Windows vista just looks cool u can find many templates that look and feel the same as vista. Even u can find programs that change start up screens log on screens and icons. These are all free and legal. I also heard vista has a search bar on the start menu. This is the same thing XP has its just u have to perform a few clicks. The new I.E is not nearly as efficient as mozzila firefox. The only thing that really changes is the Media player.
Here are some templates:
templates
These aren't the exact look but it is close.
There also is a thing called Longhorn transformation pack I wouldn't recommend it though.