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Windows Vista started as an unrealistically ambitious project in 2001. At that time, Vista was based on the Windows XP code base, which had just shipped that October. After numerous security problems with Windows XP and years of work on Vista, Microsoft realized that the project couldn’t ship given the current feature goals and insecure code base.

So in 2004, Microsoft halted development of Vista and focused on providing a security-focused release to Windows XP, called Service Pack 2. Shortly after shipping Windows XP SP2, Microsoft effectively "reset" the Vista project and began with the new and more secure Windows Server 2003 code base. What followed was a much faster paced development cycle and eventual release of Windows Vista in November of 2006.

So, what’s new? The reality is that Vista is a complete revolution of the consumer operating system from Microsoft. Recent competition from the likes of Mac OS X and Linux has forced Microsoft to step up and deliver.

The first thing you’ll notice is the glossy new interface, Aero. The windows have a transparent look and the overall appearance is very Mac-like. My favorite feature is the new search mechanism. When you click on the Vista logo in the start menu, the focus is given to the search box. So, you can either type in what you’re looking for or use the redesigned start menu to find a program or change your system settings. The search function is more than just a search; it’s a program launcher as well. Opening Microsoft Word is a matter of clicking the start button, typing in "word", and pressing enter. A second or so later you’ll find Microsoft Word launching on your desktop. Now that’s a good user experience.

I’ve been working with Vista daily for a month and so far I’m impressed. It’s familiar but new at the same time. Windows XP users will ease into the new environment and enjoy the subtle differences along the way. Mac users probably won’t notice a lot of benefit but the honest ones would be impressed by Microsoft’s efforts. It’s easy to see that Vista has caught up to Mac OS X from the presentation perspective.

Vista brings a whole new suite of tools welcomed by developers. Microsoft .NET 3.0 ships with the operating system and provides an entirely new way to display windows and widgets to the screen. This is the first time that’s happened since the very beginning of Windows. This is a major feature that will be seen as developers get comfortable with the new environment. Consumers should expect much cleaner and nicer looking software as this transition takes place.
In addition to the easy-to-see differences, Vista brings a security focus to the desktop, something first seen out of Microsoft with Windows XP SP2. The most notable feature is User Account Control, which allows users to run the operating system with limited privileges. When administrative rights are needed to perform an action, a prompt is displayed asking for your permission to perform the requested action. Apple has portrayed this situation in their "Get a Mac" advertising campaign with a secret service-looking character confirming every action the PC takes or receives. As funny as the ad may be, it’s not entirely accurate. Once you get past the initial setup, you’ll rarely see the UAC prompts. They’ve been well placed in most cases.

UAC is a major shift in how you’ll use your computer. Running as an administrator, as we’ve been doing with Windows XP, gives you complete access to the system. That may sound like a desirable situation but when a virus gets on to your system, it runs with those same administrative privileges. With UAC, a virus would only have direct rights to the files you have rights to, causing much less damage than what was previously possible.

Overall Windows Vista marks a milestone for desktop computing. It’s not that the product is that good, it’s because it’s Microsoft and, like it or not, they own the desktop computing world. Their awareness to past security problems and the competition’s user experiences shows in Vista. People will be happy with Vista; you’ll get the same cool effects seen in Mac OS X coupled with the familiarity of Windows XP. While Vista still has its early problems like any new operating system, it’s a large step forward for Microsoft and easily the best operating system they’ve ever released.

Source:Richmond.com - Feature Story: 'The New Vista ' for