Management features new to Windows Vista: Difference between revisions

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{{POV check|date=January 2009}}
{{Windows Vista}}
 
[[Windows Vista]] contains a range of new technologies and features that are intended to help [[network administrator]]s and [[power user]]s better manage their systems. Notable changes include a complete replacement of both the "Windows Setup" and the [[Windows NT 6 Startup process|Windows startup]] processes, completely rewritten deployment mechanisms, new diagnostic and health monitoring tools such as [[random access memory]] [[diagnostic program]], support for per-application [[Remote Desktop Protocol|Remote Desktop]] sessions, newa diagnosticcompletely andnew health[[Task monitoring toolsScheduler]], and a range of new [[Group Policy]] settings covering many of the [[features new to Windows Vista]]. [[Microsoft Windows Services for UNIX|Subsystem for UNIX Applications]], which provides a [[POSIX]]-compatible environment is also introduced.
 
Other areas of interest include major changes to [[Task Scheduler]], as well as the addition of [[Microsoft Windows Services for UNIX|Subsystem for UNIX Applications]], which provides a [[POSIX]]-compatible environment for applications as part of the operating system itself.
 
==Setup==
Line 10 ⟶ 7:
 
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Windows Vista Setup.png|thumb|right|Screenshot of the setup process.]] -->
The setup process for Windows Vista has been completely rewritten and is now [[disk image|image-based.]] Setupinstead isof nowbeing [[disk sector|sector-based]] as previous versions of Windows were. onThe Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) versionhas 2.0,been which,updated amongst other features,to runshost the entire setup process in a graphical environment, (as opposed to the text-based environments of previous versions. of VisuallyWindows), which allows the useruse of input devices other than the keyboard throughout the entire setup process. The new interface resembles Windows Vista itself, usingwith features such as [[ClearType]] fonts and the [[Windows Aero|Aero]] visual style, and enabling the use of a mouseeffects. Prior to copying the setup image to disk, users can create, format, and graphically resize disk partitions. The new image-based setup also reduces the duration of the installation procedure when contrasted with Windows XP; Microsoft estimates that Windows Vista can install in as few as 20 minutes despite being more than three times the size of its predecessor.<ref name="InstallationTime">{{cite web |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_rc1_best.asp |title=Supersite's Five Great Features in Windows Vista RC1 |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=September 2, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403100351/http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_rc1_best.asp |archive-date=April 3, 2007 |access-date=January 5, 2021}}</ref>
 
Windows XP only supported loading storage drivers from [[floppy diskette]]s during initialization of the setup process; Windows Vista supports loading drivers for [[SATA]], [[SCSI]], and [[RAID]] controllers from any external source in addition to floppy diskettes prior to its installation.<ref name="UpgradingAndRepairingPCs">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jw7yCQAAQBAJ&q=%22Windows+XP+and+earlier+only+support+loading+these+drivers+from+a+floppy+disk%2C+whereas+Windows+Vista+and+later+support+optical+drives+as+well+as+USB+drives%22&pg=PT542 |title=Upgrading and Repairing PCs |last=Mueller |first=Scott |date=2015 |page=295 |publisher=[[Que Publishing]] |isbn=978-0-13-405769-9 |access-date=May 1, 2016}}</ref>
Support for loading third-party disk drivers has improved. Whereas Windows XP only supported loading drivers from floppy disks while the setup environment is initially loading, Windows Vista additionally supports loading drivers from USB and Firewire storage devices, and from CDs and DVDs from within the main setup wizard.
 
At the end of the setup process, Windows Vista can also automatically download and apply security and device-driver updates from [[Windows Update]]. Previous versions of Windows could only configure updates to be installed after the operating system installation.
Microsoft has aimed to reduce the amount of time setup takes to complete. Setup is now significantly faster than with Windows XP, and thus Windows Vista can be installed in as little as 20 minutes.<ref>[http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_rc1_best.asp Supersite's Five Great Features in Windows Vista RC1]</ref> This is especially notable considering that the Windows Vista install is more than three times the size of its predecessor.
 
At the end of the setup process, Windows Vista automatically downloads and applies security and device-driver updates from [[Windows Update]].
 
==System recovery==
{{main|Windows Recovery Environment}}
The new ''Windows Recovery Environment'' (''WinRE'') detects and fixesrepairs startupvarious relatedoperating system problems.; Itit canpresents bea accessedset byof pressingoptions F8dedicated duringto startup.diagnostics Theincluding system[[Management thenfeatures bootsnew intoto theWindows WinREVista#Startup interfaceRepair|Startup Repair]], [[System Restore]], [[Backup and offersRestore]], variousWindows testsMemory asDiagnostics wellTool, as[[Command recoveryPrompt]], and failureoptions specific to [[original detectionequipment toolsmanufacturer]]s. WinRE automaticallyis detectsaccessible blueby screenpressing errors{{Keypress|F8}} andduring registryoperating damagesystem andboot triesor toby repairbooting thefrom systema andWindows getinstallation itsource upsuch andas runningoptical quicklymedia.
 
