Windows NT 6.0: Difference between revisions
Undo revision 597269 by AutoModeratorTest (talk); testing AM behaviour Tags: Replaced Undo link removed |
Tags: Undo Attempted to add deprecated or unsupported HTML code. |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox OS version |
|||
Windows NT 6.0 |
|||
| name = Windows Vista |
|||
| family = Microsoft Windows |
|||
| logo = Windows Vista.png |
|||
| screenshot = Windows_Vista_Desktop.png |
|||
| caption = Screenshot of Windows Vista Ultimate |
|||
| developer = Microsoft |
|||
| website = [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/default.mspx Windows Vista: Homepage] |
|||
| source_model = [[Closed source]] / [[Shared source]] |
|||
| license = [[EULA|MS-EULA]] |
|||
| kernel_type = [[Hybrid kernel]] |
|||
| release_version = 6.0 (Build 6000) |
|||
| release_date = [[January 30]] [[2007]] ([[November 30]], [[2006]] for enterprises) |
|||
| release_url = http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-29VistaLaunchPR.mspx |
|||
| first_release_date = <!-- Leave this date alone -- November 8, 2006 is the correct release date. -->[[November 8]] [[2006]] |
|||
| first_release_url = http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2006/nov06/11-08VistaRTM.mspx |
|||
| support_status = Current |
|||
|other_articles = |
|||
<ul> |
|||
* [[Development of Windows Vista]] |
|||
* [[Features new to Windows Vista]] |
|||
* [[Management features new to Windows Vista]] |
|||
* [[Security and safety features new to Windows Vista]] |
|||
* [[Technical features new to Windows Vista]] |
|||
* [[Features removed from Windows Vista]] |
|||
* [[Windows Vista editions and pricing]] |
|||
* [[Criticism of Windows Vista]] |
|||
</ul> |
|||
}} |
|||
'''Windows Vista''' is a line of graphical [[operating system]]s used on [[personal computer]]s, including home and business [[Desktop computer|desktops]], [[laptop|notebook computers]], [[Tablet PC]]s, and [[media center]]s. Prior to its announcement on [[July 22]], [[2005]], Windows Vista was known by its [[List of Microsoft codenames|codename]] "'''Longhorn'''".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/jul05/07-22LHMA.mspx|title=Media Alert: Microsoft Unveils Official Name for “Longhorn” and Sets Date for First Beta Targeted at Developers and IT Professionals|author=Microsoft|accessdate=2007-01-02|date=2005-07-22}}</ref> Development was completed on [[November 8]], [[2006]]; over the following three months it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers, and retail channels. On [[January 30]], [[2007]], it was released worldwide to the general public,<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.microsoft.com/nz/presscentre/articles/2007/jan07_windowsvistalaunch.mspx |
|||
|title=Microsoft Launches Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System to Consumers |
|||
|date=2007-01-30 |
|||
|accessdate=2007-01-30 |
|||
|work=PressCentre |
|||
|publisher=Microsoft New Zealand |
|||
}}</ref> and was made available for purchase and downloading from [[Microsoft]]'s web site.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=390&tabid=1 |
|||
| title=Windows Marketplace: Windows Vista Upgrade Editions: Get Started |
|||
| date=2007-01-30 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-30 |
|||
| work=Windows Marketplace |
|||
| publisher=Microsoft |
|||
| archive-date=2007-02-02 |
|||
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202023803/http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx%3FctId%3D390%26tabid%3D1 |
|||
}}</ref> The release of Windows Vista comes more than five years after the introduction of its predecessor, [[Windows XP]], making it the longest time span between two releases of [[Microsoft Windows]]. |
|||
Windows Vista contains [[Features new to Windows Vista|hundreds of new features]]; some of the most significant include an updated [[graphical user interface]] and [[Skin (computing)|visual style]] dubbed [[Windows Aero]], improved [[Windows indexing service|searching]] features, new multimedia creation tools such as [[Windows DVD Maker]], and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using [[peer-to-peer]] technology, making it easier to share files and digital media between computers and devices. For developers, Vista includes version 3.0 of the [[.NET Framework]], which aims to make it significantly easier for developers to write high-quality applications than with the traditional [[Windows API]]. |
|||
Microsoft's primary stated objective with Windows Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system.<ref name="gatesrsa">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=180201580 |
|||
| title=Gates Says Security Is Job One For Vista |
|||
| date=2006-02-14 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-13 |
|||
| first=Aaron |
|||
| last=Ricadela |
|||
| publisher=InformationWeek News |
|||
}}</ref> One common [[criticism of Windows XP]] and its predecessors has been their commonly exploited [[Vulnerability (computing)|security vulnerabilities]] and overall susceptibility to [[malware]], [[computer virus|viruses]] and [[buffer overflow]]s. In light of this, Microsoft chairman [[Bill Gates]] announced in early 2002 a company-wide '[[Trustworthy Computing]] initiative' which aims to incorporate security work into every aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft stated that it prioritized improving the security of [[Windows XP]] and [[Windows Server 2003]] above finishing Windows Vista, thus delaying its completion.<ref name="winxpdevpriority">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://news.com.com/Microsoft+Longhorn+beta+unlikely+this+year/2100-1008_3-5183385.html |
|||
| title=Microsoft: Longhorn beta unlikely this year |
|||
| date=2004-06-01 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-12 |
|||
| first=Mike |
|||
| last=Ricciuti |
|||
| publisher=CNet News |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
Windows Vista has been the target of a number of negative assessments by various groups. [[Criticism of Windows Vista]] has included protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of new [[Digital Rights Management]] technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, and the usability of other new features such as [[User Account Control]]. |
|||
== Development == |
|||
[[Image:Windows Longhorn logo.svg|thumb|left|175px|The Windows Vista Codename (Longhorn) logo]] |
|||
[[Image:Winvista.png|thumb|175px|Windows Orb logo, also used as the "Start" button.]] |
|||
{{main|Development of Windows Vista}} |
|||
Microsoft started work on their plans for Windows Vista ("Longhorn") in 2001,<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,113701,00.asp |
|||
|title=Pushing Forward - the next version of Windows |
|||
|first=Peter |
|||
|last=Galli |
|||
|date=2001-07-30 |
|||
|accessdate=2006-07-07 |
|||
|publisher=[[eWeek]] |
|||
}}</ref> prior to the release of Windows XP. It was originally expected to ship sometime late in 2003 as a minor step between Windows XP (codenamed "Whistler") and "Blackcomb" (now known as [[Windows "Vienna"]]). Gradually, "Longhorn" assimilated many of the important new features and technologies slated for "Blackcomb", resulting in the release date being pushed back several times. Many of Microsoft's developers were also re-tasked with improving the security of Windows XP.<ref name="winxpdevpriority"/> Faced with ongoing delays and concerns about [[Creeping featurism|feature creep]], Microsoft announced on [[August 27]] [[2004]] that it was making changes. The original "Longhorn", based on the [[Windows XP]] source code, was scrapped, and Vista development started anew, building on the Windows Server 2003 codebase, and re-incorporating only the features that would be intended for an actual operating system release. Some previously announced features such as [[WinFS]] were dropped or postponed, and a new software development methodology called the "Security Development Lifecycle" was incorporated in an effort to address concerns with the security of the Windows codebase.<ref name="sdl">{{cite web |
|||
| author=Steve Lipner, Michael Howard |
|||
| title=The Trustworthy Computing Security Development Lifecycle |
|||
| publisher=Microsoft Developer Network |
|||
| month=March |
|||
| year=2005 |
|||
| url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/default.aspx?pull=/library/en-us/dnsecure/html/sdl.asp |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-09 |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
After "Longhorn" was named Windows Vista, an unprecedented [[Development stage|beta-test]] program was started, involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers and companies. In September 2005, Microsoft started releasing regular [[Community Technology Preview]]s (CTP) to beta testers. The first of these was distributed among 2005 Microsoft [[Professional Developers Conference]] attendees, and was subsequently released to Microsoft Beta testers and [[Microsoft Developer Network]] subscribers. The builds that followed incorporated most of the planned features for the final product, as well as a number of changes to the user interface, based largely on feedback from beta testers. Windows Vista was deemed feature-complete with the release of the "February CTP", released on [[February 22]] [[2006]], and much of the remainder of work between that build and the final release of the product focused on stability, performance, application and driver compatibility, and documentation. Beta 2, released in late May, was the first build to be made available to the general public through Microsoft's Customer Preview Program. It was downloaded by over five million people. Two release candidates followed in September and October, both of which were made available to a large number of users. |
|||
While Microsoft had originally hoped to have the operating system available worldwide in time for Christmas 2006, it was announced in March 2006 that the release date would be pushed back to January 2007, in order to give the company – and the hardware and software companies which Microsoft depends on for providing [[device driver]]s – additional time to prepare. Through much of 2006, analysts and bloggers had speculated that Windows Vista would be delayed further, owing to anti-trust concerns raised by the European Commission and South Korea, and due to a perceived lack of progress with the beta releases. However, with the [[November 8]] [[2006]] announcement of the completion of Windows Vista, Microsoft's lengthiest operating system development project came to an end. |
|||
== New or improved features == |
|||
{{main | Features new to Windows Vista}} |
|||
=== End-user features === |
|||
[[Image:Windows Vista Explorer.png|thumb|The appearance of [[Windows Explorer]] has changed since Windows XP.]] |
|||
* '''[[Windows Aero]]:''' The new hardware-based graphical user interface, named ''Windows Aero'' – an acronym for ''Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open''. The new interface is intended to be cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing than those of previous Windows, including new transparencies, live thumbnails, live icons, animations and [[eye candy]]. |
|||
* '''[[Windows Shell]]:''' The new Windows shell is significantly different from Windows XP, offering a new range of organization, navigation, and search capabilities. [[Windows Explorer]]'s task panel has been removed, integrating the relevant task options into the toolbar. A "Favorite links" panel has been added, enabling one-click access to common directories. The address bar has been replaced with a [[Breadcrumb (navigation)|breadcrumb navigation]] system. The preview panel allows users to see thumbnails of various files and view the contents of documents. The [[Start menu]] has changed as well; it no longer uses ever-expanding boxes when navigating through Programs. The word "Start" itself has been removed in favor of a blue Windows Orb (also called "Pearl"). |
|||
* '''[[Instant Search]]''' (also known as ''[[Incremental find|search as you type]]''): Windows Vista features a new way of searching called Instant Search, which is significantly faster and in-depth(content-based) than that of the search features found in any of the previous versions of Windows.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| year=2006 |
|||
| publisher=National Instruments |
|||
| url=http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/5604 |
|||
| title=A Closer Look at Windows Vista Part II: Enhanced Search |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
* '''[[Windows Sidebar]]:''' A transparent panel anchored to the side of the screen where a user can place [[Desktop Gadgets]], which are small applets designed for a specialized purpose (such as displaying the weather or sports scores). Gadgets can also be placed on other parts of the desktop. |
|||
* '''[[Internet Explorer 7|Windows Internet Explorer 7]]:''' New user interface, [[tabbed browsing]], [[RSS (file format)|RSS]], a search box, improved printing,<ref name="ieprint">Windows Internet Explorer, Printing Advances [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/ie7printing.mspx Printing in IE7].</ref> Page Zoom, Quick Tabs (thumbnails of all open tabs), Anti-Phishing filter, a number of new security protection features, Internationalized Domain Name support (IDN), and improved web standards support. IE7 in Windows Vista runs in isolation from other applications in the operating system (protected mode); exploits and malicious software are restricted from writing to any location beyond Temporary Internet Files without explicit user consent. |
|||
[[Image:Windows Media Player 11 Vista.png|thumb|[[Windows Media Player]] 11]] |
|||
* '''[[Windows Media Player|Windows Media Player 11]]''', a major revamp of Microsoft's program for playing and organizing music and video. New features in this version include word wheeling (or "search as you type"), a new [[GUI]] for the media library, photo display and organization, the ability to share music libraries over a network with other Vista machines, [[Xbox 360]] integration, and support for other [[Windows Media Center Extender|Media Center Extenders]]. |
|||
* '''Backup and Restore Center:''' Includes a backup and restore application that gives users the ability to schedule periodic backups of files on their computer, as well as recovery from previous backups. Backups are incremental, storing only the changes each time, minimizing the disk usage. It also features Complete PC Backup (available only in Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise versions) which backs up an entire computer as an image onto a hard disk or DVD. Complete PC Backup can automatically recreate a machine setup onto new hardware or hard disk in case of any hardware failures. Complete PC Restore can be initiated from within Windows Vista, or from the Windows Vista installation CD in the event the PC is so corrupt that it cannot start up normally from the hard disk. |
|||
