Top Ten New Features in Windows Vista

Windows Vista, scheduled for release on January 30th, 2007 has something for everyone, from tight security and stunning new graphics to some new bundled applications. In fact, there is much that this new operating system has to offer, that it will be a real test for the hardware configuration of your PC. With its sleek new look and eye-catching interface, actually it's what's under the hood that impresses the most. Microsoft's done a great job of improving security across the board as this was their priority when they were developing Vista in the first place. Features like Windows and spyware library updates are streamlined, and I definitely appreciate the more robust Backup software.

Internet Explorer is the new web browser that comes with Windows Vista, but as we all know you can download it for XP as well, so this article won't focus on it. Windows Media Player 11 can also be installed to the XP system. A really intriguing stuff is the Windows Sidebar, which puts real-time weather info, stock quotes, system status, RSS feeds, and other information on the display.

This article puts the focus on the top new features in Window Vista, things that can't find in the XP. Apart from this article, another really great site about Windows Vista full of information about the new features is vista-hq.com.

New User Experience, including Windows Aero

Windows Vista features four different levels of user experience--Basic, Windows Classic, Standard, and Windows Aero(TM). All controls are totally redesigned in Windows Vista and look even better now. The Aero user interface is the top of the line and takes advantage of the latest advances in computer hardware. On computers equipped with graphics hardware that supports the new Windows Driver Display Model (WDDM), the Aero provides more stability and smoother window handling. The main element of this interface is the transparent glass design, with subtle effects such as dynamic reflections and smooth animations. To checkout some screenshots, go to vista-hq.com/interface.html.

Windows Sidebar

The Windows Sidebar can be positioned on the right or on the left side of your screen and its associated with mini-applications called gadgets, that provide specific information. Like for example, the gadgets can give you info on the weather, show you the calendar, games, a calculator or all types of other tools. The Sidebar fits perfectly especially on widescreen monitors. It can be easily customized and you can add different types of gadgets. Gadgets are a new concept introduced in Windows Vista. They can connect to web services to deliver business data, weather information, news updates, traffic maps, Internet radio streams, and even slide shows of online photo albums. By default, the OS comes with a set number of gadgets to get you started, but you can always download more from an online gadget gallery.

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Windows Support Tools for Vista

Tools for Windows Vista can help administrators and IT professionals improve the functionality and usability of this operating system. These tools can be used to find and resolve computer issues, to access network components and to improve the security of Vista programs. While most of these tools should already be installed on Vista, some tools may have to be downloaded if a user cannot find them on their computer.

Program Compatibility Wizard


If you have an older piece of software installed on your computer, then you may have experienced some issues when you upgraded to Vista. The Program Compatibility Wizard allows users to efficiently run the new program on their Vista Operating System, but only if the program worked on past version of Windows. The application can be accessed from the Start menu, and users will have to type hcp://system/compatctr/compatmode.htm in the Run menu. Then, users will have to follow the instructions to fix the issue. Users can manipulate a variety of settings from the wizard, including administrator rights and display settings. Users may experience an issue running the wizard if the person is not the administrator or if the program is on a shared drive.

Network and Sharing Center


This tool allows people to gain access to the Windows Operating System networking components, and these can be used to diagnose, view or manipulate the settings on the user's wireless and standard network access. Here, users can see all the information about their network and see summaries of all the information on their networks. Further, users can figure out whether or not they can successfully access the Internet from their system.

Computer Management

This tool can be accessed from the Start Menu and used to see event logs, system information and the Device Manager. Plus, it can be used to manage disk volumes either on local or remote networks, and users can even run the defragment tool from the Computer Management, which is used to consolidate space and free up memory.


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Top 3 Windows Vista Password Recovery Measures

If you've forgotten password on Windows Vista and cannot log on your computer again, you need to perform Windows Vista password recovery to bypass your lost Windows Vista password. But the problem for you is that how can you recover the password and will it be difficult to perform Vista password recovery? Below is a step-by-step guidance for you to recover Windows Vista password with 3 different methods.

Method 1: Perform Windows Vista password recovery with password reset disk

Windows Vista allows you to create a password reset disk with a USB flash drive in a few seconds. It can help you reset Windows Vista password when you forget it. Just try to recover Windows Vista password as follows if you have a Vista password reset disk at hand.

1. Start your computer and get to the Windows Vista login screen.

2. Type a wrong password, and then Reset password link will appear on the Vista login screen.

3. Click Reset password to enter to Password Reset Wizard screen, and then click next.

4. Select the right disk if you have more than one password reset disk, click next.

5. Type in a new Vista password and password hint, click next.

6. Click Finish when you've successfully reset Windows Vista password.

Method 2: Perform Windows Vista password recovery on safe mode

In addition to reset Windows Vista password with password reset disk, you can also recover Windows Vista password on safe mode. And the presupposition is that you have can log on computer with another Windows Vista administrator account.

1. Press F8 when your Windows Vista PC is booting. You will come to the Advanced Boot Options.

2. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt and press Enter.