The ''Windows Recovery Environment'' tools have been significantly expanded to take advantage of the new graphical setup environment. A "toolbox" is presented to the user, offering access to repair functions, [[System Restore]], a new memory diagnostic tool, access to Complete PC Backup and Restore images, and access to a command prompt. Multiple command prompts can be spawned at once, and more command-line tools are available. Command prompts can be spawned at any time during setup by pressing Shift+F10.
 
===Startup Repair===
A new diagnostic utility, dubbed Startup Repair, Later automatic repair. (formerly the System Recovery Troubleshooter Wizard<ref name="WinHEC2004">{{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/8/f/18f8cee2-0b64-41f2-893d-a6f2295b40c8/TW04046_WINHEC2004.ppt |title=Longhorn Manufacturing Features |last=Myers |first=Mark |date=2004 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827073150/http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/8/f/18f8cee2-0b64-41f2-893d-a6f2295b40c8/TW04046_WINHEC2004.ppt |archivedate=August 27, 2006 |format=PPT |accessdate=June 11, 2015}}</ref>), is designed to repair issues that may negatively affect the Windows startup process, such as damaged or missing boot and system files, incompatible drivers, and issues that result from damaged hardware. Startup Repair checks for corruption of operating system and other components, such as [[Boot Configuration Data]], disk and [[file system]] metadata, the [[Master Boot Record]], and the [[Windows Registry]].<ref name="WindowsRE">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc722188%28v=ws.10%29.aspx |title=How Windows RE Works |author=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |accessdate=June 2, 2015}}</ref> Microsoft has stated that the utility is intended to repair over eighty percent of issues.<ref name="WinHEC2004"/><ref name="WinHEC2005">{{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/f/98f3fe47-dfc3-4e74-92a3-088782200fe7/TWAR05003_WinHEC05.ppt |title=Longhorn OS Deployment and Manufacturing Features |last=Myers |first=Mark |date=2005 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525220614/http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/f/98f3fe47-dfc3-4e74-92a3-088782200fe7/TWAR05003_WinHEC05.ppt |archivedate=May 25, 2005 |format=PPT |accessdate=June 11, 2015}}</ref>
''Startup Repair'' (formerly ''System Recovery Troubleshooter Wizard''<ref name="WinHEC2004">{{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/8/f/18f8cee2-0b64-41f2-893d-a6f2295b40c8/TW04046_WINHEC2004.ppt |title=Longhorn Manufacturing Features |last=Myers |first=Mark |date=2004 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827073150/http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/8/f/18f8cee2-0b64-41f2-893d-a6f2295b40c8/TW04046_WINHEC2004.ppt |archive-date=August 27, 2006 |format=PPT |access-date=June 11, 2015}}</ref>) is a diagnostic feature designed to repair systems that cannot boot due to operating system corruption, incompatible drivers, or damaged hardware; it scans for corruption of operating system components such as [[Boot Configuration Data]] and the [[Windows Registry]] and also checks [[boot sector]]s, [[file system]] metadata, [[Master Boot Record]]s, and [[partition table]]s for errors and whether the root cause for failure originated during an installation of Windows.<ref name="WindowsRE">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc722188%28v=ws.10%29.aspx |title=How Windows RE Works |author=Microsoft |author-link=Microsoft |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> Microsoft designed ''Startup Repair'' to repair over eighty percent of issues that users may experience.<ref name="WinHEC2004"/><ref name="WinHEC2005">{{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/f/98f3fe47-dfc3-4e74-92a3-088782200fe7/TWAR05003_WinHEC05.ppt |title=Longhorn OS Deployment and Manufacturing Features |last=Myers |first=Mark |date=2005 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525220614/http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/f/98f3fe47-dfc3-4e74-92a3-088782200fe7/TWAR05003_WinHEC05.ppt |archive-date=May 25, 2005 |format=PPT |access-date=June 11, 2015}}</ref> Windows Vista [[Windows Vista#Service Pack 1|Service Pack 1]] enhances Startup Repair to replace additional system files during the repair process that may be damaged or missing due to corruption.<ref name="TechNetNotableSP1">{{cite web |url=http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/005f921e-f706-401e-abb5-eec42ea0a03e1033.mspx?mfr=true |title=Notable Changes in Vista Service Pack 1 |date=2008 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503040732/http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/005f921e-f706-401e-abb5-eec42ea0a03e1033.mspx?mfr=true |archive-date=May 3, 2008 |access-date=January 6, 2021}}</ref>
 
==Component Based Servicing==
''Package Manager'', part of the Windows Vista [[computer maintenance|servicing]] [[technology stack|stack]], replaces the previous ''Package Installer'' (<code>Update.exe</code>) and ''Update Installer'' (<code>Hotfix.exe</code>). Microsoft delivers updates for Windows Vista as files and resources only. Package Manager, [[Windows Update]], and the Control Panel item to turn Windows features on and off, all use the Windows Vista servicing stack. Package Manager can also install updates to an offline Windows image, including updates, boot-critical device drivers, and language packs.
 
