Aero Flip 3D, and how to use it on Windows 7
Aero Flip 3D was first introduced to the general computer user with Windows Vista. What makes Aero Flip 3D so great 
is the fact that with it, you can quickly preview all of your open windows (open files, folders, documents and programs) – and the beauty of it all is that one can do so without accessing the taskbar. In a nutshell: Aero Flip 3D displays your open windows in a visually pleasing ‘stack’.
In order to make use of Aero Flip 3D, all you need do is click and hold the Windows button together with the tab key. As you hold the Windows button, press the tab key to rotate the stack. This will move the windows in a queue, making it that much easier to see all of your windows in sequence. Once you see the window that you want to view, release the Windows button. The active window will then remain in plain view.
When it comes to Alt-Tab, on the other hand, you will be shown the open windows too, but in a different visual presentation. Instead of being displayed as a 3D stack, it displays each of the windows’ thumbnails. On Windows XP, Alt-Tab will display the icons of the programs (instead of thumbnails). You will be able to switch between windows by continually pressing Tab while holding Alt.
You can also switch between the varying windows by simply using the arrow keys instead of the Tab key.
Important to keep in mind though – should you be willing to give Aero Flip 3D a try: Aero Flip 3D is part of the Aero experience. Should your computer not support Aero, or if you are using a theme other than a Windows 7 Aero theme, you will then be able to view your active and open programs and windows on your computer, by pressing Alt+Tab.
However, if you find the traditional Alt-Tab method boring, the Aero Flip 3D method is a great alternative. The only downside is that you will definitely need to have a hardware that supports the Aero components.
