Good afternoon, dear reader! Today I will share with you some good computer tips for working with the Windows 7 operating system. We will look at 7 useful tips, some of which may be useful to you in your day-to-day computer work.
1. "Commit" the folder that is most requested.
It's no secret that in the Windows 7 operating system, certain folders on the Quick Launch bar can be pinned without any effort. To do this, you just need to move the mouse pointer over the folder you need. Then right-click and drag the folder to the taskbar. The operating system will automatically place it in the fast startup environment. If you need to open this folder, then right-click on it and select the action you need.
2. "Multiply" your windows.
There are situations when you need to open another window of the same type when working in any application. In this case, don't panic! First, make sure your application has multiple launches. Then, by pressing the " Shift», Click on the icon on the taskbar, or press the middle mouse button (wheel) without using the key.
3. Cleanliness and clarity of the image on the monitor - it's up to you.
Everyone knows that Windows 7 will help you customize the image on your monitor. This system makes text and pictures clearer, no matter where you work with your computer. However, it happens that a laptop monitor displays information well at work, but when you come home, you notice that the image becomes darker. Dont be upset! You need to customize the display of text and pictures using two built-in applications: "ClearType Text Tuning" and "Display Color Calibration". To do this, run cttune.exe and dccw.exe, or using these applications from the "Control Panel".
4. "Clean" on your taskbar.
Did you know that you can independently determine the order in which the icons on the taskbar will be located !? Everything is very simple. You just need to drag and drop them with your mouse. As for the first five icons, you can use the quick launch buttons. For example, to start the first icon, click the " Win"+ 1, for the second -" Win+ 2, and so on.
5. Jump to the taskbar.
If you need to launch a shortcut from the taskbar, you can use the shortcut key " Win+ T to switch. Then select the application you need using the arrows located on the keyboard and press the " Enter". When exiting the menu, use the " Esc", Which is located in the upper left corner.
6. Apply BitLocker to protect your data.
BitLocker is only used when you need to improve the protection of your data. Windows 7 has a BitLocker To Go feature that allows you to protect various USB devices (flash drives, disks, and other USB drives). To start BitLocker or BitLocker To Go, you must right-click on the device you want to encrypt (in Windows Explorer) and then select the "Turn on BitLocker ..." option. If you don't have a menu item BitLocker, read the full article on BitLocker - Configurable BitLocker- a program for disk encryption.
7. Your personal support team.
Perhaps you will agree that each of us is faced with problems in the work of Windows !? But in this case, do not be upset. The new system "Windows has a function: Troubleshooting" and will help you find a way out of any situation. In order to access it, it is worth writing "Troubleshooting" in the menu " Start". Execute. Or go to Start> Control Panel> All Control Panel Items> Troubleshoot> System and Security.
Secrets and Tricks of Windows 7 Command - "devmgmt.msc" This command opens the Device Manager, which gives a detailed overview of all the components of the computer and devices connected to it. With its help, you can find out which version of the driver is used by a particular device. Command - "dccw" There are no ideal monitors. However, when processing photos or videos, the correct display of colors becomes especially important. With this function, you can adjust the color reproduction so that the printed photo differs as little as possible from what you see on the screen. Command - "diskmgmt.msc" With this management console, you can control not only the hard drives installed inside your system unit, but also manage all external drives that you connect to your computer. In particular, using this settings window, you can assign a different letter designation to the USB flash drive. Command - "powercfg.cpl" Laptop battery draining too quickly? Or is it annoying that the screen goes blank at the slightest pause in work? All settings related to power consumption can be changed in the Power Options dialog box. Command - "perfmon / res" This command starts the resource monitor. Here you can see in detail how much the running programs load the system and find out some useful information. For example, if you need to find out what is causing the hard drive to make noise from time to time, go to the "Disk" section, and then open the "Processes with disk activity" section. Then click on the "Total (bytes / s)" column so that the largest value appears in the first line of the list. Thus, you can identify the program that uses the drive more actively than others. Command - "psr" This command first appeared in Windows 7. If you encounter the same system error over and over again in a specific sequence of actions, you can use this command to launch the Problem Steps Recorder. Clicking on "Start Recording" will start recording all your actions. The program will take screenshots of each item you clicked on. They can then be handed over to a computer setup specialist or sent to the program developers. Command - "services.msc" In normal mode, together with Windows, dozens