Getting started with Windows Vista Enterprise

If you've used previous versions of Windows, the first thing you might notice is that the Start menu looks a little different. All Programs is now a single list of programs and folders. When you click a folder in the list, the folder expands within the list. Also, there is now a search box at the bottom of the Start menu, which you can use to search for programs, shortcuts, documents, and even e‑mail messages. When you start typing in the Search box, you see results right away and they become more precise as you continue typing.

Picture of the Windows Vista Start menu

The Control Panel has also been updated. Common settings are grouped together in categories, and each group has a set of tasks accessible by clicking one link. You can also use the Search box to find a specific setting.

For more information about getting around, see the following topics:

Search is integrated into every folder in Windows. You can use the Search box to look for words in a file name, tags that you’ve applied to a file, or other file properties. You can also use Search folders when you don’t know where a file is located or when you want to search using more than just a single file name or property.

Picture showing results getting more precise as more information is typed in the Search box

For more information about finding and organizing files, see the following topics:

The Sync Center helps you keep all of your information up to date even if you store some files on your computer, others in folders on a network server, and still others on a mobile device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or mobile phone.

For more information about keeping your information in sync, see the following topics:

The Network and Sharing Center is a one-stop location for managing your network connections. You can set up network connections, view the status of a connection, and diagnose and repair problems.

Picture of the Network and Sharing Center

For more information about managing networks, see the following topics:

The Security Center displays your computer's antivirus, firewall, malware, and other security settings. User Account Control can help protect your computer from unauthorized changes by requiring permission before performing actions that could potentially affect your computer's operation or change settings that affect other users. And Internet Explorer has built-in security features such as the Phishing Filter and protected mode that can help protect against online fraud and can help prevent websites from installing malicious software on your computer without your consent.

For more information about security and privacy, see the following topics:

In addition to improved security, Internet Explorer offers new features such as tabbed browsing, Quick Tabs, and improved print preview that help make web browsing easier.

For more information about using Internet Explorer, see the following topics: