- Network and Sharing Center: In previous versions of Windows, there wasn’t a
single place to go to view, configure, and troubleshoot networking issues. Windows
Vista changes that with the new Network and Sharing Center, which provides
access to new and improved tools that take the guesswork out of networking.
- Seamless network connections: In Windows XP, unconnected wired and wireless
network connections would leave ugly red icons in your system tray, and creating
new connections was confusing and painful. In Vista, secure networks connect
automatically and an improved Connect To option in the Start Menu provides an
obvious jumping-off point for connecting to new networks.
- Network Explorer: The old My Network Places explorer from previous versions
of Windows has been replaced and upgraded significantly with the new Network
Explorer. This handy interface now supports access to all of the computers, devices,
and printers found on your connected networks, instead of just showing network
shares, as XP did. You can even access network-connected media players, video
game consoles, and other connected device types from this interface.
- Network Map: If you are in an environment with multiple networks and network
types, it can be confusing to know how your PC is connected to the Internet
and other devices, an issue that is particularly important to understand when
troubleshooting. Vista’s new Network Map details these connections in a friendly
graphical way, eliminating guesswork.
- Network Setup Wizard: If you’re unsure how to create even the simplest of home
networks, fear not: Windows Vista’s improved Network Setup Wizard makes it easier
than ever thanks to integration with Windows Rally (formerly Windows Connect Now)
technologies, which can be used to autoconfigure network settings on PCs and compatible
devices. This wizard also makes it easy to configure folder sharing (for sharing
documents, music, photos, and other files between PCs) and printer sharing.
- Folder and printer sharing: The model for manually sharing folders between
PCs has changed dramatically in Windows Vista, but Microsoft has intriguingly
retained an alternate interface that will be familiar to those who are adept at
setting up sharing on XP-based machines. I’ll show you why this type of folder
sharing is, in fact, easier to set up than Vista’s new method. Printer sharing,
meanwhile, works mostly like it did in XP.
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