of small auxiliary system services are automatically launched. Some of them can be safely disabled, since they perform very exotic functions that very few people need. This command opens a dialog box with a complete list of system services. Now all that remains is to decide which services will start automatically from the OS and which ones will not. The column "Startup type" shows which of them start with Windows. If you do not need a particular service, right-click on its name and select Properties from the context menu, then select Disabled from the Startup Type menu and click OK. Command - "regedit" Using the regedit command, you can edit the system registry, which stores all Windows settings. This can be useful if you want to clear the registry of entries. Which left deleted programs in it. But be careful: only make changes if you know exactly what you are doing. Otherwise, problems may arise not only with the already installed programs, but also with the performance of the system as a whole. Command - "msconfig" Many user-installable programs add their executables to the Windows startup list without asking. At the same time, some of them are completely unnecessary and only slow down the loading of the computer and take away precious resources, working in the background. The "System Configuration" service will help you get rid of such annoying ones. To do this, go to the "Startup" tab and uncheck the checkboxes opposite those applications that should not automatically start with the system. Command - "computerdefaults" Wrong Internet browser opens when you follow a link from an email? Using this command, you can launch an application that will help you assign programs to perform common tasks in Windows. Command - "fsmgmt.msc" With this command you can see all the folders shared by other users on the local network. You can also see who exactly shared the file and what files were opened. Command - "shrpubw" Do you have multiple computers connected to the same router? Then the exchange of data between them will be simplified by the so-called shared folders. Using the above command, you can give other computers on the network access to certain folders or drives on your PC. In addition, users who use your computer under different accounts have access to the same folders. Command - "wf.msc" If you prefer to use the built-in Windows firewall over third-party security solutions, you can use the wf.msc command to open the advanced settings window for this standard security tool. In the settings, you can specify which programs should have access to the network, and which are strictly prohibited from doing so. To prevent any application from sending and receiving data, click on "Outbound Rules" and then click on "Create Rule". In the window that opens, activate the radio button "For the program" and click on "Next". Select the application that you want to restrict access using the "Browse". The next three dialog boxes can be skipped by clicking on "Next". Now all you have to do is enter a name for the rule you just created and click Finish. Command - "ncpa.cpl" This program provides access to the settings responsible for network connections. Here you can, for example, see how much data has been sent and received since the start of the Windows session. To do this, simply double-click on the icon of the desired connection. Command - "control userpassword2" If no one but you is working with your home computer, using this command you can get rid of the need to type a password every time you log in to the system. After entering it in the window that opens, uncheck the box next to "Require username to be entered" and click on "OK". If your account was password protected, you will need to enter it to confirm the operation. Command - "charmap" Need to insert some special character into the text? You shouldn't look for it on the web. Use a special tool. Built in Windows. Type the command charmap - and you will see a window in which you can see all the special characters available in the selected typeface. In order to copy the desired symbol, double-click on it and click on the "Copy" button. Now it can be inserted into any document using the key combination "CTRL" + "V". Command - "stikynot" A date that you should never forget about is approaching? If you don't have a piece of paper on hand to write a memo on, Windows will gladly provide it to you. You can fill in a note with reminders of any kind and place it anywhere on your Desktop. Command - "utilman" This command opens the "Ease of Access Center". There are many functions to make it easier to interact with your computer. For example, you can make the window become active without clicking on it, and already when you move the cursor. Command - "iexpress" With the help of archiving programs, you can significantly save space by packing data into the archive that you do not need at the moment. But what to do if none of the popular archivers is installed on the computer you had to work on, and you desperately need to make a self-extracting archive? In this case, the "IExpress" utility, which is available in all versions of Windows, will help. Command - "magnify" Not every software product allows you to enlarge the image in order to see it in all details. In Windows, there is a magnifying glass for this. The operating system offers three types of magnification: full screen, which enlarges the entire desktop space; a magnifying glass that can be moved around the desktop; and a ruler with which you can select the desired scale with the mouse.
