It seems like the names 'Longhorn' and 'Vista' have been floating around longer than I care to remember, so long has the gestation period for Microsoft's latest Operating System been. As talk turned towards this product as work on it began after the release of Windows XP, back when Vista was known simply by its 'Longhorn' codename, much was made of not only its new user interface, but also the WinFS filing system planned by Microsoft as a centrepiece of the OS experience.

WinFS was cut from the Vista roadmap some time ago, yet still the delays have mounted, although thankfully the likes of the new Aero user interface and DirectX 10 have managed to remain intact right to the bitter end of development. Now, finally, tomorrow sees Windows Vista in its various forms released to the public, and thus we take this opportunity to tour Microsoft's latest money spinner, with a focus on picking out any major new functionality and big potential improvements over Windows XP. Is it worth your money, and more importantly is it worth your money now? That's the question we aim to answer today before you go rushing out to the shops, credit card in hand.