One of the several salient features of Windows 7 is Device Management, which includes device stage and the devices and printer folder making it easier for a user to work with printers, cameras, phones, and music players.
The tool acts as a location for external devices that updates you with the device status information. Device Stage acts as a home page for your hardware in Windows 7. In earlier versions, you need to go to separate menus, but in Windows 7 this advanced feature will pop up all the functions of the device.
The user can also have a look at everything connected to the PC with Devices and Printers folder. Now you don’t have to worry about downloading the drivers as the drivers of the new devices will be downloaded automatically.
In Windows 7, default printing adjusts itself depending upon the connected network. If you are at home or work it gets aware of the location from where you are printing with Location aware printing feature. It also provides support for wireless alternatives to USB such as Ultra Wideband (UWB), Wireless USB (WUSB), Wireless Host Controller Interface (WHCI), Device Wire Adapter (DWA).
Moreover, it supports devices such as ambient light sensor, GPS, temperature gauge, etc. You can also enlarge the text display when using high resolutions . The tool provides improved support for external displays. You can easily toggle between the laptop screen and an external display by simply pressing +P key.
If you want to add a new device it can easily be done with Devices and printers as it also provide the place to add a new networked or wireless device and also to troubleshoot problems with it. It also provide Blue-ray Disc write support and standardizes the Display color as it helps in adjusting an LCD display to be as close as possible to the sRGB standard color space. The user can expect simpler device pairing, better security and better power savings.
ReadyBoost: A way to speed up Windows 7
Microsoft has included an enhanced version of ReadyBoost on Windows 7, a new feature that speeds up your computer even in a low memory situation by using flash memory, in its latest operating system Windows 7, scheduled to be launched on October 22.
ReadyBoost, which also comes with Vista, make use of a USB flash drive or card as memory and it works with most of the flash storage devices.
In Windows 7, it can handle more flash memory and even multiple devices up to eight, for a maximum 256GB of additional memory. When you plug a ReadyBoost-compatible storage device into your system, the AutoPlay dialog box offers you the option to speed up your computer using ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can choose how much memory on the device to use for this purpose.
When you set up a device to work with ReadyBoost, Windows shows you the space recommended for an optimal performance. For ReadyBoost to effectively speed up your computer, the flash drive or memory card should have at least 1GB of available space. If enough space is not available for ReadyBoost, you’ll see a message asking you to free some space on the device if you want to use it to speed up your system. You can enable or disable ReadyBoost for a specific flash drive or other removable storage device.
Follow the given guidelines to enable this feature in Windows 7 .
STEP1: Connect a flash drive or flash memory card into your computer.
STEP2: Click Speed up my system, in the Autoplay dialog box, under General options.
STEP3: In the Properties dialog box, click the ReadyBoost tab, and then do one of the following:
To turn ReadyBoost off, click Do not use this device.
To use the maximum available space on the flash drive or memory card for ReadyBoost, click Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost. Windows will leave any files already stored on the device, but it will use the rest to boost your system speed.
To use less than the maximum available space on the device for ReadyBoost, click Use this device, and then move the slider to choose the amount of available space on the device you want to use.
STEP4: Click OK.
Prevent Automatic Windows 7 Restarts with ShutdownGuard
A reflection on Windows 7 features will tell us that if the operating system Windows 7 fails due to driver error and your system restarts, you can follow these steps to resolve the issue.
Just click the "Start" button after selecting "Control Panel". After that, click "System and Security", and then "System". In the left pane, select "Advanced system settings". If the User Account Control dialog box appears, click "Yes". The "System Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box appears. Click the "Advanced" tab. Underneath "Startup and Recovery", click the "Settings" button. After that in Windows 7 the "Startup and Recovery" dialog box appears. Underneath "System failure", uncheck "Automatically restart". Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.
Meanwhile, in Windows 7, you can also set Process Priorities to boost your system. You will have to determine which processes should get the most attention in your Windows 7 system.
If your main program or process running too slow on your Windows 7 version, you can raise the priority of it.
You can open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc together on keyboard. The multi-tabbed "Windows Task Manager" should appear. Make sure the "Applications" tab is selected. If the process you need to change is linked to an application, right-click it and choose "Go to Process" from the pop-up menu that appears.
Otherwise, click the "Processes tab" to find a process you need to change. Right-click a process and select "Set Priority". If you cannot find the process that needs its priority changed, click the "Show processes from all users" button. You may have to confirm your action via User Account Control.
From here you can select from the following possible priorities (highest to lowest): Realtime, High, Above Normal, Below Normal, Normal, and Low.
If you are sure you want to change the process priority, click the "Change priority" button when prompted.