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{{cite book
|url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/introducing-windows-server-2008-mitch-tulloch/1100348881?ean=9780735649279
|title=Introducing Windows Server 2008 |accessdateaccess-date=16 July 2013
| last = Tulloch
| first = Mitch
Line 41 ⟶ 35:
| quote = Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 have a new architecture, called Component Based Servicing (CBS) to capture all the dependencies across binaries, system integrity information per resource, and any customized commands [...] needed for servicing to occur. The new architecture provides a unified platform for OS installation and optional component installation and servicing.
}}
</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.msmvps.com/bradley/2009/03/27/cbs-is-not-the-television-network-rather-it-s-your-new-patch-logs/|title=CBS is not the television network, rather it's your new Patch logs|date=March 27, 2009|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.tiensivu.com/aaron/archives/1562-What-is-CBS.LOG-The-Component-Based-Servicing-log-for-Vista..html|title=What is CBS.LOG? The Component-Based Servicing log for Vista. - Aaron Tiensivu's Blog|date=April 15, 2008|website=blog.tiensivu.com|language=en|access-date=2019-01-08}}</ref>
</ref>
 
==Deployment==
Line 61 ⟶ 55:
|author= Chris Corio
|date= 2006-06-14
|accessdateaccess-date= 2006-10-14
|work= UAC Blog
|publisher= MSDN Blogs
Line 77 ⟶ 71:
A new feature called [[Problem Reports and Solutions]] has also been added. It is a [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]] applet that keeps a record of all system and application errors and issues, as well as presents probable solutions to problems.
 
==Performance monitoringDiagnostics and diagnosticsperformance==
Windows Vista introduces major diagnostic capabilities, which include new feature additions for monitoring performance and for reporting issues:<ref name="WVPG">{{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/9/8/c988dce4-1971-4ad4-a1ef-df99e596a4cc/WVPG%20RTM.docx |title=Windows Vista Product Guide |date=2006 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930121347/http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/9/8/c988dce4-1971-4ad4-a1ef-df99e596a4cc/WVPG%20RTM.docx |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=February 21, 2021 }}</ref>
* The [[Resource Monitor|Performance Monitor]] includes several new [[Performance Monitoring Counter|performance counters]] and various tools for tuning and monitoring system performance and resources. It shows the activities of the CPU, disk I/O, network, memory and other resources in the "Resource View". It supports new graph types, the selection of multiple counters, the retrieval of counter values from a point on the graph, the saving of graphed counter values to a log file, and the option to have a line graph continuously scroll in the graph window instead of wrapping-around on itself.
* A new ''Performance Information and Tools'' [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]] applet includes details and features related to performance.
* [[Windows Task Manager]] presents more detailed system information and monitoring.
* A new [[Resource Monitor]] includes System Stability Reports that graph daily events such as application crashes and hangs, device driver and hardware issues, software installations, and system crashes on a System Stability Chart so that users can view system performance over time. Generic details on the chart are signified by an [[information sign]]; errors are denoted by a red [[hazard symbol]] and potential issues are denoted by a yellow caution symbol. System Stability Reports assign a daily System Reliability Index, with a value of 10.0 indicating no problems; if an issue occurs, the daily value of a system will decrease, but it will gradually increase with each subsequent day where no issue has occurred. Users can view the history of System Stability Reports.<ref name="TrackBehavior">{{cite web |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/track-the-behavior-of-your-system-with-windows-vistas-reliability-monitor/ |title=Track the behavior of your system with Windows Vista's Reliability Monitor |last=Schultz |first=Greg |date=June 13, 2007 |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |work=[[TechRepublic]] |access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref> The Resource Monitor uses system statistics from the Reliability Analysis Component (RAC).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Phillips |first1=Harry |title=New Perspectives on Microsoft Windows 7 for Power Users |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_EJko1cN-ngC |series=SAM 2010 Compatible Products Series |publisher=Cengage Learning |publication-date=2011 |page=506 |quote=Reliability Monitor, introduced in Windows Vista and enhanced in Windows 7, is a tool that gathers, analyzes, and reports on the reliability and stability of your computer using data collected by the Reliability Analysis Component (RAC) of Windows 7. |isbn=9781111526498 |access-date=May 1, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1= Stidley |first1= Joel |title= MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-643 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AfqSLpN65uYC |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |publication-date=2012 |pages=11–13 |quote=Data collection and processing is carried out by Reliability Monitor through the Reliability Analysis Component (RAC). Data is automatically gathered by the availability analysis metrics calculation executable (<code>racagent.exe</code>), which processes the data based on its analysis, aggregation, and correlation of user disruptions in the operating system, programs, and services into availability metrics. |isbn= 9781118435120 |access-date=January 19, 2015}}</ref>
* The <code>perfmon /report</code> command produces a comprehensive ''System Diagnostics Report''.<ref>
* A ''Program Compatibility Assistant'' automatically detects known application compatibility issues (such as conflicts with [[User Account Control]]) and presents options for problem resolution; the Program Compatibility Wizard that allows for manually changing compatibility settings is still available.<ref name="PCA">{{cite web |url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/ask-the-performance-team/the-program-compatibility-assistant-part-one/ba-p/372538 |title=The Program Compatibility Assistant - Part One |last=Marcho |first=Graig |date=October 2, 2007 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125093310/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/ask-the-performance-team/the-program-compatibility-assistant-part-one/ba-p/372538 |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |access-date=December 14, 2022}}</ref>
[http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/archive/2008/05/02/two-minute-drill-system-diagnostics-report.aspx System Diagnostic Report]
* Client performance degradation such as application or driver interference with power transitions, increased boot, hibernation, or resume times, and reduced system performance due to system visual settings are monitored and reported to the user with options for problem resolution.<ref name="WVPG"/>
</ref>
* Disk Diagnostics detect impending [[hard disk drive failure]]s and prompt the user to perform backups, and to repair or replace the hard disk drive after Windows Vista detects a hard disk problem.<ref name="WVPG"/>
 
