Интерфейс aero доступен в выпуске windows vista home basic

Objectives: learn what is Aero interface, what is required to run it and where you can find Aero configuration options.

Prerequisites: no prerequisites.

Key terms: aero, color, display, graphics, settings, video, features, performance

Vista Basic Interface

Windows Vista Basic interface is similar to XP. It is designed for maximum compatibility and is available in all editions of Windows Vista.

Vista Standard Interface

The Windows Vista Standard interface is like the Aero interface without the glass effects. Also, we can’t use Flip 3D or live thumbnails. It provides smoother window handling than the Vista basic interface. Vista standard does require a video card capable of WDDM (Windows Display Driver Model) and the DirectX 9. The Windows Vista standard interface is not available in the Vista Starter edition and it’s the default interface for Vista Home Basic.

Vista Aero

The Windows Aero interface has the transparent glass design, smooth animations, graphics stability, Flip 3D and live thumbnails. It is not available in Home Basic or Starter editions. Video card must support WDDM, have at least 128MB video RAM, support DirectX 9.0, Pixel Shader 2.0 and the color has to be set to 32 bit.

Start Menu

In addition to Aero, the new thing in Vista is the Start Menu. The Start Menu no longer has expanding menus and it has integrated Search. The Search box is now also the Run dialog box.

Sidebar

The Sidebar provides a way to display information to which we desire quick and easy access. It is made up of small programs called Gadgets. Gadgets can display virtually anything, including weather forecasts, notes, etc.

Indexing

Vista indexes certain locations on our computer. By default, Vista builds an index of all files on the computer, including e-mail, data files, programs, media files, events, tasks and contacts. Those settings can be customized by going to Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Indexing Options. Here we can select default indexing locations, select which file extensions we would like to index or we can rebuild indexing. The Search is typically fast because it is not searching the complete hard drive but instead is looking through an index which contains all of the data you can search as criteria, including file name, author, creation date and tags.

Aero Features

In our example, we have one window opened. If we move our mouse above the taskbar, over the respective program, we will see a thumbnail of running program. This is called Live Thumbnails and they help us to figure out which program we want to switch to.

Image 191.1 – Live Thumbnails

We can still use ALT+TAB where we will see live thumbnails as well. Vista displays those windows in real time.

Image 191.2 – ALT +TAB

We also have Flip 3D feature. Flip 3D comes up when we press Windows key and the Tab key. We can keep pressing Tab key to flip trough all windows.

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Image 191.3 – Flip 3D

Customization

We can customize video settings by going to the Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Personalization. We can also open this window by right-clicking anywhere on Desktop, and then selecting ‘Personalization’. Here we can alter various settings regarding our appearance, and also sounds. Let’s first check Display Settings.

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Image 191.4 – Display Settings

This window will show us monitors that are currently plugged in into our computer. In our case we have two monitors that have been detected. To show image on both monitors we have to select the monitor which is not active, and then check the ‘Extend the desktop onto this monitor’ option. We can also drag monitors from left to right and from right to left. We would do this if the actual layout of our monitors is different from the one shown on this window. If we are unsure which monitor we are looking at, we can click the ‘Identify Monitors’ button, and a big number will be shown on the monitor to tell us which monitor it is. The ‘This is my main monitor’ option identifies the monitor where the Start Menu and the Taskbar information show. When we select particular monitor, we will see the settings that apply to that monitor, like the resolution and the color depth. By changing the resolution we actually change the amount of information that is shown on the screen. A higher resolution makes images on the screen smaller, but it allows us to see more information on the screen. A lower resolution makes items larger. When configuring resolution for LCD monitor, we will typically set the resolution to the native resolution that’s supported by the monitor to get the best results. CRT monitors usually support multiple resolutions, so we can choose the one that fits best for us. Remember that Aero is not supported if color is below 32 bit.

Another thing that we can manage in ‘Personalize’ window is the Theme. A theme is a predefined look for Windows. For Aero to function properly the theme must be Windows Vista. If we switch to some other theme, the Aero will not be available. Notice that we can browse for custom themes that have been saved as theme files.

