Welcome to my Vista Help Blog

On this site you'll find help and informaton on Vista.

The aim of this site is to help you upgrade you computer from XP to VIsta

Archive for 'Software'

Jim Marshall wrote:


Despite Microsoft’s new upgrade of Vista from XP, many of the same problems are happening to the Vista Windows registry. Vista blue screens, fatal errors, sluggishness, and other problems are plaguing Vista computers everywhere. Many people require a registry cleaner for Vista. I have actually discovered what I believe to be the best Vista registry cleaner on the market. These are among the things it can do for you:

• Fixes an incredible amount of errors in your Vista registry. Also has the intuition to only repair corrupted files while leaving benign ones in place. The software creates a backup of your Windows Vista registry in case anything goes wrong, but I have found that to rarely happen.

• Has an optimization feature to speed up Vista considerably. The feature takes a snapshot of your system and offers solutions to clear up congested and troubled areas to run more efficiently. You will be quite surprised at how fast your computer can run when it is fully optimized. This is a feature anyone should look for when choosing a registry cleaner for Vista.

• Has automated scan and repair feature to fix all errors before they become problems. No one likes to be working on something important when the dreaded Windows Vista blue screen of death comes knocking. You can take the proactive approach and use software that will clean up registry errors automatically.

If you want to clean Vista registry the easy way I can’t think of a better solution. Not only will the program fix all errors, but it will also make your computer run faster and more efficient. Try for yourself the program that I consider the best registry cleaner for Vista. Scan your computer for free, you have nothing to lose.



M. Aslam wrote:


Although Microsoft has made a point of including strong game and multimedia support with all of its post-Windows 3.1 operating systems through the ever-evolving DirectX multimedia libraries, the company didn’t fully and completely embrace the idea of full home multimedia until it released the Windows XP–based Windows Media Center Edition in 2003. And now, with Windows Vista,

Microsoft is going after virtually every possible computer user in the world, from people in emerging markets (for example, third-world nations) to spoiled consumers, from timid technophobes to business power users. And, most important, Microsoft has now turned its all-seeing eye to dedicated gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.

The company released a number of different Windows Vista editions, each aimed at a different market segment. Windows Vista Starter, which is only available in emerging markets, is a barebones operating system for the simplest computers. Vista Home Basic is a notch above Starter, intended for homes with a single computer and users who don’t need a bevy of fancy features— the kind of people who just want to check their e-mail and do some Web surfing and leave well

enough alone. Home Premium is a more full-bodied consumer edition, with a stronger focus on multimedia and usability. It’s one of several editions to feature the new desktop interface, Aero. A pair of Vista products aimed at various-sized companies includes the Business and Enterprise editions, with features that cater to networked businesspeople.

Then there’s Ultimate. Windows Vista Ultimate is the edition for the true enthusiast, the person who spends hundreds of dollars on single upgrades just to run the latest games. Ultimate edition caters to people who can’t imagine viewing home video without editing it through a PC first. This edition is the one for people who consider the PC not an appliance or a convenience or a luxury, but an essential cornerstone of existence, right up there with food, clothing, and shelter.



What’s New in Windows Vista?

M. Aslam wrote:


So, what’s new in Windows Vista? A better question might be, “What’s not new in this startling new operating system?” From the first glance, you can see that Windows Vista is obviously quite different from Windows XP. The interface is similar, but prettier. Windows Explorer is familiar, but so much more functional. Things are in different places. The browser is brand new. Everything is better organized. What’s up with the icons giving you a glimpse into the files they represent? Even the old, standard games that haven’t changed a bit since Windows 3.1 look improved.

There’s more. Behind the scenes, Windows Vista is a vastly improved operating system. It’s more secure. It’s less prone to critical failures and file corruption. It does things better, faster, more efficiently. Sometimes, it’s as if your computer can read your mind.

