Advertisement
Promo

Desktop platforms Toolkit

Microsoft Windows Vista

A quick guide to Windows Vista's new file system

Robert Vamosi CNET

Published: 03 Jan 2007

  • Email
  • Trackback
  • Clip Link
  • Print friendly
  • Post Comment

Organise files (or don't)

In the right-hand window pane are columns for Name, Date Created, Type, Size and Tags. Here, too, are enhancements. Each column head contains drop-down menus with various options, although they're not always clear. For example, the first item in each menu is Sort, but this first line is shared with a separate choice for Group. It's not immediately apparent that these are separate items or that Group perhaps could have been located on its own line.

Under Date Modified within Windows Explorer in Windows XP, you simply order by date — earliest to latest or latest to earliest. Within Windows Vista, you can now filter by date and limit to last week, or arrange in a brand-new way — by stacking. Stack allows you to arrange all of the files within a folder by a given criteria, in this case, date. The result is not a new folder within a folder, but rather a virtual stack of documents, photos, or music arranged by date.

Under Type, you can organise by the most recent file types used; this new feature is very handy, but you can limit by only one type, not two or three. Under Tags, you can limit with check boxes the most recent file tags used, or stack. Under the Pictures Explorer, the Rating option allows you to sort, group, limit by check box by rating, and stack. Under Music, there's Name, Artist, Album, Number, Genre and Rating, with similar limiting and stacking options under each.

  • Email
  • Trackback
  • Clip Link
  • Print friendlyPrint with EPSON

Did you find this article useful?
59 out of 114 people found this useful


More in this Special Report

  • Windows Vista overview

    Video Find out what's new in the latest version of Windows, and what you should be aware of before you buy

  • Windows Vista Business

    Review Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-up Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use

  • 10 things to consider before taking the Vista plunge

    News If you're planning a rollout of the latest Windows operating system, certain factors need to be evaluated first

  • Bill Gates talks Vista and Linux

    News Bill Gates is pretty confident that when he spots an emerging technology, it will emerge. Exactly when that happens, though, is sometimes an open question

  • Vista launch kicks off in New York

    News Microsoft has begun two days of events celebrating the consumer launch of its latest operating system

  • Why you should care about Vista

    FAQ  It's finally ready, so here's what you need to know about Microsoft's latest operating system

  • Peace in our time for Vista?

    Opinion Jim Allchin's comments that Windows Vista doesn't need any extra security software could stir up further confrontation with antivirus companies, at a time when Microsoft needs all the friends it can get

  • Should businesses upgrade to Vista?

    Buyer's Guide IT managers need to consider whether Microsoft's new Vista operating system is worth installing — and if it is, when the roll-out should begin.

  • A quick guide to Windows Vista's new file system

    Tech Guide Windows Vista challenges how we think about files and file storage, allowing users to tag, organise and search content in new ways.

  • Windows Vista is in sync with your files

    Tech Guide Need to synchronise files and folders with local mobile devices or remote servers? Our guide explains how Windows Vista users go about it.

Video icon

Video

Microsoft Windows 7 Special Report Special Report

How Microsoft can make Windows 7 a success

How Microsoft can make Windows 7 a success

Comment Many businesses have given Vista a wide berth; Microsoft must focus on five areas to make sure Windows 7 doesn't suffer the same fate, argues TechRepublic's Jason Hiner

More Special Reports

Win a Creative Zen X-Fi2 player and accessories

Win a Creative Zen X-Fi2 player and accessories

What is ZDNet UK's usual tagline?

Competition closes - 14 Jan 2010

Desktop Management Benchmarking

Test Your Desktop Management Systems

How good are your company's desktop management solutions? How do they compare with those of your peers?

Take two minutes to complete our new Desktop Management and Energy Consumption benchmark, and find out what issues your business needs to focus on.


Skip Sub Navigation Links to CNET Brand Links

Help

Become part of the ZDNet community.

Newsletters