With the full release of Windows Vista, Microsoft has made available the first downloadable Extras for buyers of the Ultimate edition of its new operating system, including tools to make BitLocker disk encryption easier to use.

Vista Ultimate is the most feature-rich edition of Windows Vista, save for the Enterprise edition reserved for volume licensees. Buyers get access to free Extras, which Microsoft said it will make available via the Windows update service.

Foremost among the initial Extras available is BitLocker and Encrypting File System (EFS) Enhancements, a package designed to help users encrypt their PC hard drive using Vista and securely backup the keys to an online repository.

The download includes a BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, which configures the hard drive ready for encryption, and Secure Online Key Backup, which stores a backup copy of the BitLocker recovery password and recovery certificates in a digital locker, secure online storage hosted by Microsoft.

Other Ultimate Extras include games and a tool to let users set a video as their desktop background. Microsoft said it will continue to add more Extras.