Differences Between Windows XP and Windows Vista

These days with computer software programs whirring about, both new and old, consumers wonder time and time again if the latest upgrades are any different from the original. There are differences between Windows XP and the recently added to the Windows family, Windows Vista.
What is the difference you ask? Is the consumer receiving more security and stability with one Software than the other? And most of all, why would you want to switch to Windows Vista after the Windows XP appears to have everything I need? The short answer would have to be that there are several reasons why you should upgrade to
Windows Vista because where Windows XP lacks, Windows Vista makes up for it. Therefore, that is where you will find the differences between both software. Windows Vista includes:
• New Features
• Improved Security
• Better overall user experience

Windows XP stands for Xperiences. XP was designed to help the user to communicate easier while being fun and interesting at the same time. With XP you could experience digital photography, digital video, digital music, the Internet, mobile computing, connecting home, and real-time communications. Applications were able to work more efficiently on tasks. For example you could use
AOL and Netscape for web and email then be able to use Kodak and digital camera software to use besides the program Microsoft provides. Before XP was distributed in stores Windows wanted a new UI to provide various visual styles to the OS. The new UI only targeted the Windows Home Edition for the
“Professional” look but after customer review the application was dropped. Nevertheless Windows invented a Web pane that was a folder with images that included Picture
Tasks. You could view a slideshow, order prints online, or print pictures. Windows Vista has a totally new outlook on the surface- a cleaner transparent look with impressive graphics. The Windows Sidebar panel displays your section of Windows Gadgets (mini- applications that function as a clock, calendar, stock reports). One of the most helpful features on
Windows Vista is that you can search applications virtually almost anywhere. Unlike Windows XP’s
Window Search, you can type the words of your request and a helpful feature looks for a file or application from the Start Menu. As for security with for the difference in security, Windows XP was introduced with an operation systems familiar with Windows Update that allows the user to keep his systems updated with Spyware and Adware Threats. Windows XP also was adapted with Parental Controls that allows you to set rules such as which sites a certain user can or cannot access. Windows Vista on the other hand introduced a new security feature called the Use Account Control (AUC). It still contains the old software program with an added twist. The feature protects, denotes a multi-colored shield, and requires your permission or validation before you could access them. Windows Vista features two different firewalls. The standard firewall that was available in Windows XP and Windows Firewall with advanced features. The overall experience of Windows Vista includes the new Start Menu that displays everything within a single menu. The Windows folder, My Documents, My Music, and so on are simplified in
Documents, Music, and Videos and the folders are present when you’re searching for folders. When you’re using Windows Aero, you can click and open Windows in the task bar and see a live preview of what’s inside, making navigation easier.

Sources: http://www.windows-vista-update.com/Windows_Vista_vs_Windows_xp.html http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/windowsxp.asp