The Windows Vista user interface represents a sweeping change from anything you may have ever seen before. This change is the most significant one in the Windows user experience since Microsoft went from Windows 3.x to Windows 95. The graphic user interface (GUI) is built upon the principles of the Windows GUI from Windows 95 to XP, but it’s significantly different: The Start Menu has been overhauled; windows have nifty, transparent borders; and everything looks

fresh and new. The look falls under Windows Aero, the new desktop interface, but the enhancements don’t stop with visuals—the shell and search features are massively enhanced, and the new Sidebar is a handy addition.



About Microsoft Windows Software Products

GT Kimberly wrote:


 

Microsoft Offers wide range of products for Windows. Here is a list of Original Microsoft Software Products available for you:

The Microsoft Windows Vista Business operating system is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs and more time adding strategic value to your organization.

If you simply want to change your PC for tasks such as surfing the internet , corresponding with friends and family using e-mail, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks , then Microsoft Windows Vista Home basic will deliver a safer, more reliable and more productive computing environment.

Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for homes with advanced computer needs. It will help you use your laptop or desktop PC more effectively as well as enable you to enjoy new, exciting digital entertainment experiences all with the benefit of added security and reliability.

Windows Vista Ultimate is the most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista. It is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system.

The Microsoft Windows Vista Business Upgrade is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business Upgrade will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs and more time adding strategic value to your organization. You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 (including Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP Tablet PC, Windows XP Professional x64, Windows 2000) to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing this upgrade copy of Windows Vista

Microsoft Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade (Business to Ultimate) is the most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista. It is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system.

Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade (Home Basic to Home Premium) is the operating system for homes with advanced computer needs. It will help you use your laptop or desktop PC more effectively as well as enable you to enjoy new, exciting digital entertainment experiences all with the benefit of added security and reliability.

Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade (Home Basic to Ultimate) is the most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista. It is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system.

Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade (Home Premium to Ultimate) is the most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista. It is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system.

Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade is the most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista. It is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system.



Windows Sound Drivers

Paul Abrams wrote:


The WaveRT port driver for Windows has a new interface that allows Windows Vista audio streaming technology.  The WaveRT driver supports audio devices that can connect to a system bus, and can play back and or record wave data.

Windows Vista picks up where XP left off.  Vista has the PortCls system driver, which provides a WaveRT port driver that gives the user real time performance, but instead uses a modified and simplified cyclic buffer for rendering or capturing audio stream.  The WaveRT port driver also provides the generic system functionality for kernel streaming filter that represents the audio device like those in previous Windows versions such as Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP.

The miniports in Windows Vista now use the WaveRT port driver as the preferred wave port driver.  It still supports WaveCyclic and WavePci miniport drivers.

By reducing the latency of audio streams, the WaveRT port driver uses real time scheduling support to deliver clear and quality sound.  Low latency isochronous transfer modes of PCI Express devices are more hardware innovations that Vista brings along to complement the additional real time scheduling

Considering these advancements, the audio device should be able to play and or capture input data with little or no involvement from the driver software.  The hardware for the audio device should also not need any assistance from the driver from the time run state to the exit state.  If all is correct, the result is a low latency audio that takes up few host CPU cycles and timing glitches are non existent. 

The WaveRT port driver uses a global audio engine.  With the global audio engine, the driver is able to mix the playback streams from the currently running audio applications.  It is also able to write the mixed stream into the cyclic buffer.  After mixed, the device takes the stream from the buffer and plays it.



How to Repair Windows Vista Registry

Kevin J Smith wrote:


It is of common knowledge that majority of the registry cleaner soft wares are meant for Windows XP. As a result people using windows vista are left pondering which registry cleaner software they can rely on to clean registry in case of windows vista. Quite a lot of companies are updating their products to suit the requirements of windows vista but majority of them are not compatible as of now. Thus it is advisable that before finalizing any purchase regarding registry cleaner software, one must check the compatibility factor.

