Windows Vista - Definition from the Hotspot Shield Glossary

Windows Vista is an operating system developed by Microsoft that superseded Windows XP and preceded Windows 7. Vista continued the traditional features of Windows operating systems such as the Start Menu, Taskbar and Desktop but added new functionality and graphical changes to make a more appealing and stylish OS.

The graphical overhaul concentrated around the “Aero” theme which gave the windows transparency and added more depth and realism to the title bars as opposed to the traditional flat interface of Windows XP that used mainly block colors. The reception of Vista was mixed - Its new interface and added security features were praised, however the system requirements needed to run the OS and the fact that some older programs were not compatible resulted in criticism.