* '''[[Windows Mail]]:''' A replacement for Outlook Express that includes a new mail store that improves stability,<ref name="winmail">Windows Mail Features Explained, See Reliability Section [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/mail.mspx Windows Mail].</ref> and features integrated Instant Search. It has the Phishing Filter like IE7 and a [[spam filter|Junk mail filtering]] which is enhanced through regular updates via Windows Update.<ref name="windowsmail">Windows Mail was demonstrated by the development team in [http://channel9.msdn.com/showpost.aspx?postid=116711 this Channel 9 video].</ref> |
|||
* '''[[Windows Calendar]]''' is a new calendar and task application. |
|||
* '''[[Windows Photo Gallery]]''', a photo and movie library management application. WPG can import from digital cameras, tag and rate individual items, adjust colors and exposure, create and display slideshows (with pan and fade effects), and burn slideshows to DVD. |
|||
* '''[[Windows DVD Maker]]''', a companion program to [[Windows Movie Maker]], which provides the ability to create video DVDs based on a user's content. Users can design a DVD with title, menu, video, soundtrack, pan and zoom motion effects on pictures or slides, [http://www.pcworld.ca//news/column/0d86825c0a010408001a024cb6ea21cd/pg0.htm in minutes]. |
|||
* '''[[Windows Media Center]]''', which was previously exclusively bundled as a separate version of Windows XP, known as [[Windows XP Media Center Edition]], has been incorporated into the Home Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista. |
|||
* '''Games and [[Windows Vista Games Explorer|Games Explorer]]:''' Games included with Windows have been modified to showcase Vista's graphics capabilities. New games are [[Chess Titans]], [[Mahjong Titans]] and [[Purble Place]]. A new Games Explorer special folder holds shortcuts and information to all games on the user's computer. |
|||
[[Image:Windowsmobilitycenter.png|thumb|[[Windows Mobility Center]].]] |
|||
* '''[[Windows Mobility Center]]''' is a control panel that centralizes the most relevant information related to mobile computing (brightness, sound, battery level / power scheme selection, wireless network, screen orientation, presentation settings, etc.). |
|||
* '''[[Windows Meeting Space]]''' replaces [[NetMeeting]]. Users can share applications (or their entire desktop) with other users on the local network, or over the Internet using peer-to-peer technology (higher versions than Starter and Home Basic can take advantage of hosting capabilities, limiting previous to "join" mode only) |
|||
* '''[[Shadow Copy]]''' automatically creates daily backup copies of files and folders. Users can also create "shadow copies" by setting a System Protection Point using the System Protection tab in the System control panel. The user can be presented multiple versions of a file throughout a limited history and be allowed to restore, delete, or copy those versions. This feature is available only in the Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista and is inherited from [[Windows Server 2003]].<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| year=2006 |
|||
| publisher=Microsoft |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-24 |
|||
| url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/library/4ac505e6-dd8b-4ae7-80fa-b9d77cd8104d.mspx |
|||
| title=Selected Scenarios for Maintaining Data Integrity with Windows Vista |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
[[Image:Windows Update Vista.png|thumb|[[Windows Update]] with [[Windows Ultimate Extras]]]] |
|||
* '''[[Windows Update]]:''' Software and security updates have been simplified,<ref name="winupdate">Windows Update, Easier and Less Distruptive [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/windowsupdate.mspx Windows Update in Windows Vista].</ref> now operating solely via a control panel instead of as a [[web application]]. Windows Mail's spam filter and Windows Defender's definitions are updated automatically via Windows Update. Users that choose the recommended setting for Automatic Updates will have the latest drivers installed and available when they add a new device. |
|||
* '''[[Parental controls]]:''' Allows administrators to control which websites, programs, and games each standard user can use and install. This feature is available in Home Premium and Ultimate versions of Vista. |
|||
* '''[[Windows SideShow]]:''' Enables the auxiliary displays on newer laptops or on supported Windows Mobile devices. It is meant to be used to display device gadgets while the computer is on or off. |
|||
* '''[[Speech recognition]]''' is integrated into Vista.<ref name="winspeech">Windows Vista, SAPI |
|||
[http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/06/01/speechinWindowsVista/ Talking Windows]</ref> It features a redesigned user interface and configurable command-and-control commands. Unlike the Office 2003 version, which works only in Office and WordPad, Speech Recognition in Windows Vista works for any accessible application. In addition, it currently supports several languages: British and American English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), and Japanese. |
|||
* New [[font]]s, including several designed for screen reading, and improved Chinese (Yahei, JhengHei), Japanese (Meiryo) and Korean (Malgun) fonts. See [[:Category:Windows Vista typefaces|Windows Vista typefaces]]. [[ClearType]] has also been enhanced and enabled by default. |
|||
* '''Problem Reports and Solutions''', a control panel which allows users to view previously sent problems and any solutions or additional information that is available. |
|||
* Improved audio controls allow the system-wide volume or volume of individual audio devices and even individual applications to be controlled separately. New audio functionalities such as Room Correction, Bass Management, Speaker Fill and Headphone virtualization have also been incorporated. |
|||
* '''System Performance Assessment''' is a tool used to benchmark system performance. Software such as games can retrieve this rating and modify its own behavior at runtime to improve performance. The benchmark tests [[CPU]], [[RAM]], 2-D and 3-D graphics acceleration, Graphics Memory and Hard disk space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/f/98f3fe47-dfc3-4e74-92a3-088782200fe7/TWAR05002_WinHEC05.ppt|title=TWAR05002_WinHEC05.ppt at download.microsoft.com|accessdate=2007-01-25|archive-date=2015-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105224141/http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/f/98f3fe47-dfc3-4e74-92a3-088782200fe7/TWAR05002_WinHEC05.ppt}}</ref><ref name="winsat">Windows Vista, The System Assesment Tool [http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/topics/vista/winsat.mspx WinSat].</ref> |
|||
* '''[[Windows Ultimate Extras]]''': The Ultimate Edition of Windows Vista provides access to extra games and tools, available through Windows Update. This replaces the [[Microsoft Plus!]] software bundle that was sold alongside prior versions of Windows. |
|||
* '''Built-in hard drive partition management''': A utility to modify hard disk drive partitions, including shrinking, creating and formatting new partitions. |
|||
* '''Performance Diagnostic Console''' includes various tools for tuning and monitoring system performance and resources activities of CPU, disks, network, memory and other resources. It shows the operations on files, the opened connections, etc. |
|||
=== Core technologies === |
|||
{{main|Technical features new to Windows Vista}} |
|||
Windows Vista is intended to be a technology-based release, to provide a solid base to include technologies, many of which will be related to how the system functions, and hence not readily visible to the user. An example of this is the restructuring of the architecture of the audio, print, display, and networking subsystems; while the results of this work will be visible to software developers, end-users will only see what appear to be evolutionary changes in the user interface. |
|||
Vista includes technologies such as '''[[ReadyBoost]]''' and '''[[ReadyDrive]]''' which employ fast [[flash memory]] (located on [[USB drive]]s and [[hybrid drive|hybrid hard disk drives]] respectively) to improve system performance by caching commonly-used programs and data. This manifests itself in improved battery life on notebook computers as well, since a hybrid drive can use the Flash memory to cache the data currently in use by the OS and/or other applications, spinning down the disc platters till some fresh data is required. Another new technology called [[SuperFetch]] utilizes [[machine learning]] techniques to analyze usage patterns in order to allow Windows Vista to make decisions about what application and content should be present in system memory at any given time. |
|||
As part of the redesign of the networking architecture, [[IPv6]] has been incorporated into the operating system, and a number of performance improvements have been introduced, such as [[TCP window scale option|TCP window scaling]]. Windows Vista includes more comprehensive support for wireless networking, compared with previous versions of Windows. |
|||
For graphics, Vista introduces a new [[Windows Display Driver Model]] (WDDM), as well as major revisions to [[Direct3D]]. The new driver model facilitates the new [[Desktop Window Manager]], which provides the [[page tearing|tearing]]-free desktop and special effects that are the cornerstones of [[Windows Aero]]. WDDM's current version 1.0 is able to offload rudimentary tasks to the GPU, install drivers without requiring a system reboot and seamlessly recover from rare driver errors due to illegal application behavior. The next version is going to require an entirely new generation of GPUs, which [[NVIDIA]] and [[ATI]] are working on. Direct3D 10, developed in conjunction with major display driver manufacturers, is a new architecture with more advanced [[shader]] support, and allows the [[graphics processing unit]] to render more complex scenes without assistance from the CPU. It features improved load balancing between CPU and GPU and also optimizes data transfer between them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.technet.com/windowsvista/articles/447226.aspx|title=blogs.technet.com|accessdate=2007-01-25}}</ref> |
|||
At the core of the operating system, many improvements have been made to the memory manager, process scheduler, heap manager, and I/O scheduler. A [[Kernel Transaction Manager]] has been implemented that gives applications the ability to work with the file system and registry using [[atomic transaction]] operations. |
|||
=== Security-related technologies === |
|||
[[Image:User Account Control.png|thumb|A User Account Control consent dialog.]] |
|||
{{main|Security and safety features new to Windows Vista}} |
|||
Improved security was a primary design goal for Vista.<ref name="gatesrsa"/> Microsoft's [[Trustworthy Computing]] initiative, which aims to improve public trust in its products, has had a direct effect on its development. This effort has resulted in a number of new security and safety features. |
|||
[[User Account Control]] is perhaps the most significant and visible of these changes. User Account Control is a security technology that makes it possible for users to use their computer with fewer privileges by default. This was often difficult in previous versions of Windows, as the previous "limited" user accounts proved too restrictive and incompatible with a large proportion of application software, and even prevented some basic operations such as looking at the calendar from the notification tray. In Windows Vista, when an action requiring administrative rights is requested, the user will be first prompted for an administrator name and password; in cases where the user is already an administrator, the user is still prompted to confirm the pending privileged action. User Account Control asks for credentials in a Secure Desktop mode, where the entire screen is blacked out, temporarily disabled, and only the authorization window is active and highlighted. The intent is to stop a malicious program 'spoofing' the user interface, attempting to capture admin credentials. |
|||
[[Internet Explorer|Internet Explorer 7]]'s new security and safety features include a [[phishing]] filter, [[Internationalized domain name|IDN]] with anti-spoofing capabilities, and integration with system-wide parental controls. For added security, [[ActiveX]] controls are disabled by default. Also, Internet Explorer operates in a "protected mode" which operates with lower permissions than the user and it runs in isolation from other applications in the operating system, preventing it from accessing or modifying anything besides the Temporary Internet Files directory.<ref name="protectedmodeie">Protected Mode IE has been described in detail at the Internet Explorer team blog: [http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/02/09/528963.aspx Protected Mode in Vista IE7] and [http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2005/09/20/471975.aspx More details on Protected Mode IE in Windows Vista].</ref> Microsoft's anti-spyware product, '''[[Windows Defender]]''', has been incorporated into Windows, providing protection against malware and other threats. Changes to various system configuration settings (such as new auto-starting applications) are blocked unless the user gives consent. |
|||
Another significant new feature is [[BitLocker Drive Encryption]], a data protection technology included in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista that provides [[encryption]] for the entire operating system [[Volume (computing)|volume]]. Bitlocker can work in conjunction with a [[Trusted Platform Module]] chip (version 1.2) that is on a computer's motherboard, or with a USB key.<ref name="exec-overview">{{cite web |
|||
| url = http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/security/bitexec.mspx#EQB |
|||
| title = BitLocker Drive Encryption: Executive Overview |
|||
| accessdate = 2007-06-19 |
|||
| date = 2006-04-05 |
|||
| publisher = [[Microsoft]] |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
A variety of other privilege-restriction techniques are also built into Vista. An example is the concept of "integrity levels" in user processes, whereby a process with a lower integrity level cannot interact with processes of a higher integrity level and cannot perform DLL–injection to a processes of a higher integrity level. The security restrictions of [[Windows service]]s are more fine-grained, so that services (especially those listening on the network) have no ability to interact with parts of the operating system they do not need to. [[Obfuscation]] techniques such as [[address space layout randomization]] are used to increase the amount of effort required of [[malware]] before successful infiltration of a system. Code Integrity verifies that system binaries haven’t been tampered with by malicious code. |
|||
As part of the redesign of the network stack, [[Windows Firewall]] has been upgraded, with new support for filtering both incoming and outgoing traffic. Advanced packet filter rules can be created which can grant or deny communications to specific services. |
|||
=== Business technologies === |
|||
{{main|Management features new to Windows Vista}} |
|||
While much of the focus of Vista's new capabilities has been on the new user interface, security technologies, and improvements to the core operating system, Microsoft is also adding new deployment and maintenance features. |
