Comparison between Windows XP and Window vista

Windows XP and Windows Vista were 2 succeeding versions of Microsoft's Windows computer operating system. Microsoft marketed both versions as main updates of Windows with new features, improved security and better overall consistency. Each system came already loaded on personal computers from many different manufacturers and was also available as an advance for existing Windows computers.

History

Windows XP went on sale around the globe in October 2001. It replaced the existing Windows Me (Millennium Edition), which had appeared about one year before. Windows XP was the major operating system offering from Microsoft until Windows Vista went on sale in early on 2007. Windows XP's life duration of more than five years makes it one of the longest releases of any version of Windows. In October 2009, Microsoft released Windows 7 to swap Windows Vista, giving Vista a more distinctive two-to-three year life cycle.

Appearance and Versions

Windows XP retains most of the visual cues and icons from previously editions like Windows Me and Windows 2000. Microsoft created three different versions of Windows XP, targeting various users: Windows XP Home Edition was design for casual users, Windows XP Professional for businesses and users with more highly developed systems, and Windows XP Media Center Edition came with unique features for playing DVD video, recording music and viewing television programs.

Windows Vista was a visual exodus from its predecessor, giving Windows an extra streamlined appearance (known as the Windows AERO scheme) and replacing the common "Start" rectangular icon in a circle Windows logo in the bottom left-hand corner of the home screen.

Security

Though Windows XP came standard with basic security features, Internet safety was a main concern and criticism of the operating system. In particular this was because of the number of viruses to which Windows XP was susceptible, along with the huge amount of control given through an Administrator account kind (which could make the entire system vulnerable if accessed without authorization). Microsoft highlighted improved security with Windows Vista, including a User Account Control feature which removes administrative privileges that hackers might be able to use.

Features

Moreover enhanced security, Windows Vista includes some other notable features lacking in Windows XP. One of the features is Windows Sidebar, which gives Windows right to use small applications known as Desktop Gadgets. One more feature exclusive to Vista is the Instant Search feature, which displays predictive results while the user is still typing a search word. Windows Vista also brought updates of popular programs as well as Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and Windows Calendar.

Performance

Both Windows XP and Windows Vista consist of built-in support for both 32- and 64-bit applications. In terms of user opinions and standard testing, the operating systems reveal same performance capabilities. In a few tests, including 3D graphics tests, Windows XP in fact outperformed its newer counterpart. In real-world scenarios, users are much more likely to experience improved or worse performance due to hardware and application differences rather than which of the two Windows systems they run.

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