Some of the most common programs from Windows XP have survived and made their way into Windows Vista. However, it is not as easy to tell which ones as you might think. As part of the evolution to Windows Vista, Microsoft has revamped these programs and you can only identify them if you are familiar with their respective functionality. Some users might find themselves lost or nostalgic seeing some of the programs that they have been using on a daily basis simply gone.

Well, for some programs, that is not the case and users will be able to find a redesigned form in Windows Vista with the same basic functionality as in Windows XP. Let's start with one of the most used features: Outlook Express. In Windows Vista, this name is a thing of the past. Windows Mail is now the default email client of the operating system. In Vista, Windows Mail has the same functionality as Outlook Express, providing the tools necessary to centralize emails from various online services to your desktop, but with improved filtering and setup.

The users that did extensive online collaboration, sharing documents, applications, programs, and even their entire desktop will recognize NetMeeting from XP in the new Windows Meeting Space. XP also had an interface that enables users to employ their machine as a fax. Well, the Fax Console has evolved into the Windows Fax and Scan.

Managing your contacts in Windows XP involved using Windows Address Book. You will be happy to know that Windows Contacts in Vista delivers the same features, but also improved options such as adding images to the contacts.

Remember Windows Picture and fax Viewer? It wasn't much, but it did come in handy from time to time. Well you will be able to see a definite improvement in this area with Windows Photo Gallery.