iconize task bar running apps - nice
 

I'm not bothered about windows 7, but i do like the icon'd task bar apps.

Even in Vista, you get a little screen shot when you hover and the app title, so there's no need for the '[ico] Expl..' useless tiles.

This little ditty is free EnhanceMyVista. Tweak Windows Vista with EnhanceMyVista - SeriousBit Vista Tweaker Home Page and doesn't take up constant process space like other 'tweakers'

https://www.pbase.com/image/111136711/original.jpg

Just go to customize > task bar > iconize task bar
save, exit and restart
I had to untick the 'group similar task bar buttons' as you won't get the separate screen grabs.

very nice and free too :)