Method For Graphical Representation Of A Content Collection

A method for use on a computer having a graphical operating environment, comprising:

• providing a background region that is similar in size to an icon associated with a container;
• determining whether a user has elected to allow one or more graphical previews on the background region;
• when the one or more previews are allowed on the background region, performing the following:
• displaying one or more graphical previews of at least one item on the background region, and
• locating the one or more graphical previews on the background region in a desired location, wherein the contents of the container are previewed on the background region without opening the container;
• and
• when the one or more previews are not allowed on the background region, performing the following:
• obtaining a default image, and
• displaying the default image on the background region.

One or more computer-storage media storing computer usable instructions for performing a method in a computer system for displaying a collection of content items within a container, the method comprising:

• receiving a user request for preview generation on a background region corresponding to container;
• determining whether the request allows one or more graphical previews on the background region;
• when the one or more previews are allowed on the background region, performing the following:
• displaying one or more graphical previews of at least one item on the background region, and
• locating the one or more graphical preview on the background region in a desired location, wherein the contents of the container are previewed on the background region without opening the container;
• and
• when the one or more previews are not allowed on the background region, performing the following:
• obtaining a default image, and
• displaying the default image on the background region.