Windows Vista Features for XP
The latest version of Windows, Mojave Vista, is often criticized by others for being slow and having too many unnecessary features. We’re going to show you how to get several of Vista’s major features on XP - for free.
We’re going to also be including a list at the end of minor features touted by Vista, and XP alternatives.
Windows Vista Sidebar
Windows Vista features a sidebar on your desktop, complete with clock, weather, and some other gadgets.
You can get the same functionality with Google Desktop, which also features desktop search. Download Google Desktop here.
Other alternatives include:
You can also use widget engines such as:
Windows Vista Aero Interface
For custom themes, check out our tutorial on enabling custom themes on Windows, and see the DeviantART search for Windows Vista. A quick run through this Vista Transformation pack will also turn XP’s interface into that of Vista Aero.
Speech Recognition
While perhaps not a flagship feature of Vista, speech recognition is a new built-in feature for Windows. However, you can get speech recognition on Windows 98 through XP with the Microsoft Speech SDK.
Vista Start Menu
Screenshot by Juliot.
For the Vista start menu, look no further than ViStart, or for people who want a Vista-like menu, try Vista Start Menu.
BitLocker Encryption
The free tool TrueCrypt allows you to encrypt files and drives with ease.
Other Features
- Windows Photo Gallery (on Vista) - Windows Live Photo Gallery
- Windows Mail - Windows Live Mail
- Windows Media Center - included on XP Media Center Edition, Elisa
- DVD Burning Capabilities - ImgBurn
I'm Jason, the main author of Third Error, and many of the topics I'll focus on concern Windows (and applicable software), web applications, web design, and a bit of *nix (Ubuntu mainly). My computer runs Windows XP, with virtualized Ubuntu and OS X handy.