Vista User Interface
- What is new about the Windows Vista user interface?
- What is AERO Glass?
- Why can't I see the transparency?
- What is the sidebar and what can I do with it?
- How has the start menu changed?
- How do I use the integrated search?
- What happened to the "My Documents," "My Pictures," and "My Music" folders?
Q. What is new about the Windows Vista user interface?
A. Many things have changed in the new version of Windows's user interface. Most noticeably are the new start menu, the window transparencies (viewable only on a Windows Vista Premium Ready PC or better), and the new Windows Sidebar.
A. AERO is an acronym that stands for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open and describes the new look of Windows Vista. The "Glass" moniker refers to the transparency now built into almost all of the screens in Windows.
Q. Why can't I see the transparency?
A. You won't be able to see the transparency unless your computer's graphics processor meets the minimum requirements for a Windows Vista Premium Ready PC. If your graphics processor does meet the requirements and you still can't see the transparency, then you may need to install the latest driver for your graphics processor. You may contact the ITS Help Desk at 384-HELP (4357) or via email at its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu for assistance with this.
Q. What is the sidebar and what can I do with it?
A. The Windows Vista Sidebar is a new feature that loads and displays itself in the right-hand portion of your screen when you log onto your computer. The Sidebar may display all kinds of "mini-applications" called "Gadgets." Windows Vista ships with a default array of "Gadgets" for things like the calculator, an RSS ticker, a photo slideshow, and several others. Microsoft will provide a place for others to develop their own Gadgets and have them available for download.
Q. How has the start menu changed?
A. The Start Menu has been modified to no longer expand to huge sizes across your screen. Instead, all your programs will be listed right in the Start Menu's default size and you can scroll through them there. There has also been a more convenient search feature placed at the bottom of the programs listing. You may type in even just a portion of a program name, document name, email, or the like and have the results displayed right in the Start Menu for your easy access.
Q. How do I use the integrated search?
A. The new and improved integrated search is embedded throughout the new version of Windows. You'll see it in the upper right hand corner of most explorer windows in Vista. It is also be available in the Start Menu at the bottom of the programs listing.
Q. What happened to the "My Documents," "My Pictures," and "My Music" folders?
A. The "My Documents," "My Pictures," and "My Music" folders have all been replaced in Windows Vista with new, more functional "Explorers." "My Documents" is replaced by the Document Explorer, "My Pictures" by the Pictures Explorer, and "My Music" by the Music Explorer.
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Last Updated: 04/24/2008