You cannot change priorities permanently, next time you reboot your computer default priority will be there. Save all open files before trying this trick.
Your Account Picture How to change in windows 7
Microsoft’s Windows 7 release will be a boon for users as now they will be allowed to change the picture that appears on the Start Menu and Welcome screen in Windows 7.
While using Windows 7 you must have noticed a picture that appears when you click the Start menu or access the Welcome screen. A picture represents your account. You can replace this default picture with your favorite one.
You can follow these steps to perform this task. Click the Start button and then click on your account image to open the "User Accounts" Control Panel. When the "User Accounts" Control Panel opens, click "Change your picture" and then choose the one you like from the gallery and set as a default picture for your account.
After that you will have to click the "Change Picture" button, and then close the "User Accounts" Control Panel.
Taking up another issue, you can use setup to show the computer name on your Windows 7 taskbar.
You usually check computer name manually by right-clicking on My Computer and choosing Properties. But in Windows 7 release you can display it on Taskbar.
You just have to create a new folder in Document folder with the same name as your computer name. You can find your computer name by right-clicking on My Computer and choosing Properties. Right-click on an empty area in the taskbar and choose Toolbars, then click on New Toolbar. Now you want to browse to the location of the folder you just created. Choose that folder and click the Select Folder button.
Thats all. Now your computer name will appear on the Windows 7 taskbar.
Another Windows 7 update is that you can also get an effective package from Dr. Web CuireIt against all virus and spyware in Windows 7
When you update your system with Windows 7, then you need a comprehensive package because your existing antivirus will lose the compatibility.
Dr. Web comes with a most efficient Anti-Virus called Dr. Web CuireIt. Its extensive scanner and virus will scan the complete system even without installation. You can get it from the website link http://www.freedrweb.com, absolutely free. You can combine this package with Windows 7 install package. First, open the website with the above link. Press the button of "Download." Save the file on your desktop. Double click on the file and run the set up. Follow the prompt and at the end accept the Agreement form. Click on "Finish" after the process is complete.
You can run this program anytime, to scan your startup files and main memory. Depending upon the area you want to scan you can run this program under complete scan or custom scan. Press "Scanning" after selecting. After scanning the incurable files are moved to the quarantine directory.
Week in Microsoft: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 9
Let's look back at the week that was in Microsoft news. Below are the main ones:
Thinking 128-bit Microsoft Windows 8, Windows 9: According to LinkedIn profile assumed that an employee of Microsoft Research, Microsoft is working on the compatibility of the 128-bit architecture of Windows with the Windows 9 and 8 cores. Consequently, the company also is building relationships with key partners, including Intel, AMD, HP and IBM.
Some 97 percent of testers Intel recommends Window 7: Intel has thoroughly tested Windows 7 and has given the green light for their own use. The company will begin replacing Windows XP on their machines next year.
Windows Mobile 6.5 comes with new market timing cloud: Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Mobile Marketplace, and Microsoft My Phone has everything officially launched today. This is an important release for Microsoft and its smartphone strategy, setting the stage for next year's launch of Windows Mobile 7.0.
Bill Gates down $ 7 billion, even richer in America, Job # 47: The 2009 "400 richest Americans' list has been released by Forbes magazine, and technical teams are doing well in qualifying. Bill Gates remained the top, but the list shows that the global recession stole a pile of cash, even the ultra-rich.
Microsoft announces ad-supported Starter Office 2010: Microsoft has announced the start of 2010 Office, reduced functionality and ad-supported version that includes only Word and Excel. It is intended as a replacement for Microsoft Works and will only be available in new computers sold by manufacturers of equipment.
Google tells employees: can no longer be a Microsoft MVP: Google has advised an employee who has been Microsoft MVPs since 2003 that should no longer receive the award each year.
Report: Thousands of passwords from Hotmail Posted: Thousands of details of the password for Windows Live Hotmail accounts may have been posted online for all to see.
September 2009 browser statistics: IE sees biggest drop yet: Internet Explorer had its biggest fall ever as Firefox and the rest of the pack continue to eat away at its market share. Details inside.
EU, Microsoft have agreed on the ballot browser tests to start soon: Microsoft and the European Commission have agreed on the vote of the browser and future Windows users will use to select a browser default of their PCs. Unless there is a huge scandal about the latest proposal, the EU research to Microsoft, which allegedly anticompetitive grouping browser soon to end.
Thinking 128-bit Microsoft Windows 8, Windows 9: According to LinkedIn profile assumed that an employee of Microsoft Research, Microsoft is working on the compatibility of the 128-bit architecture of Windows with the Windows 9 and 8 cores. Consequently, the company also is building relationships with key partners, including Intel, AMD, HP and IBM.
