2. Vista's Key Features

AERO - Replaces XP's Luna Desktop

Vista's AERO delivers a new graphics engine to produce stunning new icon, menu and desktop visuals. Vista's AERO achieves that rare feature of combining work with pleasure. Enjoy the visual effect while you click smarter. My valuation is 10 cents a day at 300 days = $30. If you like Aero Graphics then make sure that you don't buy the Home Basic or Starter version as they don't have Aero.

Vista's New Explorers

Vista has a new Windows Explorer shell. The navigation is more like IE7, it does make sense to integrate both Windows and Internet browsers to the point where the only difference is context sensitive menus. Vista's Explorer makes use of color coding and icons, which make folders of different types easier to spot. The result is greater productivity and a richer visual experience. Files have extra properties, such as 'Ratings' which could be handy for sound and video files.

I also like the Search Query Builder this is a new facility to create permanent Virtual Folders. Saving time means saving money, so $25 for the new Windows Explorer.

Internet Explorer 7

The first IE 7 features I noticed were the anti-phishing menus and a flashing icon when IE7 was verifying the provenance of a URL that I had just clicked. With the growth of ever more sophisticated and tempting invitations to rogue sites, I welcome this Dynamic Security Protection.

Microsoft employs User Account Protection with IE 7.0. The benefit is that rogue programs cannot execute anything without the user pressing O.K. Effectively, sites will no longer be able to hijack your home page and browser settings without your knowing.

Other features of IE7 include a new tab feature which works like Mozilla's Firefox. I will be fascinated to see whether IE7 reverses Microsoft's loss of market share in the browser wars.

Value for IE7 none. I cannot cheat because IE7 will be free even if you don't buy Vista.

BitLocker Drive Encryption

BitLocker Drive Encryption is a new name for the full-volume encryption now found in Windows Vista. Its crucial feature is that BitLocker is hardware-based. By encrypting the entire Windows system volume, data is better protected than with XP's file and folder encryption. We are assured that recovery is easy - provided you have administrative credentials.

To get the most from BitLocker remember to buy machines with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Hardware. TPM is an extra microchip on the mother board that stores the passwords, and certificates. Apparently the Microchips cost less than $5 so, it's not about cost, just making sure you specify TPM 1.2b (or later) when you order your new machine(s).

Secure Startup

Vista also features Secure Startup. This foils the old trick of thieves installing a parallel operating system in order to steal data. Secure Startup relies on TPM. If you ever had to repair such a machine, then you need recovery keys. My value only $5, but if you have sensitive information on a laptop you may wish to increase this value.