Windows Vista

CNET.com.au covers the launch of Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows Vista, with local news, features, how-tos, do-it-yourself articles, photo galleries and reviews of Vista-ready laptops and PCs.

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Windows Vista Reviews

Windows Vista Ultimate

Microsoft has released its new operating system, Windows Vista, to hardware manufacturers, marking the end of the development phase and the beginning of the distribution phase.

Windows Vista Home Premium

Vista Home Premium will likely be one of the most popular of the six varieties of Microsoft's latest operating system. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade, but if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.

Microsoft Vista Home Basic

If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, it is not worth rushing out to purchase Vista Home Basic. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.

Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.

Features

Can I still buy a laptop with Windows XP?

Not ready for a Vista laptop? Simply want to stick to good old XP? Here are your options on the market.

Leopard vs Vista

What's inside Mac OS 10.5 Leopard and Windows Vista? Here's a rundown of the features offered by each.

Five things to consider if you want to buy a laptop in 2007

Buying a laptop is a hard decision at the best of times, but with the release of Vista and the pending release of new mobile technology the task is that much more difficult. We help you sort through it all.

Windows Vista: past and future

Jeff Putt of Microsoft Australia discusses the future of Vista, and looks at the hardware hits (and misses) that have accompanied their operating systems.

Windows Vista: Versions compared

CNET.com.au compares the various Vista editions to show you which features are included in each.

Upgrading to Vista: 5 burning questions

With the specter of Windows Vista looming, there are surprisingly still many questions on the minds of the average consumer. We decided answer the top five questions about the new operating system.

Top five Vista-ready notebooks

Why wait till January 30? We pick the top five notebooks which are ready for Vista out of the box.

CES 2007: Computers and hardware preview

CES is the biggest consumer electronics show in the world. Here's some of the technology and trends we expect to see on the show floor.

FAQ: Getting a handle on Windows Vista

From features and requirements to versions and release dates, here is everything you need to know about the new update to the dominant operating system.

What's new and different in Outlook 2007

While it doesn't bring the same jaw-dropping interface changes that accompany other modules in the Office 2007 suite, Outlook 2007 does provide a number of new and very useful features, and the interface does change a bit to accommodate some of these new features.

[+] More features on Windows Vista

News

A Vista theme for iPhone? Yes, really

The latest third-party iPhone app to draw blogosphere buzz this morning is most definitely not Apple-approved.

Microsoft pulls Windows XP and Vista service packs from Windows Update

After stumbling across a glitch, Microsoft has removed Vista's new Service Pack from its Windows Update feature, and delayed XP's Service Pack 3 release.

Latest Nikon, Canon cameras get Vista support

Software updates from Nikon and Canon this month bring Windows Vista support for "raw" images taken with the companies' newest SLRs -- and in Canon's case, a number of older cameras as well.

Next version of Windows: Call it 7

Microsoft is planning to ship its next major version of Windows--known internally as version "7"--within roughly three years, CNET News.com has learned.

Microsoft readying Vista service pack

Microsoft is gearing up to begin testing the first service pack for Windows Vista, possibly as soon as next week, according to reports.

Vista supports Pentax 'raw' camera images

Pentax has released software that lets Windows Vista read and manipulate "raw" images taken directly from higher-end Pentax cameras' image sensors without in-camera processing.

Vista draining laptop batteries, patience

Some of Microsoft's most important customers aren't happy with the battery life offered by notebooks running the new operating system.

Microsoft makes copying Vista a monster task

With Windows XP, antipiracy measures were a bit of an afterthought. But with Windows Vista, Microsoft had pirates in its sights from the get go.

Adobe to CS2 users: Want Vista? Upgrade

Creative Suite 3, set for release later in the next few months, will work with Windows Vista -- but the OS isn't recommended for version 2.

New iTunes version still not fully Vista-ready

An update released Monday addresses several compatibility issues with Vista, but a few outstanding ones still need to be fixed.

[+] More news on Windows Vista

Limited choices for Windows XP holdouts

If you're hesitant about making the leap to Windows Vista, expect a hassle trying to find an XP computer on store shelves.

Some bumps on the road to Vista

Windows Vista has been in consumers' hands for about a week now and, while there haven't been a flood of problems, there have been a few bumps along the way.

Microsoft: Still more to do on security

Though Microsoft has made leaps in security over the years, even more challenges lie ahead as additional devices go online, company executives said Tuesday.

Apple to Windows iTunes users: Don't install Vista yet

Apple has warned Windows users running its iTunes software that they should wait for its next update before upgrading their PCs to Microsoft's new Windows Vista operating system.

Windows Vista tutorials

Learn how to check if your PC is capable of running Vista, what the different versions of Vista contain, and how to navigate the Vista Welcome Screen.

