Windows Vista Review, Part 4: The Vista Experience

Microsoft has made a concerted effort to imbue Windows Vista with a holistic user experience that was only hinted at in previous Windows versions. To understand what this means, consider the evolution of Windows: Not the pixels, widgets, and other onscreen interface elements so much as the overall "feel" one gets from Windows. Over time, Windows has evolved from a clumsy graphical user interface (GUI), built on top of MS-DOS, to a cohesive and complete environment of its own. The current Windows version--Windows XP--is reasonably stable (and, with Service Pack 2, reasonably secure) and provides a number of user-friendly touches that enhance and simplify certain experiences, such as the act of acquiring photos or movies from a camera. Windows isn't perfect--and maybe it never will be--but it gets the job done.