A welcome new feature for families, built-in parental controls allow parents (and companies) to monitor usage, set time limits and control access to web sites, programs, and games by individual family members (or employees). Web site filtering also blocks designated sites, prevents file downloads, and filters objectionable content.
The business editions of Vista offer useful backup features to preserve files and data. A feature called Shadow Copy automatically creates "point-in-time" file copies as you work so you can later retrieve versions of a document that has been accidentally overwritten or deleted. A new system image feature completely backs up a PC, including its personal and system files, programs, and settings.
Windows Vista comes with enhanced security to guard against whatever lurks on the Internet. Dynamic security in Windows Internet Explorer 7 guards against threats such as online phishing scams, malware, and fraudulent websites, and Windows Defender technology minimizes pop-ups and threats posed by spyware. Finally, Windows Firewall with Advanced Security offers stronger protection from online attacks.
If your computer is ever lost or stolen, a valuable new feature available in Windows Vista Ultimate called Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption keeps data confidential through full-volume encryption. While Vista has seemingly covered the security bases, built-in anti-virus features are curiously missing. For this basic security feature, you'll still need to turn to the traditional players — Symantec, McAfee and their ilk — or purchase Microsoft's Windows OneCare Live utility.
One other feature worth mentioning, when you upgrade to Windows Vista, a welcome new addition called Windows Easy Transfer simplifies the process of setting up a new PC by automatically transferring important files, folders, photos, music, settings, and e-mail messages from your old computer to your new one. It's a time saver that eases a once daunting process.
Money, Money, Money
While Windows Vista offers some tantalizing new features and a cool contemporary look, to get into the door, be prepared to shell out at least $100. This is a lot to pay for something that your computer has to have to run. Since pricing, features, and versions are so complicated and varied with upgrades and outright purchases, you can compare versions and pricing by clicking here.
Undoubtedly, as in past versions, there will be hiccups in early versions so it's always smart to wait a bit for things to settle down and the software to mature. Is it cool to be the first on your block with Vista? It's not like a wide screen television. And who really wants to pay to be an early adopter and deal with tech support issues?
If you're a home user, wait on Vista and make the upgrade when you purchase your next computer. But if you're an administrator, you'll probably want to start to evaluate Vista now. After all, it's the inevitable future and eventually, as you retire old PCs and purchase new ones, it's something that you'll have to deal with.
Windows Vista Home Basic has a suggested retail price of $199.00 USD (upgrade $99.95 USD). Windows Vista Home Premium has a suggested retail price of $239.00 USD (upgrade $159.00 USD). Windows Vista Business has a suggested retail price of $299.00 USD (upgrade $199.00 USD). And Windows Vista Ultimate has a suggested retail price of $399.00 USD (upgrade $259.00 USD).
Pros: Improved search features, good multimedia capabilities, attractive enhancements to the Windows interface, improved security
Cons: Expensive, no built-in antivirus protection, needs lots of computing horsepower to take advantage of flashy Aero graphics interface
