Since 2002 when Microsoft introduced Windows XP, its signature operating system has proved to have more stamina than anybody would have originally thought. Despite missteps in Vista, that OS still managed to introduce useful new features, and set the stage for Windows 7.
This chart provides a rundown of some of the major features introduced in each Windows iteration, as well as a quick look at the minimum hardware requirements for XP, Vista, and 7. Keep in mind that Windows 7 is still in its testing phase,
| | Windows XP | Windows Vista | Windows 7 |
| Minimum hardware | Super VGA graphics device | RAM: 1 GB (32-bit), 2 GB (64-bit) Support for DirectX 9 graphics device with 128MB of memory HD: 20 GB (32-bit), 40 GB (64-bit)
| RAM: 1 GB (32-bit), 2 GB (64-bit) Support for DirectX 9 graphics device with 128MB of memory HD: 16 GB (32-bit), 20 GB (64-bit) |
| Interface | Introduces task-based windows options Skinning possible but difficult Desktop Cleanup Wizard automates removing old icons | Introduces transparent panes, window animations, live thumbnails of running programs New desktop sidebar supports gadgets | Supports slideshow backgrounds, RSS and theme packs Introduces Aero Shake and Aero Snap Desktop gadgets can be placed anywhere Supports multitouch on touchscreens |
| Explorer | Replaces tree navigation by default with task pane Offers thumbnail previews and group views | Task pane integrated into toolbar New breadcrumb navigation Some documents can be edited from the preview pane | Support for federated searches and libraries Virtual folders aggregate content from local and networked drives |
Start menu | Devices and some Control Panel options appear in menu | All Programs folder changed to a nested format Configurable power button | Taskbar jumps appear in the Start menu and replace the right column when viewed Documents, Pictures, Music buttons now link to their libraries Control Panel options have been integrated into search results |
Taskbar | Hideable icons in System Tray | ALT-Tab hot key now shows preview thumbnail of program | Interactive mouse-over preview panes Replacement of the Quick Launch bar with pinned programs Program-specific jump lists based on pinned programs Aero Peek for mouse-over desktop viewing |
Devices | Introduces Universal Plug-n-Play New driver library allows for downgrading drivers when necessary | Debuts portable device API, designed to communicate with cell phones, PDAs, and portable media players Introduces Sync Center for managing data synchronizations | New Device Stage provides a centralized, unified window for managing all aspects of printers and portable devices |
Misc. | Introduces context-menu CD and DVD burning from Windows Explorer Supports multiple versions of a single DLL to prevent programs from overwriting each other Introduces Hibernate and Sleep modes Remote Desktop for accessing a computer from another location Fast user account switching | Built-in drive partitioning More powerful screen-capturing tool Hybrid Sleep and better configuration options for more nuanced power management User-based file-type associations Previous Version automatically backs up changes to individual files | Expands Windows Explorer disc burning to include ISOs Expanded options for disabling components Can search text in scanned TIFF Additional power-saving features for laptops |