3. Enter safe mode with an available admin account. And a command prompt will appear.

4. Type net user in command prompt and press Enter. It will show you all accounts on the Windows Vista.

5. Type net user Mike 123456 (Mike is the locked admin account's name and 123456 is the new password. This depends on the setting of your computer) and press Enter. Now you have successfully created a new password on the locked admin account.

6. Type shutdown -r -t 00 and press Enter.

7. The computer will reboot automatically and then you can log on Windows Vista with the new password.

Method 3: Perform Windows Vista password recovery with Windows Login Recovery

Windows Login Recovery is efficient Windows password recovery software designed to recover Windows login passwords for any version of Windows, including Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, 2000, NT, 2008. It is not necessary for you to reinstall the system when you forgot or lost your Windows login password. But a blank CD/DVD or USB flash drive and an available computer with optical drive is required before starting to perform Win Vista password recovery as below:

1. Download Windows Login Recovery and install it in any available computer.

2. Run the program and insert a blank CD/DVD or USB flash drive into computer. You will see a default path of an ISO image file after running the application.

3. Select CD/DVD or USB drive to burn the ISO image file and click Burn.

4. After burning, insert the CD/DVD or USB drive to your locked computer.

5. Set the locked computer to boot from CD/DVD or USB drive. After setting BIOS to boot from CD/DVD or USB drive, the computer will restart automatically. And then you can recover Windows Vista password under DOS.

6. Choose the installation path of Windows, and enter the ID of the path.

7. All the user names will be displayed for you, and you can select one to remove its password by entering the ID of User Name. And then enter y to confirm your operation.

8. After removing the selected password, you can enter y to continue to reset other passwords, or enter n to finish.

9. After entering n to finish, eject the CD/DVD or USB drive and press any key to restart the computer. Now, you can log on your PC without password.

The above 3 methods can help you perform Windows Vista password recovery easily and safely. It is no need for you to worry if you forget Windows Vista password. Why not try this amazing Windows password recovery software to recover Windows Vista password instead of reinstalling computer?

Source: http://goo.gl/wnV4e

Windows Vista Support for Revolutionary Operating System

The operating system hosting both managed and native applications on a safe as well as prolific platform is Microsoft's new product, Vista. Multiple new features are added and some older are modified in this new version, such as graphical user interface, rectified multimedia tools and redesigned networking systems.

Some details in short about Windows vista: It is a revolutionary operating system launched by Microsoft in 2006 having multiplicity of inbuilt features.

Some of the most recognized features of Vista are:

• Windows Aero for a new look, which is similar to like Mac operating system, everything from appearance to start button, menus, taskbar represents a complete new and dynamic look. The three-dimensional modes are always supported with Aero themes
• Sidebar: The side of the desktop is provided with a long, vertical bar containing mini programs and is provided for easy access by just one click
• Defender: In-house spyware protection for enhanced security
• User Account Control for preventing access to some particulate application or program important to you
• Performance Center, Instant Desktop Search, Network Map, ReadyBoost, ReadyDrive, Media Center and Wireless Networking are the other most likeable feature

The latest version is much secured and usable, and is most attractive due to its user friendly behavior and overcomes the drawbacks of earlier version.

The above described product has some hardware requirements for its smooth operation, such as higher processor versions, random access memory must be higher then 512 Mega Byte for its fast processing.

Switching from older version to higher one, may be difficult process for many computer users. For resolving these minor issues Support is adequately available over the Internet, which helps in such and other allied problems. The support process includes various options such as installation of operating system, Driver support, and data loss related problems.

The compatibility related issue are the most common and frequent problems from end users. Most of the users are unable to fix the driver issues. Vista comprises much more drivers in its database when compared to any other release. The driver's helps hardware to work effectively but still users seem to be struggling and during such crucial time online support ensures a helping hand.

Online support centers providing support for Windows Vista through certified technicians are enough capable to solve and handle all such problems in no time. Multiple channels, such as chat, remote desktop or phone will get you intact with an expert having answer to all issues such as installing Vista, driver menace or enabling hibernation.

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Tips to Upgrade From Windows Vista to Windows 7

Until now, you were happy with your Windows Vista but great reviews of Windows 7 have tempted you to upgrade to the latest version of Microsoft's Windows Operating System. But, you do not want to buy a brand new version of Windows 7 and looking for a cost-effective substitute. You may consider an upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7.

To check whether Windows 7 is compatible with your system or not, you can use Windows 7 upgrade advisor.

Once you are done with finalising the system requirements, follow the steps below-

1. Insert your Windows 7 DVD in optical drive and now click on install option. After clicking on now install, you would find a screen. If you have disabled 'autorun' then open the root of the DVD drive and now run setup.exe file. (This can also be done using USB stick. To choose for this 'option', you may have to refer to Install Windows 7 from USB guide.

2. After running the setup, you would be finding two options mentioned here -

"Online compatibility check" And "Install Now" (Since, system compatibility is already verified using Windows 7 advisor; you can now safely install it using 'Install Now' button.)

3. Next step will include selection of 'latest updates for installation.' Those who have already the latest version of installation are not required to follow this step.

4. Fourth step includes acceptance of license agreement. Now click on 'Next' to continue the complete procedure.

5. Fifth step talks about selection of 'Upgrade' or 'Custom'. Since, you are upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7, you should select 'Upgrade.'

