Features

• The Windows XP limited graphical user interface is not much different from previous Windows versions. In Vista, Microsoft changed the look of the OS with its Windows Aero graphical user interface. Aero has live thumbnails and the Windows 3D Flip feature. Selected gadgets like a clock, Outlook email inbox and calendar appear in a sidebar on the desktop. Aero viewing requires graphics cards that meet minimum specifications. Vista includes advanced search capabilities, a new start menu and new folder organization. The graphical, specially designed Vista Media Player 11 permits media sharing over private networks.
  
  

Security

• Windows Vista parental controls permit individual account security definitions based on an individual user. Security limits are available for applications, Internet sites and hours. Administrators can view browsing history and application use for each secured user. Windows Vista User Account Control secures predefined areas that require administrative validation or permission for access. The level of security in Windows XP is limited in comparison to Vista. Also, unlike XP, Vista offers an additional firewall with advanced outgoing and incoming data filters.
  
  

Performance

• In comparing Vista to XP in central processing unit intensive testing results, Windows XP generally outperforms Vista in overall performance. Results of multimedia performance tests show Windows Vista to be the leader. Results for video conversion tests show Windows XP has the best performance.
  
  

Memory

• In benchmark test results for data and graphics transfer time from memory, Vista and XP are very close. Overall memory transfer time or bandwidth results show Windows XP is faster than Vista. The results for how much time it takes data from memory to be ready to transfer shows XP is faster.
  
  

Warning

• According to Microsoft the last service pack for Windows XP 64-bit edition is Service Pack 2. In April 2014 updates to XP SP2 stop. July 13, 2010, is the end date for XP SP2 support. Vista operating systems with no service packs are not supported. Windows Vista SP2 is currently supported as of April 2010.
  
  

Speculation

• Microsoft released Windows 7 in October 2009. Since then there is speculation among experts about the future of Vista and XP. Some feel that Microsoft will abandon Windows XP. There is also speculation that because of Vista's technical problems, it will be abandoned. As of April 2010, there was no formal announcement from Microsoft.