize, edit, view, and share your digital photos.

Safer

• Windows Defender--helps safeguard your PC against pop-ups and security threats.
• Dynamic security protection--helps you browse the web more securely.
• Anti-phishing technology--helps protect you from fraudulent websites that attempt to steal your personal information.
• Internet Explorer protected mode--helps prevent unwanted malicious software downloads.
• Parental Controls--manage the rules for your children's computer use including web access and games.

Product Description
Windows Vista Home Basic is designed to be easy to set up, to help people use their PCs securely and reliably, to help people stay better connected, and, like all of the editions of Windows Vista, to be compatible with the widest range of software, devices, and services that people use and trust. For those who simply want to use their PC for tasks such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using email, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks, Windows Vista Home Basic delivers a safer, more reliable, and more effective computing environment.

Product Description
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic DVD