Windows 7 explained: ultimate tips and tricks
So, you’ve just installed Windows 7. What to do first? Follow our handy guide and we’ll show you all the whizzy new features worth showing off to your mates.
Shake that mouse!
Open a few windows then hold one of them as if dragging it around the screen. Give it a shake while still holding it, and you’ll see the rest disappear, letting you glance at the desktop and move files around. Give the window another shake and its buddies will whizz back onto the screen.
Snap to it!
Windows 7’s Aero Snap function lets you resize windows by moving them to the edges of your screen. It might sound simple, but it’s handy for comparing documents and webpages side by side on-screen, and perfect if you’ve got a widescreen browser.
Aero Peek
Windows 7 has X-ray vision! Tap the button in the bottom right of the taskbar and you’ll see all your windows turn transparent. They’ll keep their frames, so you can see what you have open, but you’ll be able to instantly find icons, or hidden windows. You’ll need the Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate edition of Windows 7 to enjoy Aero Peek.
Desktop slideshow
Bored of having a single desktop wallpaper? No problem, Windows 7 introduces moving slideshows to your desktop. Choose a selection of images, and Windows 7 will cycle through them, using gentle transitions to add variety to your everyday compute.
Scatter your gadgets
Windows Vista kept your gadgets stuffed in a sidebar. Windows 7 frees them to roam across the desktop. Scatter them around! Fling them to the four corners of your PC! Windows 7 lets you arrange them however you want, not how Microsoft thinks you should.
Jump Lists a go-go
Jump Lists are new in Windows 7, and the fastest way to create short cuts to files, places apps and websites. Just right click on a program icon on the taskbar and you’ll see your most commonly chosen functions. For Windows Media Player that’ll be your most listened-to songs, while Internet Explorer 8 will show your favourite sites. One click, and you’re right in the thick of it.
Essential Windows Live tools
Windows Live Essentials is a collection of free apps bundled with Windows 7. Windows Live Messenger, Photo Gallery, Mail, Writer, Movie Maker, Family Safety, and Toolbar all come as standard. Have a play with them, and you’ll instantly realise this is the best-value version of Windows Microsoft has ever created.
Search and ye shall find
Windows 7 includes vastly improved search functions. Fire up Windows Search and start typing. You’ll see Windows 7 instantly shows results such as files, documents, and web pages. However, that’s simply the start. Results are grouped by type, with keywords and text highlighted to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. Search also extends across networked PCs and external hard drives.
Credites: TheMirror