Desktop Sidebar

When Microsoft built Windows Vista there thought it would be a good thing to have a some gadgets on the desktop. Gadgets like a clock, note pad, or even a picture sideshow. These would be nice little things that would be there as little reminders to the computer user.

Vista comes with a few stock gadgets. However you can download more gadgets from Microsoft's Gadgets Gallery.

Below is how you can add and remove gadgets from the sidebar. It is here you can edit the sidebar's properties and options.

• Left click on the Vista start button
  
• Move your cursor over and open the All Programs.
• Select Accessories,
  
• Then drag your mouse to Windows Sidebar and left click.

Another place you can go to edit Vista's Sidebar is by doing the following.

• Left click on Vista's start button.
• Go to Control Panel
  
• Left click on Appearance and Personalization.
  
• Click on Windows Sidebar Properties.
• Configure your sidebar settings and then click "OK."

What Is Aero?

AERO stands for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open. It is to give a crisp new look to Windows Vista. The AERO only is available on Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions of Vista. The only benefit of AERO is the glass like look.
If you want to turn on and off AERO or change the setting:

• Right-click a blank area on the Vista Desktop
• Click on Personalize.
• Click on the link: Windows Color and Appearance
• Examine the Color Scheme
• 'Windows Aero' is the best choice.

Flip 3D

One of the cool features that is new to Vista is what is titled 3D Flip. This feature is available in all the versions of Windows Vista except for Home Basic. This is Microsoft's way of giving you a reason to upgrade beyond Basic.

If you are like me that has several programs open at the same time. Old Windows XP users remember holding down the Alt key and then press the Tab key on your keyboard. This brings up an window that allows you switch between open programs.

Now with Vista, you hold down the Windows key and then press the Tab key. This gives you a cool way to see small pictures of what programs that are open, and flip between them.

UAC or User Account Control

User Account Control or UAC is a new security feature in Windows Vista. If have changed setting or install any software you have ran gotten alerts asking you if you really wanted to perform tha action. Only permits authorized users to install software, or any hardware. The reason for UAC is to stop malicious programs before they do any harm to your computer.

UAC is controlled by left clicking on the Windows icon in the lower left of your screen. Then going to Control Panel. Left click on User Accounts. When in User Accounts uncheck User Account Control.

Setting Time Limits

To often I get asked by parents about special software to limit their child's activities on the computer. Windows Vista includes a good set of parental controls. The time limit settings are very accessible.
First login to the administrator account. Give the child a separate login. You can give them their own password or not. I did for your daughter. This helped feel important.

To get to Parental Control;

• Click Start button then go to the Control Panel
• Click User Accounts then Family Safety
• Click Parental Controls
• Click Continue in the User Account Control window
• Select the User Account from the Parental Controls window

It is from this window that you can limit time spent on the computer, to monitoring their internet activity.

Not All Program Work On Vista

The second most frustration with people changing over to Window's Vista has been that not all older software/programs will work. Many people have had to either get new software or trade their Vista computer in for one that is running Window's XP. Some people in anger at Microsoft have made the conversion to Linux or Apple.

Before spending a lot of unexpected money, it would be good to check out a compatibility list of software that will work on Vista. You can find a list at iexbeta.com. Still I would check the software manufacture website for the Vista ready logo. There is a more official detail list at Appreadiness.com. After checking all three sources you can be assured that you software will work on Vista.

Bottom line, I would recommend that you check you each of these websites before upgrading to Vista or going out any new software.

Different Vista's

Windows XP had two version; Home and Profession. Microsoft has four basic versions of Window's Vista. Each is designed for a little different computer users in mind.

The different versions vary in price and features. If you want to know all the individual features of each version, go to Microsoft.com. If you want a bare bones idea which version you should have. Well. I have listed the versions below and my recommendation to what would be best suited to what needs.

• Home Basic - If all your are going to be doing on your computer is email, browsing the web and pictures, this is all you need. (Retails for $199.00)
• Home Premium - DVD playing, burning CD's and DVD's well you should step up to Home Premium (Retails for $239.00)
  
• Business - If the computer is in a work enviroment, where several people will be using that computer; Vista Business is what you need. (Retails for $299.00)
• Ultimate - This version is for those who do a little bit of everything from spreadsheets to watching DVD's. (Retails for $399.00)
• Enterprise - Large companies with 100's to 1000's are the only people on a computer will use this version.