Controlling Vista Desktop Effects
For those of you who are relatively new to Windows Vista you are probably getting used to the Aero Environment. This new 3D desktop is a tremendous improvement, but not all of the features are handy, and some of the settings can be more cumbersome than useful. Here’s how you can regain control your 3D desktop experience! First, right-click Computer and choose Properties to get the System Properties page. Click Advanced system settings. On the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section. The Visual Effects field is where you can choose to Adjust for best appearance, Adjust for best performance, Let Windows choose, or go wild with your own choices. Now you have total control over the appearance and effects used on your desktop!
Another Windows feature you may not have known about is that any window can be full-screen! Simply press F11 and the active window will go into full-screen mode, this is great for viewing pictures or if you just need more space. To exit press F11 again.