6. Again, windows will check for compatibility. If any error occurs, it will display the problem to screen and save it on 'desktop'. If no incompatibility is found, windows 7 will complete further procedures.

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 is not a complex procedure. Anyone with simple knowledge of tech-support tid bits can do it without hassle. If still facing issues, you can contact online tech support provider.

Source: http://goo.gl/I8A2b

Stop Error While Installing or Upgrading to Windows Vista

Windows Vista offers several features that make it reliable, manageable, and easy to deploy and overriding over its predecessors (Windows XP, 2000 etc.). If you are attempting to install or upgrade to Windows Vista on your hard drive and receive some errors, the chances are that the hard drive is damaged. In such situations, you need to restore lost data from backup or alternatively, use Hard Drive Recovery tools (if data backup is damaged, not updated or absent).

As a practical instance, you try to install or upgrade to Windows Vista and encounter the below error message:

"Stop: 0x0000007B"

Windows Vista installation fails after this error message.

Cause

This stop error implies that Windows Vista setup or Windows Vista is not able to access startup files. It happens when it cannot access the respective hard drive. Possible reasons of this behavior are:

- Hard drive cabling issues
- Incompatible driver for the disk controller device
- Your computer is infected from boot sector virus
- MBR (Master Boot Record) is being used by some other program
- You are using a faulty hard drive

Solution

You need to follow these methods to correct ‘Stop: 0x0000007B’ error message issue:

- Make sure that all the hard drive cables are properly connected and healthy
- If incompatible driver is the issue, you require downloading it and using Load Driver option of Windows Vista setup. If it doesn’t help, perform a clean installation of Windows Vista and download compatible drivers.

- Check your system for viruses using antivirus scanning. If problem persists, reformat your hard drive and restore data from backup. If you find data backup as damaged or incomplete, you need to use Hard Drive Recovery software for complete recovery purpose.

- Ensure that no other program is using MBR.

- If hard disk corruption is the issue, replace your hard drive and restore lost data from backup.

In case of backup issues, consult Hard Disk Recovery technicians. Data recovery service is the technical aid provided to extract lost data from crashed hard drives.

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Tips To Create Strong Password for Windows

Password Structure

Simple, yet effective way in creating passwords. This will make your passwords strong and are hard to guess. The character set plays an important role enhancing security. Therefore, the following recommendations are suggested to choose a "hard to guess" password:

1. Passwords should contain five (5) letters.

2. Passwords should contain upper-case and lower-case letters.

3. Passwords should contain three (3) numbers.

4. Redundancy should be avoided.
Example: C7iz5oL3

Not Allowed Passwords ("don't" rules)

Additionally to the rules the following recommendations are suggested:

1. Do not replace letters by digits that look similar such as "i" with "1" or "7"; "o" or "O" with "0"; "g" or "G" with "6"; "s" or "S" with "5". Example: Floppy-disk -> Fl0pPyd15k

2. Don't use any meaningful word you think is not in a dictionary, including slang, obscenity, technical terms or jargon. Examples: "poRsche914".

3. Don't use any common phrase Example: "Take3pay2".

4. Don't use simple patterns, including simple keyboard patterns or anything that someone can easily recognize if they see you typing it. Examples: "12qwASDF", "1q2W3E4r".

5. Don't use the name of any object that is in your field of vision at the workstation.

Generation of Passwords

The following methods of password generation allow the creation of "hard to guess" and at the same time "easy to remember" passwords:

1. Use the first letters of words in a memorable phrase. Obviously memorable is good, but traditional or classical is risky. Example: "I got a speeding ticket on 6th Avenue" generates "Igasto6a".

2. Use grossly misspelled and / or incorrectly written words. Example: "Can you buy it for me too?" generates "CybyI4mitu".

3. Use e.g. this particular algorithm with "cross sum." Example: phone number: 7895649 -> seven (7) digits; multiply this number with it self (7 X 7 = 49) build the sum (4 + 9 = 13) and insert this result to a freely chosen word, such as "Tuesday": Tues13day.

4. Choose two or more words randomly, and then join them with digits. Example: "cat", "dog" -> "cAt11Dog3" (The numbers "11" and "3" can represent respectively the numbers of cats and the number of dogs I have). Example: "walk", "run" -> "WalK13RuN5" (The numbers "13" and "5" can represent the numbers of km I walk respectively I run in a week). Example: "Apple", "Orange" -> "ApPle11Orange6" (The numbers "11" and "6" can represent the number of apples and orange I ate daily.

5. Use e.g. the following algorithm: Choose an easy to remember word or name, e.g. Gandalf, insert in the middle of the word the number of the current month. (e.g. February = 02) and replace a letter with the corresponding number of the alphabet. "GaN024AlF" ("d" has been replaced with "4" because "d" is the forth letter of the alphabet)

Password Storing

In addition to these tips the following recommendations are suggested:

1. When you write down your password don't identify it as being a password.

2. Any storage method should assure that the password is not recognizable as such.

3. The exception is by electronic storage of a password: storage is permitted if dedicated and certified tools with strong encryption are used.

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