There are many sites on the net that advertise about their products as compatible to windows vista. But what they are exactly doing is targeting some specific keywords that end up in producing their company’s profile every time you search for the registry cleaner on a search engine. In fact now there is no need to search the net for that elusive registry cleaner that can take care of all your registry cleaning requirements regarding windows vista. You can simply download the registry cleaner pro software that is completely compatible with the windows vista. The registry cleaner pro software is one of the most powerful registry cleaning soft wares in the market today.

One thing that has to be kept in mind is that you should never try to clean your registries manually. On many an occasion you would find that it leads to more damage than doing any good to the system. The registry cleaner pro software would help you get rid of any phising attacks, hidden ads, spy ware, ad ware, viruses, and harmful programs in the most efficient manner. The registry cleaner software is designed using the latest technology and is quite safe when used to clean registries in the windows vista.



Windows Vista Ultimate Edition Features

M. Aslam wrote:


Windows Ultimate is unique in that it not only features all the features of the other Windows editions, but also includes downloadable Windows Ultimate Extras. Available through Windows Update, they are slated to include some pretty incredible software. Microsoft bills them as cutting edge utilities and applications.

Flip 3D is a cool way to breeze through the open applications on the Windows desktop. Plain-old Flip is the new name for the Alt+Tab combination that shows your open applications and lets you choose from among them. Now, however, you can also use the Windows key with Tab to present a 3D view of your open applications. The applications also show what’s going on inside them. This Aero feature is both nifty and handy.

Windows Vista Ultimate is the first operating system to live up to its name. It truly is the ultimate in desktop operating systems. This book guides you through the new features with a strong focus on multimedia and gaming, as well as shows you how to install Windows Vista fresh or upgrade your legacy Windows installation; how to network multiple computers in a home environment;

how to get the most out of your movies, photographs and music; and how to leverage the new gaming features to your advantage; and that’s just the beginning.

Windows Vista Ultimate is designed for multimedia and gaming, and it boast a host of new features to make audio, video, and interactive experiences better than ever before. Besides the Games folder, mentioned earlier, it incorporates a bunch of other nifty upgrades.



Roman Rudnik wrote:


w.foldermarker.com/everyday-vista-folder-icons.php

SAY YES TO CONVENIENCE, MAKE VISTA FOLDERS MORE INFORMATIVE!

Modern computers can store terabytes of information. The number of folders in which you keep all your files increases, and you inevitably find yourself exhausted from the necessary folder among tons of others. Even the neat design of Vista folder icons cannot help when there are too many Windows file folders. How do we keep navigation as smooth as possible? The answer is simple: follow the intuitive visual approach with Everyday Folder Icons (http://www.foldermarker.com/everyday-vista-folder-icons.php). It’s the biggest and most diverse Vista folder icon pack there has ever been with icons of impeccable quality. Now a well-planned hierarchy, along with fitting folder names isn’t the only way to provide better navigation – change folder icon of any Vista folder you often use for even more tangible results.

If you come to think of it, Windows Vista, providing as much freedom as it does, still lacks the essential assortment of directory icons. In the standard case, you have to look for the necessary icons all over the disc, while with Everyday Folder Icons you’ll find them all in one place for every possible occasion. It is fairly convenient.

Folder becomes unique after you change folder icon with Everyday Folder Icons, so that it makes extremely easy to find all your favorite folders thanks to their new eye-catching and stylish appearance.

GOOD THINGS DO COME IN BIG PACKAGES!

Everyday Folder Icons has the biggest choice of Vista folders you can find on the Web, and yet it continues to grow rapidly because you can never have too many of those lovely folders. With such a wide range of folder icons, you can find a matching icon for almost any type of folder.

Still, if your fantasy craves more, you don’t need to look for icons elsewhere as it’s very easy to order a personal and absolutely unique icon for only $9.95 and get it crafted by highly qualified professionals. Anytime you have a feeling to change a folder icon - just remember Everyday Folder Icons.

