If we look at the different versions of Windows, since Windows 1.0 until today’s brand new Windows 7, we’ll notice that there are some features, such as the taskbar and (obviously) windows, that exist in all of them and are actually the ‘heart’ of Windows. Apart from becoming more efficient with the release of every new version, they look better. Who wouldn’t like to work in an environment that’s aesthetically pleasing and relaxing to the eye? That’s why Microsoft came up with Windows Aero.
Windows Aero is the graphical user interface (GUI) that comes by default with Windows Vista and Windows 7. It stands for:
Authentic, Energetic, Reflective and Open
In Windows 7 however, Microsoft has introduced three new features to Windows Aero: Aero Peek, Aero Snap and Aero Shake. In addition to making Windows look more appealing, these features make managing open windows easier and more fun. In this article, we’ll discuss these new features as well as – but very briefly - ”Aero Flip” that comes with both Windows Vista and 7. Please note that you should have Aero enabled in order to benefit from these features. For more information about how to enable it, check out this article written by Robert B.
Aero Peek
If you hover over a taskbar button, a live thumbnail appears of its corresponding window(s). This allows you to see what’s going on in the window without actually switching to it. That was available in Windows Vista, wasn’t it? True, but what’s new is that when hovering over the thumbnail, Windows 7 shows you a full live preview of the window while hiding all other windows. In 32-bit versions of Windows 7, the thumbnail is only live if the window is active. Otherwise, the thumbnail would show a screenshot of how the window last appeared before it was deactivated (minimized for instance).
You can use the keyboard to toggle through the applications on the taskbar just the same way by pressing Windows Key + T. To cycle in the reverse direction, just press Windows Key + Shift + T.
Task Switcher
The task switcher appears when holding ALT + Tab keys and allows you to switch between running windows using the keyboard. In Windows 7, Aero peek does the same thing when focusing over a specific window: it shows you a preview of it with the others hidden.
Show Desktop
Microsoft has also added a “Show desktop” button next to the notifications area on the taskbar. When clicking on it, it does the typical task of going to the desktop. However, if you place the mouse over it, Windows 7 hides all windows, shows the desktop. Just like before, you can still see the borders of the windows, but their actual contents are not visible. If you move the mouse away from the button, you’re sent back to the window you’ve been working in. If you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts: hold Windows Key + Space to show the desktop and release them once you’ve done with your peek. If you’d like to switch to the desktop, you can either press Windows Key + D or Windows Key + M (to minimize all windows). This is very useful when choosing a theme and wanting to see the desktop background without having to leave the “Personalization” window.
To sum up, Aero peek basically allows you to take a peek at your windows without actually switching to them.
Aero Snap
Aligning Windows Side by Side
The very common example: Let’s assume you want to compare or work on two documents at the same time. With Aero snap, you can simply click on and drag the first window to the right side and the other one to the left. Windows 7 will automatically resize each window to fill exactly half of your screen. For the shortcut gurus (I’m one myself): Windows Key + Left Arrow to snap the window to the left or Windows Key + Right Arrow to snap it to the right.
Yes, you can do this from the taskbar (by holding the Shift while right-clicking grouped windows and then choosing “Show windows side by side”), but it’s easier and more fun when using Aero snap. Plus, this only works with windows of the same application.
Maximizing/Restoring Windows
This also works with maximizing and restoring. Click on the window’s title and it to the top to maximize or drag it to the bottom to restore it. Shortcuts you can use: Windows Key + Up Arrow to maximize a window and Windows Key + Down Arrow to either restore or minimize it (depending on its current state).
Maximizing a Window to its Full Height
Lastly, Aero snap makes it possible to maximize a window to its full height while retaining its width. To do so, simply resize the window to touch either the top or bottom of the screen. Even faster: just double-click when the pointer changes shape to the “Vertical Resize” once it placed around the window’s upper or lower border. You can then slide the window horizontally from its title bar. Any keyboard shortcut? Personally I didn’t know one. Luckily, Michael Pitkin (one of our readers) has shared it with us: Simply press Windows Key + Shift + Up Arrow. Thanks again for sharing.
How do you return the window to its original state? Drag it downwards just the same way you restore a window with aero snap or press Windows Key + Down Arrow.
Aero Shake
Whether you’re frustrated from having too many open windows, or just want to see only a specific one, Aero shake is here to help. In previous versions of Windows you had to minimize the ones you didn’t want and leave the one you’re working on. In Windows 7 you can achieve the same thing by just shaking the window. Yes you read it right, by SHAKING the window.
To restore the windows back to how they were, just shake it again. Personally, I wouldn’t use a keyboard shortcut for this. But if you don’t have any time to waste, you can always press Windows Key + Home.
Aero Flip
Aero flip was kicked off with Windows Vista. It basically allows you to ”flip” through windows by pressing the Windows Key + Tab. The only difference in Windows 7 is that the quick launch icon that used to appear on the taskbar in Vista is no longer there. You can learn how to add a shortcut for it by reading this guide written by Jason.
Wait! One more feature: Color Hot-Tracks
This feature is just useless. Nonetheless, I can’t deny that it definitely makes the taskbar look more pleasant. When moving the pointer along running applications on the taskbar, you’ll notice that a light source (from the bottom) is tracking it. The color of this light depends on the application’s icon as it takes its most dominant RGB color.
All in all, I find that Windows Aero and the new taskbar make Windows 7 a pleasure to use. By this, we’ve come to the end of this long guide. I hope benefited from, and enjoyed, reading it.
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