Windows Vista/Introduction

Windows Vista, a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system, was released to manufacturing in 2006. It is the successor of Windows XP but is extremely different than any prior version of Windows. Vista’s hardware requirements and reputation for annoying security prompts prevented the OS from succeeding in the market. Its successor, Windows 7, was released in 2009. Windows 7 was almost exactly the same as Windows Vista. Microsoft attempted to distance itself from the marketing failure that Windows Vista had become by changing the branding. Windows 7 saw wide adoption.

Major changes in Windows Vista

 * Translucent window borders and Flip 3D (these features were removed in Windows 8)
 * Rewritten OS installer system (that is still in use)
 * BitLocker was introduced, providing strong encryption of internal hard drives only
 * Protection against spyware was added as Windows Defender (full antivirus would not be included until Windows 8)
 * Completely overhauled security model, including the introduction of User Account Control
 * Overhauled inbox games, all of which are 3D-accelerated
 * Significant improvements to system search
 * A redesigned Start menu
 * Windows Sidebar and sidebar gadgets

Other notable changes

 * A new error message that appears when users attempt to rename a folder to an invalid name. (In previous versions of Windows, attempts to rename files or folders to reserved MS-DOS device names, such as CON, were silently reverted.)
 * Windows Vista does not permit the user to change the system clock to an invalid time due to rules.