Each icon from Everyday Folder Icons is designed to look impeccable in all sizes, including 16×16, and fit the authentic folder style of the original Vista folders. Refined appearance and perfectly fitting style is what makes you feel the difference between icons available at no charge and a carefully crafted collection delivered by the experts. These icons are true masterpieces of desktop folder art and certainly deserve to become the new look of all your favorite folders. Label your folders with these classy icons to make your navigation more convenient and efficient.

TWO GREAT TOOLS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

Everyday Folder Icons will be a fine purchase on its own. However, it will be especially convenient to use this icon pack along with Folder Marker (http://www.foldermarker.com). It’s the smart folder highlight recipe and the fastest way to personalize your desktop. The way your folders look can be changed in seconds. Use this tool to assign another icon to any given folder in just two clicks. Thus, Folder Marker users will get extra benefit from the rich icon pack, as they’ll be able to shift folder appearance in an instant and try out the variety of icons with no delay. At present, Folder Marker is the #1 icon changer on the Internet with a wide range of colored folders and colors. Replace the boredom of standard folder icons with colorful folders for better perception!

Download Everyday Folder Icons now to see how it may change your computational habits for better: http://www.foldermarker.com/EverydayFolderIcons_DEMO.exe

Jim Marshall wrote:


Looking to speed up Vista? Want to do it without upgrading or buying a new system? I always hear the same question – How can I make my computer faster? Well fortunately the solution is much easier than you may think. Using these 3 Vista internet speed tweaks, you can make your computer faster very quickly. There is also a program below which can perform these 3 steps and get your computer running faster than ever in just minutes.

Remove all temporary, unused, and redundant programs and files. Most people have gigabytes worth of information that is simply taking up space on their computers. An overloaded hard drive full of pointless data is one of the main causes of a slow computer. You can remove this information yourself or use a program to locate these files and programs for you.

Reduce the amount of programs that launch upon each startup. This is one of the great Vista tweaks that will not only speed up computer starting and power down times, it will also improve overall performance. You may be quite surprised by all the programs that run at startup and don’t even show up on the taskbar. Most of these are not needed. In order to disable these programs you need to alter the registry through MSConfig. If you are unfamiliar with MSConfig I recommend using a program to perform this Vista speed tweak.

Fix all errors and perform an overall registry clean up. As we download or install new programs our registries becomes congested with tons of useless and corrupting information. The registry is the engine that makes the computer go. When broken it requires a tune-up. The easiest way to do this is scan your computer with a Windows Vista registry cleaner.

If you are lazy like me and want to use a program that completely automates these Vista internet speed tweaks then you are in luck. I personally use registry cleaner software that can perform these 3 steps and a whole lot more. It will speed up your computer big time while reducing errors that lead to computer crashing and blue screens. Scan your computer for free below!



Arvind wrote:


Vista Registry Editor is one of the most important tools available in Windows Vista, which allows you to view and manually edit the contents of Windows Registry. The Windows Registry or simply registry is a hierarchical database of settings that is used by Vista to store the information relevant to its configuration, application, hardware and software files. Whenever an application is opened in your system, the registry adds information to it and this process follows for every application that is opened in your system.

To execute or open the Vista Registry Editor, you need to type regedit.exe in the run dialog box of the start menu and the press the OK button or the Enter key. This opens the window of the Registry Editor, which is divided into two pans. The pan in the left side contains a tree with keys that are represented by folders, while the pan in the right side shows the values contained in a specific key when you select the key. Generally, you can add keys or modify values using the Registry Editor to edit Vista registry. This process of editing and modifying the registry is known as registry tweaking or registry hacking.

The registry editing generally starts with navigating down the folders of the Vista Registry Editor to select a particular key. It is followed by modifying the key with a new key or assigning a new value. For adding a new key or value, you need to select New from the Edit menu of the Vista Registry Editor. This allows you to select the option that you want to add and thereafter you can type the name of the key or value. In addition, if you think, there is no use of a key or value, and discarding it will cause no harm, then you can delete it by simple selecting it and pressing the Del key on the Registry Editor. One important thing to remember while tweaking with the Vista registry is that you need to reboot your system so that the changes in the registry can take effect.