|||
* The [[WIM image format]] (Windows IMage) is the cornerstone of Microsoft's new deployment and packaging system. WIM files, which contain an image of Windows Vista, can be maintained and patched without having to rebuild new images. Windows Images can be delivered via [[Systems Management Server]] or '''Business Desktop Deployment''' technologies. Images can be customized and configured with applications then deployed to corporate client personal computers using little to no touch by a system administrator. [[ImageX]] is the Microsoft tool used to create and customize images. |
|||
* [[Windows Deployment Services]] replaces [[Remote Installation Services]] for deploying Vista and prior versions of Windows. |
|||
* Approximately 700 new [[Group Policy]] settings have been added, covering most aspects of the new features in the operating system, as well as significantly expanding the configurability of wireless networks, removable storage devices, and user desktop experience. Vista also introduced an XML based format (ADMX) to display registry-based policy settings, making it easier to manage networks that span geographic locations and different languages. <ref name="gp">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/library/gpol/a8366c42-6373-48cd-9d11-2510580e4817.mspx?mfr=true |
|||
| title=What's New in Group Policy in Windows Vista and Windows Server "Longhorn" |
|||
| accessdate=2006-05-18 |
|||
| work=TechNet |
|||
| publisher=Microsoft |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
* [[Microsoft Windows Services for UNIX|Services for UNIX]] has been renamed "Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications," and is included with the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista. [[Network File System (protocol)|Network File System]] (NFS) client support is also included. |
|||
* [[MUI|Multilingual User Interface]] - Unlike previous version of Windows which required language packs to be loaded to provide local language support, Windows Vista Ultimate and Enterprise editions supports the ability to dynamically change languages based on the logged on user's preference. |
|||
* Wireless Projector support |
|||
Business customers who are enrolled in the [[Microsoft Software Assurance]] program are offered a set of additional tools and services collectively known as the "Desktop Optimization Pack". This includes the [[Microsoft SoftGrid]] application virtualization platform, an asset inventory service, and additional tools for maintaining Group Policy settings in a fashion similar to a [[revision control system]]. |
|||
=== Developer technologies === |
|||
Windows Vista includes a large number of new application programming interfaces. Chief among them is the inclusion of [[.NET Framework 3.0|version 3.0]] of the [[.NET Framework]], which consists of a [[class library]] and [[Common Language Runtime]]. Version 3.0 includes four new major components:<ref>[http://msdn.microsoft.com/winfx/technologies/ .NET Framework 3.0 Technologies], [[Microsoft]]</ref> |
|||
* '''[[Windows Presentation Foundation]]''' is a [[user interface]] subsystem and framework based [[vector graphics]], which will make use of [[3D computer graphics]] hardware and [[Direct3D]] technologies. It provides the foundation for building applications and blending together application UI, documents, and media content. It is the successor to [[Windows Forms]]. |
|||
* '''[[Windows Communication Foundation]]''' is a service-oriented messaging subsystem which will enable applications and systems to interoperate locally or remotely using [[Web service]]s. |
|||
* '''[[Windows Workflow Foundation]]''' provides task automation and integrated transactions using [[workflow]]s. It is the programming model, engine and tools for building workflow-enabled applications on Windows. |
|||
* '''[[Windows CardSpace]]''' is a component which securely stores digital identities of a person, and provides a unified interface for choosing the identity for a particular transaction, such as logging into a website. |
|||
These technologies will also be available for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 to facilitate their introduction to and usage by developers and end users. |
|||
There are also significant new development APIs in the core of the operating system, notably the completely re-architected audio, networking, print, and video interfaces, major changes to the security infrastructure, improvements to the deployment and installation of applications ("[[ClickOnce]]" and [[Windows Installer]] 4.0), new device driver development model ("[[Windows Driver Foundation]]"), [[Transactional NTFS#Transactional NTFS|Transactional NTFS]], mobile computing API advancements (power management, [[Tablet PC]] Ink support, [[Windows SideShow|SideShow]]) and major updates to (or complete replacements of) many core subsystems such as [[Winlogon]] and [[Cryptographic Application Programming Interface|CAPI]]. |
|||
There are some issues for software developers using some of the graphics APIs in Vista. Games or programs which are built solely on Vista's version of [[DirectX]], 10, will not work on prior versions of Windows, as DirectX 10 is not backwards-compatible at any level.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/article.asp?CIID=24636 | title=DirectX 10: More harm than good for graphics? | first=Logan | last=Booker | publisher=Maximum Power Computing Atomic | date=2005-09-15 | accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> According to a Microsoft blog, there are three choices for [[OpenGL]] implementation on Vista. An application can use the default implementation, which translates OpenGL calls into the Direct3D API and is frozen at OpenGL version 1.4, or an application can use an Installable Client [[device driver|Driver]] (ICD), which comes in two flavors: legacy and Vista-compatible. A legacy ICD, the kind already provided by [[independent hardware vendor]]s targeting Windows XP<!-- and earlier? -->, will disable the [[Desktop Window Manager]], noticeably degrading user experience under Windows Aero. A Vista-compatible ICD takes advantage of a new API, and will be fully compatible with the Desktop Window Manager.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://blogs.msdn.com/kamvedbrat/archive/2006/02/22/537624.aspx | title=more comments... | first=Kam | last=VedBrat | publisher=MSDN Blogs | date=2006-02-22 | accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> At least two primary vendors, [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] and [[NVIDIA]], are expected to provide full Vista-compatible ICDs in the near future.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.khronos.org/developers/library/siggraph2006/OpenGL_BOF/<!--NVIDIA_-_OpenGL_on_Vista.ppt--> | title=OpenGL on Vista | first=Neil | last=Trevett | publisher = Khronos Group |year=2006 |accessdate=2006-11-09}}</ref> However, [[hardware overlay]] is not supported, because it is considered as an obsolete feature in Vista. ATI and NVIDIA strongly recommend using compositing desktop/FBOs for same functionality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=3760|title=OpenGL Now Natively Supported in Windows Vista|accessdate=2007-01-25|last=Nguyen|first=Tuan|archive-date=2008-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521121130/http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=3760}}</ref> |
|||
=== Deprecated features === |
|||
{{main | Features removed from Windows Vista}} |
|||
Some notable Windows XP features and components have been replaced or removed in Windows Vista, including [[Windows Messenger]], the network [[Messenger Service]], [[HyperACCESS|HyperTerminal]], [[MSN Explorer]], [[Active Desktop]], and the replacement of [[NetMeeting]] with [[Windows Meeting Space]]. Windows Vista also does not include the Windows XP "Luna" visual theme, or most of the classic color schemes which have been part of Windows since the Windows 3.x era. The "Hardware profiles" startup feature has been removed as well, along with support for older motherboard technologies like the [[Extended Industry Standard Architecture|EISA]] bus, [[Advanced Power Management|APM]] and [[Game port]] support. IP over [[FireWire|1394]] (TCP/IP over IEEE 1394) has been removed.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/bus/1394/IP_1394.mspx |
|||
|title=Discontinued Support for IP over 1394 |
|||
|date=2004-12-08 |
|||
|accessdate=2007-06-22 |
|||
|publisher=[[Microsoft]] |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
WinHlp32.exe, used to display 32-bit .hlp files (help pages), is no longer included in Windows Vista as Microsoft considers it obsolete,<ref name="winhlp32removed">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607 |
|||
| title=Microsoft Removes WinHlp32.exe from Vista |
|||
| date=2006-06-27 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-31 |
|||
| publisher=[[Microsoft]] |
|||
}}</ref> though it is available as a separate download. Microsoft prohibits software manufacturers from re-introducing the .hlp help system with their products. |
|||
[[TELNET|Telnet]].exe is no longer installed by default, but is still included as an installable feature.<ref name="telnet">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://bink.nu/Article6937.bink |
|||
| title=Windows Vista does not include Telnet...or does it? |
|||
| author=Tekmaven |
|||
| date=2006-05-02 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-06-22 |
|||
| archive-date=2007-08-12 |
|||
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812071933/http://bink.nu/Article6937.bink |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
== Editions and pricing == |
|||
[[Image:vista home up.JPG|thumb|Windows Vista Home Basic Upgrade Edition - Full English Contents]] |
|||
{{main|Windows Vista editions and pricing}} |
|||
Windows Vista ships in six editions.<ref name="versionsannouncement">{{cite press release |
|||
| url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/feb06/02-26WinVistaProductsPR.mspx |
|||
| title=Microsoft Unveils Windows Vista Product Lineup |
|||
| date=2006-02-26 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-10-31 |
|||
| work=PressPass |
|||
| publisher=[[Microsoft]] |
|||
}}</ref> These editions are roughly divided into two target markets, consumer and business, with editions varying to cater for specific sub-markets. For consumers, there are four editions, with three available for Western countries; Windows Vista Starter is limited to [[emerging markets]]. Windows Vista Home Basic is intended for budget users with low needs. Windows Vista Home Premium covers the majority of the consumer market. Windows Vista Ultimate contains the complete feature-set and is aimed at enthusiasts. For businesses, there are two versions. Windows Vista Business covers organizations of all sizes, while Windows Vista Enterprise is only available to customers participating in Microsoft's [[Microsoft Software Assurance|Software Assurance]] program. |
|||
In the [[European Union]], Home Basic N and Business N versions will also be available. These versions come without Windows Media Player, due to EU sanctions brought against Microsoft for [[European Union Microsoft antitrust case|violating anti-trust laws]]. Similar sanctions exist in [[South Korea]]. |
|||
== Visual styles == |
|||
Windows Vista has four distinct visual styles.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/b/9/5b97017b-e28a-4bae-ba48-174cf47d23cd/PRI017_WH06.ppt |
|||
| first=Kam |
|||
| last=VedBrat |
|||
| publisher=[[Microsoft]] |
|||
| title=Desktop And Presentation Impact On Hardware Design (Powerpoint presentation) |
|||
| accessdate=2006-09-01 |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
[[Image:Vista Flip 3d.png|thumb|Windows Flip 3D (Win+Tab keys)]] |
|||
[[Image:Vista Flip 2d.png|thumb|Windows Flip (Alt+Tab keys)]] |
|||
[[Image:Livethumbnails.png|thumb|Live Thumbnails (Win+T keys)]] |
|||
; [[Windows Aero]]: Windows Vista's premier visual style is built on a new desktop composition engine called [[Desktop Window Manager]]. Windows Aero introduces support for 3D graphics (Windows Flip 3D), [[translucency]] effects (Glass), live thumbnails, window animations, and other visual effects, and is intended for mainstream and high-end graphics cards. To enable these features, the contents of every open window is stored in video memory to facilitate [[Page tearing|tearing]]-free movement of windows. As such, Windows Aero has significantly higher hardware requirements than its predecessors. 128 MB of graphics memory is the minimum requirement, depending on resolution used.<ref name="TechNet Vista Requirements">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/vistarpc.mspx |
|||
| title=Windows Vista Enterprise Hardware Planning Guidance |
|||
| year=2006 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-10-26 |
|||
| work=TechNet |
|||
| publisher=Microsoft |
|||
}}</ref> Windows Aero (including Windows Flip 3D) is not included in the Starter and Home Basic editions. |
|||
; Windows Vista Standard: This mode is a variation of Windows Aero without the glass effects, window animations, and other advanced graphical effects such as Windows Flip 3D. Like Windows Aero, it uses the Desktop Window Manager, and has generally the same video hardware requirements as Windows Aero. This is the default mode for the Windows Vista Home Basic Edition. The Starter Edition does not support this mode. |
|||
; Windows Vista Basic: This mode has aspects that are similar to Windows XP's visual style with the addition of subtle animations such as those found on [[progress bar]]s. It does not employ the Desktop Window Manager; as such, it does not feature transparency or translucency, window animation, Windows Flip 3D or any of the functions provided by the DWM. The Basic mode does not require the new [[Windows Display Driver Model]] (WDDM) for display drivers, and has similar graphics card requirements to Windows XP. For computers with graphics cards that are not powerful enough to support Windows Aero, this is the default graphics mode. |
|||
;Windows Classic: An option for corporate deployments and upgrades, Windows Classic has the look and feel of Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, does not use the Desktop Window Manager, and does not require a WDDM driver. As with prior versions of Windows, this visual style supports "color schemes," which are a collection of color settings. Windows Vista includes six classic color schemes, comprised of four high-contrast color schemes and the default color schemes from [[Windows 98]] and [[Windows 2000]]. |
|||
{{Clr}} |
|||
{| cellpadding="5" class="toccolours" style="border-collapse:collapse;margin:0 auto;text-align:center;width:80%;" border="1" |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="center" valign="top" style="width:33%;"|[[Image:Windows Aero.png|210px]]<br /><center>"Windows Aero" visual style.</center> |
|||
| align="center" valign="top" style="width:34%;"|[[Image:Windows Vista Basic.png|210px]]<br /><center>"Windows Vista Basic" visual style.</center> |
|||
| align="center" valign="top" style="width:33%;"|[[Image:Windows Standard.png|210px]]<br /><center>"Windows Classic" visual style.</center> |
|||
|} |
|||
{{Clr}} |
|||
