Vista - What is that quick launch bar thing at the top

Basically what the title says - what is that launch bar at the middle of the top of the screen - I have never had this on my Vista (64bit Premium), but it looks useful.

How do I get it back? Did I turn it off when I turned off a lot of the features I don't use? Or maybe is it because I use the classic start menu? (Not my desktop obviously; found the image on a forum)

That "Quick Launch" bar isn't a standard part of Windows Vista. The user must have some third-party utility installed. Have you tried asking him/her what that utility is?

If you do find out, I'm curious myself because it look pretty useful...

The thing is, I've seen it on so many places, so it must be at least common......... guess I'll have to do a bit of a hunt through the gadgets available

It looks like some variation of Object Dock.

Or RocketDock - About RocketDock

RocketDock doesn't support X64

Yes it does... Vista x64 here with RocketDock!
My Desktop (from "Post your Desktops!" thread...)

Strange, on their site it is stipulated:

Please note that Windows XP x64 Edition, Windows Vista 64-bit Editions, and alternate shells are not supported.

strange... but works like a charm

Not supported as in they won't help you if you have problems with it, but I'm another happy Rocketdock user on x64. If you do decide to get it, I recommend the Stack Docklet addon. It will allow you to stack the icons similar to the way Apple does it.