Bill Gates' to-do list

In the second part of a CNET News.com interview, the Microsoft co-founder discusses Vista, the Xbox 360 and Windows Live.

PC makers climb onboard with Vista

As expected, the PC industry is ready with new Vista computers after years of delays. But the immediate impact on the PC market could be muted.

Microsoft unveils Aussie music subscription service

Microsoft unveils music subscription service, movie downloads and online photo prints ordering at Australian Vista launch event.

With Vista, seeing is believing, says Gates

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates speaks with CNET News.com's Ina Fried in New York about the long-awaited launch of his company's new operating system, Windows Vista.

Vista launch log

Time to reflect on the good, the bad, and the nonsensical that comprised the late-night launches along the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Sydney man 'swaps' cash for Bill Gates

All William Tsang wanted from the midnight Windows Vista launch was a free Web cam. Instead, he walked away with the main draw -- a copy of Vista Ultimate, autographed, rock star-style, by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates.

Vista to give HD Photo format more exposure

The Vista launch will put Microsoft's own image standard in consumers' hands — and it could cast a shadow over JPEG.

Belkin aims to make Vista upgrade easier

Following the success of Belkin's USB 2.0 File Transfer Cable, the company have released a new version designed especially for Windows Vista.

Sydney to host next clue in Vista space race

If you've ever dreamed of blasting into space like an astronaut you might want to keep your eye on Manly in Sydney on Sunday, where the next clue for an out-of-this-world prize will be revealed.

CES 2007: Vista's coming, ready or not

Vista is everywhere at CES. It's dominated the conversations we've had with nearly every major desktop, laptop, peripheral, and software vendor we've met with.

CES 2007: At CES, Gates tells what a geek wants

Bill Gates says his house is already wired to the hilt, with touch screens and high-definition displays. But, in the second installment of a two-part interview with CNET News.com, the Microsoft chairman admits he's ready to revamp his system to add "some vision and speech-type things."

CES 2007: Gates sees a home server in your future

As CES's opening act, Bill Gates and crew plan to tout a new home server, Vista-based media PCs and TV via Xbox.

Playing it safe with Windows Vista

Microsoft wants to sell Web sites and businesses on security checks of customer PCs. That may not go over so well.

Microsoft Office for Aussie bogans

Microsoft Australia announced today that the new version of Microsoft Office will include Australian slang as proper English.

Windows Media Player release skips a beat

Microsoft missed its planned Tuesday release of the jukebox software, which has been "delayed slightly" to an unspecified date.

Vista aims to be snappier with photos

Windows Vista has lots of new photography features, but not all of Microsoft's ideas are clicking with digital shutterbugs.

Vista flexes its power

Companies have long known the benefits of making sure their workers get a good night's sleep -- and they would be wise to let their PCs do the same, Microsoft says.

Microsoft sends out final test version of Vista

Microsoft on Friday issued what it hopes will be the last public test version of Windows Vista, as it works to put the final program in the hands of some businesses by next month.

Microsoft to lock pirates out of Vista PCs

Windows Vista will have new antipiracy technology that locks people out their PCs if the operating system isn't activated within 30 days after installation.

Microsoft readying Australian iTunes store rival

Microsoft Australia is readying an online music downloads service to rival Apple's iTunes store. It will be fully integrated with Windows Vista and available upon Vista's Australian debut.

Will Vista stall Net traffic?

Expert predicts Vista could overflow the Net's infrastructure, causing "rolling blackouts". Some call the forecast "FUD".

Windows Vista inches forward

Microsoft releases a new test version to a small group and says a broader update is coming soon.

HD should be wired: Intel

Current wireless networking standards aren't fit for streaming high-definition (HD) content between a media centre PC and multiple extender devices, according to Intel and Microsoft.

Windows Vista: No Blu-ray/HD DVD support out of the box

The version of Windows Media Player that will ship with Windows Vista won't include playback support for either Blu-ray or HD DVD movie titles.

Microsoft: No EPG in Vista Media Center

Windows Vista, which incorporates Media Center functionality out of the box in its Home Premium and Ultimate versions, won't provide Electronic Program Guide (EPG) functionality to Australian users of the operating system.

Leopard nipping at Vista's heels

The new Mac OS is due in spring, which would put it after Vista. But if the Windows update slips again, Apple could get in first.

Vista's PC-rating tool gets a revamp

Microsoft has reworked the PC assessment tool in Windows Vista after fielding complaints from hardware makers -- but the changes may not be enough to completely quell concerns.

Microsoft releases public download of Vista

After months of limited testing, Microsoft late on Wednesday made a beta version of Windows Vista publicly available for download.