== Hardware requirements == |
|||
Computers capable of running Windows Vista are classified as ''Vista Capable'' and ''Vista Premium Ready''.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/may06/05-18GetReadyPR.mspx |
|||
| title=Microsoft and PC Manufacturers Make It Easier for Customers to Get Ready for Windows Vista |
|||
| date=2006-05-18 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-05-18 |
|||
| work=PressPass |
|||
| publisher=Microsoft |
|||
}}</ref> A ''Vista Capable'' or equivalent PC will be capable of running all editions of Windows Vista although some of the special features and high end graphics options may require additional or more advanced hardware. A ''Vista Premium Ready'' PC will take advantage of Vista's "high-end" features.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx | title=Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor | accessdate=2006-06-25}}</ref> |
|||
Windows Vista's "Basic" and "Classic" interfaces will work with virtually any graphics hardware that supports Windows XP or 2000; accordingly, most discussion around Vista's graphics requirements centers on those for the Windows Aero interface. As of Windows Vista Beta 2, the NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 and later, the ATI [[Radeon 9500]] and later, Intel's [[GMA 950]] integrated graphics, and a handful of VIA chipsets and S3 Graphics discrete chips are supported.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msbetas.org/wiki/index.php/Vista_Ready_GPUs|title=MsBetas' List of Vista Ready GPUs|accessdate=2007-04-07}}</ref> Microsoft offers a tool called the ''Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx | title=Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor | accessdate=2006-06-25}}</ref> to assist XP and Vista users in determining what versions of Windows their machine is capable of running. |
|||
<div align="center"> |
|||
{|class="wikitable" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center;" |
|||
|+'''Windows Vista system requirements''' |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="background:#ecfcf0;width:120px;height:35px;" | |
|||
! style="background:#ecfcf0;width:175px;" align="center" valign="middle" | Vista Capable<ref name="TechNet Vista Requirements"/> |
|||
! style="background:#ecfcf0;height:28px;" align="center" valign="middle" | Vista Premium Ready<ref name="TechNet Vista Requirements"/> |
|||
|- |
|||
!Processor |
|||
| 800 MHz || 1.0 GHz |
|||
|- |
|||
!Memory |
|||
| 512 MB RAM || 1 GB RAM |
|||
|- |
|||
!Graphics card |
|||
| DirectX 9 capable || DirectX 9 capable GPU with Hardware Pixel Shader v2.0 and [[Windows Display Driver Model|WDDM 1.0]] driver support |
|||
|- |
|||
!Graphics memory |
|||
| N/A || 128 MB RAM supports up to 2,756,000 total pixels (e.g. 1920 × 1200) or 512 MB+ for greater resolutions such as 2560x1600<ref>64 MB RAM supports Aero with up to 1,310,720 total pixels (e.g. 1280 × 1024) but is not Premium Ready [http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/vistarpc.mspx]</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
!HDD capacity |
|||
| 20 GB || 40 GB |
|||
|- |
|||
!HDD free space |
|||
| 15 GB || 15 GB |
|||
|- |
|||
!Other drives |
|||
| DVD-ROM || DVD-ROM |
|||
|} |
|||
</div> |
|||
== Service packs == |
|||
Microsoft occasionally releases [[service pack]]s for its Windows operating systems to fix problems and add features. |
|||
=== Service Pack 1 === |
|||
{{Future software}} |
|||
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is currently in development. Microsoft Server and Tools chief Bob Muglia confirmed reports that SP1 would be released alongside [[Windows Server 2008]], another Microsoft product due in the second half of 2007.<ref>{{cite news |
|||
|url = http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2060798,00.asp |
|||
|publisher = [[eWeek]] |
|||
|title = Microsoft's Muglia Talks Longhorn, Novell and Java |
|||
|date = 2006-11-17 |
|||
|accessdate = 2007-06-19 |
|||
|pages = 3 |
|||
}}</ref> This target date was confirmed again in a filing with the U.S. [[Justice Department]] which said that SP1 would be released by the end of 2007.<ref name="Fried">{{cite news |
|||
|url = http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-6192065.html |
|||
|title = Microsoft agrees to change Vista desktop search |
|||
|date = 2007-06-19 |
|||
|accessdate = 2007-06-19 |
|||
|last = Fried |
|||
|first = Ina |
|||
|publisher = [[ZDNet]] News |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
Microsoft is known to be planning to include the following changes in SP1: |
|||
* Improvements to [[Group Policy]] management tools.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/chats/trans/network/06_0601_tn_wv.mspx |
|||
|title=Managing Group Policy with Windows Vista |
|||
|date=[[June 1]] [[2006]] |
|||
|accessdate=2007-04-06 |
|||
|publisher=Microsoft |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
* Performance improvements with [[Windows Disk Defragmenter]] that are also slated for Server 2008.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/archive/2007/01/26/don-t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover-why-windows-vista-defrag-is-cool.aspx |
|||
|title=Don’t judge a book by its cover – why Windows Vista Defrag is cool |
|||
|date=[[January 26]] [[2007]] |
|||
|accessdate=2007-04-06 |
|||
|work=The Filing Cabinet |
|||
|publisher=MSDN Blogs |
|||
|archive-date=2010-04-28 |
|||
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428092014/http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/archive/2007/01/26/don-t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover-why-windows-vista-defrag-is-cool.aspx |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
* New security [[API]]s for the benefit of [[antivirus software]] that currently relies on the unsupported practice of patching the [[Kernel (computer science)|kernel]].<ref>{{cite news |
|||
|url=http://www.betanews.com/article/Vista_SP1_to_Include_Common_Security_APIs_for_Partners/1161305514 |
|||
|title=Vista SP1 to Include Common Security APIs for Partners |
|||
|date=2006-10-19 |
|||
|accessdate=2007-06-12 |
|||
|author=Fulton, Scott M., III |
|||
|publisher=BetaNews |
|||
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=4C7561E6-6F9D-4125-8A8C-AEAF8E3342B9&displaylang=en |
|||
|title=Kernel Patch Protection Criteria Evaluation Document |
|||
|date=2006-12-19 |
|||
|accessdate=2007-06-12 |
|||
|publisher=[[Microsoft]] |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
* Users will be able to change the default [[desktop search]] program to one provided by a third party instead of the Microsoft desktop search program that comes with Windows Vista. Third-party desktop search programs will be able to seamlessly tie in their services into the operating system.<ref name="Fried"/> |
|||
Reports from various sources have suggested that SP1 will include a kernel that will be up-to-date with the version to be shipped with Server 2008.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/windows_7.asp |
|||
|title=Windows "Vienna"/"Seven"/"7" FAQ |
|||
|first=Paul |
|||
|last=Thurrott |
|||
|authorlink=Paul Thurrott |
|||
|date=2007-02-14 |
|||
|accessdate=2007-04-06 |
|||
}}</ref> A newer version of [[Windows Media Center]] is under development, but whether this will be included with the service pack, or be released separately, has not been clarified by Microsoft. |
|||
==Criticism== |
|||
{{main|Criticism of Windows Vista}} |
|||
Criticisms of Windows Vista include protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://badvista.fsf.org/what-s-wrong-with-microsoft-windows-vista|title=What's wrong with Microsoft Windows Vista?|date=2007-03-06|accessdate=2007-03-24|last=Sullivan|first=John|publisher=Bad Vista}}</ref> and the usability of the new [[User Account Control]] security technology. Reviewers have also noted similarities between Vista's Aero interface and that of [[Apple Computer|Apple's]] [[Aqua (user interface)|Aqua]] interface for the [[Mac OS X]] operating system, particularly around the use of transition effects. Moreover, some concerns have been raised about many PCs meeting "Vista Premium Ready" hardware requirements and Vista's pricing. |
|||
;Licensing and cost:The introduction of additional [[Software licensing|licensing]] restrictions has been criticized. Criticism of upgrade licenses pertaining to Windows Vista Starter through Home Premium was expressed by [[Ars Technica]]'s Ken Fisher, who noted that the new requirement of having a prior operating system already installed was going to cause irritation for users who reinstall Windows on a regular basis.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070128-8717.html |
|||
| title=Vista "upgrade" drops compliance checking, requires old OS to install |
|||
| date=2007-01-28 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-28 |
|||
| last=Fisher |
|||
| first=Ken |
|||
| publisher=[[Ars Technica]] |
|||
}}</ref> It has been revealed that an Upgrade copy Windows Vista can be installed clean without first installing a previous version of Windows. On the first install, Windows will refuse to activate. The user must then reinstall that same copy of Vista. Vista will then activate on the reinstall, thus allowing a user to install an Upgrade of Windows Vista without owning a previous operating system.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp |
|||
| title=How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade Media |
|||
| date=2007-02-03 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-02-05 |
|||
| last=Thurrott |
|||
| first=Paul |
|||
| authorlink=Paul Thurrott |
|||
| publisher=[[Paul Thurrott]] |
|||
}}</ref> As with Windows XP, separate rules still apply to OEM versions of Vista installed on new PCs; these are not legally transferrable.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://news.com.com/Microsoft+limits+Vista+transfers/2100-1016_3-6126379.html?tag=newsmap |
|||
| title=Microsoft limits Vista transfers |
|||
| date=2006-10-16 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-10-19 |
|||
| last=Fried |
|||
| first=Ina |
|||
| publisher=CNET News.com |
|||
}}</ref> The cost of Windows Vista has also been a source of concern and commentary. A majority of users in a poll said that the prices of various Windows Vista editions posted on the Microsoft Canada website in August 2006 make the product too expensive.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/5450/53/ |
|||
| title=Windows Vista too expensive says users |
|||
| date=2006-08-30 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-10-19 |
|||
| last=Beer |
|||
| first=Stan |
|||
| publisher=ITWire.com |
|||
}}</ref> A BBC News report on the day of Vista's release suggested that, "there may be a backlash from consumers over its pricing plans - with the cost of Vista versions in the US roughly half the price of equivalent versions in the UK."<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6309651.stm |
|||
| title=Microsoft starts Vista hard sell |
|||
| date=2007-01-30 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-30 |
|||
| work=Technology |
|||
| publisher=[[BBC News]] |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
;Digital Rights Management:Another common criticism concerns the integration of new forms of [[Digital Rights Management]] into the operating system, specifically the introduction of the [[Protected Video Path]]. This architecture is designed such that "premium content" from [[HD DVD]] or [[Blu-ray]] discs may mandate that the connections between PC components be encrypted. Devices such as graphic cards must be approved by Microsoft. Depending on what the content demands, the devices may not pass premium content over non-encrypted outputs, or they must artificially degrade the quality of the signal on such outputs or not display it all. There is also a revocation mechanism that allows Microsoft to disable drivers of compromised devices in end-user PCs over the Internet.<ref name="Microsoft-ocp">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/stream/output_protect.mspx |
|||
| title=Output Content Protection and Windows Vista |
|||
| date=2005-04-27 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-08 |
|||
| work=WHDC |
|||
| publisher=[[Microsoft]] |
|||
}}</ref> [[Peter Gutmann (computer scientist)|Peter Gutmann]], security researcher and author of the [[open source]] [[cryptlib]] library, claims that these mechanisms violate fundamental rights of the user (such as [[fair use]]), unnecessarily increase the cost of hardware, and make systems less reliable and vulnerable to [[denial-of-service attacks]].<ref name="gutmann">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.cs.auckland.ac.nz/~pgut001/pubs/vista_cost.html |
|||
| title=A Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection |
|||
| last=Gutmann |
|||
| first=Peter |
|||
| authorlink=Peter Gutmann (computer scientist) |
|||
| publisher= |
|||
| date=2007-01-27 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-27 |
|||
}} Also available: [[commons:Image:Vista cost - 1-0 - 2007-01-27.pdf|PDF version]]</ref> Proponents have claimed that Microsoft had no choice but to follow the demands of the movie studios, and that the technology will not actually be enabled until after 2010;<ref name="smith">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.dasmirnov.net/blog/2006/12/31/windows_vista_drm_nonsense |
|||
| title=Windows Vista DRM nonsense |
|||
| last=Smith |
|||
| first=Paul |
|||
| date=2006-12-31 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-03 |
|||
}}</ref><ref name="arstechnica">{{cite web |
|||
| title=Hollywood reportedly in agreement to delay forced quality downgrades for Blu-ray, HD DVD |
|||
| url=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060521-6880.html |
|||
| last=Fisher |
|||
| first=Ken |
|||
| date=2006-05-21 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-21 |
|||
| publisher=[[Ars Technica]] |
|||
}}</ref> Microsoft also noted that content protection mechanisms have existed in Windows as far back as [[Windows Me]], and that the new protections will not apply to any existing content (only future contents).<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2007/01/20/windows-vista-content-protection-twenty-questions-and-answers.aspx |
|||
| title=Windows Vista Content Protection - Twenty Questions (and Answers) |
|||
| last=Marsh |
|||
| first=Dave |
|||
| date=2007-01-20 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-20 |
|||
| work=Windows Vista team blog |
|||
| publisher=Microsoft |
|||
| archive-date=2013-01-21 |
|||
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121121652/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/archive/b/windowsvista/archive/2007/01/20/windows-vista-content-protection-twenty-questions-and-answers.aspx |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
;User Account Control: Concerns have been raised about the new [[User Account Control]] (UAC) security technology. While [[Yankee Group]] analyst Andrew Jaquith believes that critical security vulnerabilities may be "reduced by as much as 80%," he also noted that "while the new security system shows promise, it is far too chatty and annoying."<ref name="pcworlduac">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6069464.html |
|||