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Image 191.5 – Theme Settings

To customize our theme we can go to Windows Color and Appearance.

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Image 191.6 – Color and Appearance

Here we have the ‘Enable transparency‘ check box and we can also control the intensity of that transparency. We can also change the color of the windows by picking one of the available colors or create our own color using the color mixer. We can also change the intensity of the selected color. Another option that we can change is Desktop Background.

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Image 191.7 – Desktop Background

Here we can choose the graphic that shows on the background on our desktop.

Windows Experience Index

Aero functionality requires significant processor, memory, graphic card, and disk drive resources. Windows Experience Index is a tool that measures how well a computer’s hardware and software can respond to Vista’s functions. The measurement is expressed in a base score. The higher the base score, the better our computer responds to Aero’s functionality. Each hardware component receives an individual sub score. Your computer’s base score is determined by the lowest sub score. The test is performed on processor (calculations per second), memory (RAM – memory operations per second), graphics (desktop performance for Aero), gaming graphics (3D business and gaming graphics performance), primary hard disk (disk data transfer rate). Typically, a computer with a base score of 3.0 or higher can display all Aero functionality. Each sub score ranges from 1.0 to 5.9, with a full point indicating a significant difference. As hardware technologies improve in quality and capacity, the sub score range will increase. To view the base score go to the to the Control Panel > System and Maintenance >  Performance Information and Tools.

A base score of 1.0 is assigned to any computer that can upgrade to Windows Vista. This allows basic performance with operating system and applications. PCs with scores of 2.0 to 2.9 will run Vista but not be Aero capable. A score of 3.0 is the minimum specification needed to run Windows Vista Premium features, including Aero features. Also we can run Media Center with standard definition TV and basic graphical games. A score of 4.0 represents very good performing PCs which is capable of running high-definition video, high resolution monitors or dual monitors. A base score of 5.0 or higher is given to systems with top-end hardware which is capable of running fast moving games with rich graphics, 3D modeling, high-end multimedia and high performance applications.

Problems

Sometimes it can happen that some visual features are being turned off automatically. The possible reason can bee that a program that we are running is not compatible with Windows Aero color scheme. Also, it is possible that our computer does not have enough memory to run all of the programs we have open as well as run the Windows Aero color scheme. To improve display quality we could reduce the number of opened programs or windows, avoid running too many graphic-intensive programs at the same time, reduce the monitor resolution, change the color scheme to Windows Aero Basic, turn off automatic resizing in programs that aren’t designed for high-DPI display or upgrade to a more powerful video card.

Remember

Four user interfaces available in Vista are Classic, Basic, Standard and Aero. Aero is not available in Home Basic or Starter Vista edition. Aero features include The transparent glass design, smooth animations, graphics stability, Flip 3D, live thumbnails, etc. Typically, a computer with a base score of 3.0 or higher can display all Aero functionality.

Paths that are mentioned in this article

• Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Indexing Options – path to the indexing settings
• Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Personalization – various settings when it comes to appearance

Была ли эта статья полезной?

Turn on the Aero Interface as one would normally do:

1. Right click on the desktop and select «Personalize».
2. Choose «Window Color and Appearance».
3. Click the blue link titled «Open classic appearance properties for more color options».
4. Change the color-scheme from «Windows Vista Basic» to «Windows Aero».

1. How do I enable Aero theme?
2. What is the name of the GUI included with Windows Vista?

How do I enable Aero theme?

Use these steps to enable Windows Aero:

1. Click Start.
2. Select Control Panel.
3. Click Appearance and Personalization.
4. Click Customize Colors.
5. Click Open Classic Appearance.
6. Set color scheme to Windows Vista Aero.

What is the name of the GUI included with Windows Vista?

As you know, the Graphical User Interface, or GUI, in Windows Vista has undergone a major overhaul. The most prominent example of this overhaul is called Windows Aero.

