-- The Flip 3D three-dimensional window-switching feature (accessed with the Windows key-Tab key combination) offers mildly improved graphics -- thanks, it appears, to a tipping back of the windows so they're not quite so vertical, eliminating some of the "jaggies." There's also a new "Switch between windows" icon on the QuickLaunch bar (beside the Start button), which initiates Flip 3D with the mouse. It's a boon for mouse-centric people because it requires no key presses. The windows open-and-close movement is a tad more fluid, too. All in all, this Apple Expos'-like visual task-switcher and desktop reveal feature is shaping up well in Vista.

-- The new Additional Clocks tab on the Date and Time Control Panel gives you an easy way to display your local time plus two additional times, such as London and Tokyo, to help you make correct time translations.

-- The default search page, which is also the default Internet Explorer home page, is now called Windows Live Search. Of course, this is MSN with Windows Live clothing.

-- When you right-click the system tray area, there's a new Customize Notification Icons option that lets you configure on the spot which icons are hidden or displayed when inactive.

-- The new Windows CardSpace tool, newly added to the Control Panel, provides a way to manage your digital identities and handle your log-ins and passwords.