At the root page we usually have a huge clutter of lists. Backend users, user groups, static templates, static info tables and a lot of other lists causing an extremely long page. Prior to TYPO3 version 4.3 you had to use Typoscript like: 

page.mod.web_list {
    hideTables = static_countries,static_country_zones,static_currencies,static_languages,static_taxes,static_template,static_territories
    }

to hide these lists.

From TYPO3 version 4.4 onwards the lists are collapsible, by means of clicking the triangle in the left of the title bar, providing the backend user with a better overview of the page and the info on it. The lists are collapsable by type. So if you collapse the template list on one page the lists will be closed on all pages.