* Memory Diagnostics (comprising the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool) check for issues caused by random access memory modules.<ref name="WVPG"/>
* A new feature called Resource Exhaustion Prevention can detect when memory is low and determine which applications are causing this. A [[memory leak]] diagnostic can provide information about application that may have memory leaks.<ref name="REP">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc774730%28v=ws.10%29.aspx |title=Resource Exhaustion Prevention |date=December 6, 2007 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref>
* Network Diagnostics, part of an extensible Network Diagnostics Framework, check for network connection problems and repair most of them automatically; options for resolution are presented when a problem is not repaired automatically.<ref name="WVPG"/> With the release of Service Pack 1, Network Diagnostics can also solve the most common file sharing problems.<ref name="TechNetNotableSP1"/>
* The [[Resource Monitor|Reliability Monitor]] tracks applications and driver installations, along with the date of installation. It uses system [[reliability engineering|reliability]] statistics from the Reliability Analysis Component (RAC)<ref>
* Resource Exhaustion Prevention can detect when memory is low and determine which applications are causing this. A [[memory leak]] diagnostic can provide information about application that may have memory leaks.<ref name="REP">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc774730%28v=ws.10%29.aspx |title=Resource Exhaustion Prevention |date=December 6, 2007 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |access-date=April 25, 2015}}</ref>
{{cite book
* [[Resource Monitor|Performance Monitor]] includes several new [[Performance Monitoring Counter|performance counters]] and various tools for tuning and monitoring system performance and resources. It shows the activities of the CPU, disk I/O, network, memory and other resources in the "Resource View". It supports new graph types, the selection of multiple counters, the retrieval of counter values from a point on the graph, the saving of graphed counter values to a log file, and the option to have a line graph continuously scroll in the graph window instead of wrapping-around on itself.
| last1 = Phillips
** When run from an elevated command prompt, the <code>perfmon /report</code> command and parameter produce a comprehensive ''System Diagnostics Report'' complete with details such as hard disk throughout and Wi-Fi performance.<ref name="PerfmonReport">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/askperf/archive/2008/05/02/two-minute-drill-system-diagnostics-report.aspx |title=Two Minute Drill: System Diagnostics Report |last=Morrison |first=Blake |date=May 2, 2008 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft TechNet]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105224137/http://blogs.technet.com/b/askperf/archive/2008/05/02/two-minute-drill-system-diagnostics-report.aspx |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |access-date=December 2, 2015}}</ref>
| first1 = Harry
* When users attach an external storage device with potential file system errors, the user will be prompted to scan for and fix the file system corruption (''Do you want to scan and fix Removable Disk?'').
| title = New Perspectives on Microsoft Windows 7 for Power Users
* When Windows is rebooted after an unexpected shutdown (such as those caused by a [[blue screen of death]]), the user is informed that the shutdown was unexpected (''Windows has recovered from an unexpected shutdown'') and is provided an option to report the incident to Microsoft for problem analysis and resolution.
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=_EJko1cN-ngC
* [[Task Manager]] presents more detailed system information and monitoring. Memory consumption is now displayed as a percentage value instead of as separate [[commit charge]] values. A ''Services'' page displays all services, with descriptions, names, process IDs, groups, and statuses, and there are ''Go To Process'', ''Start Service'', and ''Stop Service'' context menu options. The following changes were also made to Task Manager pages:<ref name="HarderToDetect">{{cite web |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-vistas-task-manager-the-harder-to-detect-changes/ |title=Windows Vista's Task Manager: The harder-to-detect changes |last=Shultz |first=Greg |date=February 21, 2007 |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |work=[[TechRepublic]] |access-date=December 1, 2022}}</ref>
| series = SAM 2010 Compatible Products Series
** The ''Applications'' page includes a new ''Create Dump File'' context menu option
| publisher = Cengage Learning
** The ''Performance'' page includes an option to open the new Resource Monitor, and now shows memory usage (in addition to page file usage) and system [[uptime]]
| publication-date = 2011
** The ''Processes'' page includes new ''Command Line'', ''Description'', ''[[Executable space protection#Windows|Data Execution Prevention]]'', ''Image Path Name'', and ''Virtualization'' column options
| page = 506
** The ''Processes'' page also includes new ''Open File Location'' and ''Properties'' context menu options
| isbn = 9781111526498
* Unresponsive application windows receive visual treatment — they are superimposed with window frosting — to indicate the application has ceased to respond.
| accessdate = 2014-05-01
* Windows Vista contains diagnostic tracing hooks around plug and play operations; because of this users can, for example, view devices that have failed to start, or view unsuccessful plug and play operations such as failed ejections of removable storage devices, with information about the application path, process id, and veto time of the application that caused the ejection to fail.<ref name="PNP">{{cite web |url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/5/b/9/5b97017b-e28a-4bae-ba48-174cf47d23cd/cpa060_wh06.ppt |title=Kernel Plug And Play In Windows Vista |last=Marshall |first=Allen |date=2006 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |format=PPT |access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref>
| quote = Reliability Monitor, introduced in Windows Vista and enhanced in Windows 7, is a tool that gathers, analyzes, and reports on the reliability and stability of your computer using data collected by the Reliability Analysis Component (RAC) of Windows 7.
* Windows Vista introduces a new help and support architecture and interface based on the Assistance Platform client and [[Microsoft Assistance Markup Language|MAML]]; the new architecture is not backward-compatible with previous versions of Windows.<ref name="WindowsVistaDeveloperStory">{{cite web |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com//library/en-us/dnlong/html/AppComp.asp |title=The Windows Vista Developer Story: Application Compatibility Cookbook ('Longhorn' Technical Articles) |author=Microsoft |author-link=Microsoft |work=[[MSDN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108024243/http://msdn.microsoft.com//library/en-us/dnlong/html/AppComp.asp |archive-date=January 8, 2007 |access-date=May 10, 2015}}</ref>
}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite book
|last1= Stidley
|first1= Joel
|title= MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-643
|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=AfqSLpN65uYC
|publisher= John Wiley & Sons
|publication-date= 2012
|pages= 11–13
|isbn= 9781118435120
|accessdate= 2015-01-19
|quote= Data collection and processing is carried out by Reliability Monitor through the Reliability Analysis Component (RAC). Data is automatically gathered by the availability analysis metrics calculation executable (<tt>racagent.exe</tt>), which processes the data based on its analysis, aggregation, and correlation of user disruptions in the operating system, programs, and services into availability metrics.
}}
</ref> to present a graphical view of variation in system reliability and stability. (The RAC updates a computer's stability index daily.<ref>
{{cite book
| last1 = Phillips
| first1 = Harry
| title = New Perspectives on Microsoft Windows 7 for Power Users
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=_EJko1cN-ngC
| series = SAM 2010 Compatible Products Series
| publisher = Cengage Learning
| publication-date = 2011
| page = 525
| isbn = 9781111526498
| accessdate = 2014-08-03
| quote = [...] the Reliability Analysis component [...] updates information on your computer's stability index every day.
}}
</ref>)
 
