Learn Vista - Introduction to Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is the home for managing files and folders. In Windows Vista, the interface of Windows Explorer undergoes great changes compared with the predecessors of Windows. In this introduction, we will explore and observe the common parts of Windows Explorer.

Parts of Windows Explorer:

Back and Forward button : By using Back button, you can display the content of the previous folder you've opened. And by using Forward button, you will display the content of the next folder after you click the Back button.

Title bar : In Windows Vista, this title bar is no longer used to display the title, but you can still use it to drag the window around. You can also double-click it to maximize and restore the Windows Explorer window.

Address bar : Is used to display the location of files and folders you want to manage.

Toolbar : Comprises buttons of common tasks, such as organizing the folder's contents, ways of viewing the contents of a folder, copying files to CD/DVD, or displaying pictures and videos.

Headings : The names of specific information of every folder and file. You can click each heading to sort/filter the file and folder list. You can also decide what headings should appear by right-clicking the headings.

The Search Box : To seach for files and folders stored in current folder.

Minimize, maximize, and close button : To hide the window, to resize the window to fulfil the screen, and to exit from Windows Explorer, respectively.

Navigation Pane : Is used to explore all drives and and folders in harddisk.

Details Pane : Shows the properties related to selected file/folder.

File and Folder List : Contains files and folders belong to current folder.


Where is The Menubar?

Maybe you are asking about the menubar which always exists on older Windows. Actually it's not activated by default. But if you like to use it, on the toolbar, click Organize, then Layout, and then Menu Bar.  The menubar will appears.


Showing The Preview Panes

Preview pane is not visible by default. By using preview pane, you can see the short display/content of a file without opening it on a program. To activate it, click Organize, then Layout, and then Preview Pane from the toolbar.
Not all file type can be supported by preview pane, but only several file types such as image files, web page file, etc.