So, I just installed the latest Windows Update and Ultimate Extras. One of the Extras that a lot of game fans will have fun with is Texas Hold 'Em Poker game. According to the games Help system:

Quote:
"Hold 'Em is a blend of psychology, skill, and chance that puts you in a contest against other players, each trying to get the best hand and take home all the chips.

Each player is dealt a set of cards called a hand, and then each player wagers chips on who has the best hand. All those wagered chips are called the pot. By getting a better combination of cards in your hand than anyone else at the table, you win the pot. When one player has all the chips at the table, that player wins the tournament."

Its an interesting game, I need to study before I start playing it. Its only available to customers of the Ultimate edition Vista, if you want to extend your Windows Experience beyond the box, application and device driver updates, Ultimate should be on your list. Another Extra included is the Bitlocker Encryption feature, Bitlocker encrypts the entire system drive, including the Windows system files necessary for startup and logon. You can log on and work with your files normally, but BitLocker can help block hackers from accessing the system files they rely on to discover your password, or access your hard disk by removing it from your computer and installing it in a different computer. BitLocker can only help protect files that are stored on the drive that Windows is installed on. 

Hold Em' Poker for Windows Vista Ultimate

Quote
"The Windows BitLocker™ Drive Preparation Tool, which configures your hard drive so that you can use the BitLocker Drive Encryption feature of Windows Vista, and Secure Online Key Backup, a utility that stores a backup copy of your BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System (EFS) recovery certificates in your digital locker, a secure Microsoft website"

There is no sign of Windows DreamScene yet, it was previewed yesterday at the Windows Vista Launch Event. DreamScene which basically uses a looped video to turn your desktop into a live action animated background. Other add-on's include Hold ‘Em Poker game and Bitlocker/EFS Enhancements. I saw it really, really close up yesterday, and you can't even tell its been looped. My favorite so far are the waterfalls and grass blowing in the wind while the sun sets. You can even pause the effect and turn it into a static wallpaper. Its very innovative and adds a lot of life to the Windows Desktop. This is something I see a lot of consumers going nuts over. There is one DreamScene I find a little eerie, a racoon looking at you all day.

There were some language Windows Language packs available in Windows Update today Packs. For multi-lingual homes or small businesses this should be very handy.

Windows Vista Ultimate Extras Website