| title=Report: Vista to hit anti-spyware, firewall markets |
|||
| last=Evers |
|||
| first=Joris |
|||
| date=2006-05-07 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-21 |
|||
| work=[[ZDNet]] News |
|||
| publisher=CNet |
|||
| archive-date=2006-12-10 |
|||
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210153354/http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6069464.html |
|||
}}</ref> However, this statement was made over six months before Vista was actually released (even before [[Development of Windows Vista#Beta 2|Beta 2]] was released). By the time Windows Vista was released in November 2006, Microsoft had drastically reduced the number of operating system tasks that triggered UAC prompts, and added [[file and registry virtualization]] to reduce the number of [[Legacy system|legacy]] applications that trigger UAC prompts.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=288259 |
|||
|title=UAC - What. How. Why. |
|||
|date=2007-03-05 |
|||
|accessdate=2007-03-23 |
|||
|format=video |
|||
|author=Charles}}</ref> |
|||
;Similarity to Mac OS X: Another criticism is a claim by some that Windows Vista emulates specific features in [[Apple Inc.|Apple's]] [[Mac OS X]]. Long-time Mac columnist and book author John Rizzo noted in an ''[[eWeek]]'' article that Vista incorporated features which Mac OS X has had for some time such as fast searching, seen in the [[Spotlight (software)|Spotlight]] feature on the Mac, [[Virtual folder|Smart Folders]] functionality already available in the Mac's Finder, and that the icons, terminology and visual appearance mimic those of Mac OS X.<ref name="rizzo">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1842175,00.asp |
|||
| title=Apple's Tiger vs. Windows Vista: Who Comes Out Ahead? |
|||
| last=Rizzo |
|||
| first=John |
|||
| date=2005-07-31 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-05-08 |
|||
| publisher=eWeek |
|||
| archive-date=2009-07-08 |
|||
| archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090708225423/http://www.eweek.com/article2/0%2C1895%2C1842175%2C00.asp |
|||
}}</ref> Others have come to a similar conclusion that Aero is an imitation of [[Aqua (user interface)|Aqua]].<ref name="macnn">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/03/09/vista.resembles.os.x/&startNumber=30 |
|||
| title=Windows Vista resembles OS X |
|||
| date=2006-03-09 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-05-08 |
|||
| publisher=MacNN |
|||
}}</ref> However, some of these counterparts or similarities (such as [[Windows Desktop Search]] to Mac OS X's [[Spotlight (software)|Spotlight]]) were included in early alpha versions of Vista, demonstrated in prototypes, or released as products for [[Windows XP]] before Apple included the features in [[Mac OS X v10.4]].<ref name="longhornalpha2002">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/longhorn_alpha.asp |
|||
| title= "Longhorn" Alpha Preview |
|||
| date=2002-11-13 |
|||
| accessdate=2007-01-15 |
|||
| last=Thurrott |
|||
| first=Paul |
|||
| authorlink=Paul Thurrott |
|||
| publisher=Windows SuperSite |
|||
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/msn_search_toolbar_wds.asp |
|||
| title=MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search Review |
|||
| date=[[May 27]] [[2005]] |
|||
| accessdate=2007-04-17 |
|||
| last=Thurrott |
|||
| first=Paul |
|||
| authorlink=Paul Thurrott |
|||
| publisher=Windows SuperSite |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
;Hardware requirements: Some controversy and concerns have arisen over how the increase in hardware specifications required to take advantage of many of Vista's new features may have an impact on both personal and business users.<ref name="Wagner1">{{cite web |
|||
| url= http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2006/03/microsoft_will.html |
|||
| title= Microsoft Will Stumble On Windows Vista And Office 2007 |
|||
| date=2006-03-01 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-16 |
|||
| first= Mitch |
|||
| last= Wagner |
|||
| publisher= Informationweek.com |
|||
}}</ref><ref name="Judge1">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9075-2188681,00.html |
|||
| title= Windows revamp 'too advanced for most PCs' |
|||
| date=2006-05-20 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-15 |
|||
| first= Elizabeth |
|||
| last= Judge |
|||
| publisher= The Times |
|||
}}</ref> While most Desktop PCs purchased after 2002 and laptops purchased after 2005 will be able to meet Vista’s minimum “Windows Vista Capable” requirements, many laptops and low-end to midrange desktops with integrated graphics will not be able to meet “Windows Vista Premium Ready” requirements and will therefore not be able to run advanced features such as the Aero Glass interface.<ref name="Hwreqts2">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1843945,00.asp |
|||
| title=Will Your PC Run Windows Vista? |
|||
| date=2005-08-05 |
|||
| accessdate=2006-08-15 |
|||
| author=Spooner, John G. and Mary Jo Foley |
|||
| publisher=[[eWeek]] |
|||
}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Peters1">{{cite web |
|||
| url=http://www.vnunet.com/personal-computer-world/features/2160039/vista-affect-notebooks |
|||
| title= How Vista will affect notebooks |
|||
| date= 2006-07-18 |
|||
| accessdate= 2006-08-15 |
|||
| first= Luke |
|||
| last= Peters |
|||
| publisher= [[PC World]] |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
== See also == |
|||
{{Portal|Microsoft}} |
|||
* [[History of Microsoft Windows]] |
|||
* [[Comparison of Windows versions]] |
|||
* [[List of games with DirectX 10 support]] |
|||
* [[Microsoft Office 2007]] — the current release of [[Microsoft Office]] that shipped simultaneously with Windows Vista. |
|||
* [[Windows Server 2008]] — the successor to [[Windows Server 2003]] and based on the same codebase as Windows Vista. |
|||
* [[Windows "Vienna"]] — the next major release of the [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] operating system planned for release during the 2009–2011 time period |
|||
== Notes and references == |
|||
{{reflist|2}} |
|||
==External links== |
|||
{{sisterlinks | Windows Vista}} |
|||
=== Microsoft === |
|||
* [http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/default.mspx Microsoft Windows Vista] — Microsoft Windows Vista homepage |
|||
* [http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeinfo.mspx Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Info] — Windows Vista Upgrade planning |
|||
* [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bbc16ebf-4823-4a12-afe1-5b40b2ad3725&DisplayLang=en Microsoft Windows Vista Product Guide] — Contains complete, feature-by-feature comparisons of the various Windows Vista editions |
|||
* [http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/vista/default.mspx Microsoft Windows Vista Hardware Design] — Hardware Design for Windows Vista — News for Driver Developers and Hardware Engineers |
|||
* [http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/ Microsoft Technet] — Windows Vista: Resources for IT Professionals |
|||
* [http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/ MSDN] — Windows Vista Developer Center on MSDN |
|||
* [http://windowsvistablog.com/ The Windows Vista Blog] — Official blog of the Windows Vista Team |
|||
* [http://www.seewindowsvista.com/ See Windows Vista] — Official website with information on how the new Windows Vista Operating System works |
|||
=== Reviews and screenshots === |
|||
* [http://neosmart.net/gallery/v/os/Vista/ Windows Vista Screenshots Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505081530/http://neosmart.net/gallery/v/os/Vista/ |date=2008-05-05 }} — Collection of Vista Screenshots from Different Builds |
|||
* [http://winsupersite.com/vista/ Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows] — Windows Vista Activity Center |
|||
* [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061211/windows_vista_061211/20061211?hub=SciTech How secure is Window's new Vista?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061225025338/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061211/windows_vista_061211/20061211?hub=SciTech |date=2006-12-25 }} |
|||
* [http://www.windows-vista-update.com/Features_of_Windows_Vista.html Features of Windows Vista] |
|||
* [http://64-bit-computers.com/windows-vista-32-bit-vs-64-bit-benchmark.html Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit Performance Compared] |
|||
* [http://reviews.cnet.com/Windows_Vista_Ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html Windows Vista Ultimate] — CNET review |
|||
* [http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/29/xp-vs-vista/ Windows XP vs. Vista: The Benchmark Rundown] — Tom's Hardware Guide review |
|||
=== Criticism === |
|||
* [http://news.com.com/Hollywood,%20Microsoft%20align%20on%20new%20Windows/2100-1025_3-5844393.html?part=rss&tag=5844393&subj=news CNET] — Hollywood, Microsoft align on new Windows |
|||
* [http://www.technologyreview.com/articles/05/09/wo/wo_091905patrizio.asp Technology Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060412100601/http://www.technologyreview.com/articles/05/09/wo/wo_091905patrizio.asp |date=2006-04-12 }} — Will Windows Upgrade Hand Power To Big Media? |
|||
=== Security vulnerabilities === |
|||
* [http://secunia.com/product/13223/?task=advisories Vulnerability Report: Microsoft Windows Vista] including known unpatched vulnerabilities from [[Secunia]] |
|||
* [http://www.securityfocus.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?c=12&op=display_list&vendor=Microsoft&title=Windows%20Vista Vista vulnerabilities] from [[SecurityFocus]] |
|||
{{History of Windows}} |
|||
[[Category:Windows Vista| ]] |
|||
[[Category:Proprietary software]] |
|||
[[Category:Windows NT]] |
|||
[[Category:2006 software]] |
|||
[[ar:ويندوز فيستا]] |
|||
[[az:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[bs:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[bg:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ca:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[cs:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[da:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[de:Microsoft Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[el:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[es:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[eo:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[eu:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[fr:Microsoft Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[gl:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ko:윈도 비스타]] |
|||
[[hr:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[hy:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[hsb:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[id:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[is:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[it:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[he:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[lt:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[hu:Microsoft Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ml:വിന്ഡോസ് വിസ്റ്റ]] |
|||
[[ms:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[nl:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ja:Microsoft Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[no:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[pl:Microsoft Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[pt:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ro:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ru:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[sq:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[simple:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[sk:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[sl:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[sr:Виндоус Виста]] |
|||
[[sh:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[su:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[fi:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[sv:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ta:விண்டோஸ் விஸ்டா]] |
|||
[[th:วินโดวส์วิสตา]] |
|||
[[vi:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[tg:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[tr:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[ur:ونڈوز وسٹا]] |
|||
[[uz:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[yi:ווינדאוס וויסטע]] |
|||
[[zh-yue:Windows Vista]] |
|||
[[zh:Windows Vista]] |
Latest revision as of 08:20, 10 June 2024
File:Windows Vista.png | |
Windows Vista | |
(Part of the Microsoft Windows family) | |
Screenshot | |
File:Windows Vista Desktop.png Screenshot of Windows Vista Ultimate | |
Developer | |
Microsoft | |
Web site: Windows Vista: Homepage | |
Release information | |
Release date: | November 8 2006 info |
Current version: | 6.0 (Build 6000) (January 30 2007 (November 30, 2006 for enterprises)) info |
Source model: | Closed source / Shared source |
License: | MS-EULA |
Kernel type: | Hybrid kernel |
Support status | |
Current | |
Further reading | |
Windows Vista is a line of graphical operating systems used on personal computers, including home and business desktops, notebook computers, Tablet PCs, and media centers. Prior to its announcement on July 22, 2005, Windows Vista was known by its codename "Longhorn".[1] Development was completed on November 8, 2006; over the following three months it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers, and retail channels. On January 30, 2007, it was released worldwide to the general public,[2] and was made available for purchase and downloading from Microsoft's web site.[3] The release of Windows Vista comes more than five years after the introduction of its predecessor, Windows XP, making it the longest time span between two releases of Microsoft Windows.
Windows Vista contains hundreds of new features; some of the most significant include an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker, and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, making it easier to share files and digital media between computers and devices. For developers, Vista includes version 3.0 of the .NET Framework, which aims to make it significantly easier for developers to write high-quality applications than with the traditional Windows API.
Microsoft's primary stated objective with Windows Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system.[4] One common criticism of Windows XP and its predecessors has been their commonly exploited security vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows. In light of this, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced in early 2002 a company-wide 'Trustworthy Computing initiative' which aims to incorporate security work into every aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft stated that it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, thus delaying its completion.[5]
Windows Vista has been the target of a number of negative assessments by various groups. Criticism of Windows Vista has included protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of new Digital Rights Management technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, and the usability of other new features such as User Account Control.
