Tech notes.

Byline: By Andrew Robson

It's a big day in the life of one of the world's richest technology firms.

Today, Microsoft unleashes its long-awaited new Windows operating system on to the business market, with companies now able to buy Windows Vista under volume licence deals.

It's been five years since Microsoft launched XP and we were initially promised that Vista would be with us in late 2003.

At Perfect Image, we've been testing the new software for several months now ( so has the long wait been worthwhile?

Microsoft's overall aim with Vista was to build it around what they call their three key "pillars" of clear, confident and connected.

In essence, they wanted to make it easier for users to do things on their PC, and to improve the way we connect to and use our networks and the internet.

Perhaps the most important issue for Microsoft, though ( and key to their success ( was to address the extensive criticism they've received for the state of security in Windows XP and its predecessors.

Based on our testing I'm pleased to report that Microsoft has obviously worked very hard, and seemingly successfully, on plugging the security holes that exist on XP.

And for those who want even higher levels of protection there's a new system called BitLocker that encrypts all the information on your machine so that even if it's stolen your information remains secure.

So, if Microsoft seems to have cracked the security problem, are the other aspects of Vista as successful?

The first thing you'll notice upon starting up the system is the updated user interface and visual style, which Microsoft has branded "Aero" ( Authentic, Energetic, Reflective and Open.

It's easy-to-use and, as you'd expect of a system named after "a pleasing view," Vista looks very nice.

As well as looking great, Vista boasts more features than you could shake a memory stick at, such as the ability to preview files without opening them and a very cool way of swapping between applications.

There's also a significantly faster and more thorough search facility, a favourite links pane enabling one-click access to common directories, a DVD maker, completely redesigned networking, audio, print and display systems, the address bar has been replaced with a breadcrumb navigation system ... and plenty more besides.

It's good that the changes are an evolution from XP rather than a radical change ( so most people will be able to pick it up fairly quickly.

And most importantly, they make it easier to get the most out of your computer. If you're responsible for the PCs in your company then the chances are you'll end up using Vista at some point ( so you need to start planning for it now.

Andrew Robson is managing director of IT specialist Perfect Image and chairman of Codeworks Connect's advisory board.