- 17 New Look and Functionality
- 18 Parental Controls
- 19 Windows Defender and Windows Firewall
- 20 Network and Sharing Center
- 21 Instant Search and Internet Explorer 7
- 22 Photo Gallery
- 23 Windows Aero and Windows Flip
- 24 Windows Mobility Center and Tablet PC Support
- 25 Windows Meeting Space
- 26 Windows SideShow
- 27 Windows Automatic Backup
- 28 Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore
- 29 Windows Media Center
- 30 Windows DVD Maker
- 31 Games
- 32 Windows Fax and Scan
- 33 Remote Desktop Connection
- 34 Shadow Copy
- 35 Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption
- 36 Language Packs
23 Windows Aero and Windows Flip
All editions of Windows Vista include a new look and functionality, as discussed earlier in #17, "New Look and Functionality." However, if you've chosen Home Premium or better and meet certain system requirements, the Windows Aero interface provides even more enhanced looks and features.
Figure 3.23 shows examples of some appearance enhancements of Windows Aero, such as the live thumbnails on the taskbar, task switch, and translucent title bars on opened windows.
Figure 3.23 Interface and appearance enhancements to this version of Windows.
- Hover over applications for the live thumbnails.
- Translucent title bars
- Press Alt+Tab for live thumbnails of opened applications.
Another feature gained when using Windows Aero is Windows Flip 3D, which offers a method to quickly switch among opened windows and applications. As you can see in Figure 3.24, it gives you live images of the windows you can flip through.
Figure 3.24 Example of Flip 3D.
The old method of switching among applications using Alt+Tab is also enhanced by Windows Aero. Instead of just showing the icon and titles of opened windows, it also gives you a live thumbnail image. See Figure 3.23 for an example.
For more information on using Windows Flip 3D, see #94, "Change Windows Using Flip 3D."