MADISON, Wis. -- Microsoft is promoting its new operating system as a revolution for the PC, but Windows VISTA doesn't have to be consumers' only option. Consumer Reports experts said that there are ways to get many VISTA features for free.

Upgrading to Windows VISTA can cost about several hundred dollars. But experts said if people know what to look for, they can get some VISTA perks without dealing with the cost.

"You can actually pick up a lot of the VISTA technologies and add them to your XP computer for free," said Donna Tapellini, a computer expert at Consumer Reports.

One example is VISTA's sidebar, where users can put a clock, weather reports, stock quotes and other handy information. One option is for users to download a free program called Google Desktop.

VISTA also promises better security with pop-up blockers, a phishing filter and a Windows defender to protect against Spyware. But experts said people can simply go to Microsoft's Web site and download Internet Explorer 7 for free, which includes the same features.

VISTA also bills itself as a great way to organize photos, video, TV shows and music. Another free option to accomplish this is to go to Microsoft's Web site and download the Media Player Version 11.

"There you can organize your photographs. You can organize your music and videos. It's somewhat simpler, but it's still a nice way to keep everything together," Tapellini said.

Consumer Reports said that the bells and whistles of VISTA aren't free, but many of the simple benefits are already out there.

Those who want a complete list of the free features can visit ConsumerReports.org.