Most computer users do not know which make it much easier to work with this operating system.
Our article will be useful to you to facilitate your "communication" with one of the brightest representatives of the Windows family. These, of course, are not all secrets, but only the most useful ones for you!
1. Launching programs from the working taskbar
Many users pin their frequently used programs (program shortcuts) to the lower taskbar and do not suspect that they can be launched using a quick command - the win key + the digital number of the program (shortcut)
2. Switching working windows to 3D mode
In Windows Vista, there was a key on the taskbar, which was responsible for switching working windows to the Win Flip 3D workflow (3D window mode). And in our operating system, this function is present and is called using the Win + Tab keys.
3. Convenient window management
Window management in Windows 7 is much easier than in previous releases of the program. The working window is quite simple to attach to any side of our screen by moving it to the desired edge, as well as to minimize and expand by double-clicking on the bottom border. We simplify these actions with the following commands:
- Win + pointer to the left, Win + pointer to the right - attach the window
- Win + pointer up, Win + pointer down - expand, restore, minimize the window
- Win + Shift + pointer up and Win + Shift + pointer down - maximize and restore the window vertically
4. Projector mode
In order not to experience the pain of installing drivers for the projector and adjusting its image, the system has simplified the work with the projector. Switching display modes is carried out by the combination Win + P. Modes: computer, monitor duplication, monitor screen extension, projector.
5. Calling programs
This function is useful for those who quite often run repetitive programs. We do it as follows: create a shortcut, then right-click and go to the properties of the created shortcut. We switch to the "Shortcut" tab, and in the "Shortcut" item we squeeze out the key combination that we want to implement to activate our program.
6. Useful for wide screens
Increases the workspace on the netbook. After moving the bottom panel, which is located on the desktop, on my netbook I noticed a significant increase in the form of a visual increase in the working diagonal, vertically.
It is done as follows: hold down the left mouse button on the lower taskbar and move it to any other place (the panel should not be fixed)
7. Task manager
Many, in most cases, call the task manager according to the old algorithm: Ctrl + Alt + Del. In the menu, we select the item we need. To immediately call the task manager, press the following keys: Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
The Windows 7 operating system is a complex software product that contains a huge number of functions and capabilities. A complete description of the operating system will take more than a dozen pages and will quickly tire the average user. In addition, Microsoft has already taken care of creating a detailed and comprehensive manual. We will not compete with it, but will simply present the reader with a description of the most interesting points that will certainly interest any Windows user.
- Window management. Windows 7 gives users real ease and freedom in working with windows. Now you just need to slightly pull the edge of the window so that it is pulled to the left or right side. To increase the size of the window, you just need to drag it towards the top of the screen. If you need to increase the vertical size of the window to the maximum value, you can do this by double-clicking on its top. In addition, in the user manual, you can find keyboard commands that make customizing the look of Windows 7 even easier and faster.
- Minimize all inactive windows. Using the Win + Home keyboard shortcut, you can simultaneously minimize all windows, except for the one you are currently working with. Pressing it again will expand the windows to the Windows 7 desktop.
- Moving windows across multiple monitors. If you work with several monitors at the same time, you have the opportunity to move windows between them very simply and conveniently. To do this, use the key combination Win + Shift + Left Arrow or Right Arrow. This will move the window to another monitor while maintaining its position relative to the top-left corner of the screen.
- Rearrange the taskbar. You can easily change the position of icons in the Windows 7 taskbar by simply dragging and dropping them from place to place. Likewise, it is possible to swap application icons in the system tray and even drag and drop them onto the hidden icon icon, making them invisible and thus changing the appearance of Windows 7 elements.
