| Microsoft Windows has been the most dominating and widely used operating system on a global scale. Over the years, a number of versions of this operating system have been produced and all of them have attained success. However the two most popular versions have been Windows XP and VISTA. VISTA is a recent production by Microsoft and is commonly compared with Windows XP. Both versions have their advantages and disadvantages. InterfaceIn terms of interface design, VISTA simple outclasses XP in all areas. VISTA provides interactive and extremely creative icons. An example can be the new folder icon which is larger in size and has a three dimensional appearance. In addition to that, Windows XP is simpler and none of the used icons are three dimensional. It is the preferred option for users who have limited system configuration and are not very particular about the interface appearance. Windows XP has the LUNA interface that was heavily criticized to carry an amateur appearance. Comparatively VISTA uses the AERO interface which looks more professional and suitable for the corporate sector. Security FactorWindows VISTA maintains a much higher standard of security as compared to Windows XP. Users can use the enhanced parental control feature with a time constraint. With the help of this factor, a certain user cannot use the system during particular hours. VISTA has a stronger firewall feature with the help of which malicious attempts can be prevented. Speed FactorWindows XP is a lighter operating system as compared to VISTA. Hence a large number of tasks are performed quicker. For instance, a user will browse through the C directory using Windows XP in a shorter duration as compared to Windows VISTA. ConclusionWindows VISTA is more advanced as compared to Windows XP, thus it is an undoubted fact that VISTA is better in most areas. The only advantage that Windows XP has over Windows VISTA is simplicity. A major area of concentration in Windows VISTA is the design structure and customization features which has been ignored in case of Windows XP. |