Windows Hacks: Vista Comes Into View

Aero Interface

Begin at the Start

The new Start menu in Vista places the Windows search box a click closer. The OS also features a new Lock option that will activate your password-protected screen saver. The menu's Power Off button in the bottom-right corner combines the power saving of Windows XP's standby mode with the safety of hibernate mode (saving your current state to RAM so that it awakens faster, but also to your hard drive so you won't lose data if the power goes out).

Explorer Reveals More

You'll see more information about the files and folders you select in Vista's Explorer through the new horizontal Preview pane that appears at the bottom of each folder window. Along with the highlighted file's size, creation date, and other standard information, you'll see a list of the keywords that you have assigned to it, as well as the star rating you've designated for it. On music files you'll also see the album title, genre, and other metadata displayed in the pane.

Preview Your Open Windows

Switching between open programs is easier in Vista than in previous Windows versions because you can see a thumbnail of each window's contents when you hover your mouse pointer above its taskbar shortcut. The dynamic nature of the thumbnails means that you can even view playing video and running processes in the mini-windows.

Contributing Editor Scott Spanbauer writes the Internet Tips column.