* Windows Vista introduced a new help and support architecture and interface based on the Assistance Platform client and [[Microsoft Assistance Markup Language|MAML]]; the new architecture is not backward-compatible with previous versions of Windows.<ref name="WindowsVistaDeveloperStory">
{{cite web
|url= http://msdn.microsoft.com//library/en-us/dnlong/html/AppComp.asp
|title= The Windows Vista Developer Story: Application Compatibility Cookbook ('Longhorn' Technical Articles) |author= [[Microsoft]] |work=[[MSDN]]
|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070108024243/http://msdn.microsoft.com//library/en-us/dnlong/html/AppComp.asp
|archivedate= January 8, 2007
|accessdate= May 10, 2015
}}
</ref>
 
==Remote management==
Line 144 ⟶ 100:
[[Remote Assistance]], which helps in troubleshooting remotely, is now a full-fledged standalone application and does not use the Help and Support Center or Windows Messenger. It is now based on the [[Windows Desktop Sharing]] API. Two administrators can connect to a remote computer simultaneously. Also, a session automatically reconnects after restarting the computer. It also supports session pausing, built-in diagnostics, and XML-based logging. It has been reworked to use less bandwidth for low-speed connections. [[Network Address Translation|NAT]] traversals are also supported, so a session can be established even if the user is behind a NAT device. Remote Assistance is configurable using [[Group Policy]] and supports command-line switches so that custom shortcuts can be deployed.
 
