Vista SP1 Tested (Part-3)

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INNOVATIONS IN VISTA SP 1
User account control : The user need not constantly certify for multiple UAC (User Account Control) messages any more—a single authorization will suffice in future.

Vista-Backup : Even data encoded with EFS (Encrypting File System) can be secured in the new version of the image program from Windows.

New recovery tool : The SRT (Startup Repair Tool) can even restore system files. Till now, users had to completely reinstall the system.

Quick unblocking : Earlier, pause time after hitting [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del] used to average 10 seconds.

Remote maintenance tools : The security involved in remote access has been improved—the programs can now be equipped with a digital signature.

BitLocker I : Along with the system partition, the encryption program can encode other partitions and drives as well.

BitLocker II : The data can also be encrypted through Multi Factor Authentication simultaneously with TPM module (PIN) and a USB stick for increased security.

New activation : The KMS (Key Management Service) available in the ‘Enterprise’ version now operates in virtual environments as well.

Safe password : Users have to compulsorily input a password hint as reminders while installing Vista, or else Windows will not start.

Old group policy : On installing SP1, Windows deletes GPMC (Group Policy Management Console) and activates the simpler version, GPedit.

New file system : The new file system exFAT has been introduced in Vista with SP1. Created especially for storage media, it offers support for files up to 32 GB.Better network behavior: In case of peer-to-peer connections, the users can also find out if they are behind a symmetrical firewall.

Faster Windows Releases : Network shares can be recognizable faster with SP1, especially when it concerns a pure SP1 environment.

Quick ZIP folder : Packed archives such as ZIP files can be stored and extracted faster with Vista Service Pack 1.

Speedy pictures : The photo display is more powerful with SP1. The supplemented feature is particularly noticeable in large images.

Improved Internet Explorer : Vista is faster in loading and rendering loads of websites which use intensive JavaScript programming language.

New SuperFetch : The Cache function loads the frequently used files in the main memory. This happens much faster, particularly while booting.

Intelligent network logic : Vista identifies which network connections are useful, for example, when LAN and WLAN are activated simultaneously.

Upgraded remote access : The RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) has a new compression algorithm and thus requires less bandwidth.

Configurable defragmentation : Users and administrators can determine the drives they want to defragment.

Deleting functions for offline folders : Vista with Service Pack 1 can delete files from offline folders, even if they are not connected.

64 Bit emulator : 64 Bit versions of Vista-SP1 can be installed and used on a 32-Bit system too.

Complete display of main memory : Windows displays the entire main memory on systems, even those which have several OS running.

Better connection of displays : In case of external displays, the display and integration with Vista now work more conveniently.

More drivers : With SP1, Microsoft also delivers a whole series of new drivers for components from third party providers like printers or WLAN-N adapters.

FORECAST
Microsoft internal : What the next Windows has in storeThe technicians at Redmond are saving many functions that are missing in SP1 for the upcoming Windows 7.

Extended Bootmanager : Until now, the system administrator from Windows recognized only the Microsoft-owned operating systems. Other operating systems, for example, Linux, had to be manually added by the user in a long winded way. Installing a recognition function is child’s play for Microsoft.

Windows activation : A person changing PC components frequently or reinstalling the system would soon reach the limit of Internet activation of Windows. The only way out: the telephone hotline. Many users want to have the option of deactivating the OS before upgrading so that it does not reach the activation limit.

Fully developed sound mixer : Even with Service Pack 1, the sound mixer from Windows can set only the volume: the bass and fading configurations are entirely missing. These functions are standard even in a simple car radio.

Blu-ray and HD DVD playback : If you want to watch the latest HD discs with Vista SP1, you would need additional software. Microsoft has paid a lot of attention to the out-of-the-box experience—install and start up. However, the screen still remains blank without a suitable codec.

Configuring the Taskbar : Firefox and Internet Explorer have the function whereby individual tabs can be moved and grouped using the mouse. However, this functionality is still missing in the Windows taskbar.Personalizing Superfetch: The SuperFetch function in Vista loads frequently used DLL files in the fast main memory. Windows need not load these files from the relatively slower hard disk any more. The only thing missing is a configuration option. SuperFetch used to search for cacheable data in unneeded folders, like in film or MP3 directories. (end)