Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 7 is much more than just being the successor of Windows Vista. The new interface features of the previous version are obvious inclusions to the current version, but there is much more than what meets the eyes. The visible features including Windows Tab scrolling, changed task bar organization etc. are just the starters to the list. There are many other features that have not been advertised so extensively, but are as much interesting and useful.
The new Windows 7 operating system has many small yet interesting features that make working with the operating system interface very intuitive and convenient. These features may not be evident at the first place and you may not easily find them presented in the guides. So, here we let you get familiar with these features that will make it easier for you to utilize these feature to your advantage while handling multiple applications in Windows 7.
Using multiple monitors
1. Burn images
Other operating systems have had this function for years, now burning ISO images has finally become an easier task on Windows. Windows 7 allows the ability to burn ISO images with a double-click on the ISO image, then choose the drive with a blank disc and click “Burn”.
2. Troubleshooting
We all have problems with Windows from time to time. If something goes wrong, Windows 7 has a route through for common problems. You can clean up your system or check your settings when you come across strange behaviour by clicking “Control Panel” > “Find and Fix Problems” to access the new troubleshooting packs.
3. Startup repair
If the worst happens and you need a clean boot, it would be lovely to be able to rely on a system repair disc, especially if it turns out to be the only way out of the problem. To create one, click “Start” > “Maintenance” > “Create System Repair Disc” and Windows 7 will create a bootable emergency disc.
4. Improved calculator
Initially the Windows 7 calculator looks identical to the Vista version. However, a whole new world of Statistics and Programmer views becomes evident during an exploration of the “Mode” menu. Similarly, the “Options” menu brings date calculations and unit conversions to your screen, or spreadsheet templates to help mortgage or mileage calculations.
5. Wallpaper slideshow
Ever found a wallpaper you liked for your desktop ... then another ... and another? With Windows 7 you don’t need to decide which one you prefer. Right-click and empty part of your desktop, select “Peronalise” > “Desktop background” and select as many images you like while holding down “Ctrl” to set up a slideshow of your favourite images. You can then go on to select how often you want them to change and whether or not you want them to change in a random order. Click “Save Changes” and away you go.
6. Right-clicking
It is certainly true with Windows 7 that you should try right-clicking everything. At a basic level, this is where Windows 7 takes a departure from Vista. Right-clicking on the desktop gives options to set your screen resolution rather than backpacking through cumbersome menus or folders. Alternatively, you can right-click on an icon in the taskbar that you don’t use and click “Unpin this program from the taskbar” and it will be banished, forthwith.
7. Data protection
An extension of Microsoft’s software “Bitlocker” is embedded within Windows 7 to allow encryption of documents that you consider sensitive. This is especially effective for USB flash drives. The profusion of these extremely convenient, portable pieces of hardware is accompanied by an intrinsic lack of security. Turn on Bitlocker and encrypt private files so that they can only be accessed by someone with the password you set.
8. Shake it!
Often the most pleasing or efficient functions are the simplest. Windows 7 has a nifty Aero Shake feature for simply closing several open windows. The process entails grabbing the title bar of the window you would like to keep open, and giving it a shake with the mouse. All the other windows will close, greatly simplifying what used to be a relatively lengthy process with previous operating systems.
9. Analyse performance bottlenecks
To find out which processes are taking up the most system resources click “Start” and type “RESMON” and hit “Enter”. This will display the Resource Monitor. There are four tabs to choose from: CPU, Memory, Disk or Network. The CPU tab is especially useful as a more powerful Task Manager of old. If a program has locked up you can right-click it (more joyous right-clicking in Windows 7) and select “Analyze Process”. You will then be told why the process is hanging; maybe the task is waiting for another process. The information you gain here may well allow you to fix the problem.
10. Keyboard shortcuts
For those of us with an eye on speeding up everyday processes, there are a number of very useful keyboard shortcuts:
“Alt” + “P”
Display/ hide the Explorer preview pane
“Windows Logo” + “G”
Display gadgets in front of other windows
“Windows Logo” + “(plus key)”
Zoom in, where appropriate
“Windows Logo” + “(minus key)”
Zoom out, where appropriate
“Windows Logo” + “Up”
Maximise the current window
“Windows Logo” + “Down”
Minimise the current window
“Windows Logo” + “Left”
Snap to the left hand side of the screen
“Windows Logo” + “Right”
Snap to the right hand side of the screen
“Windows Logo” + “Home”
Minimise/ restore everything except the current window
One of the most irritating things in Windows is the file browsing experience… it’s slow, buggy, and never wants to stay in “Details” mode. If you are already using the awesome 7-Zip utility, you have a powerful alternative file manager at your disposal.
In case you’re wondering, 7-Zip is our file archiving utility of choice around here. It’s awesome.
Using 7-Zip File Manager
Have you ever accidentally deleted the wrong file, or duplicated files while trying to select them with the mouse? Those types of mistakes can be extremely frustrating, but there’s a really, really simple way to reverse them.
All you have to do is use the Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut, or use Edit \ Undo on the menu.
Viewing the Secret Items
These are the default items that you should see on the Send To menu when you right-click on a file:
Have you ever done something on your computer without really thinking about it, but the person next to you has a surprised and confused look on their face? If so, then you might have performed a Stupid Geek Trick. Today we’ll show how to open an Explorer window from the current command prompt directory.
Let’s begin… just open up a command prompt and then type in the following (the . passes the current directory to Explorer)
explorer .
Sometimes in the life of a geek, we do something in front of a non-geek that shocks and amazes them. Sometimes it’s as simple as typing three keystrokes into a file open dialog. (At least it was for me yesterday)
I was doing some work on my computer with a friend sitting next to me, and her jaw dropped when she saw me navigating through the file open dialog with just the keyboard… so I decided to write up a number of other keyboard methods as well.
As an avid user of the Sleep function on my laptop, I’ve been more than irritated with Windows 7 or Vista’s habit of changing the Sleep/Shutdown button into an “Install Updates and Shut Down” button whenever there are updates from Windows Update.
After the last time I accidentally clicked this stupid button when I just wanted to enter sleep mode, I decided to look for a solution.
[This tip is for beginners only] Windows 7 or Vista hides important files and folders from view to keep users from deleting or otherwise modifying files they shouldn’t, but a simple checkbox can change that behavior.
To show hidden files, just click on the Organize button in any folder, and then select “Folder and Search Options” from the menu.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License.
Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft Corporation in no way endorses or is affiliated with www.windows7forbeginners.com. All other products mentioned are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of their respective companies.
