|
|
|
|
|
Microsoft Windows Vista |
|
Join the community - in the OCAU Forums!
|
Experience Index, Features Continued
Windows Experience Index:
Vista comes with the ability to benchmark and grade your computer system on its performance. This is called the “Windows Experience Index”, in which you are given a score between 1 and 5.9 in each category tested and the final score is simply the lowest. This gives you an idea of what is bottlenecking the system. Here is an overview of the different categories and what my test setups obtained:
As computer systems improve, Microsoft is planning to update this with higher possible index numbers however a particular computer's index will not change as time passes (unless the computer is upgraded).
Networking:
Windows Vista’s networking interface has been completely reorganized. Network configuration all revolves around the Network and Sharing Centre. It allows you to configure many of the common networking settings from a single window and in Vista it doesn’t require a restart of the OS like some network changes in XP did.
Another neat feature is the network map which maps out the computers and devices on the network. I was skeptical about its ability at first but it managed to detect my Vista laptop running off wireless and it correctly identified all of my networking hardware.
New Multimedia Features:
Windows Vista comes with a few new nifty features aimed at multimedia tasks. Windows Media Centre comes with Windows by default (only selected versions). Windows Media Player 11 is included and has a much improved interface however those who are dedicated to programs like iTunes and Winamp may not be swayed by it.
There is a new and improved photo viewer which unlike the default one in XP can have multiple instances of the program open at once. The photo viewer can also play videos so if you have pictures and video in a directory you can easily switch between them with this program. It also has an improved slide show feature with fancy transitions.
Games:
Vista comes with a much richer selection of games than its predecessors. Along with the Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, Minesweeper and Hearts (which have all been remade with much nicer graphics) there are also Chess Titans, Inkball (a puzzle game), FreeCell, Mahjong Titans and Purple Palace (a game oriented at children). Pinball however has been completely dropped from the Vista games selection.
 
The Games Browser allows you to view the games you have on your computer and their requirements based on the Windows Experience index. All of the games bundled with Vista require a score of 1 to play and a score of 2 is recommended. They all ran fine on both test machines.
Security Features:
As you may know, Microsoft is touting Vista as its most secure operating system ever. Although the jury is still out on its security, it's clear some effort has been made in that direction. Windows Defender is included by default which provides rudimentary Spyware scanning and removing features.
UAC is a technology implemented in Vista to make it more secure by prompting the user before an administrative change is about to take place. When you are prompted for administrative approval the entire screen darkens and a window appears to confirm your choice. Although it doesn’t look like much, a lot of things are going on in the background. Apparently a screenshot of the desktop is taken and the real desktop is taken away so nothing else can be accessed while the computer is awaiting your decision.
The Security Centre interface has been changed vastly from Windows XP SP2, with a more standard UI which fits the Vista layout.
|
|
Advertisement:
All original content copyright James Rolfe.
All rights reserved. No reproduction allowed without written permission.
Interested in advertising on OCAU? Contact us for info.
|
|
