Windows 7: What Next

A ComprehensiveSession

Vasu Jain

www.WindowsVJ.comwww.Windows8Arena.com

About Me :

How many of you use Windows 7 ?

Hey I installed Windows 7, now what do I do?

Mentioning some basic Windows computing tips, listing some Windows 7 features and explaining how they can be used.

What you should be doing when you Install or upgrade to Windows 7 or get a new PC with Windows 7

Step 1: First things First: Run Windows UpdateRun Windows Update and while it is running in the background you can perform few more steps.

You can restart your PC once you’re done with the Basic Safety & Recovery segment below.

Step 2: Name Your Computer:Been there since I can remember computing but I still find people not bothering to change the name of their PC & sometimes it is named after the support engineer who helped assemble the PC. Computer –> Right Click –> Properties –> Change Settings-> Change

Step 3: Basic Safety & SecurityI : Set User Account Password:Even if you’re the only user or you don’t mind anyone else using your PC, have a password. It makes sense. To do this:

Click Start –> User Image –> Create a Password

Step 3: Basic Safety & Security

II : Password Recovery:Happens with the best of us, in case you forget your password, Windows lets you create a Password Reset disc.

Click Start –> User Image –> Create a password reset disc

Password recover option at logon screen itself when an incorrect password is inserted.

Step 3: Basic Safety & SecurityIII. System Restore Point:A handy feature of Windows Create Restore points before installation of new programs & drivers,Sometimes disabled to save hard disc space & one regrets it when the system goes corrupt.

Delete all but the latest Restore Point to recover hard disc or define the amount of HDD space to be allotted to System Restore. It is advised that you turn System Restore ON

Right Click Computer –> Properties –> Advanced System Settings –> System Protection

Step 3: Basic Safety & SecurityIII. System Restore Point:

Step 3: Basic Safety & SecurityIII. System Restore Point:

To restore your PC to an earlier point, click on System Restore and select from the restore point available.

Step 3: Basic Safety & SecurityIV: System Repair Disc:System Repair disc that is useful to troubleshoot several problems – Booting issues, memory diagnostics, restoring to an earlier Restore Point or restore a system:

To create the disc:Control Panel –> System and Security –> Backup and Restore –> Create system repair disc (left pane)

The disc is a bootable disc and in case you’re facing problems with your Windows 7, boot from it & you will be shown the following screen..

Step 3: Basic Safety & SecurityIV: System Repair Disc:

Step 3: Basic Safety & SecurityV : Anti-Virus Solution: Install Microsoft Security EssentialsFree download for Genuine Windows Low on Resources, High on Power

Step 4: Customization SetupI : Device Drivers

• Updated Windows & to check is there any device driver issues? • Going to Device Manager & if you see a yellow triangle with an

exclamation icon than it means that the particular device’s drivers are not right. Device connected but not working properly since the upgrade?

• Go the manufacturer’s website & download & then install them..

Step 4: Customization SetupII : Power Options : Power Button

Windows 7 allows easier power option customization on clicking the Start button.Control Panel –> Appearance and Personalization –> Taskbar and Start Menu properties –> Start Menu –> power button action

Step 4: Customization SetupII : Power Options : Battery Profiles

Laptop battery almost drained out ? Quickly switch to Power-saver mode by simply right clicking on the battery icon in the system tray. You can customize the power plans from Control Panel:Control Panel –> Hardware and Sound –> Power Options –> Change Plan Settings

Step 4: Customization SetupIII : Super Bar: Clock

To convert time zones Windows shows multiple clocks in the system tray. You can have up to 3 clocks configured to different time zones. Handy for Online Conferences, Cricket Matches

Step 4: Customization SetupIII : Super Bar: Jumplists & Program Pinning

Option to pin folders & programs. Access certain program features and recently accessed documents by right clicking on the icon on the Superbar. There’s more, you can pin folders or web pages within this Jumplist.Many websites & applications like IE9, Windows Live Writer etc have adopted Jumplist for quick and easy access.

Step 4: Customization SetupIV : Explorer

Windows Explorer left navigation pane has been changed &now has three new entries:

1. Favorites & Search Connectors: You can add folders that you regularly access to Favorites and get quick access to them. Search Connector allows you to search the Internet from within Explorer for a particular location like for example: DeviantArt, Twitter or Flickr

2. Library : If you have your media files, documents in different folders on different partitions, you can add folders to a Library and access the files from within that Library without having to navigate out of the Library. Handy in managing your data.

3. Homegroup: Allows to share your data and devices in a network by quick setup of a secure network to stream media, share data or devices. The feature reduces the manual work of figuring out the IPs etc. and is really easy to setup.

Step 5: Personalization & Utilities:I : Personalization

Windows 7 brings back themes. A theme can be easily created, saved and shared. Theme  = Aero color + sounds +wallpapers + icons + screen savers. Slideshows allows to select multiple wallpapers cycling at pre-defined time. To change or create themes navigate to:Control Panel –> Appearance and Personalization –> Personalization

Step 5: Personalization & Utilities:II : Tools & Utilities

List of some of the programs that I use:

Windows Live Mail – email & RSSWindows Live Photo Gallery – for managing & basic image editingWindows Live Movie Maker – for quick video editingWindows Live Writer – for bloggingZune Desktop – Podcasts & songsChrome – Alternative browser

Step 5: Personalization & Utilities:III : Windows Backup:

In order to backup your data Windows has a built-in wizard that’ll help you do so. To use this feature:Control Panel –> System and Security –> Backup and Restore –> Set up backup (main window)

Questions? Feedback ! Contact Me !!

Emailvasu@windowsvj.com

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