14 DAY TRIAL // There is nothing in Vista that warrants an upgrade at this time. I have been hearing this phrase a lot lately. And it is one of the reasons that contributed to Windows Vista's muted reception following the operating system's commercial launch. "Based on our initial analysis (from internal recommendations and analysis by Gartner Group), there appears to be no compelling technical or business case for upgrading to these new Microsoft products," reads an excerpt of the memo from Daniel Mintz, Department of Transportation Chief Information Officer, as DOT has banned Windows Vista and Office 2007 upgrades indefinitely.
This is a grave example of ignorance. Due to the fact that it has been taken literally by a wide range of consumers. The fact of the matter is that a certain environment, or an individual, may have zero reasons to upgrade to Windows Vista as Windows XP perfectly fits its/his needs. But this is not to say that Windows Vista does not offer anything extra compared to Windows XP. In this respect, I came across a user comment that considered Vista a Windows XP with a new interface and the gadget sidebar. In his case, ignorance is not bliss...
The bottom line is that Windows Vista comes with a luxuriant set of new features that do recommend an upgrade. Via Vista you will be able to increase efficiency and workflow, Vista delivers additional connectivity features, data protection, system management security etc. David Overton, working for Microsoft in the Small business team has prepared a list of Windows Vista features that provide more than enough reason to upgrade.
1. Searching for documents, e-mails, contacts 2. Preview files without opening them via thumbnails and preview pane 3. Shrink to fit for IE printing 4. Finding open programs, items on start menu, control panel items 5. Enhance performance with ReadyBoost 6. Glancable information with Gadgets 7. "File" file sharing 8. Ad-hoc wireless networking 9. Wireless security manager 10. Windows Mobile Device Center 11. Automatic PC backups 12. Previous versions of files, even when out the office 13. Anti-phishing technologies 14. Anti-spyware tools 15. UAC and protected mode in IE 16. File and disk encryption 17. Image based backup and restore 18. Reliability Monitor 19. Enhanced Event Viewer 20. Memory Checker 21. Problem History 22.Enhanced Remote Desktop 23. Recovery tools 24. Fax and Scan tools 25. Photo Editing tools 26. XPS Support 27. Faster response when opening the lid 28. Parential controls 29. Media Center 30. DVD Playback and burning