How to Use the Windows Shell in Vista

The Windows Vista Shell contains the graphical user interface used in the operating system. The shell encompasses the visual aspects of Vista from the desktop, start menu and taskbar to windows, dialog boxes and hidden short-cut menus.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Explore the Windows Vista Aero interface. The Aero interface is the most visually drastic change in this shell from the previous version of Windows. Learn more about using the Aero interface in the eHow article titled "How to Use Windows Aero in Vista."

2. Open the Start menu. The Start menu changes dynamically in the new shell based on your input rather than expanding sub-menus that take up screen space. A search box is also featured on the Start menu, allowing you to locate files and programs on your computer without having to use the menu system.

3. Look at the Computer or Windows Explorer file management window accessible through the Start menu. The Vista shell windows include a breadcrumb tracking system, navigation and folders pane, details pane and preview pane.

4. Right-click on the desktop or in an active window to see a short-cut menu with a list of hidden commands. The Vista shell hides commands that are typically used by more advanced users or by Vista accounts with administrative privileges.

Tips & Warnings

• A window's menu bar is hidden by default in the Windows Vista shell but can be displayed using the "Organize" button on the toolbar.
• More commonly used hidden commands in the Vista shell include "Pin to start menu" and "Add to quicklaunch."