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The New Bliss Screen
**click to enlarge**
I
personally hate the Windows XP "Bliss" wallpaper. Windows Codename
Longhorn, however, has a much nicer looking Bliss screen.
The Sidebar
The
sidebar is a new optional UI element in Microsoft Code Name "Longhorn". It is
basically used to display dynamic information. This dynamic information
is displayed on the sidebar using tiles which can be customized by the user.
A "flyout" feature is also available which allows you to display additional
information and/or function that doesn't appear in the tile itself.
Basically, it will allow you to expand or view additional information within
the tile similar to the clock feature shown below.
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
The
sidebar is not only one of the main features of Windows codename Longhorn, but
is also one of the most noticeable as far as the GUI itself is concerned.
Many people will not like it as it takes up valuable desktop space, however,
flat panel monitors are getting bigger and cheaper and by the time of its
release, it may not be as intrusive for many users.
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
Luckily, the sidebar can be set to auto hide (like the taskbar) or disabled all together.
Position of the taskbar and sidebar can be changed and also offers custom
position options for both.
Slate - New default style?
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
A new
default visual style is used in this release called "Slate". It is
similar in appearance to the default style used on Window XP except for the
color. As far as changes to the desktop icons, the My Computer icon is
now called "Computer". There are also a few new options in the Start
Menu. These include: Migration Wizard, Photos and Videos and
Hardware and Devices. We will look at each of these in detail throughout
this preview. Clicking on Computer reveals a pleasant layout that is
easy to navigate. The C: drive is now labeled as "Local Disk".
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