What's the major differences between Vista and XP?

Answer 1

A lot. Vista is tuned to use the computer more efficiently, thus faster. Easier to do things like organizing files.

Basically, just makes it easier for the users to do things.

Answer 2

New Features: Vista has many new features that aren't included in Windows XP. Among other features and benefits, it offers:

Sophisticated graphics
Better search and organization tools
Improved security
Easier access to information and applications
New multimedia functions and tools
Improved system tools for backups, updates, and more

here's the more in depth info:

Windows Aero - New Graphics Experience: One exciting feature is Windows Aero, a new interface and visual style. With Aero, Vista is intended to be both easier to use and more pleasant to look at.

Some of the interesting visual effects of Windows Aero are semi-transparent windows and Flip 3D. The semi-transparent windows allow you to see what's behind the active window. Flip 3D is similar to tabbing through open windows, but it displays images of the open programs in a 3D-like view.

Better Search and Organization: Another benefit is improved search and organization. The Start menu includes a search box you can use to launch programs or find files.

You can save searches as search folders, and your search will be executed when you open the folder. Live icons show you what's in your files before opening them, making it a snap to find the right file.

Improved Security: Vista also has several security enhancements over Windows XP, one of which is better user account control. In Windows XP, you have to choose between the stringent limitations of a limited account or the risks of an administrator account. In Vista, you can use a standard account for common tasks, and it will prompt you for an administrator's password or approval before you complete a task that could damage your computer.

Accessing Information and Programs: It's also easier to access information and programs. Along with improved search and search folders, Windows Sidebar and Gadgets make it easier to access information like the weather or an appointment in your calendar.

It's easier to launch programs than it is in Windows XP, too. In XP, you have to hunt through a long, nested list of programs in the Start menu. In Vista, just type the first few letters of the program, and the built-in search will find ithe program for you (see screen shot).

New Multimedia Features: Windows XP was released before the digital media age really came into full bloom, and applications like Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker show it. Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Gallery, and Windows Media Center have been all been redesigned, giving new life to the applications.

Improved System Tools: Vista also has improved tools for tasks like backing up and restoring your computer. The Windows Backup utility has been redesigned to reflect the increasing size of hard drives, and you can automatically backup your files to a variety of media types.