This is a band new feature available in Windows Vista. This feature is hardware dependent. It is named as Windows Aero – an acronym for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open. The new interface is intended to be cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing than those of previous Windows, including new transparencies, live thumbnails, live icons, animations, and eye candy.
If you have high end 3D graphics card and Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or ultimate edition you can turn on these effects.
Turn on Windows Aero Eye Candy Effects
By default it was turned off on my desktop. After adding latest Nvidia GeForce FX driver, I had to turned it on by visiting:
Desktop > Right click > Select Personalize > Select Theme > Select Windows Vista Theme > Apply > Ok
Test Windows Aero Effects
- Hit Win+Tab keys to get Windows Flip 3D effect
- Hit Alt+Tab keys to see Windows Flip effect
- Hit Win+T keys to see Live Thumbnails
- You will also notice improved notifications, fonts and icon etc
If you have Radeon from ATI or the GeForce FX series from NVIDIA, you will get the best result out of Aero interface.