Windows Vista reportedly will boot and shutdown in just 2-3 seconds. I'm not sure how that is possible considering my 3Ghz Pentium 4 takes at least 6 seconds just to load the BIOS, do a memory test, etc. before it even attempts to load the operating system on the hard disk. I don't see how Windows Vista can startup or shutdown in just 2-3 seconds.
But here it is from the horse's mouth, on Microsoft's site:
Fast On and Off: A Windows Vista computer starts and shuts down as quickly and reliably as a television, typically within 2 to 3 seconds. Windows Vista processes login scripts and startup programs and services in the background so you can start working right away. You'll also shut down and restart your computer less often by using the New Sleep state, a simple one-click on and off experience which not only reduces power consumption, but also delivers and protects user dat.
I'll believe it when I see it. Maybe I should go get the beta and see for myself. I guess it's simply a super-Suspend mode not a true power-off. Anyway, here's another interesting feature that caught my eye:
Media Center: Enjoy all your favorite entertainment — including live and recorded TV, movies, music, and pictures — in one place through an easy-to-use Media Center menu system and remote control.
As you probably know, several years ago Microsoft decided to merge Windows 98 and Windows 2000 Professional into a common codebase, namely Windows XP. So with this new Media Center functionality built into Windows Vista, does this mean Microsoft is merging the Windows Media Center Edition operating system into Windows Vista? Geez, make up your mind Microsoft. Either have one version of Windows or don't - but stop splitting off new operating systems and then re-merging them back.