Some 97 percent of testers Intel recommends Window 7: Intel has thoroughly tested Windows 7 and has given the green light for their own use. The company will begin replacing Windows XP on their machines next year.
Windows Mobile 6.5 comes with new market timing cloud: Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Mobile Marketplace, and Microsoft My Phone has everything officially launched today. This is an important release for Microsoft and its smartphone strategy, setting the stage for next year's launch of Windows Mobile 7.0.
Bill Gates down $ 7 billion, even richer in America, Job # 47: The 2009 "400 richest Americans' list has been released by Forbes magazine, and technical teams are doing well in qualifying. Bill Gates remained the top, but the list shows that the global recession stole a pile of cash, even the ultra-rich.
Microsoft announces ad-supported Starter Office 2010: Microsoft has announced the start of 2010 Office, reduced functionality and ad-supported version that includes only Word and Excel. It is intended as a replacement for Microsoft Works and will only be available in new computers sold by manufacturers of equipment.
Google tells employees: can no longer be a Microsoft MVP: Google has advised an employee who has been Microsoft MVPs since 2003 that should no longer receive the award each year.
Report: Thousands of passwords from Hotmail Posted: Thousands of details of the password for Windows Live Hotmail accounts may have been posted online for all to see.
September 2009 browser statistics: IE sees biggest drop yet: Internet Explorer had its biggest fall ever as Firefox and the rest of the pack continue to eat away at its market share. Details inside.
EU, Microsoft have agreed on the ballot browser tests to start soon: Microsoft and the European Commission have agreed on the vote of the browser and future Windows users will use to select a browser default of their PCs. Unless there is a huge scandal about the latest proposal, the EU research to Microsoft, which allegedly anticompetitive grouping browser soon to end.
How to Choose the Best Web Browser For Your Personality
Everyone has a taste in music, movies, books, food, etc. Then why can't people have preferences of web browsers. I know, it's sort of a nerdy fascination, but I think if you choose a good web browser for your personality, you will enjoy your Internet experience more than ever. I know I was never satisfied using Internet Explorer, so I sought a better companion. You can too. Use this as your guide.
Internet Explorer (Stern, conservative user): Once Netscape met its downfall, Internet Explorer was the only player on the block. As do most things that have hegemonic power, Internet Explorer became conservative in its offerings and frankly fell behind a bit. While it is useful for opening anything imaginable, it is slow, broody, uneventful. It is an old institution that is useful only because of its power, market share, and eternal image.
Firefox (Serious, inquisitive user): Firefox erupted onto the market as the only viable alternative to IE. To compete with IE, it had to implement new ideas, a few of which became standards throughout the industry. Anyone in business who does not use IE, uses Firefox for their browsing (including myself). It is a serious browser, but one that has always been cutting-edge.
Opera (Experimental, adaptable browser): Opera, like those crazy fish at the bottom of the ocean that look like ghouls, always attracts attention for its alternative ways. They dominate on mobile devices, netbooks, and nettops, while failing to attract business users. Opera seems like it can be sustained anywhere, be used anywhere, but it still hasn't really got on the radar. This browser, I have to say, worked great on my Eee PC 700 Linux-version. It was twice as fast as Firefox.
Chrome (Young, electrifying browser): Chrome is the browser I've been using at home for the past couple of weeks. I'm impressed by its speed and cool features like using the URL box for you Google search and Incognito mode (security mode). It has a long way to go, but I'm convinced that it will usher in the next big Internet thing: full-fledged applications run out of the browser. Chrome, in its youthful vigor, would be the best at doing this.
Internet Explorer (Stern, conservative user): Once Netscape met its downfall, Internet Explorer was the only player on the block. As do most things that have hegemonic power, Internet Explorer became conservative in its offerings and frankly fell behind a bit. While it is useful for opening anything imaginable, it is slow, broody, uneventful. It is an old institution that is useful only because of its power, market share, and eternal image.
Firefox (Serious, inquisitive user): Firefox erupted onto the market as the only viable alternative to IE. To compete with IE, it had to implement new ideas, a few of which became standards throughout the industry. Anyone in business who does not use IE, uses Firefox for their browsing (including myself). It is a serious browser, but one that has always been cutting-edge.
Opera (Experimental, adaptable browser): Opera, like those crazy fish at the bottom of the ocean that look like ghouls, always attracts attention for its alternative ways. They dominate on mobile devices, netbooks, and nettops, while failing to attract business users. Opera seems like it can be sustained anywhere, be used anywhere, but it still hasn't really got on the radar. This browser, I have to say, worked great on my Eee PC 700 Linux-version. It was twice as fast as Firefox.
