Gain more real estate in your windows by getting rid of the common tasks view on the left side of the windows.

Tip:  Open My Documents and in the tool bar at the top, click on Tools.  From the drop down menu click on Folder Options. When the Folder Options window opens you will see three (3) tabs. General should be the first tab.  Look for Tasks on that page and there will be two (2) choices. Click inside the radio button to the left of Use Windows classic folders. Click Apply at the bottom right and then OK. Now all your windows will open without the common tasks on the left side giving you more space.

Note:  If you do not like this arrangement go back to the General page and click in the center of the Show common tasks in folders radio button, click Apply and OK and you will restore the default view.