How to Personalize Vista’s Windows AERO Graphics

I will show you how to Personalize the color scheme for your Vista Aero graphics.  This advice also helps with the disappearing Aero problem.  There are four options: Vista Aero (Best), Windows Vista Basic, Windows Standard and Windows Classic.  For the Aero effect, I will explain your choices to fine-tune the graphics settings.

Unfortunately, in certain situations the Vista Windows Aero graphics reverts to Windows Vista Basic, consequently, you lose the translucent ‘Aero Glass’ effect and also Flip 3D does not work.  Of course it’s Mr Nobody’s fault, but rather than pointing blame, this page shows you how to configure the Aero Graphics to your liking.

Windows Vista Aero Topics

• How to Control Vista’s Appearance Settings
• Windows Aero (Best)
• Windows Vista Basic
• Windows Vista Classic
• Fine Tuning Your Aero Graphics
• Troubleshooting Windows Aero Graphics

 ♦

How to Control Vista’s Appearance Settings

• Right-click a blank area on the Vista Desktop
• Click on Personalize.
• Click on the link: Windows Color and Appearance
• The crucial link that you need to click is down at the bottom:
  Open classic appearance properties for more color options.

• Examine the Color Scheme
• ‘Windows Aero’ is the best choice.
• Note 1:  If there is no ‘Windows Aero’ option, then it means that you system cannot run that Color scheme. (Could be Home Basic Edition?)
• Note 2: Do make sure that there is a tick next to the ‘Enable transparency’.  A tick mean use the Aero Glass effect.

Windows Aero (Best)

®

Observe the Aero Glass effect on the ‘Control Panel’ menu item.  If necessary, compare with the screenshot below, which shows Windows Vista Basic.  As usual Microsoft’s terminology has specific meaning.
Aero Graphics – The definitive Vista look, which replaces XP’s Lunar scheme.
Aero Glass – The best of the Aero effects.  Gives the translucent look to the icons.
Vista Basic – Aero, but no Glass effect!

Windows Vista Basic

Aero – yes.  Aero Glass – no.  Flip 3D – no.

I will let you into a secret, when I first applied the Windows Vista Basic color scheme, I thought that nothing had happened.  There did not seem to be any differences from the Windows Aero color scheme.  Foolishly, I even rebooted the machine, it still seemed the same to me.  Next I applied the Windows Classic, immediately I saw the change back to the old Windows NT style. Finally, I paid close attention to the highlighted item (Control Panel), in the Windows Aero option I could see the famous ‘Glass’ see-through effect; whereas in Windows Vista Basic the Control Panel had a blue/grey background, and not that Glass effect.

Windows Vista Classic (More old-fashioned than ‘Classic’)

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Plan B – Try Themes

Instead of configuring the Color Scheme, you could try adjusting the Themes, in particular selecting the Windows Vista theme.  If you have not done this before, once again begin by right-clicking the desktop and select Personalize.  This time select ‘Themes’ and Windows Vista.

Also, instead of right-clicking the desktop you could start from
Start Button, select Control Panel –> Appearance and Personalization –> Change the Color Scheme

Fine Tuning Your Aero Graphics

Before you decide how to tune the Aero Graphics, think about your objectives, clarity, speed, battery life, and your individual color preferences.  Here are your three main options:

1. Change the color from the default, to say, ‘Teal’ or ‘Graphite’
2. Adjust the color intensity using the slider control
3. Turn off the ‘Enable transparency’ (I would only turn off to save battery power)

ClearType Font

• From the Appearance Settings Screen (scroll up to see screenshot)
• Opposite the Color Scheme is an ‘Effects’ Button
• ‘Effects’ opens the door to the ClearType or Standard screen font

My preference is for ClearType on laptops and modern flat-panel monitors, but standard on the old chunky screens.  However, as with all these settings – suck it and see, indeed my greatest joy is if you would experiment with Vista’s vast array of choices.

Color Scheme – Advanced (button)

On the Color Scheme menu, under the ‘Effects’ button, is the ‘Advanced’ button.  This opens an Aladdin’s cave of settings.  In addition to changing the fonts, you can also adjust the Icon spacing.  Have fun tweaking your Vista appearance. If you are having trouble finding this screen, see here to get started.

