Windows Popularity, Vista Versions, and Features

Windows Popularity and Vista Features

Unit 13

Interviewer: There is no doubt that Windows has revolutionized the way we use computers today. Bill, can you explain just why it’s so popular?

Bill: Well, very simply, people find Windows very easy to use because everything is presented in graphic images. It’s also compatible with thousands of programs.

Interviewer: The big news at the moment is, of course, the launch of Windows Vista – the successor to Windows XP. I understand that there are several versions of Vista available. Could you give us some advice on which one to get?

Bill: Yes, you’re right – there are four main editions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.

Windows Vista Editions:

• Home Basic: Designed for users with basic needs, such as email and internet access.
• Home Premium: For more advanced home computing and entertainment. It includes a DVD maker, a movie maker and a Media Centre, which lets you listen to music, watch video and record TV programmes on your PC.
• Business Edition: Ideal for business organizations of all sizes. It offers new backup technologies and advanced networking capabilities.
• Ultimate Edition: Combines all the features of the other editions, making it the most complete. It has everything you need to enjoy the latest in music, games, digital photography and high-definition TV. It’s aimed at high-end PC users, gamers and multimedia professionals.

Interviewer: And what other factors make Windows Vista so attractive?

Bill: The user interface has been redesigned with new icons and a new visual style. The system gives you more flexibility when you search and organize your files, and it offers support for the latest technologies, from DVD creation to speech recognition.

Interviewer: What about internet connections? Have they been improved?

Bill: Yes, Internet Explorer is more reliable and secure. The Security Centre includes an anti-spyware program called Windows Defender and a firewall that protects your computer from internet attacks.

Interviewer: And what sort of application software can you use with Windows?

Bill: The most popular is still Microsoft Office, a suite that includes the word processor, Word, an email program, the Excel spreadsheet program, and the presentation graphics program, PowerPoint.