Development
[edit]Microsoft started work on their plans for Windows Vista ("Longhorn") in 2001,[6] prior to the release of Windows XP. It was originally expected to ship sometime late in 2003 as a minor step between Windows XP (codenamed "Whistler") and "Blackcomb" (now known as Windows "Vienna"). Gradually, "Longhorn" assimilated many of the important new features and technologies slated for "Blackcomb", resulting in the release date being pushed back several times. Many of Microsoft's developers were also re-tasked with improving the security of Windows XP.[5] Faced with ongoing delays and concerns about feature creep, Microsoft announced on August 27 2004 that it was making changes. The original "Longhorn", based on the Windows XP source code, was scrapped, and Vista development started anew, building on the Windows Server 2003 codebase, and re-incorporating only the features that would be intended for an actual operating system release. Some previously announced features such as WinFS were dropped or postponed, and a new software development methodology called the "Security Development Lifecycle" was incorporated in an effort to address concerns with the security of the Windows codebase.[7]
After "Longhorn" was named Windows Vista, an unprecedented beta-test program was started, involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers and companies. In September 2005, Microsoft started releasing regular Community Technology Previews (CTP) to beta testers. The first of these was distributed among 2005 Microsoft Professional Developers Conference attendees, and was subsequently released to Microsoft Beta testers and Microsoft Developer Network subscribers. The builds that followed incorporated most of the planned features for the final product, as well as a number of changes to the user interface, based largely on feedback from beta testers. Windows Vista was deemed feature-complete with the release of the "February CTP", released on February 22 2006, and much of the remainder of work between that build and the final release of the product focused on stability, performance, application and driver compatibility, and documentation. Beta 2, released in late May, was the first build to be made available to the general public through Microsoft's Customer Preview Program. It was downloaded by over five million people. Two release candidates followed in September and October, both of which were made available to a large number of users.
While Microsoft had originally hoped to have the operating system available worldwide in time for Christmas 2006, it was announced in March 2006 that the release date would be pushed back to January 2007, in order to give the company – and the hardware and software companies which Microsoft depends on for providing device drivers – additional time to prepare. Through much of 2006, analysts and bloggers had speculated that Windows Vista would be delayed further, owing to anti-trust concerns raised by the European Commission and South Korea, and due to a perceived lack of progress with the beta releases. However, with the November 8 2006 announcement of the completion of Windows Vista, Microsoft's lengthiest operating system development project came to an end.
New or improved features
[edit]End-user features
[edit]- Windows Aero: The new hardware-based graphical user interface, named Windows Aero – an acronym for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open. The new interface is intended to be cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing than those of previous Windows, including new transparencies, live thumbnails, live icons, animations and eye candy.
- Windows Shell: The new Windows shell is significantly different from Windows XP, offering a new range of organization, navigation, and search capabilities. Windows Explorer's task panel has been removed, integrating the relevant task options into the toolbar. A "Favorite links" panel has been added, enabling one-click access to common directories. The address bar has been replaced with a breadcrumb navigation system. The preview panel allows users to see thumbnails of various files and view the contents of documents. The Start menu has changed as well; it no longer uses ever-expanding boxes when navigating through Programs. The word "Start" itself has been removed in favor of a blue Windows Orb (also called "Pearl").
- Instant Search (also known as search as you type): Windows Vista features a new way of searching called Instant Search, which is significantly faster and in-depth(content-based) than that of the search features found in any of the previous versions of Windows.[8]
- Windows Sidebar: A transparent panel anchored to the side of the screen where a user can place Desktop Gadgets, which are small applets designed for a specialized purpose (such as displaying the weather or sports scores). Gadgets can also be placed on other parts of the desktop.
- Windows Internet Explorer 7: New user interface, tabbed browsing, RSS, a search box, improved printing,[9] Page Zoom, Quick Tabs (thumbnails of all open tabs), Anti-Phishing filter, a number of new security protection features, Internationalized Domain Name support (IDN), and improved web standards support. IE7 in Windows Vista runs in isolation from other applications in the operating system (protected mode); exploits and malicious software are restricted from writing to any location beyond Temporary Internet Files without explicit user consent.
- Windows Media Player 11, a major revamp of Microsoft's program for playing and organizing music and video. New features in this version include word wheeling (or "search as you type"), a new GUI for the media library, photo display and organization, the ability to share music libraries over a network with other Vista machines, Xbox 360 integration, and support for other Media Center Extenders.
- Backup and Restore Center: Includes a backup and restore application that gives users the ability to schedule periodic backups of files on their computer, as well as recovery from previous backups. Backups are incremental, storing only the changes each time, minimizing the disk usage. It also features Complete PC Backup (available only in Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise versions) which backs up an entire computer as an image onto a hard disk or DVD. Complete PC Backup can automatically recreate a machine setup onto new hardware or hard disk in case of any hardware failures. Complete PC Restore can be initiated from within Windows Vista, or from the Windows Vista installation CD in the event the PC is so corrupt that it cannot start up normally from the hard disk.
- Windows Mail: A replacement for Outlook Express that includes a new mail store that improves stability,[10] and features integrated Instant Search. It has the Phishing Filter like IE7 and a Junk mail filtering which is enhanced through regular updates via Windows Update.[11]
- Windows Calendar is a new calendar and task application.
- Windows Photo Gallery, a photo and movie library management application. WPG can import from digital cameras, tag and rate individual items, adjust colors and exposure, create and display slideshows (with pan and fade effects), and burn slideshows to DVD.
- Windows DVD Maker, a companion program to Windows Movie Maker, which provides the ability to create video DVDs based on a user's content. Users can design a DVD with title, menu, video, soundtrack, pan and zoom motion effects on pictures or slides, in minutes.
- Windows Media Center, which was previously exclusively bundled as a separate version of Windows XP, known as Windows XP Media Center Edition, has been incorporated into the Home Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista.
- Games and Games Explorer: Games included with Windows have been modified to showcase Vista's graphics capabilities. New games are Chess Titans, Mahjong Titans and Purble Place. A new Games Explorer special folder holds shortcuts and information to all games on the user's computer.
- Windows Mobility Center is a control panel that centralizes the most relevant information related to mobile computing (brightness, sound, battery level / power scheme selection, wireless network, screen orientation, presentation settings, etc.).
- Windows Meeting Space replaces NetMeeting. Users can share applications (or their entire desktop) with other users on the local network, or over the Internet using peer-to-peer technology (higher versions than Starter and Home Basic can take advantage of hosting capabilities, limiting previous to "join" mode only)
- Shadow Copy automatically creates daily backup copies of files and folders. Users can also create "shadow copies" by setting a System Protection Point using the System Protection tab in the System control panel. The user can be presented multiple versions of a file throughout a limited history and be allowed to restore, delete, or copy those versions. This feature is available only in the Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista and is inherited from Windows Server 2003.[12]
- Windows Update: Software and security updates have been simplified,[13] now operating solely via a control panel instead of as a web application. Windows Mail's spam filter and Windows Defender's definitions are updated automatically via Windows Update. Users that choose the recommended setting for Automatic Updates will have the latest drivers installed and available when they add a new device.
- Parental controls: Allows administrators to control which websites, programs, and games each standard user can use and install. This feature is available in Home Premium and Ultimate versions of Vista.
- Windows SideShow: Enables the auxiliary displays on newer laptops or on supported Windows Mobile devices. It is meant to be used to display device gadgets while the computer is on or off.
- Speech recognition is integrated into Vista.[14] It features a redesigned user interface and configurable command-and-control commands. Unlike the Office 2003 version, which works only in Office and WordPad, Speech Recognition in Windows Vista works for any accessible application. In addition, it currently supports several languages: British and American English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), and Japanese.
- New fonts, including several designed for screen reading, and improved Chinese (Yahei, JhengHei), Japanese (Meiryo) and Korean (Malgun) fonts. See Windows Vista typefaces. ClearType has also been enhanced and enabled by default.
- Problem Reports and Solutions, a control panel which allows users to view previously sent problems and any solutions or additional information that is available.
- Improved audio controls allow the system-wide volume or volume of individual audio devices and even individual applications to be controlled separately. New audio functionalities such as Room Correction, Bass Management, Speaker Fill and Headphone virtualization have also been incorporated.
- System Performance Assessment is a tool used to benchmark system performance. Software such as games can retrieve this rating and modify its own behavior at runtime to improve performance. The benchmark tests CPU, RAM, 2-D and 3-D graphics acceleration, Graphics Memory and Hard disk space.[15][16]
- Windows Ultimate Extras: The Ultimate Edition of Windows Vista provides access to extra games and tools, available through Windows Update. This replaces the Microsoft Plus! software bundle that was sold alongside prior versions of Windows.
- Built-in hard drive partition management: A utility to modify hard disk drive partitions, including shrinking, creating and formatting new partitions.
- Performance Diagnostic Console includes various tools for tuning and monitoring system performance and resources activities of CPU, disks, network, memory and other resources. It shows the operations on files, the opened connections, etc.
Core technologies
[edit]Windows Vista is intended to be a technology-based release, to provide a solid base to include technologies, many of which will be related to how the system functions, and hence not readily visible to the user. An example of this is the restructuring of the architecture of the audio, print, display, and networking subsystems; while the results of this work will be visible to software developers, end-users will only see what appear to be evolutionary changes in the user interface.
Vista includes technologies such as ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive which employ fast flash memory (located on USB drives and hybrid hard disk drives respectively) to improve system performance by caching commonly-used programs and data. This manifests itself in improved battery life on notebook computers as well, since a hybrid drive can use the Flash memory to cache the data currently in use by the OS and/or other applications, spinning down the disc platters till some fresh data is required. Another new technology called SuperFetch utilizes machine learning techniques to analyze usage patterns in order to allow Windows Vista to make decisions about what application and content should be present in system memory at any given time.
As part of the redesign of the networking architecture, IPv6 has been incorporated into the operating system, and a number of performance improvements have been introduced, such as TCP window scaling. Windows Vista includes more comprehensive support for wireless networking, compared with previous versions of Windows.
For graphics, Vista introduces a new Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM), as well as major revisions to Direct3D. The new driver model facilitates the new Desktop Window Manager, which provides the tearing-free desktop and special effects that are the cornerstones of Windows Aero. WDDM's current version 1.0 is able to offload rudimentary tasks to the GPU, install drivers without requiring a system reboot and seamlessly recover from rare driver errors due to illegal application behavior. The next version is going to require an entirely new generation of GPUs, which NVIDIA and ATI are working on. Direct3D 10, developed in conjunction with major display driver manufacturers, is a new architecture with more advanced shader support, and allows the graphics processing unit to render more complex scenes without assistance from the CPU. It features improved load balancing between CPU and GPU and also optimizes data transfer between them.[17]
At the core of the operating system, many improvements have been made to the memory manager, process scheduler, heap manager, and I/O scheduler. A Kernel Transaction Manager has been implemented that gives applications the ability to work with the file system and registry using atomic transaction operations.
Security-related technologies
[edit]Improved security was a primary design goal for Vista.[4] Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative, which aims to improve public trust in its products, has had a direct effect on its development. This effort has resulted in a number of new security and safety features.
User Account Control is perhaps the most significant and visible of these changes. User Account Control is a security technology that makes it possible for users to use their computer with fewer privileges by default. This was often difficult in previous versions of Windows, as the previous "limited" user accounts proved too restrictive and incompatible with a large proportion of application software, and even prevented some basic operations such as looking at the calendar from the notification tray. In Windows Vista, when an action requiring administrative rights is requested, the user will be first prompted for an administrator name and password; in cases where the user is already an administrator, the user is still prompted to confirm the pending privileged action. User Account Control asks for credentials in a Secure Desktop mode, where the entire screen is blacked out, temporarily disabled, and only the authorization window is active and highlighted. The intent is to stop a malicious program 'spoofing' the user interface, attempting to capture admin credentials.
Internet Explorer 7's new security and safety features include a phishing filter, IDN with anti-spoofing capabilities, and integration with system-wide parental controls. For added security, ActiveX controls are disabled by default. Also, Internet Explorer operates in a "protected mode" which operates with lower permissions than the user and it runs in isolation from other applications in the operating system, preventing it from accessing or modifying anything besides the Temporary Internet Files directory.[18] Microsoft's anti-spyware product, Windows Defender, has been incorporated into Windows, providing protection against malware and other threats. Changes to various system configuration settings (such as new auto-starting applications) are blocked unless the user gives consent.
Another significant new feature is BitLocker Drive Encryption, a data protection technology included in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista that provides encryption for the entire operating system volume. Bitlocker can work in conjunction with a Trusted Platform Module chip (version 1.2) that is on a computer's motherboard, or with a USB key.[19]
A variety of other privilege-restriction techniques are also built into Vista. An example is the concept of "integrity levels" in user processes, whereby a process with a lower integrity level cannot interact with processes of a higher integrity level and cannot perform DLL–injection to a processes of a higher integrity level. The security restrictions of Windows services are more fine-grained, so that services (especially those listening on the network) have no ability to interact with parts of the operating system they do not need to. Obfuscation techniques such as address space layout randomization are used to increase the amount of effort required of malware before successful infiltration of a system. Code Integrity verifies that system binaries haven’t been tampered with by malicious code.
As part of the redesign of the network stack, Windows Firewall has been upgraded, with new support for filtering both incoming and outgoing traffic. Advanced packet filter rules can be created which can grant or deny communications to specific services.
Business technologies
[edit]While much of the focus of Vista's new capabilities has been on the new user interface, security technologies, and improvements to the core operating system, Microsoft is also adding new deployment and maintenance features.
