With Vista, Microsoft is boldly changing how users interface with their PCs. The new user interface (previously known as Aero Glass) is a combination of changes in style, color, windowing, interfaces and workflow. For the most part, the UI changes are cosmetic, and will have only minimal impact on user productivity - positive or negative. The biggest impact will be in user perceptions. The new look and feel is an improvement that freshens the Windows XP interface, which, after more than five years is showing its age.

Although the look and feel will get a lot of attention, it is really the changes "under the covers" that are probably more important. The new UI is built on top of a completely new graphics engine that improves reliability and provides a more consistent level of performance than the older graphics subsystem. It also leverages newer graphics hardware to provide a more flashy look and feel, including brighter and better scaling, new animations and translucency on windows (the new UI elements). However, long term, it is the solid feel of the new user environment that most users will probably appreciate more than the flashy effects.

Where the biggest impact of the new environment will be felt though are the changes that Microsoft has made to many of the workflow processes (such as how to navigate through network settings and some changes in control panel), dialog boxes, and applications as part of some of the underlying changes in how users interface with their PCs. Some of these changes are minor (Start menu changes), some are significant (new Network and Sharing Center). Many of the changes will have little effect on users, while others are dramatic ... and not always for the best.

The bottom line is the UI in Vista is certainly different, but not necessarily better or worse than the Windows XP UI. The look and feel are a refreshing update, and will help more novice users navigate their digital world. Experienced users will find the UI equally interesting, but will grumble about having to re-learn some features and adjust how they work with their PCs today.

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I am tired of the Emperor rearranging the furniture and paining the wall a new color! This stuff is nuts and bolts not 1959 Cadillac Fins! I would settle for restoring some of the legacy items (directory print)and adding some Unix like functionality (Grep). Why is it do less with more memory and rearange stuff where it is not where it use to be. Oh and find me some novice users HA! HA! Bill work on your Chinese!

Among lowest rank users, the UI has increasingly gotten prettier, but I do not notice marked improvements in productivity since Windows 95. Its the relationship to the original PARC metaphor that produced the largest increase in user acceptance, and reduced training needs.

Among power users, complexity and consumption of resources is painful. If transparent fine, but if not KISS is preferred. That Vista has a command line mode bespeaks tons for all the UI truely delivers.

As a novice I can relate to how difficult it becomes when you are arbitraily expected to adjust to differential programs.. I don't use the Expolrer 7, because it deletes the File, Edit, View, etc. line.. Also the Netscape Explorer makes you use it's field according to the way they see things.. I prefer to stay with the familiar and long established pathways.. Even tho they may not be the eyecandy that the younger generations prefer..