Chrome (Young, electrifying browser): Chrome is the browser I've been using at home for the past couple of weeks. I'm impressed by its speed and cool features like using the URL box for you Google search and Incognito mode (security mode). It has a long way to go, but I'm convinced that it will usher in the next big Internet thing: full-fledged applications run out of the browser. Chrome, in its youthful vigor, would be the best at doing this.
FireFox Tips & Tricks : Advance Users
Go Directly to Your Favorite Sites
You can add keywords to your bookmarks for easier and faster access. From the Library, just add a short keyword in the keyword field, and you’ll be able to access that bookmark by simply typing that keyword into the address bar. For example, you could give your del.icio.us account the “links” keyword, and from then on simply typing “links” into the address bar will take you right there.
Create Smart Folders
If you’re an advanced Web surfer who frequently needs to save and track a variety of specific sites, here’s a useful time-saver: using Firefox 3’s Library, you can create and save searches into folders that are then automatically updated as you add sites to your bookmarks and history.
First, open the Library by selecting the “Organize Bookmarks” option from the Bookmarks menu. Then, enter your search terms in the search box. Then click the Save button to create a Smart Folder.
Manage Your Downloads
If you’re a frequent downloader, you can use the download manager window to keep track of all your downloads. You can pause and resume downloads, and save yourself time by opening files directly from the manager.
If you need to track down a past download, go to Tools → Downloads and use the search box to find your file. Once you’ve found it, double-click on the file to open it, or right-click and choose “Copy Download Link”.
Discover Developer Tools
If you’re a Web developer, Firefox’s developer tools will make your life easier. The Mozilla Add-ons site offers many tools to streamline the development process, including Firebug to edit, debug, and monitor CSS, HTML, and JavaScript live in any Web page, Tamper Data to view and modify HTTP/HTTPS headers and POST parameters, and the DOM Inspector to examine any HTML or CSS element with a simple right click.
Set the Web Up Just Like You Like It
Now you can use Web-based protocol handlers to provide quick access to your favorite Web applications. For example, you can set Firefox up so clicking on a mailto: link on any site will open a new message in your preferred webmail provider rather than your computer’s default mail program (note: this feature is only available with webmail services that have registered with Firefox 3).
Go to Tools → Options → Applications to select the default application for each protocol or to select “Always Ask” if you prefer to choose the application yourself every time.
If you’re a Web app developer, check out more about how to add support for Web-based protocol handlers in the Mozilla Developer Center.
You can add keywords to your bookmarks for easier and faster access. From the Library, just add a short keyword in the keyword field, and you’ll be able to access that bookmark by simply typing that keyword into the address bar. For example, you could give your del.icio.us account the “links” keyword, and from then on simply typing “links” into the address bar will take you right there.
Create Smart Folders
If you’re an advanced Web surfer who frequently needs to save and track a variety of specific sites, here’s a useful time-saver: using Firefox 3’s Library, you can create and save searches into folders that are then automatically updated as you add sites to your bookmarks and history.
First, open the Library by selecting the “Organize Bookmarks” option from the Bookmarks menu. Then, enter your search terms in the search box. Then click the Save button to create a Smart Folder.
Manage Your Downloads
If you’re a frequent downloader, you can use the download manager window to keep track of all your downloads. You can pause and resume downloads, and save yourself time by opening files directly from the manager.
If you need to track down a past download, go to Tools → Downloads and use the search box to find your file. Once you’ve found it, double-click on the file to open it, or right-click and choose “Copy Download Link”.
Discover Developer Tools
If you’re a Web developer, Firefox’s developer tools will make your life easier. The Mozilla Add-ons site offers many tools to streamline the development process, including Firebug to edit, debug, and monitor CSS, HTML, and JavaScript live in any Web page, Tamper Data to view and modify HTTP/HTTPS headers and POST parameters, and the DOM Inspector to examine any HTML or CSS element with a simple right click.
Set the Web Up Just Like You Like It
Now you can use Web-based protocol handlers to provide quick access to your favorite Web applications. For example, you can set Firefox up so clicking on a mailto: link on any site will open a new message in your preferred webmail provider rather than your computer’s default mail program (note: this feature is only available with webmail services that have registered with Firefox 3).
Go to Tools → Options → Applications to select the default application for each protocol or to select “Always Ask” if you prefer to choose the application yourself every time.
If you’re a Web app developer, check out more about how to add support for Web-based protocol handlers in the Mozilla Developer Center.