There are some big changes made besides appearance and styles with Vista. Certain options like changing the way users log on and off is no longer found. when you double clck on a zip file it opens right up with WinZip or another program. There's a new media center you have the option to install by double clicking on the setup option as well as the full version of the Windows Defender that replaced the MS AntiSpyware Remover that has been out for some time now.
Besides the builtin firewall like seen in XP and the W.Defender what else can go wrong? Try the new user account control feature! When first installed here after finding a way to get rid of the new sidebar "everything" saw a prompt to allow, deny, or end program or installer. Talk about going past a firewall that was real annoying! You simply uncheck that item and proceed on.
When a program crashes now and you press ctrl-alt-del you suddenly see a new screen come up with several options like locking the system, shutting down, logging off, or using the task manager. As soon as the task manager option is selected and that opens your game or whatever program suddenly disappears leaving the task manager and a prompt to end program seen.