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.
