Windows Vista is a Microsoft operating system released in 2007 for personal computers including desktops, laptops, and media center PCs. It took over 5 years to develop after Windows XP and introduced new features like an updated Aero graphical interface, improved multimedia tools, and enhanced security compared to previous versions. Some key goals of Windows Vista included making home networks easier to use for file and media sharing between devices and incorporating the .NET Framework 3.0 to allow more modern application development.