Vista gets out of PC sync

Microsoft has dropped a feature from Windows Vista that would have allowed people running the new operating system to keep data synchronised among multiple PCs.

Vista beta sucks up battery juice

Windows Vista delivers some pretty snazzy new graphics, but all that "wow" can be a real drain.

Vista revs up peer-to-peer engine

Whenever Windows Vista computers arrive, they will have their own special way of talking to one another.

Microsoft to refine Vista's PC-rating tool

Microsoft is retooling a PC-rating feature in Windows Vista following criticism from hardware makers and others, a situation that suggests the next-generation operating system may not yet be ready for mass consumption.

Microsoft lays plans for new 'Vistagami' tablets

With the first Origami devices out the door, Microsoft is setting its sights on the next generation of tiny tablet PCs--products known within the company as "Vistagami" devices.

Vista sets up SideShow display all over

Microsoft's tech aims to put data in picture frames, keyboards, remote controls -- any display linked to a PC running the Windows update.

Office 2007: FrontPage is out, blogging is in

Don't go looking for FrontPage in the just-released Beta 2 edition of Office 2007.

Microsoft unveils new betas for Office, Vista

Microsoft is aiming to show that, following recent stumbles, it has regained its footing.

Microsoft takes down barrier in Vista firewall

The firewall in Windows Vista will, by default, have half its protection turned off because that is what enterprise customers have requested, according to the software giant.

XP and Vista to get new media player

Microsoft plans to jazz up its music player in Windows Vista, the company's next operating system. But at least some of the new features will debut much sooner.

Windows Vista launch pushed back to 2007

Microsoft has announced a delay of Windows Vista that will mean PCs with the new operating system won't go on sale in Australia until January.

Gates looks to expand view beyond Windows

Microsoft has long viewed the software world through Windows. Now, it's hoping to prove that it understands the growing popularity of Web technologies beyond its own operating system.

Spyware-killing Vista could take out rivals

There's a software product coming that has the potential to demote spyware from a security priority to an afterthought: Windows Vista.

Will your PC keep pace with Vista?

The next version of Windows will grade performance. You'll have to decide whether to buy a new hard drive.

Microsoft boxes up Vista

Although it is still working to finish the code for Windows Vista, Microsoft has reached a decision on which versions of the operating system to offer.

Microsoft readies Windows Live parental controls

Microsoft is inviting testers to try an early version of new parental control software for Windows XP called Windows Live Family Safety Settings.

Microsoft announces Office 2007 pricing, details

Microsoft on Wednesday offered further details on the next version of Office, announcing plans for a new home version as well as new server-based products and a new high-end enterprise edition of the desktop suite.

Sidebar on display in next Vista preview

As more computer users move to larger, wide-screen monitors, Microsoft is staking a claim to that added real estate.

Microsoft releases IE 7 beta to public

Microsoft took the wraps off Internet Explorer 7 Tuesday, releasing the new "preview" version of its Web browser to the general public for testing.

Music stops for Mac Windows Media Player

Microsoft has officially halted development of its Windows Media Player for the Mac and plans no future Apple versions of its music-playing software.

Media Center Tweaks for Vista

Taking a quick look at the new and improved Media Center front-end for Windows Vista, we saw some interesting tweaks to the user interface and a live demonstration of HD cable through CableCARD.

Gates shows off Vista in CES keynote

After months of touting Vista's geekier side, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates on Wednesday highlighted features designed to convince the average consumer that they need the next version of Windows.

Vista looks to get tablets on write track

Microsoft tunes Windows Vista to help tablet PCs make better sense of your scribbles and scrawls.

Putting Vista in the fast lane

The forthcoming Windows Vista will be primed to keep PCs from slowing down over time, Microsoft says.

Longhorn's new name: Windows Vista

The next version of Windows finally has an official name: Windows Vista.

FAQ: Getting a handle on Longhorn

Say what you want about Longhorn, just don't call it Windows XP Service Pack 3.

Commentary

Vista Service Pack 1: Things Microsoft forgot to fix

Life's all about grabbing opportunities, and we think Microsoft missed a few with Windows Vista SP1. Here's a list of things we think should have been included with the operating system upgrade to improve the Windows Vista user experience on the whole.

Windows XP may get another reprieve

Deadline looms for big PC makers to stop preloading the older OS, but signs suggest Microsoft will have to issue another extension.

Windows Vista: One year on

Craig Simms wades through the mess that is still Windows Vista.

Security Watch: That Windows XP service pack called Vista

Most of the touted security enhancements in Windows Vista don't appear in the Home Premium and Basic versions, and what's there could have fit into a free Windows XP Service Pack instead.

Windows Vista's half-cocked firewall

The new Windows Firewall in Windows Vista allows outbound connections by default.

What is this Vista I see before me?

