Microsoft launches Windows Vista

The long-awaited new operating system from Microsoft, Windows Vista, was launched worldwide on 30 January to domestic users, two months after the roll-out to corporate customers.

Windows XP

Vista replaces Windows XP, and is touted to be the fastest selling operating system ever. Predictions are that it will be used on the vast majority of PCs within a couple of years. However, it’s estimated that most home users will obtain the new system through the purchase of a new PC rather than by purchasing an upgrade.

The stats are incredible: over 10,000 people worked on developing Vista. It cost $20 million (£10 million) to make, and was in development for over five years. Now seven years since the launch of XP, it’s Microsoft’s longest ever gap between operating system product launches and has been awaited with much anticipation

Features of Vista

There are six versions of Vista, which range from the most basic domestic package to the most advanced corporate system. General features include enhanced graphics and media compatibility, making it much better for playing games. The graphics on the desktop are also improved, with the new Aero 3-D style interface (which may require the latest graphics cards to view). Another improvement on XP is a more sophisticated search facility, to make it easier to find files and applications. There will also be a sidebar with useful small applications on constant view on the desktop, for ease of access, such as task lists and up-to-date weather reports. In addition, there’s improved connectivity for wi-fi and Bluetooth devices.

Security issues on XP

Furthermore, one of the main gripes about XP was its various security issues, so Vista has worked hard to eliminate these and provide a system that’s safer all round. Vista comes with a built-in firewall and anti-spyware tool, as well as a program to combat phishing. The regular updates, as featured in XP, will continue to ensure the system remains watertight.

At the same time as rolling out Vista, Microsoft has also launched the latest version of Office, its suite of productivity programs. Office 2007 includes enhancements to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. A new version of Microsoft Exchange, the company’s networking software package, is also now available. Both Office 2007 and Microsoft Exchange 2007 are compatible with Vista and its predecessor XP.

Not everyone is excited about Microsoft’s new launches though. Again, the company has been brought under the spotlight of the European Commission for potential anti-competition practices as a result of its domination of the market and its integrated system tools. Competitors of the software giant continue to complain that it’s becoming more difficult than ever to compete, and these claims are being investigated.