1. A method for previewing files located in one or more computing devices while browsing a computer system, comprising the steps of: receiving an indication of a file selected for previewing from a shell browser, wherein said shell browser allows a user to navigate through one or more namespaces including files and other non-file items; selecting a first interactive preview panel from a plurality of available preview panels based on one or more criteria; initially displaying a generic preview of said selected file while said first interactive preview panel is initializing; replacing said generic preview with said first interactive preview when said first interactive preview panel is ready for display, wherein said first interactive preview image of said selected file comprises extended controls which allow the user to comprehensively browse the previewed selected file without opening the file; and editing contents of said selected file directly in the preview panel, based on user interaction with said first interactive preview panel.