- The WIM image format (Windows IMage) is the cornerstone of Microsoft's new deployment and packaging system. WIM files, which contain an image of Windows Vista, can be maintained and patched without having to rebuild new images. Windows Images can be delivered via Systems Management Server or Business Desktop Deployment technologies. Images can be customized and configured with applications then deployed to corporate client personal computers using little to no touch by a system administrator. ImageX is the Microsoft tool used to create and customize images.
- Windows Deployment Services replaces Remote Installation Services for deploying Vista and prior versions of Windows.
- Approximately 700 new Group Policy settings have been added, covering most aspects of the new features in the operating system, as well as significantly expanding the configurability of wireless networks, removable storage devices, and user desktop experience. Vista also introduced an XML based format (ADMX) to display registry-based policy settings, making it easier to manage networks that span geographic locations and different languages. [20]
- Services for UNIX has been renamed "Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications," and is included with the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista. Network File System (NFS) client support is also included.
- Multilingual User Interface - Unlike previous version of Windows which required language packs to be loaded to provide local language support, Windows Vista Ultimate and Enterprise editions supports the ability to dynamically change languages based on the logged on user's preference.
- Wireless Projector support
Business customers who are enrolled in the Microsoft Software Assurance program are offered a set of additional tools and services collectively known as the "Desktop Optimization Pack". This includes the Microsoft SoftGrid application virtualization platform, an asset inventory service, and additional tools for maintaining Group Policy settings in a fashion similar to a revision control system.
Developer technologies
[edit]Windows Vista includes a large number of new application programming interfaces. Chief among them is the inclusion of version 3.0 of the .NET Framework, which consists of a class library and Common Language Runtime. Version 3.0 includes four new major components:[21]
- Windows Presentation Foundation is a user interface subsystem and framework based vector graphics, which will make use of 3D computer graphics hardware and Direct3D technologies. It provides the foundation for building applications and blending together application UI, documents, and media content. It is the successor to Windows Forms.
- Windows Communication Foundation is a service-oriented messaging subsystem which will enable applications and systems to interoperate locally or remotely using Web services.
- Windows Workflow Foundation provides task automation and integrated transactions using workflows. It is the programming model, engine and tools for building workflow-enabled applications on Windows.
- Windows CardSpace is a component which securely stores digital identities of a person, and provides a unified interface for choosing the identity for a particular transaction, such as logging into a website.
These technologies will also be available for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 to facilitate their introduction to and usage by developers and end users.
There are also significant new development APIs in the core of the operating system, notably the completely re-architected audio, networking, print, and video interfaces, major changes to the security infrastructure, improvements to the deployment and installation of applications ("ClickOnce" and Windows Installer 4.0), new device driver development model ("Windows Driver Foundation"), Transactional NTFS, mobile computing API advancements (power management, Tablet PC Ink support, SideShow) and major updates to (or complete replacements of) many core subsystems such as Winlogon and CAPI.
There are some issues for software developers using some of the graphics APIs in Vista. Games or programs which are built solely on Vista's version of DirectX, 10, will not work on prior versions of Windows, as DirectX 10 is not backwards-compatible at any level.[22] According to a Microsoft blog, there are three choices for OpenGL implementation on Vista. An application can use the default implementation, which translates OpenGL calls into the Direct3D API and is frozen at OpenGL version 1.4, or an application can use an Installable Client Driver (ICD), which comes in two flavors: legacy and Vista-compatible. A legacy ICD, the kind already provided by independent hardware vendors targeting Windows XP, will disable the Desktop Window Manager, noticeably degrading user experience under Windows Aero. A Vista-compatible ICD takes advantage of a new API, and will be fully compatible with the Desktop Window Manager.[23] At least two primary vendors, ATI and NVIDIA, are expected to provide full Vista-compatible ICDs in the near future.[24] However, hardware overlay is not supported, because it is considered as an obsolete feature in Vista. ATI and NVIDIA strongly recommend using compositing desktop/FBOs for same functionality.[25]
Deprecated features
[edit]Some notable Windows XP features and components have been replaced or removed in Windows Vista, including Windows Messenger, the network Messenger Service, HyperTerminal, MSN Explorer, Active Desktop, and the replacement of NetMeeting with Windows Meeting Space. Windows Vista also does not include the Windows XP "Luna" visual theme, or most of the classic color schemes which have been part of Windows since the Windows 3.x era. The "Hardware profiles" startup feature has been removed as well, along with support for older motherboard technologies like the EISA bus, APM and Game port support. IP over 1394 (TCP/IP over IEEE 1394) has been removed.[26]
WinHlp32.exe, used to display 32-bit .hlp files (help pages), is no longer included in Windows Vista as Microsoft considers it obsolete,[27] though it is available as a separate download. Microsoft prohibits software manufacturers from re-introducing the .hlp help system with their products.
Telnet.exe is no longer installed by default, but is still included as an installable feature.[28]
Editions and pricing
[edit]Windows Vista ships in six editions.[29] These editions are roughly divided into two target markets, consumer and business, with editions varying to cater for specific sub-markets. For consumers, there are four editions, with three available for Western countries; Windows Vista Starter is limited to emerging markets. Windows Vista Home Basic is intended for budget users with low needs. Windows Vista Home Premium covers the majority of the consumer market. Windows Vista Ultimate contains the complete feature-set and is aimed at enthusiasts. For businesses, there are two versions. Windows Vista Business covers organizations of all sizes, while Windows Vista Enterprise is only available to customers participating in Microsoft's Software Assurance program.
In the European Union, Home Basic N and Business N versions will also be available. These versions come without Windows Media Player, due to EU sanctions brought against Microsoft for violating anti-trust laws. Similar sanctions exist in South Korea.
Visual styles
[edit]Windows Vista has four distinct visual styles.[30]
- Windows Aero
- Windows Vista's premier visual style is built on a new desktop composition engine called Desktop Window Manager. Windows Aero introduces support for 3D graphics (Windows Flip 3D), translucency effects (Glass), live thumbnails, window animations, and other visual effects, and is intended for mainstream and high-end graphics cards. To enable these features, the contents of every open window is stored in video memory to facilitate tearing-free movement of windows. As such, Windows Aero has significantly higher hardware requirements than its predecessors. 128 MB of graphics memory is the minimum requirement, depending on resolution used.[31] Windows Aero (including Windows Flip 3D) is not included in the Starter and Home Basic editions.
- Windows Vista Standard
- This mode is a variation of Windows Aero without the glass effects, window animations, and other advanced graphical effects such as Windows Flip 3D. Like Windows Aero, it uses the Desktop Window Manager, and has generally the same video hardware requirements as Windows Aero. This is the default mode for the Windows Vista Home Basic Edition. The Starter Edition does not support this mode.
- Windows Vista Basic
- This mode has aspects that are similar to Windows XP's visual style with the addition of subtle animations such as those found on progress bars. It does not employ the Desktop Window Manager; as such, it does not feature transparency or translucency, window animation, Windows Flip 3D or any of the functions provided by the DWM. The Basic mode does not require the new Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) for display drivers, and has similar graphics card requirements to Windows XP. For computers with graphics cards that are not powerful enough to support Windows Aero, this is the default graphics mode.
- Windows Classic
- An option for corporate deployments and upgrades, Windows Classic has the look and feel of Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, does not use the Desktop Window Manager, and does not require a WDDM driver. As with prior versions of Windows, this visual style supports "color schemes," which are a collection of color settings. Windows Vista includes six classic color schemes, comprised of four high-contrast color schemes and the default color schemes from Windows 98 and Windows 2000.
File:Windows Aero.png |
File:Windows Vista Basic.png |
File:Windows Standard.png |
Hardware requirements
[edit]Computers capable of running Windows Vista are classified as Vista Capable and Vista Premium Ready.[32] A Vista Capable or equivalent PC will be capable of running all editions of Windows Vista although some of the special features and high end graphics options may require additional or more advanced hardware. A Vista Premium Ready PC will take advantage of Vista's "high-end" features.[33]
Windows Vista's "Basic" and "Classic" interfaces will work with virtually any graphics hardware that supports Windows XP or 2000; accordingly, most discussion around Vista's graphics requirements centers on those for the Windows Aero interface. As of Windows Vista Beta 2, the NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 and later, the ATI Radeon 9500 and later, Intel's GMA 950 integrated graphics, and a handful of VIA chipsets and S3 Graphics discrete chips are supported.[34] Microsoft offers a tool called the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor[35] to assist XP and Vista users in determining what versions of Windows their machine is capable of running.
Vista Capable[31] | Vista Premium Ready[31] | |
---|---|---|
Processor | 800 MHz | 1.0 GHz |
Memory | 512 MB RAM | 1 GB RAM |
Graphics card | DirectX 9 capable | DirectX 9 capable GPU with Hardware Pixel Shader v2.0 and WDDM 1.0 driver support |
Graphics memory | N/A | 128 MB RAM supports up to 2,756,000 total pixels (e.g. 1920 × 1200) or 512 MB+ for greater resolutions such as 2560x1600[36] |
HDD capacity | 20 GB | 40 GB |
HDD free space | 15 GB | 15 GB |
Other drives | DVD-ROM | DVD-ROM |
Service packs
[edit]Microsoft occasionally releases service packs for its Windows operating systems to fix problems and add features.
Service Pack 1
[edit]Template:Future software Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is currently in development. Microsoft Server and Tools chief Bob Muglia confirmed reports that SP1 would be released alongside Windows Server 2008, another Microsoft product due in the second half of 2007.[37] This target date was confirmed again in a filing with the U.S. Justice Department which said that SP1 would be released by the end of 2007.[38]
Microsoft is known to be planning to include the following changes in SP1:
- Improvements to Group Policy management tools.[39]
- Performance improvements with Windows Disk Defragmenter that are also slated for Server 2008.[40]
- New security APIs for the benefit of antivirus software that currently relies on the unsupported practice of patching the kernel.[41][42]
- Users will be able to change the default desktop search program to one provided by a third party instead of the Microsoft desktop search program that comes with Windows Vista. Third-party desktop search programs will be able to seamlessly tie in their services into the operating system.[38]
Reports from various sources have suggested that SP1 will include a kernel that will be up-to-date with the version to be shipped with Server 2008.[43] A newer version of Windows Media Center is under development, but whether this will be included with the service pack, or be released separately, has not been clarified by Microsoft.
Criticism
[edit]Criticisms of Windows Vista include protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media,[44] and the usability of the new User Account Control security technology. Reviewers have also noted similarities between Vista's Aero interface and that of Apple's Aqua interface for the Mac OS X operating system, particularly around the use of transition effects. Moreover, some concerns have been raised about many PCs meeting "Vista Premium Ready" hardware requirements and Vista's pricing.
- Licensing and cost
- The introduction of additional licensing restrictions has been criticized. Criticism of upgrade licenses pertaining to Windows Vista Starter through Home Premium was expressed by Ars Technica's Ken Fisher, who noted that the new requirement of having a prior operating system already installed was going to cause irritation for users who reinstall Windows on a regular basis.[45] It has been revealed that an Upgrade copy Windows Vista can be installed clean without first installing a previous version of Windows. On the first install, Windows will refuse to activate. The user must then reinstall that same copy of Vista. Vista will then activate on the reinstall, thus allowing a user to install an Upgrade of Windows Vista without owning a previous operating system.[46] As with Windows XP, separate rules still apply to OEM versions of Vista installed on new PCs; these are not legally transferrable.[47] The cost of Windows Vista has also been a source of concern and commentary. A majority of users in a poll said that the prices of various Windows Vista editions posted on the Microsoft Canada website in August 2006 make the product too expensive.[48] A BBC News report on the day of Vista's release suggested that, "there may be a backlash from consumers over its pricing plans - with the cost of Vista versions in the US roughly half the price of equivalent versions in the UK."[49]
- Digital Rights Management
- Another common criticism concerns the integration of new forms of Digital Rights Management into the operating system, specifically the introduction of the Protected Video Path. This architecture is designed such that "premium content" from HD DVD or Blu-ray discs may mandate that the connections between PC components be encrypted. Devices such as graphic cards must be approved by Microsoft. Depending on what the content demands, the devices may not pass premium content over non-encrypted outputs, or they must artificially degrade the quality of the signal on such outputs or not display it all. There is also a revocation mechanism that allows Microsoft to disable drivers of compromised devices in end-user PCs over the Internet.[50] Peter Gutmann, security researcher and author of the open source cryptlib library, claims that these mechanisms violate fundamental rights of the user (such as fair use), unnecessarily increase the cost of hardware, and make systems less reliable and vulnerable to denial-of-service attacks.[51] Proponents have claimed that Microsoft had no choice but to follow the demands of the movie studios, and that the technology will not actually be enabled until after 2010;[52][53] Microsoft also noted that content protection mechanisms have existed in Windows as far back as Windows Me, and that the new protections will not apply to any existing content (only future contents).[54]
- User Account Control
- Concerns have been raised about the new User Account Control (UAC) security technology. While Yankee Group analyst Andrew Jaquith believes that critical security vulnerabilities may be "reduced by as much as 80%," he also noted that "while the new security system shows promise, it is far too chatty and annoying."[55] However, this statement was made over six months before Vista was actually released (even before Beta 2 was released). By the time Windows Vista was released in November 2006, Microsoft had drastically reduced the number of operating system tasks that triggered UAC prompts, and added file and registry virtualization to reduce the number of legacy applications that trigger UAC prompts.[56]
- Similarity to Mac OS X
- Another criticism is a claim by some that Windows Vista emulates specific features in Apple's Mac OS X. Long-time Mac columnist and book author John Rizzo noted in an eWeek article that Vista incorporated features which Mac OS X has had for some time such as fast searching, seen in the Spotlight feature on the Mac, Smart Folders functionality already available in the Mac's Finder, and that the icons, terminology and visual appearance mimic those of Mac OS X.[57] Others have come to a similar conclusion that Aero is an imitation of Aqua.[58] However, some of these counterparts or similarities (such as Windows Desktop Search to Mac OS X's Spotlight) were included in early alpha versions of Vista, demonstrated in prototypes, or released as products for Windows XP before Apple included the features in Mac OS X v10.4.[59][60]
- Hardware requirements
- Some controversy and concerns have arisen over how the increase in hardware specifications required to take advantage of many of Vista's new features may have an impact on both personal and business users.[61][62] While most Desktop PCs purchased after 2002 and laptops purchased after 2005 will be able to meet Vista’s minimum “Windows Vista Capable” requirements, many laptops and low-end to midrange desktops with integrated graphics will not be able to meet “Windows Vista Premium Ready” requirements and will therefore not be able to run advanced features such as the Aero Glass interface.[63][64]
See also
[edit]Lua error: bad argument #2 to 'title.new' (unrecognized namespace name 'Portal').