Windows Vista also includes [[Windows Remote Management]] (WinRM), which is Microsoft’sMicrosoft's implementation of [[WS-Management]] standard which allows remote computers to be easily managed through a [[SOAP]]-based [[web service]]. WinRM allows obtaining data (including [[Windows Management Instrumentation|WMI]] and other management information) from local and remote computers running [[Windows XP]] and [[Windows Server 2003]] (if WinRM is installed on those computers), [[Windows Server 2008]] and all [[WS-Management]] protocol implementations on other operating systems. Using WinRM scripting objects along with compatible command-line tools (WinRM or WinRS), allows administrators to remotely run management scripts. A WinRM session is authenticated to minimize security risks.
 
==System tools==
Line 152 ⟶ 108:
|title = System Performance Assessment Tools for Windows Longhorn
|year = 2005
|accessdateaccess-date = 2006-04-13
|last = Russell
|first = Richard
Line 158 ⟶ 114:
|publisher = Microsoft
|format = [[Microsoft PowerPoint]] presentation
|deadurlurl-status = yesdead
|archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151105224141/http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/f/98f3fe47-dfc3-4e74-92a3-088782200fe7/TWAR05002_WinHEC05.ppt
|archivedatearchive-date = 2015-11-05
|df =
}}</ref>
* [[Backup and Restore Center|Windows Backup]] (code-named SafeDocs) allows automatic backup of files, recovery of specific files and folders, recovery of specific file types, or recovery of all files. With Windows Vista Business, Enterprise or Ultimate, the entire disk can be backed up to a Complete PC Backup and Restore image and restored when required. Complete PC Restore can be initiated from within Windows Vista, or from the Windows Vista installation disc in the event that Windows cannot start up normally from the hard disk. Backups are created in [[Microsoft Virtual PC|Virtual PC]] format and therefore can be mounted using Microsoft Virtual PC. The Backup and Restore Center gives users the ability to schedule periodic backups of files on their computer, as well as recovery from previous backups.
* [[Image:Windows Update Vista.png|thumb|[[Windows Update]]]] [[Windows Update]] has been revised, and now runs completely as a control panel application, not as a web application as in prior versions of Windows.
* [[System Restore]] is now based on [[Shadow Copy]] technology instead of a file-based filter and is therefore more proactive at creating useful restore points. Restore points are now "volume-level", meaning that performing a restore will capture the state of an entire system at a point in time. These can also be restored using the [[Windows Recovery Environment]] when booting from the Windows Vista DVD, and an "undo" restore point can be created prior to a restore, in case a user wishes to return to the pre-restored state.
* [[System File Checker]] is integrated with [[Windows Resource Protection]] which protects [[Windows Registry|registry]] keys and folders too besides critical system files. Using Sfc<code>sfc.exe</code>, specific folder paths can be checked, including the Windows folder and the boot folder. Also, scans can be performed against an offline Windows installation folder to replace corrupt files, in case the Windows installation is not bootable. For performing offline scans, System File Checker must be run from another working installation of Windows Vista or a later operating system or from the Windows setup DVD which gives access to the [[Windows Recovery Environment]].
* System Configuration ([[MSConfig]]) allows configuring various switches for [[Windows Boot Manager]] and Boot Configuration Data. It can also launch a variety of tools, such as system information, network diagnostics etc. and enable or disable [[User Account Control]].
* [[Windows Installer]] 4.0 (MSI 4.0) includes support for features such as [[User Account Control]], Restart Manager, and [[Multilingual User Interface]].
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|publisher=MSDN Blogs
|date=July 10, 2006
|accessdateaccess-date=2006-07-17
|archive-date=2010-04-28
}}</ref> The defragmenter is not based on an [[Microsoft Management Console|MMC]] snap-in. The [[command line interface|command line]] utility defrag.exe offers more control over the defragmentation process.<ref>{{cite web
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428092019/http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/articles/440717.aspx
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The defragmenter is not based on an [[Microsoft Management Console|MMC]] snap-in. The [[command line interface|command line]] utility <code>defrag.exe</code> offers more control over the defragmentation process.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.windowsvistauserguide.com/disk_defragmenter.htm
|title = Disk Defragmenter
Line 184 ⟶ 142:
|publisher = Windows Vista User Guide
|date = January 27, 2007
|accessdateaccess-date = 2007-01-27
|deadurlurl-status = yesdead
|archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070213093537/http://www.windowsvistauserguide.com/disk_defragmenter.htm
|archivedatearchive-date = February 13, 2007
|df =
}}</ref> This utility can be used to defragment specific volumes and to just analyze volumes as the defragmenter would in Windows XP. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 adds back the ability to specify which volumes are to be defragmented to the GUI.
* The [[Logical Disk Manager|Disk Management]] console has been improved to allow the creation and the resizing of disk volumes without any data loss. Partitions (volumes) can be resized before starting Windows Vista setup or after installation.
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==Group Policy==
{{main|Group Policy}}
Windows Vista introduces a new XML based file format, <code>ADMX</code> as a replacement for now legacy <code>ADM</code> files to manage [[Group policy|Group Policy]] settings, as well as a new <code>ADML</code> file format for Administrative Templates. Windows Vista additionally introduces a Central Store for ADMX files; Group Policy tools use ADMX files in the Central Store, and these files are replicated to all ___domain controllers in a [[Windows Server ___domain|___domain]].<ref name="CentralStore">{{cite web |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/group-policy/create-central-store-___domain-controller |title=How to create the Central Store for Group Policy Administrative Template files in Windows Vista |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |accessdate=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
Windows Vista includes around 2400 [[Group policy|Group Policy]] settings,<ref>Citation Needed</ref> which allow administrators to specify configuration for connected groups of computers, especially in a [[Windows Server ___domain|___domain]]. Windows Vista supports Multiple Local Group Policy Objects which allows setting different levels of Local Group Policy for individual users.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/9c7ecc7d-8784-4b8d-ba1f-ba1882ba83741033.mspx | title = Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Multiple Local Group Policy Objects | accessdate = 2007-10-08 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071007154822/http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/9c7ecc7d-8784-4b8d-ba1f-ba1882ba83741033.mspx | archivedate = 2007-10-07 | df = }}</ref> A new XML based policy definition file format, known as ADMX has been introduced. ADMX files contain the configuration settings for individual Group Policy Objects (GPO). For ___domain based GPOs, the ADMX files can be centrally stored, and all computers on the ___domain will retrieve them to configure themselves, using the [[File Replication Service]], which is used to replicate files on a configured system from a remote ___location. The Group Policy service is no longer attached with the [[Winlogon]] service, rather it runs as a service on its own. Group Policy event messages are now logged in the system [[Event Viewer|event log]]. Group Policy uses ''Network Location Awareness'' to refresh the policy configuration as soon as a network configuration change is detected.
 
