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Resize Disk Partitions Without Data Loss
Unlike Windows XP, Vista will allow you to change the size of an existing disk partition without wiping out your data. From the Start menu, right-click Computer and choose Manage. Then select Disk Management and select the partition you want to change. You can then choose either Extend Volume or Shrink Volume and specify a new size.
If you're running Vista on a portable system, the Windows Mobility Center can put several important configuration options within easy reach. From the Windows Mobility Center you'll be able to view and adjust settings for power management, wireless networking, external displays, and synchronization to handheld devices.
From here you can also conveniently put the notebook into presentation mode, which will do things like disable standby/hibernate modes (as well as disable the screen saver) and set the speakers to a predefined volume.
A View to More Vista
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Do Your Drivers Speak Vista?
No matter how much beta testing an OS has gone through, the release of a new operating system version inevitably results in some broken or poorly optimized drivers for your hardware, especially when it comes to older equipment. While not all hardware has been optimized for Vista yet, a wealth of Vista-optimized driver updates have been made available in recent months.
Our partner site WinDrivers has a helpful (and frequently updated) list of the most current Vista drivers for a variety of hardware tools. You can also check the harware vendor's Website to ensure you're using the latest Windows Vista-certified driver for your equipment.
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Does Your Software Speak Vista?
Your existing hardware's compatibility with Vista isn't the only factor you need to consider when upgrading to Windows Vista, as not all software will work in Microsoft's new operating system. Microsoft has created two logos to help customers identify whether an app will work under Vista or not.
An app that carries the Certified for Windows Vista logo has passed a rigorous testing program on computers that are running Windows Vista that focuses on four core areas: reliability, security, compatibility with Windows Vista and future operating systems, and installation and removal.
The Works with Windows Vista logo applies to a less stringent certification program and is used for existing software programs that have met Microsoft's guidelines for Windows Vista compatibility.
Microsoft has an extensive list of applications that have earned either the Certified for Windows Vista or Works with Windows Vista logo available on this Vista Software compatibility page.
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Want More from Vista?
Windows Vista development didn't cease with the operating system's mainstream release on January 30th. The Vista team continues to refine and optimize the operating system as well as release new features and Vista-specific tools. Many of these updates, security patches, and bug fixes will be downloaded and updated automatically via Windows Update, but some of the add-on tools and Vista-enabled software need to be downloaded separately.
Microsoft's Windows Vista Team Blog is the first place to look for continued Vista developments and new technology and software releases such as Sliverlight and Windows Media Player on Firefox.
We've also compiled a collection of links to Windows Vista resources that we recommend for discovering the latest Vista tips, tricks, and secrets. Enjoy, and if you have your own Vista tips and secrets that you'd like to share with others, send them to us and we'll include them in a future Vista Tips article.
