Top 20 Vista tips Performance and maintenance

1Install Windows updates

It's essential for the security and performance of your computer that you download all Vista's updates as soon as they're released. Make sure that automatic updates are switched on by clicking Start > Control Panel > Windows Update. 

Click the button labelled Install Updates to download any available updates. Click change settings on the left-hand side of the window and then ensure that the button marked 'Install updates automatically (recommended)' is ticked.

2View system information

To see information on the version of Vista you're using, click Start > Control Panel > System. 

Here you'll see information about the version of Vista you're using.

3Set a restore point

A restore point takes a snapshot of your computer at a given time allowing you to rollback to that image in the event that your computer becomes unstable. 

Vista automatically creates these when you make key changes to your computer such as installing a new program. 

To roll back to one of these restore points click Start > Control Panel > Backup and Restore Center. 

On the left-hand side, click the blue link labelled Create a restore point or change settings. Click Continue in the resulting dialogue box. 

Click the button marked System Restore and select either the recommended restore point (the most recent). Alternatively select Choose a different restore point and click Next to see alternative restore points. Choose a restore point and click Next.

For a beginners' guide on how to use Windows Vista, buy , where screen-shots and step-by-step guides walk you through the basics.

Microsoft released a Beta version of Windows 7, the operating system that will replace Windows Vista, in January 2009, though it isn't expected to be rolled out until late 2009. Read the Which? first look review of Windows 7 here.