This tutorial will focus directly on creating Windows Vista looking orbs. Also, the PSD source file can be downloaded for your viewing pleasure.

Step 1

Create new image 300 x 300 pixels with a white background.

Step 2

Create a new layer by clicking Layer > New > Layer or Shift+Ctrl+N
Give the layer a name, preferably something meaningful E.g. Circle or Orb

Step 3

Now we are going to create the base for the orb.
Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool and draw a circle in the newly created layer. Remember when you are creating your circle hold down SHIFT while dragging as it will keep the circle in perspective.



Step 4

From the colour palette select colour #276412
Select the Gradient tool as shown below and then select the gradient editor.


 
Step 5

Change the colour of the transparency end to #B6F039 and increase the opacity to 100%
You should now have bar that looks like the following.


 
Step 6

Fill the circle with linear gradient by dragging from top to bottom.