You can set to see all files like in XP but be careful. MS uses hard links now and has change folder structure. On XP I say not to hide anything but on Vista I sometimes go ahead and let it keep system only files hidden as you really can't and shouldn't modify them as they really link to other folders.

Do properties on the Start Menu then in an open window of like My Computer left side should see something like folder settings (different name but don't recall exact name) so make changes there as well.
Not a lot different than XP for changing some of that stuff once you look around a bit, but first time on it is confusing.