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Vista Aero Requirements

• Windows Aero Capable
• DirectX 9-class GPU that supports:
• A WDDM Driver
• Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
• 32 bits per pixel
• Adequate graphics memory 256 Mb (Minimum 128 mb)

If your machine meets the first 5 criteria above, you can get away with less graphics memory provided you accept lower monitor resolution:

• Adequate graphics memory for a single monitor means:
• 64 MB of graphics memory supports a resolution of 1,310,720 pixels (still allows a 1280 – 1024 monitor)
• 128 MB of graphics memory allows resolutions of up to 2,304,000 pixels
• 256 MB of graphics memory to support resolutions of greater than 2,304,000 pixels

Graphics memory bandwidth, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, of at least 1,600 MB per second

Troubleshooting Windows Aero Graphics

Here are ten strategies to help get your Vista Aero graphics displaying properly and showing the ‘Aero Glass’ translucent effect.

1. right-click the desktop, select Personalize, Window color and appearance: Now check the box that says ‘Enable transparency’.

2. Check Personalize, Window color and appearance; now examine the Color Scheme, make sure that
   ‘Windows Aero’ is selected.  See here for more instructions.

3. a) Check that your Graphics performance score is greater than 3.0.  Follow this path:
   Start button, Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then select, Performance Information and Tools.
   b) It could be a problem peculiar to your type of Graphics Card, check the manufacturer’s site for a driver update. (Symptoms screen flickers, colors don’t display properly, fonts blocky’)

4. Check that ClearType Font is selected for Flat-Panel TFT LCD Monitors.  See here for ClearType configuration. (Symptoms TFT monitor seems out of focus)

5. Check MSCONFIG, try disabling programs from underneath Startup tab.  Slightly crazy idea, but a 3rd party utility maybe interfering with your Aero Graphics.  Start Orb, type MSCONFIG in Start Search.

6. Two readers Jim P and Colin K, wrote in saying that sfc /scannow restored their Aero Graphics.  If you try this, remember to launch the Command Prompt as an Administrator before you run sfc /scannow.

7. The problem of Aero degradation could be caused by a particular program, for example, I have seen the finger of suspicion pointed at QuickTime and DreamScene.  Good news, the problem program may have an upgrade, a patch or a driver update.  If movies don’t play properly try this: Start Search: DXDiag

8. With intermittent problems concerning ‘Aero Glass’ on a laptop; either charge the battery!  Or else choose a different Power Option, for example: Balanced.
   Start button, Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then select, Power Options.

9. Check the edition of Vista: If it’s Vista Basic or Vista Home Basic, then it does not support Aero Graphics.  If it’s Ultimate, Vista Home Premium, Business or Enterprise it will support Aero Glass. Check:
   Start button, Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then select, Welcome Center.  ‘Find which version of Windows you are using’. Check the details near the top of the screen.

10. Aero Glass will not work with Remote Desktop unless both machines support Aero Graphics.

11. Make sure the following service is running:
    Desktop Window Manager Session Manager.

    I forgot that I had disabled this a long time ago in an effort to get rid of Aero. Now, when trying to re-enable Aero, I forgot about it!   (Dan Miller)

Clutching at straws, you could try opening a CMD prompt and restarting the Desktop Windows Session Manager by typing:
net stop uxsms
net start uxsms.  However, a logoff / logon or a restart would achieve the same result.

Still Stuck?

Post a request in the Microsoft.Public.Windows.Vista.General forum.  For the best response, include precise details of your problem.

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Summary of Windows AERO Graphics

The idea behind this page is to show you how to Personalize Vista’s Windows Aero graphics.  In particular how to recover from the disappearing Aero graphics problem.  Even if your Aero graphics are working fine it is worth Fine Tuning for your Aero themes.  I am a great believe in investing time in getting the settings to my liking, at the beginning of my career with Vista.

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Configuring Windows Vista Topics: