In a white paper outlining a training program for Vista and published on their Web site, Microsoft defines three stages of experienced learners. You are now referred to as a learner because you don’t know how to work with Vista enough to be considered a user. From Microsoft: The second stage of experienced learner is the upgrade stage, which occurs when “the rules change”. Much like what will happen with the introduction of Windows Vista. This “rules change” is an apt description of Vista. There is really not much new ground covered in Vista, nor much innovation. They have repackaged the same Windows we have been using with a slicker, prettier interface, but not really much change in substance. For example, one of the slick new features of Vista called Windows Flip, according to Microsoft literature, is the ability to quickly change between task bar items by using the ALT-TAB key sequence. This method of toggling between applications is available in XP, 98, 95 and prior. Another “major” enhancement is the ability to have tabbed access to Web pages, already available in Internet Explorer 7 which can be downloaded for prior versions of Windows.

Most of Vista’s real enhancements have to do with video, graphics and how you interact with Windows while working with pictures or video. For those users that work with graphic images, publishing, video clips, etc., there will be considerably more benefit than for those that work with business applications like accounting, F&I, service, etc. The real business-related value in Vista is enhanced Internet security (Windows Firewall), built in anti-spyware protection (Windows Defender) and sharing of documents (Windows Meeting Space). The enhanced Internet firewall should prove useful. However, you will experience difficulty disabling security on items Microsoft has suddenly deemed necessary to protect, yet failed to inform you about. As one OEM computer manufacturer customer support expert told me after working with Vista, “Vista’s built-in anti-virus program will eliminate the need for any third party anti-virus protection, provided you don’t really need or want virus protection”.

Oh, I almost forgot. With an appropriate add-in circuit card, Vista can be used to record and play TV shows on your computer. Think MS-NBC may have influenced this feature, or is this just the groundwork for some new “MS venture” into other parts of your life and wallet?