10 Things Every Beginners Should Know About Windows 7

Since the release of Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, a lot of has been mentioned regarding some of the distinctive features. This include Jump Lists that offer faster access to files, a smart desktop and the Home Group file sharing facility.

Some of the features might not have passed your notice but you would be glad to discover them here. Let’s explore them more intensively.

Tip#1: Windows explorer crashes elimination:

We often encounter problems on our computers when we try to do things hastily. We all want our computer machines to be reliable and durable. But if your windows explorer crashes, you should open the target folder in a new process.

However, windows 7 open new folders within the same process by default. So if you need to access things swiftly in folder crashes situation, all you have to do is hold down the shift and right click on the drive you intend to open, then choose Open in a new process. Once you open the folder in a new process, the folder remains unaffected by other issues caused by the system.

Tip#2: Volume adjustments during a call:

One of the unique features of windows7 is the smart volume adjusting technology. Your computer automatically lower the volume of your computer while receiving/making a call over windows live call or skype services.

The volume settings can be pre-adjusted according to how you want. For example; while making or receiving a phone call, you can preset a 50% decrease in volume or set the volume to be muted for other interfering sounds like music.

This is an optional feature that can be turned off if the user wish to change the volume manually. You can either click on the speaker icon found in the task bar or go to sounds and click on the communications tab in order to turn off the automatic volume settings.

Tip#3 – Upgraded Calculator:

Calculator, a standard windows application, has been upgraded in windows 7 editions. Though the looks are simple, it is much more than a typical calculator now. It is capable of everyday unit conversions like weight, length and can also count the number of days left with respect to a given date. Calculations such as mortgage, leasing costs and vehicle economy can be obtained by ready-made worksheets. In addition, statistical and programming modes can also be utilized by users.

Tip#4 –  Lively fonts:

Good news. You can now preview fonts. Windows 7 includes a fonts Applet in its control panel that enables previewing each font at first glance. Why can’t we see fonts? A vexed question often posed by users was hence solved.

Different font families have been grouped together in windows 7. For each family, a single entry is ensured making it more users friendly. Above all, an open type script new font named Gabriola is also included.

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Tip#5 – Be the trouble shooter:

I often get friends or relatives who needed my advice regarding their computer issues. It takes some imagination when request was made over the phone as I have no access to their computer. So I had to get them to replicate the issues by talking them through one step at a time and think through before giving them a solution. This is very time consuming.

With Problem Steps Recorder I can now get them to capture the steps they take on the computer, including text descriptions, screenshots that leads them to the problem. Then all the information will be saved into a file and they just send it to me via email.

To launch Problem Steps Recorder, open Start menu, type PSR and press Enter. In the open window program, tell them to click the ‘Start Record’ button. This tool takes a record of screenshots along with descriptions of what you’ve clicked or typed.

All the captured information gets compiled to a file and you can send it to a friend or technical support via an email to help you diagnose any problems with your PC. Now this can help you save some time through effective trouble shooting.

Tip#6 – Selecting another display:

The display currently selected on your monitor screen can be flipped between display by holding the Windows key + P. This is quite similar to Alt+Tab shortcut, used to toggle between open windows.

Windows 7 also helps user to alter the display settings including color, contrast and brightness for flat or other monitors accordingly.

Go to start search, type DCCW and press return to launch the display color calibration wizard.

Tip#7 – Control application access:

Using App Locker feature inWindows 7, you can easily restrict specific users to access certain applications via certain policies and rules for better controlled access.

This feature was originally intended for businesses, but now included in windows 7 Ultimate edition to meet certain businesses requirements. However, you can also specify rules in professional editions.

To launch App Locker, follow the steps below;

• Run GPEDIT.MSC to open computers configuration.
• Select Windows Settings, then choose Security Settings.
• Look for App Locker in Applications Control Policies list.

It is hidden in Local Policy Group Editor normally.

Tip#8 – Clear the screen by mouse:

Windows 7 introduces another cool feature. To minimize all the open content on screen at once, just grab and shake the title bar of the window you don’t want to lose. All other windows would be minimized to your task bar. Thus, you can save both time and space. You can click on the lower corner next to clock, in order to clear all the windows at once. Hence the cluttering problem can be easily managed using windows 7.

Tip#9 – Interactive defragmentation:

In order to ensure proper maintenance of your computer, defragmentation is an essential tool. Windows 7 includes an enhanced and powerful command line defragmenter with lot of capabilities.

Type CMD in start menu and hit return. Use /c, /h, /r or /u combinations with defrag command. These combinations are the enhanced defragmenter powers we are talking about.

• Multiple drives that are separate physically can be defragmented using /h with defrag command. However, partitions of the same drive don’t qualify this definition of multiple drives.

• /? With defrag command is entered to select the defragmentation options. To retrieve information regarding the running defragmentation process use /u with defrag command.

Tip#10 – Enhanced search tools:

You can download search connectors to windows 7 to search for the files in local computer resources as well as on internet. This makes windows 7 search tool better than it was ever before. Anything can be searched anywhere with this advanced feature.

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