Through the Windows Vista vs. Windows XP feature comparison, I will present to you a selection of key features available in Microsoft's latest operating system that you cannot access in XP. While I know that this is not an argument that will ensure you make the swap between XP and Vista, it is certainly a starting point.

While the actual list of Vista features not available in XP is more luxuriant, I will deliver only a limited version. Current users of XP will have to upgrade their operating system if they want to access the Aero graphical user interface, the Windows Sidebar, Windows Photo Gallery, Parental Controls the new Windows Mobility Center, and the Windows Vista Sync Center.

Vista also delivers superior performance over its predecessor via Windows SuperFetch, Automatic Disk Defragmentation, Windows ReadyBoost support. The power management, state transition and shutdown process have been overhauled. Windows Vista also introduces enhancements to roaming - cached mode, Delta Sync, and max folders with additional limits.

Windows Device Driver Model, shell thumbnail previews, new login experience, Reading Pane integration into the Windows Explorers, Programs Explorer, revamped Control Panel, shell support for RAW codecs, Search integration in Windows Explorer, MPEG-2 decoders and advanced sharing are also features available exclusively in Windows Vista.

Vista also supports hybrid hard disks and auxiliary displays, and delivers the Windows Meeting Space and Remote Desktop access via HTTP. Via the new Media Center, Vista users will be able to perform HDTV recordings. The Windows Movie Maker HD, Gaming Center, the Backup and Restore capabilities and PC-to-PC transfers are also only accessible in Vista.