Computer tips and tricks

Search and Organize in Windows Vista

Explore the new Windows Vista start menu.

Looking for specific applications, Web sites, and e-mails
is faster than ever with the streamlined Windows Vista
start menu. To find a specific application or file, click the
Windows key on the keyboard (or open the start menu)
and enter the file name in the Instant Search field. As
you type, Windows Vista dynamically searches filenames,
metadata, and the full text of all files and displays the
choices by file type. For example, type “out” to find
Microsoft® Outlook®.

Discover the new Vista search explorer.

Try filtering by type using the search pane and selecting
Documents. Next choose to see your files in another way,
via the new stack view. Select the author column header
control drop down menu, and choose the option to Stack
by author. Explore all the documents by a particular
author by double clicking on an author’s stack. Now, save
that search as a new search folder. Choose the option
Save Search found on the top command bar and name
and save your search folder. In the future, to
re-run it, simply select the Searches folder link on the
left side navigation pane, and double click on your search

Experience the enhanced user interface.

If your PC supports the Windows® Aero™ user experience,
open multiple files and see how easy it is to locate the
right open window using the breakthrough Windows Flip
(simply ALT+TAB) or Flip 3D (Windows key+TAB).

Labels: Windows Vista

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How to choose the Right Windows Vista Edition

It has been confirmed that Microsoft's next generation operating system "Windows Vista" will be available in stores from January 2007. Microsoft has been working hard past few years for this release and I believe this version of Windows is worth buying.

Windows Vista Editions
Unlike Windows XP, Vista comes in 6 different versions and each of them is different in its features and price. Obviously you will be at confusion while choosing from the different versions.

1. Windows Vista Starter Edition
This version is the stripped down version of the basic home edition. This means it has the lowest feature set and security. It is more like a demo for all other editions of Vista. This version is only available in emerging regions like India, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia & Thailand.

2. Windows Vista Home Basic Edition
This is more like Windows XP Home Edition. Just the enough features for casual Internet browsing and entertainment. This edition does not have the important features like Aero UI & Windows media technologies.

3. Windoes Vista Home Premium Edition
This is more similar to Windows XP media centre edition. It has all the important features required for normal Home entertainment PC. This edition comes with Aero UI, Scheduled back up feature & premium games. Thus if you are addicted to XP media center edition, this is the vista equivalent for you.

4. Vista Business Edition
Business Edition of Windows Vista is equivalent to XP Professional Edition. It has all the features of Home Premium Edition except parental control and has some additional feature for faxing & scanning. This also has shadow copy - system back up & recovery service to keep your data safe. If you are a XP Pro fan like me, this is the right version to look forward.

5. Vista Enterprise Edition
From the name itself, it should be clear that it is for big enterprises where data protection is important. The major difference between Vista Business and Enterprise is the added data encryption & security features. You only need to buy this version if you are running a business and need more security for your data.

6. Vista Ultimate Edition
If you have all the designed features of Windows vista in one package, you call it Windows Vista Ultimate. It has all the features of Home Premium and Business Enterprise Editions. Unfortunately, I'm yet to learn the prospects of this edition.

Thus if you are an avid gamer, movie enthusiast or an audiophile, Home Premium is the best choice. If you just need a PC for emailing and document processing, Vista Home Basic is your edition. For small businesses, I would recommend Vista Business Edition.

Article Source: http://www.kokkada.com

Jason Brown is a Windows Vista enthusiast. For more articles & information on Windows vista, visit his Windows Vista News website.

Labels: Windows Vista

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Windows Vista System Requirements

Home Basic Windows Vista

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
* 512 MB of system memory
* 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
* DVD-ROM drive
* Audio Output
* Internet access (fees may apply)

Additional Requirements

Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer.

While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors.

Home Premium / Business / Ultimate Windows Vista

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
* 1 GB of system memory
* 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
o WDDM Driver
o 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
o Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
o 32 bits per pixel
* DVD-ROM drive
* Audio Output
* Internet access (fees may apply)

Additional Requirements

Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer.

While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors.
Home Premium / Ultimate

TV tuner card required for TV functionality (compatible remote control optional).
Home Premium / Business / Ultimate

Windows Tablet and Touch Technology requires a Tablet PC or a touch screen.
Ultimate

Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption requires a USB Flash Drive and a system with a TPM 1.2 chip.

Labels: Windows Vista