- History of Microsoft Windows
- Comparison of Windows versions
- List of games with DirectX 10 support
- Microsoft Office 2007 — the current release of Microsoft Office that shipped simultaneously with Windows Vista.
- Windows Server 2008 — the successor to Windows Server 2003 and based on the same codebase as Windows Vista.
- Windows "Vienna" — the next major release of the Windows operating system planned for release during the 2009–2011 time period
Notes and references
[edit]- ^ Microsoft (2005-07-22). Media Alert: Microsoft Unveils Official Name for “Longhorn” and Sets Date for First Beta Targeted at Developers and IT Professionals. Retrieved on 2007-01-02.
- ^ Microsoft Launches Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System to Consumers. PressCentre. Microsoft New Zealand (2007-01-30). Retrieved on 2007-01-30.
- ^ Windows Marketplace: Windows Vista Upgrade Editions: Get Started. Windows Marketplace. Microsoft (2007-01-30). Retrieved on 2007-01-30.
- ^ a b Ricadela, Aaron (2006-02-14). Gates Says Security Is Job One For Vista. InformationWeek News. Retrieved on 2006-08-13.
- ^ a b Ricciuti, Mike (2004-06-01). Microsoft: Longhorn beta unlikely this year. CNet News. Retrieved on 2006-08-12.
- ^ Galli, Peter (2001-07-30). Pushing Forward - the next version of Windows. eWeek. Retrieved on 2006-07-07.
- ^ Steve Lipner, Michael Howard (March 2005). The Trustworthy Computing Security Development Lifecycle. Microsoft Developer Network. Retrieved on 2006-08-09.
- ^ A Closer Look at Windows Vista Part II: Enhanced Search. National Instruments (2006).
- ^ Windows Internet Explorer, Printing Advances Printing in IE7.
- ^ Windows Mail Features Explained, See Reliability Section Windows Mail.
- ^ Windows Mail was demonstrated by the development team in this Channel 9 video.
- ^ Selected Scenarios for Maintaining Data Integrity with Windows Vista. Microsoft (2006). Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
- ^ Windows Update, Easier and Less Distruptive Windows Update in Windows Vista.
- ^ Windows Vista, SAPI Talking Windows
- ^ TWAR05002_WinHEC05.ppt at download.microsoft.com. Retrieved on 2007-01-25.
- ^ Windows Vista, The System Assesment Tool WinSat.
- ^ blogs.technet.com. Retrieved on 2007-01-25.
- ^ Protected Mode IE has been described in detail at the Internet Explorer team blog: Protected Mode in Vista IE7 and More details on Protected Mode IE in Windows Vista.
- ^ BitLocker Drive Encryption: Executive Overview. Microsoft (2006-04-05). Retrieved on 2007-06-19.
- ^ What's New in Group Policy in Windows Vista and Windows Server "Longhorn". TechNet. Microsoft. Retrieved on 2006-05-18.
- ^ .NET Framework 3.0 Technologies, Microsoft
- ^ Booker, Logan (2005-09-15). DirectX 10: More harm than good for graphics?. Maximum Power Computing Atomic. Retrieved on 2006-05-28.
- ^ VedBrat, Kam (2006-02-22). more comments.... MSDN Blogs. Retrieved on 2006-05-28.
- ^ Trevett, Neil (2006). OpenGL on Vista. Khronos Group. Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
- ^ Nguyen, Tuan. OpenGL Now Natively Supported in Windows Vista. Retrieved on 2007-01-25.
- ^ Discontinued Support for IP over 1394. Microsoft (2004-12-08). Retrieved on 2007-06-22.
- ^ Microsoft Removes WinHlp32.exe from Vista. Microsoft (2006-06-27). Retrieved on 2006-08-31.
- ^ Tekmaven (2006-05-02). Windows Vista does not include Telnet...or does it?. Retrieved on 2007-06-22.
- ^ "Microsoft Unveils Windows Vista Product Lineup". PressPass (Press release). Microsoft. 2006-02-26. Retrieved 2006-10-31.
- ^ VedBrat, Kam. Desktop And Presentation Impact On Hardware Design (Powerpoint presentation). Microsoft. Retrieved on 2006-09-01.
- ^ a b c Windows Vista Enterprise Hardware Planning Guidance. TechNet. Microsoft (2006). Retrieved on 2006-10-26.
- ^ Microsoft and PC Manufacturers Make It Easier for Customers to Get Ready for Windows Vista. PressPass. Microsoft (2006-05-18). Retrieved on 2006-05-18.
- ^ Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. Retrieved on 2006-06-25.
- ^ MsBetas' List of Vista Ready GPUs. Retrieved on 2007-04-07.
- ^ Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. Retrieved on 2006-06-25.
- ^ 64 MB RAM supports Aero with up to 1,310,720 total pixels (e.g. 1280 × 1024) but is not Premium Ready [1]
- ^ "Microsoft's Muglia Talks Longhorn, Novell and Java", eWeek, 2006-11-17, pp. 3. Retrieved on 2007-06-19.
- ^ a b Fried, Ina. "Microsoft agrees to change Vista desktop search", ZDNet News, 2007-06-19. Retrieved on 2007-06-19.
- ^ Managing Group Policy with Windows Vista. Microsoft (June 1 2006). Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
- ^ Don’t judge a book by its cover – why Windows Vista Defrag is cool. The Filing Cabinet. MSDN Blogs (January 26 2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
- ^ Fulton, Scott M., III. "Vista SP1 to Include Common Security APIs for Partners", BetaNews, 2006-10-19. Retrieved on 2007-06-12.
- ^ Kernel Patch Protection Criteria Evaluation Document. Microsoft (2006-12-19). Retrieved on 2007-06-12.
- ^ Thurrott, Paul (2007-02-14). Windows "Vienna"/"Seven"/"7" FAQ. Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
- ^ Sullivan, John (2007-03-06). What's wrong with Microsoft Windows Vista?. Bad Vista. Retrieved on 2007-03-24.
- ^ Fisher, Ken (2007-01-28). Vista "upgrade" drops compliance checking, requires old OS to install. Ars Technica. Retrieved on 2007-01-28.
- ^ Thurrott, Paul (2007-02-03). How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade Media. Paul Thurrott. Retrieved on 2007-02-05.
- ^ Fried, Ina (2006-10-16). Microsoft limits Vista transfers. CNET News.com. Retrieved on 2006-10-19.
- ^ Beer, Stan (2006-08-30). Windows Vista too expensive says users. ITWire.com. Retrieved on 2006-10-19.
- ^ Microsoft starts Vista hard sell. Technology. BBC News (2007-01-30). Retrieved on 2007-01-30.
- ^ Output Content Protection and Windows Vista. WHDC. Microsoft (2005-04-27). Retrieved on 2007-01-08.
- ^ Gutmann, Peter (2007-01-27). A Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection. Retrieved on 2007-01-27. Also available: PDF version
- ^ Smith, Paul (2006-12-31). Windows Vista DRM nonsense. Retrieved on 2007-01-03.
- ^ Fisher, Ken (2006-05-21). Hollywood reportedly in agreement to delay forced quality downgrades for Blu-ray, HD DVD. Ars Technica. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
- ^ Marsh, Dave (2007-01-20). Windows Vista Content Protection - Twenty Questions (and Answers). Windows Vista team blog. Microsoft. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
- ^ Evers, Joris (2006-05-07). Report: Vista to hit anti-spyware, firewall markets. ZDNet News. CNet. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
- ^ Charles (2007-03-05). UAC - What. How. Why. (video). Retrieved on 2007-03-23.
- ^ Rizzo, John (2005-07-31). Apple's Tiger vs. Windows Vista: Who Comes Out Ahead?. eWeek. Retrieved on 2006-05-08.
- ^ Windows Vista resembles OS X. MacNN (2006-03-09). Retrieved on 2006-05-08.
- ^ Thurrott, Paul (2002-11-13). "Longhorn" Alpha Preview. Windows SuperSite. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
- ^ Thurrott, Paul (May 27 2005). MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search Review. Windows SuperSite. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
- ^ Wagner, Mitch (2006-03-01). Microsoft Will Stumble On Windows Vista And Office 2007. Informationweek.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-16.
- ^ Judge, Elizabeth (2006-05-20). Windows revamp 'too advanced for most PCs'. The Times. Retrieved on 2006-08-15.
- ^ Spooner, John G. and Mary Jo Foley (2005-08-05). Will Your PC Run Windows Vista?. eWeek. Retrieved on 2006-08-15.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Peters, Luke (2006-07-18). How Vista will affect notebooks. PC World. Retrieved on 2006-08-15.
External links
[edit]Definitions from Wiktionary | |
Media from Commons | |
News stories from Wikinews | |
Quotations from Wikiquote | |
Source texts from Wikisource | |
Textbooks from Wikibooks | |
Learning resources from Wikiversity |
Microsoft
[edit]- Microsoft Windows Vista — Microsoft Windows Vista homepage
- Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Info — Windows Vista Upgrade planning
- Microsoft Windows Vista Product Guide — Contains complete, feature-by-feature comparisons of the various Windows Vista editions
- Microsoft Windows Vista Hardware Design — Hardware Design for Windows Vista — News for Driver Developers and Hardware Engineers
- Microsoft Technet — Windows Vista: Resources for IT Professionals
- MSDN — Windows Vista Developer Center on MSDN
- The Windows Vista Blog — Official blog of the Windows Vista Team
- See Windows Vista — Official website with information on how the new Windows Vista Operating System works
Reviews and screenshots
[edit]- Windows Vista Screenshots Gallery Archived 2008-05-05 at the Wayback Machine — Collection of Vista Screenshots from Different Builds
- Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows — Windows Vista Activity Center
- How secure is Window's new Vista? Archived 2006-12-25 at the Wayback Machine
- Features of Windows Vista
- Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit Performance Compared
- Windows Vista Ultimate — CNET review
- Windows XP vs. Vista: The Benchmark Rundown — Tom's Hardware Guide review
Criticism
[edit]- CNET — Hollywood, Microsoft align on new Windows
- Technology Review Archived 2006-04-12 at the Wayback Machine — Will Windows Upgrade Hand Power To Big Media?
Security vulnerabilities
[edit]- Vulnerability Report: Microsoft Windows Vista including known unpatched vulnerabilities from Secunia
- Vista vulnerabilities from SecurityFocus
Microsoft Windows | |
---|---|
MS-DOS/9x-based: | 1.0 • 2.0 • 2.1x • 3.0 • 3.1x • 95 • 98 • Me |
NT-based: | NT 3.1 • NT 3.5 • NT 3.51 • NT 4.0 • 2000 • XP • Server 2003 • FLP • Vista |
CE-based: | CE 1.0 • CE 2.0 • CE 3.0 • CE 4.0 • CE 5.0 • CE 6.0 • Mobile |
Forthcoming: | Server 2008 • Home Server • "Vienna" |
Other projects: | Neptune • Nashville • Cairo • OS/2 |
- All articles with dead external links
- Articles with dead external links from February 2024
- Articles with invalid date parameter in template
- Articles with permanently dead external links
- Pages with broken file links
- Articles with hatnote templates targeting a nonexistent page
- Webarchive template wayback links
- Windows Vista
- Proprietary software
- Windows NT
- 2006 software