Windows Vista includes over 2400 options for [[Group policy|Group Policy]],<ref name="GPMagazine">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2007.06.grouppolicy.aspx |title=Managing Hardware Restrictions via Group Policy |last=Mozkowitz |first=Jeremy |date=June 2007 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft TechNet]] |accessdate=May 3, 2021}}</ref> many of which relate to its new features, and which allow administrators to specify configuration for connected groups of computers, especially in a . Windows Vista supports Multiple Local Group Policy Objects which allows setting different levels of Local Group Policy for individual users.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/9c7ecc7d-8784-4b8d-ba1f-ba1882ba83741033.mspx | title = Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Multiple Local Group Policy Objects | access-date = 2007-10-08 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071007154822/http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/9c7ecc7d-8784-4b8d-ba1f-ba1882ba83741033.mspx | archive-date = 2007-10-07 }}</ref> A new XML based policy definition file format, known as ADMX has been introduced. ADMX files contain the configuration settings for individual Group Policy Objects (GPO). For ___domain based GPOs, the ADMX files can be centrally stored, and all computers on the ___domain will retrieve them to configure themselves, using the [[File Replication Service]], which is used to replicate files on a configured system from a remote ___location. The Group Policy service is no longer attached with the [[Winlogon]] service, rather it runs as a service on its own. Group Policy event messages are now logged in the system [[Event Viewer|event log]]. Group Policy uses ''Network Location Awareness'' to refresh the policy configuration as soon as a network configuration change is detected.
 
New categories for policy settings include power management, device installations, security settings, Internet Explorer settings, and printer settings, among others. Group Policy settings also need to be used, to enable two way communication filtering in the [[Windows Firewall#Windows Vista|Windows Firewall]], which by default enables only incoming data filtering. Printer settings can be used to install printers based on the network ___location. Whenever the user connects to a different network, the available printers are updated for the new network. Group Policy settings specify which printer is available on which network. Also, printer settings can be used to allow standard users to install printers. Group Policy can also be used for specifying [[Qualityquality of Serviceservice]] (QoS) settings. Device installation settings can be used to prevent users from connecting external storage devices, as a means to prevent data theft.<ref name="GPMagazine"/>
 
