System
Windows XP has now given way to Windows Vista, after more then five years of waiting. Windows Vista has become more innovative on nearly all points: architecture, security, usability, stability, etc. The list of new features is consistent and of significant length, but there are still quite a lot of people that are hesitant to make the move. This is why we have written a few articles, so as to help you discover what really is new and on offer in this system. We will start by Vista’s new interface…
One of the “more” visible features of Windows Vista is its new graphical interface: Aero. But besides a reworked appearance, it is essentially the technical side of things that is innovative as, for the first time; Windows properly uses the graphics cards capabilities. This will be able to support Microsoft’s API DirectX 9 and will come with WDDM (Windows Display Driver Model) compatible drivers so that you can take advantage of a whole range of different effects.
With Windows Vista, Microsoft has completely remodelled their interface with Aero
This includes the animation and transparency of windows, the pre-visualisation of windows contents or files/folders, changing between tasks (Alt+Tab), the Flip 3D effect (Windows+Tab) and other effects like the blue or red halo around your cursors and icons.
Calling on DirectX 9, the WDDM’s allow you to take advantage of your powerful graphics card to assure your Windows Vista desktop is displayed
You will also notice the presence of system icons that are now vectored. This allows you to change their size depending on your preferences, as well as view the contents of a file or program before opening it. You simply need to open the folder which contains your music files to discover the associated albums jacket.
Even though Aero uses transparency effects, it is still possible to disable this feature if you want… or to personalise how you want your windows to be displayed
You simply need to take a look at the Mac OS X operating system (AQUA User Interface), or other Linux distributions which integrate the “XGL” and AIGLX (Accelerated Indirect GL X) 3D interfaces or “Metisse” which is more then just a 3D interface. This will be available in the next Mandriva engine, but it is already possible to discover this is you a member of the Mandriva club.
Don’t forget the Looking glass interface developed by Sun which has the peculiarity of being available for Windows, Solaris and Linux systems. A dedicated Ubuntu distribution package is also available from this address. But Microsoft has at least taken the time to broaden their outlook and bought Windows up to date, which is something in itself.
I couldn’t resist showing you the MAC OS X interface. If you still say that Microsoft is behind with Vista… then there is nothing that will please you!
But the 3D possibilities offered by the new Windows Vista graphics core are still up there with the future graphics interface evolutions. This allows you to personalise the Vista interface to your liking, thanks to artists (or geeks that have way too much talent, if you prefer), or via a company like Stardock. The Wincustomize internet site will be one to certainly watch.
With Windows Vista, Microsoft has completely remodelled their interface with Aero
This includes the animation and transparency of windows, the pre-visualisation of windows contents or files/folders, changing between tasks (Alt+Tab), the Flip 3D effect (Windows+Tab) and other effects like the blue or red halo around your cursors and icons.
Calling on DirectX 9, the WDDM’s allow you to take advantage of your powerful graphics card to assure your Windows Vista desktop is displayed
You will also notice the presence of system icons that are now vectored. This allows you to change their size depending on your preferences, as well as view the contents of a file or program before opening it. You simply need to open the folder which contains your music files to discover the associated albums jacket.
Even though Aero uses transparency effects, it is still possible to disable this feature if you want… or to personalise how you want your windows to be displayed
Don’t forget the Looking glass interface developed by Sun which has the peculiarity of being available for Windows, Solaris and Linux systems. A dedicated Ubuntu distribution package is also available from this address. But Microsoft has at least taken the time to broaden their outlook and bought Windows up to date, which is something in itself.
I couldn’t resist showing you the MAC OS X interface. If you still say that Microsoft is behind with Vista… then there is nothing that will please you!
But the 3D possibilities offered by the new Windows Vista graphics core are still up there with the future graphics interface evolutions. This allows you to personalise the Vista interface to your liking, thanks to artists (or geeks that have way too much talent, if you prefer), or via a company like Stardock. The Wincustomize internet site will be one to certainly watch.
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| Orb 2.0 multimedia streaming software: test | Windows Vista Test: Presentation of the NT6 core |
May 22nd, 2013 - 12:58 PM ET
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