One of the new features in Windows 7 is Aero desktop which provides a more visual and organized method for managing open windows in Windows 7. Aero desktop is comprised of several applications including snap, shake and peek. The purpose of each applications and how to use the application is detailed below.

Snap

Snap is a new feature in Windows 7 that allows you resize open windows by dragging them to the edges of the screen. Snap can be used to arrange the windows vertically, side-by-side or maximized to cover the entire screen.

Arrange Windows Side-by-Side

1.       Drag the window by the title bar to either the left or right side of the screen until an outline of the window appears.

2.       Release the mouse to position window on selected side.

3.       Repeat with another window to arrange the windows side-by-side.

To make the window return to the original size, drag the window away from the top of the desktop and then release.

Maximize a Window

1.       Drag the window by the title bar to the top and screen until an outline of the window appears over the entire screen.

2.       Release the mouse to have the windows expand to the entire screen.

To make the window return to the original size, drag the window away from the top of the desktop and then release.

Other Methods to Maximize a Window

·         Double-click the title bar of an open window to maximize and minimize the window.

·         For a window on the taskbar press shift and right-click then select Maximize.

Expand Window Vertically

1.       Hover the mouse pointer at the top or bottom edge of an open window until the pointer changes to a vertical double-headed arrow.

2.       Drag the window to the desired height.

Peek

The peek feature allows you to view your desktop through any open windows that you have on the desktop. To peek point your mouse at the right end of the taskbar which will turn all open windows transparent allowing a clear view of the desktop.

Shake

The shake feature allows you to “shake” a window which will minimize the remaining open windows and keep the shaken window open. This allows you to quickly minimize all open windows besides the one you are currently working with.

·         On the window that you want to keep open while minimizing the remaining window click on the title bar and shake with the mouse. To restore the windows shake the open window again.