Windows Vista improves [[Folder redirection|Folder Redirection]] by introducing the ability to independently redirect up to 10 user profile sub-folders to a network ___location.<ref>[http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/fb3681b2-da39-4944-93ad-dd3b6e8ca4dc1033.mspx?mfr=true Managing Roaming User Data Deployment Guide] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405183000/http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/fb3681b2-da39-4944-93ad-dd3b6e8ca4dc1033.mspx?mfr=true |date=2008-04-05 }}</ref> Up to Windows XP, only the ''Application Data'', ''Desktop'', ''My Documents'', ''My Pictures'', and ''Start Menu'' folders can be redirected to a file server. There is also a [[Microsoft Management Console|Management Console]] snap-in in Windows Vista to allow users to configure Folder Redirection for clients running Windows Vista, Windows XP, and [[Windows 2000]].
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|title=Windows Vista Task Scheduler
|date=March 3, 2006
|accessdateaccess-date=2006-04-24
|publisher=Microsoft TechNet
}}</ref> Other features of Task Scheduler include:
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==Command-line tools==
Several new command-line tools are included in Windows Vista.<ref>[http://computerbits.wordpress.com/2006/07/21/new-command-line-tools-in-vista-beta-2/ New command line tools in Windows Vista] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070423121442/http://computerbits.wordpress.com/2006/07/21/new-command-line-tools-in-vista-beta-2/ |date=2007-04-23 }}</ref> Several existing tools have also been updated and some of the tools from the [[Windows Resource Kit]] are now built-in into the operating system.
* auditpol &mdash; Configure, create, back up and restore audit policies on any computer in the organization from the command line with verbose logging. Replaces <ttcode>auditusr.exe</ttcode>.
* [[Windows Vista Startup Process|bcdedit]] &mdash; Create, delete, and reorder the bootloader ([[boot.ini]] is no longer used).
* bitsadmin &mdash; [[Background Intelligent Transfer Service|BITS]] administration utility.
* chglogon &mdash; Enable or disable session logins.
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* chgusr &mdash; Change install mode.
* [[choice (command)|choice]] &mdash; Allows users to select one item from a list of choices and returns the index of the selected choice.
* [[clip (command)|clip]] &mdash; Redirects output of command line tools to the Windows [[Clipboard (softwarecomputing)|clipboard]]. This text output can then be pasted into other programs.
* cmdkey &mdash; Creates, displays, and deletes stored user names and passwords from ''Credentials Manager''.
* [[diskpart]] &mdash; Expanded to support hard disks with the [[GUID Partition Table]], USB media, and a new "shrink" command has been added which facilitates shrinking a pre-existing [[NTFS]] partition.
* diskraid &mdash; Launches the Diskraid application.
* dispdiag &mdash; Display diagnostics.
* [[Cabinetexpand (file formatcommand)|expand]] &mdash; Updated version of <code>expand.exe</code> that allows extracting <ttcode>.MSU</ttcode> files. MSU is a self-contained update format known as a 'Microsoft Update Standalone Installer'. MSU files use Intra-Package Delta (IPD) compression technology. IPD technology reduces the download size of an MSU file but still delivers a self-contained package that contains the updated files.<ref>[http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928636 More information about IPD technology]</ref>
* [[forfiles]] &mdash; Selects a file (or set of files) and executes a command on that file. This is helpful for batch jobs.
* [[icacls]] &mdash; Updated version of [[cacls]]. Displays or modifies [[access control list]]s (ACLs) and DACLs of files and directories. It can also backup and restore them and set mandatory labels of an object for interaction with [[Mandatory Integrity Control]].
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* rpcping &mdash; Pings a [[Server (computing)|server]] using [[MSRPC|RPC]].
* setx &mdash; Creates or modifies [[environment variable]]s in the user or system environment. Can set variables based on [[Parameter (computer science)|arguments]], [[Windows Registry|registry keys]] or file input.
* sxstrace &mdash; [[Features new to Windows XP#Application isolation & sideSide-by-side (SxS) assemblies and Application isolation|WinSxS]] tracing utility.
* takeown &mdash; Allows administrators to ''take ownership'' of a file for which access is denied.
* [[timeout (command)|timeout]] &mdash; Accepts a timeout parameter to wait for the specified time period (in seconds) or until any key is pressed. It also accepts a parameter to ignore the key press.
* tracerpt &mdash; Microsoft TraceRpt.
* waitfor &mdash; Sends, or waits for, a signal on a system. When /S is not specified, the signal will be broadcast to all the systems in a ___domain. If /S is specified, then the signal will be sent only to the specified system.
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* wecutil &mdash; ''Windows Event'' collector utility.
* wevtutil &mdash; ''Windows Event'' command line utility.
* where &mdash; Displays the ___location of files that match the search pattern. By default, the search is done along the current directory and in the paths specified by the <ttcode>PATH</ttcode> environment variable.
* [[whoami (command)|whoami]] &mdash; Can be used to get user name and group information along with the respective [[Security Identifier]]s (SID), [[Privilege (computer science)|privileges]], logon identifier (logon ID) for the current user (access [[Token (Windows NT architecture)|token]]) on the local system. i.e. the current logged on user. If no switch is specified, the tool displays the user name in [[NTLM]] format (___domain\username).
* [[winrm.cmd]] &mdash; Windows Remote Management command line utility.
* [[winrs]] &mdash; Windows Remote Shell (WinRS) allows establishing secure ''Windows Remote Management'' sessions to multiple remote computers from a single console.
* winsat &mdash; [[Windows System Assessment Tool]] command line.
 
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==References==
{{reflistReflist|2}}
 
[[Category:Windows Vista]]