"Show Window Previews" in Vista Home Basic

I have Windows Vista Home Basic. Big Fan. One question - in my Taskbar and
Start Menu Properties I have an option for "Show window previews
(thumbnails)" and it is checked. However, whether it is checked or not I
never get window previews. I believe that window previews, along with the
"Alt+Tab" previews, transparrency, and "flip-3D" are part of the "glass"
option only available in Home Premium. But if that were the case I shouldn't
even see this option, should I?

Confused. Thumbnail previews would be neato, if I can enable them in Home
Basic I would really like to do so!

Any opinions?

Also, is there a way to get "glass" without the full upgrade to Home
Premium. That is the only component of Home Premium that interests me.