Windows Vista Features : Navigation Pane

On the left of every Windows Explorer window by default is a new area called the Navigation pane. This pane features a list of common shell locations (like Documents, Pictures, Music, and the like) as well as any saved searches that are relevant to the current view.

For example, The Documents folder includes a search folder called Recently Changed that will let you view only those documents that have recently been edited in some way. At the bottom of the Navigation pane, you’ll see a small panel named Folders. If you click the small arrow to the right, the Folders pane will expand into the Navigation pane, providing you with a traditional file explorer view.