Windows Vista introduced a number of desktop features that have been enhanced further by Windows 7.

The following outlines major topics from Lesson 11:

Desktop Basics

• Vista's Desktop has been improved by adding new visual features and improved functionality with Windows Aero, a Sidebar with gadgets feature, an improved Control Panel, an Instant Search feature, along with a reconfigured Taskbar and Start menu.
• Windows Aero includes a new transparency effect called Aero Glass. All of the graphics of the desktop and the features windows have sharper and clearer graphics than any previous versions of Windows.
• Vista's Sidebar is a way to access information quickly on the desktop by using customizable programs called gadgets.
• Vista's desktop can be visually and auditorily personalized by right clicking anywhere on the desktop and selecting Personalize from the pop-up menu.
• Vista's Control Panel has a few new upgrades from XP's version. The Control Panel menu has different titles and grouping for it's various tools, however the Control Panel can be switched to XP's Classic View.

 

Taskbar and Start Menu

• Vista's taskbar and Start menu control the programs and activities that a computer is working on.
• Vista's taskbar displays the Start Menu icon, Quick Launch icons, all programs that are open, the notification area, and the time.
• The Quick Launch toolbar enables programs to be launched with a single click. Any program can be added by simply dragging the program's icon onto the Quick Launch toolbar or by right clicking the program's icon and selecting Add to Quick Launch.
• The taskbar can be customized by right clicking on the Start menu, selecting Properties, and selecting the taskbar tab. Six options available:
  • Lock the taskbar so that it cannot be resized or unlock it.
  • Auto-hide the taskbar so that it disappears unless the mouse pointer is over it or always have it on the desktop.
  • Keep the taskbar on top of all other windows or have other windows cover it.
  • Group similar taskbar buttons into one dropdown list or have all buttons displayed on the taskbar.
  • Show or remove Quick Launch icons.
  • Show window previews displays a thumbnail picture of running applications when the mouse pointer is over a button or just display a text title of the application.
• Vista's Start menu is similar to XP's start menu, but has a few differences beyond just the 3D aspect of its buttons. There are options for locking the computer, putting it into low-power sleep mode, along with all shut down or log off options that are available without having to open the Turn Off