Preview: Microsoft Windows Vista RC1

Getting started

A completely revamped Start menu provides self-contained access to your installed programs without popping out all over your desktop.

This takes a little getting used to, but is very efficient, especially if you have many programs installed, which would cause XP’s menu to take up a large proportion of your screen.

An integrated search box allows you to start typing what you remember of the name of a program or file and suitable candidates will appear in the window above as you type.

These are sorted into categories such as Programs, Favourites and history, and Files.

There’s no need to open My Computer (incidentally the word 'My' has been expunged from all such folders) and start up a search. It’s all right there at your fingertips.

These search boxes are available all over the place, in standard explorer Windows and special ones such as the control panel.

Sometimes typing what you’re looking for is quicker than scanning your eyes over a window full of pretty icons.

Incidentally, the Administrative tools icons have finally been given a much-needed face lift too.

You can also save a search as a virtual folder. The contents of this folder will change dynamically along with the search results.

New fonts and icons

Throughout the system, new fonts and icons provide a much-improved, clearer desktop.

Icons can now be smoothly resized. A single slider transforms explorer layouts from Tiles, Details and List modes into icons that grow from tiny to enormous proportions – ideal for modern high-resolution displays.

Windows Vista is quite demanding of system memory, and some PCs are easier than others to upgrade.

By using the power of low-cost flash memory devices, ReadyBoost allows you to take a compatible USB key or flash card and use it as a sort of disk cache, dramatically improving disk performance for a minimal financial outlay.

We tried a few Flash devices, but none of these met the minimum requirements for ReadyBoost.

The blog run by Tom Archer, program manager for the Windows SK Tools and Build Environment, contains a useful Q&A about Readyboost, and is worth reading if you want more details.

Windows Vista incorporates a much-enhanced version of speech recognition. The built-in tutorial learns to understand your voice as you work your way through it.

In addition to simple dictation, features include the option to operate most of the system without a keyboard or mouse, yet still move the pointer around the screen.

You will find, however, that the system doesn’t understand you quite as well as the tutorial did while you were following a pre-determined script.