Windows Vista: XP Upgrade or Not?

The new operating system represents the software maker’s biggest launch since its Windows 95 operating system helped revolutionize consumer computing 12 years ago. Though the jump from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 was significant, some skeptics scoff the latest offering saying that Windows XP is already "good enough."

This guide will give you a run down of some of the most notable changes and help you chose for yourself.

Security

Vista will feature a number of security measures that Windows XP doesn't have. Some of the most interesting are parental controls.

The new feature allows parents to set different access levels for their children, restricting them from visiting pornographic websites, for example. Parents can build user profiles for the children or other members, and set restrictions on which times the computer can be used, or what type of applications can be installed.

While various applications have been available for other Windows flavors, Vista marks the first time that these controls will be built into the operating system itself.

Microsoft also upgraded the Windows firewall feature that came in the original XP with more features. The standard firewall is still there, but now users have an option of enabling more advanced features. Consumers can, for example, now set up filters for outgoing data as well as incoming, a great way to combat malicious software from using your computer as a spam-drone.

Improved Interface

The most exciting new feature of Windows Vista is arguably the interface. The Redmond Wash.-based firm dedicated a number of user resources to make sure the way you interact with the computer is slick, easy, and intuitive.