TIP: You can turn file menus back on by pressing the Alt key, and then make them disappear again by pressing Alt.

Windows Media Center has been updated, and can be used not only on a PC, but also on devices that Microsoft calls Media Center Extenders, such as the Xbox 360. Vista supports up to five Media Center Extenders on a single PC, allowing multiple devices on a home network to access Windows Media Center.

Tablet PC support has been beefed up in Windows Vista as well. A big plus is that you can now train handwriting recognition to improve its accuracy, and there's more visual feedback than previously.

A new installation process will be welcomed by upgraders. Installation hasn't necessarily been sped up, but it has been made easier. Vista uses image-based installation, and the process is designed to run mostly unattended. So after answering a few questions, you get it started and can then walk away while installation proceeds.

The bottom line