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If such a thing as a beautiful user interface for a personal computer operating system exists, Microsoft’s Windows Vista, shown in the following figure, is surely at the top of this list. However, as you find out in this part, the Windows Vista desktop is much more than just a pretty face. Indeed, Vista is also Microsoft’s most powerful and usable personal computer interface to date (and this is coming from someone who really liked Windows XP).
- Readers will save themselves time and energy by using this handy, A-to-Z reference to quickly find answers regarding the exciting new release of Windows Vista
- Includes helpful information on the new features of Vista, such as the task-based interface, sidebar, gadgets, new "Aero" interface, 3D-look option, heightened security, new search capabilities, and much more
- Covers navigating the desktop, launching programs, adding programs, removing programs, creating files, copying files and folders, and deleting files and folders
- Accessible organization of topics also shows readers how to create shortcuts, connect to the Internet, search the Web, add favorites, use the new file management system, and more
In Windows Vista, A is for Aero Glass, the name given to the operating system’s graphical user interface (GUI). The name is a combination of the acronym AERO — Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open — which describes the original design goals for the new operating system, and glass (the stuff of which actual windows are made), this stunning new user interface is all about clarity, in the sense of both brightness and simplicity.
The first thing to note about the Aero Glass desktop when first installed (and after you close the Welcome Center window that automatically appears) is the overall openness of the screen (due to a decided lack of program icons) and a rather minimalist Start button and taskbar, as shown in Figure 1-1. This open screen makes the most of your screen space, whatever the size of your monitor, by accommodating more open windows and more information within each open window. |
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