A Folder within Windows refers to a particular location, as well as to all the subfolders and files stored in that location. It includes location-based folders, but also adds the ability to create virtual folders. The Virtual folder does not contain any physical files, when you delete a virtual folder. You only delete the pointers to phase files. In this folder is created from a collection of criteria that either you or the operating system assembles.
It can include file size, file type or various metadata. You can easily identify a virtual folder icons are blue, instead of the normal yellow color with in Vista. Virtual folders are called search folders and it based on your stated Search Criteria. Files are pointed to from within a Search Folders are always updated based on the recent files stored on your system that match your Past Instant Search.
Vista also includes a different type of preconfigured virtual folders as part of the OS. It is stored within the Search Folder find in the Navigation Pane of all explorer Windows, and include Recent E-mail, Recent Music, Recent Pictures, Recent Documents and Videos. Each of these preconfigured the Recent Virtual folder is based on specific search criteria.
