Entertainment

DirectX 10 is a 3-D development platform for Windows-based PCs that allows software to harness powerful hardware features. For gamers and video enthusiasts, this translates into reliable, high-performance graphics on your PC.

• See how DirectX 11 works in Windows 7

Games Explorer gives you access to all of the games installed on your PC and lets you view detailed information about each game, such as a game's publisher and developer, which version of the game you own, when you last played, box cover art, and the release date, genre, and rating for each game.

• See how Games Explorer works in Windows 7

Windows Photo Gallery is where you can view, manage, and refine your photos and home movies. The toolbar and left-hand navigation pane make it a snap to find and organize your photos.

• Learn more about Windows Live Photo Gallery and other Windows Live software

Windows DVD Maker, available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate, gives you the tools to create professional-looking video DVDs, so you can view your home movies and photos on any DVD player.

Windows Media Center presents your digital entertainment library in its full glory on your PC or TV. You can view your photos in a cinematic slide show, browse your music collection by cover art, easily play DVDs, watch and record TV shows, download movies, and screen your home videos.

• See how Windows Media Center works in Windows 7

Windows Media Player 11 allows you to rip your favorite music tracks, burn CDs and DVDs, manage your digital media library, and stream media over your home network and the Internet.

• See how Windows Media Player 12 works in Windows 7

Windows Movie Maker delivers a suite of tools to import, edit, manage, and share your digital home videos—including movies captured in the high-definition video (HDV) format. The video effects and multiple transition options in Windows Movie Maker can help turn just about anyone into a movie director.

• Learn more about Windows Live Movie Maker and other Windows Live software

Windows Sidebar on your desktop helps you to organize your gadgets, which are mini programs that give you information at a glance and provide access to frequently used tools. Visit the Personalization Gallery to download free gadgets for Windows.

• See how gadgets work in Windows 7

Windows Vista Ultimate comes loaded with extras—ranging from additional security features to games. Check out the free downloads: Hold 'Em Poker, Microsoft Tinker, BitLocker and EFS Enhancements, Language Packs (updated for SP1), Windows DreamScene and content packs, and Windows Sound Schemes.

• Learn more about the features in Windows 7 Ultimate