Windows 7: New Features

Explore the Windows 7 environment, identify new desktop components, and examine the start menu and task bar. Learn to switch between programs and move or resize windows.

Delete files and folders with the delete key, or by dragging to the recycling bin, or via right-click. They stay until you empty the bin, and you can restore them.

Explore window management in Windows 7, focusing on the fundamentals of managing windows within the operating system.

Learn to customize the folder details dialog by selecting which details to display—name, date, tags, size, rating—adapting for folders, from contacts with phone numbers to music with album and artist.

Master customizing the taskbar and Start Menu in Windows 7 to tailor your desktop experience.

Pin frequently used programs to the taskbar or Start menu for quick access to essentials like Chrome, Word, Outlook, and Explorer. Drag icons or right-click to pin.

Explore how to customize Windows 7 start menu and taskbar, pin and unpin programs, adjust power button actions, privacy settings, and notification area to tailor your interface.

Learn how jump lists appear in Windows 7 by selecting a program from the start menu to view shortcuts and the recent files list.

Desktop gadgets in Windows 7 run independently from the side bar, delivering clocks and sticky notes. Customize colors, time zones, and always-on-top display, and view calendars without full app scheduling.

Access the gadget gallery by right-clicking the desktop, browse thousands of gadgets online, and verify the source before downloading.

Explore Windows 7 desktop gadgets, learn how to add freestanding clocks and weather widgets, drag them on screen, set always on top, and access online gadget galleries.

Explore the taskbar, start menu, and notification area in Windows 7, customize menus and pinned icons, and learn about jump lists and the online gadget gallery.

Discover how to customize Windows Explorer views, adjust icon sizes, and enable a preview pane. Learn to organize files with ratings, tags, and dimensions, and use sharing, burning, and slideshows.

Create a library by right-clicking a folder or using the command bar to add folders, organizing documents from multiple locations.

Delete a library in Windows Explorer by selecting it and pressing delete. Deleting removes the library listing, a search across multiple locations, but does not delete the files or folders.

Add folders to a library by opening the library's contents pane, selecting the locations link, and choosing the desired folder; alternatively right-click a folder to add it.

Set the default save location for a library by using the library locations dialog box and right-clicking a folder to choose set as default save location.

Change the layout by selecting organize, then layout, and choose the panes to show, noting that the contents page cannot be hidden.

Right-click a column heading to customize headings; use the shortcut menu for folder-type headings; check or clear headings as needed; click more to view details in the dialog box.

Resize and rearrange columns by dragging the border between column headings, or right-click a heading to choose size options and fit, then drag headings to reorder.

Explore how to search for content using the new features in Windows 7. Gain practical tips for efficient content discovery.

Explore the folder options dialog box, including the general, view, and search tabs, and learn how to search file names and contents using index locations or non-indexed locations.

The device stage window provides easy access to frequently used commands, while Windows downloads updated device stage content automatically to keep the driver and device up to date.

Troubleshoot devices effectively by ensuring internet connectivity, checking for optional updates, enabling automatic updates, and installing latest drivers from the manufacturer.

Explore file protection in Windows 7 and learn how this feature safeguards data as part of the operating system's new features.

Explore troubleshooting techniques within Windows 7: new features, and learn practical steps to diagnose and resolve common issues.

Learn to troubleshoot Windows 7 issues through the control panel across categories and see a demo of troubleshooters, including addressing the Windows Experience Index not computed and adjusting display settings.

Explore Internet Explorer 8 and its new features, focusing on security and privacy settings, managing browsing data, and private browsing to leave no temporary files behind.

Explore Internet Explorer security and privacy within Windows 7, including best practices to protect data and browsing safety.

Learn how to clear your browsing history on public computers, choose what to preserve, and delete temporary files, cookies, form data, and passwords.

Use in private browsing to erase traces, with session data and convenience features disabled; launch from the safety menu or new tab and end by closing Internet Explorer.

Enable the smart screen filter and explore Internet Explorer security options to keep browsing safe. Inspect trusted sites, security zones, privacy settings, and the handling of scripts and ActiveX.

Explore how to customize security and privacy settings in Internet Explorer 8, review browsing data, and learn about in private browsing and in private filtering features.