In previous versions of Windows, there was a handy utility called QuickView which made it possible to quickly preview files without the need to load them up into their associated program. A similar option is available in Vista in the form of the Preview Pane, which can be used to display the contents of certain types of file in a pane to the right of a folder window. Open a folder, click the Organize button and then click Layout followed by Preview Pane. With the pane activated, you need simply click on a file to view its contents.