What is it about Vista that bores a geek who went bonkers for Windows 95 and 2000?

Disposable tunes

Will Australians embrace a subscription-based music download service?

Last-minute Vista hype watch

Not long to wait now! To tide you over til midnight, here's a round-up of the week's Vista hype on the eve of the operating system's launch. Featuring styrofoam, flyovers and Dell.

Who'll be on the Vista at midnight?

The first copy of Windows Vista will be sold as the clock ticks over to midnight on Monday. So who's rocking up to the late-night launch?

Is Windows still relevant?

In the increasingly Google-YouTube-Web 2.0 age we inhabit, it's become fashionable to dismiss Windows as a relic.

[+] More commentary on Windows Vista

Latest product reviews

Microsoft Windows Vista SP1

Microsoft pushes its first service pack for Vista out the door. Is it a salvation, a non-event or a flop?

Acer Aspire E700 MMX1

The Acer Aspire E700 MMX1 is a respectable but not groundbreaking machine. While we've seen other machines that have managed better results for the price, we've not seen one in such a well designed package.

ASUS W7S

The ASUS W7S offers powerful performance in a small portable package, and considering that it has discrete graphics, we were surprised it had excellent battery life.

Altech Maestro Fusion

The Altech Maestro Fusion is a beautiful system, but you'll need a TV and sound system to complete the picture (literally).

Enspire Vitesse XPS

The Enspire Vitesse XPS is a good, all-round performer that should please the whole family, but we'd put it in the study instead of the lounge.

Pioneer Dreamvision VIIV Media Centre Mini PC

The Pioneer Dreamvision VIIV Media Centre is a flexible machine which can reasonably serve in a multitude of roles, but the word "compromise" springs to mind.

HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC

The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC is an innovative device which will fit well into most homes, but is just short of an Editor's Choice award.

Acer Aspire iDea 510

The Acer Aspire iDea 510 is a premium-priced media centre which boasts a 500GB hard drive and an operating noise of only 23db.

HP Pavilion m8095a

The HP Pavilion m8095a is a versatile-looking system which is designed to integrate into the loungeroom or act as a multimedia desktop.

Compaq Presario C500

A good value laptop that outperforms many other notebooks at the same price -- the only feature missing is a DVD burner.

[+] More reviews on Windows Vista

Acer Aspire 3683WXMi

You don't have to spend a fortune for a shiny new Vista laptop, as Acer's 3683WXMi proves. Just don't expect a stellar notebook, or for that matter a stellar Vista experience.

Acer Aspire L320

As large as a leather-bound book, the Acer Aspire L320 is a full-featured lifestyle PC which promises to perform with the big boys without compromising space or power consumption.

Dell XPS M1210

Upgraded to Windows Vista, the Dell XPS M1210 is a pricey but powerful system for those who want a smaller laptop with few compromises.

Toshiba Portege R400

At AU$3,750, this is a "premium" product, but what you get for your money is a flexible and road-worthy tablet -- but it does require extra peripherals to perform optimally.

Acer Aspire 9425WSMi

Though it's not designed specifically with Windows Vista in mind, the Acer Aspire 9425WSMi certainly packs the specs which should carry it off.

Sony VAIO VGC-LA38G

Cheaper than competitors, and also more portable, the Sony VAIO should help revolutionise how we view the PC and its place in the home.

Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

If you work with Microsoft Outlook on a daily basis, this upgrade can make scheduling simpler and e-mailing more interesting. Still, we wish Instant Search and e-mail rendering were better.

Dell Dimension E521

The E521 is a highly versatile system that can be configured to suit the needs of budget, mid-range and high-end multimedia users.

Windows Media Player 11 for Vista

If you're a Vista user, you can't get rid of Windows Media Player -- it's all part of the package. Luckily, the multimedia jukebox is an excellent tool for managing your music and videos -- and even photos.

HP Pavilion tx1000

HP's first Vista-based laptop, the Pavilion tx1000, is an unusual but largely successful hybrid, combining a tablet design with an entertainment-focus.

Internet Explorer 7

IE 7 was Microsoft's one chance to leapfrog ahead of the competition, but the company has only barely caught sight of the current front-runners. For more features and greater security, switch to Mozilla Firefox.

Microsoft Office 2007 beta 2

This latest version of the Microsoft Office 2007 system reveals the ongoing renovations due for Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Microsoft Word 2007 beta 2

Word 2007 serves up new choices for editing, protecting, and jazzing up documents with graphics-heavy layouts -- all within a dramatically new interface.

Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Vista

With Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Vista, Microsoft shores up Internet Explorer's crumbling security status and takes aim at its biggest rivals.

Microsoft Windows Longhorn

Our reviewer gives you first impressions and expert guidance.