- Quick Launch Bar. Since the quick launch icons are now located directly in the taskbar, there is no need to use the quick launch bar. But the most conservative users are not left without attention, they have the opportunity to return to their previous appearance. For this you need: Right-click on the taskbar and select Toolbars / New Toolbar. In the folder selection dialog that appears, enter the following value:% userprofile% \ AppData \ Roaming \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Quick Launch and click OK.
- Show the desktop. In the lower right corner of the screen there is a small rectangle, upon clicking on which we see the contents of the Windows 7 desktop. The same action can be performed using the Win + Space key combination.
- Switch between windows of the same application. In Windows 7, the concept of switching between windows using the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut has been redesigned and expanded for the convenience of users. Now it became possible to switch between several open windows of the same application. To do this, hold down the Ctrl key and several times click on the icon of the desired application for Windows 7. This will switch exclusively between the windows of this application.
- Using the taskbar. Now it has become possible to fully use the taskbar without using the mouse. To do this, you must use the keyboard shortcut Win + T, which takes the user to the taskbar. After that, it becomes possible to navigate the taskbar using the arrows on the keyboard and launch the necessary applications by pressing the Enter key. To exit this mode, use the Escape key.
- Speeding up access to frequently used folders. If you work with multiple folders on a regular basis, it makes sense to add them to Explorer's quick jump list. To do this, you just need to drag the desired folders to the taskbar while holding down the right mouse button.
- Fast disc burning... An incredibly handy feature that most Windows 7 users don't know about. If you need to burn an .iso image to a CD or DVD, just double-click it. A special application window will appear that allows you to burn a disc in just a couple of clicks.
- User actions recording. Windows 7 includes a program designed to record user actions that lead to a problem. It is called Problem Steps Recorder and has good functionality. The program not only records all actions performed with the mouse and keyboard, but also takes pictures of all comments. After the end of the recording, the program saves all the information to a zip file.
- Installation from a USB flash drive. Perhaps one of the most important and pleasant innovations for users was the emergence of the ability to install Windows 7 from a USB flash drive. Now you can finally forget about the unpleasant mess with disks, which at the most inopportune moment could simply not be read. Also note that Windows 7 is much more optimized for netbooks and other portable devices, as it requires fewer resources to run than its predecessor, Windows Vista.
- Optimized for work with touch screens. Microsoft takes into account the latest trends in the development of mass computer technologies. This is why Windows 7 supports multitouch and advanced touchscreen experience. It is for them that a function is intended that many users initially considered useless. Now you can open the context menu, which usually appears with a right click of the mouse, by simply dragging and dropping a special icon from the taskbar to the desired location on the screen. This feature is specifically designed to work with touch screens. You can also use drag and drop in Internet Explorer 8.
- Quick launch of the second application window. In the event that you are already working in an application and you need to launch an additional window of the same program, there is no need to look for its shortcut on the desktop or in the quick launch bar. It is quite simple to hold down the Shift key and click on the icon of this application in the taskbar. In order not to reach for the keyboard, the same can be done by simply clicking on the icon with the middle mouse button.
- Calibrating the monitor. In Windows 7, it has become very convenient and easy to customize the screen for specific tasks, for example, working with text or watching a movie. There are two applications in the control panel to help you with this - cttune.exe and dccw.exe. With their help, you can easily adjust settings such as brightness, clarity and contrast of the image to suit a specific task.
Uncheck "Lock the taskbar" and right-click on the separator. Make sure the Show title and Show text options are off and the view selector is set to Small icons.
Use dividers to bring the taskbar to the required form, and then pin it again.
The Windows interface contains a large number of options and tools hidden from the eyes of users. Usually, these additional features are rarely used, but in some situations they may be required, so it is very useful to know about their existence.
"Secret" key Shift
The Shift key first appeared in 1878 on the Remington typewriter. Since then, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge, but this button fits perfectly into new computer interfaces and is overgrown with wonderful functions.
Context menu of a folder, shortcut, file
Right-click on the object while holding down the Shift key and you will see new items in the context menu. For example, commands such as Open in New Process, Open Command Window, Copy As Path, and Full Control appear for a folder. The menu of shortcuts will be supplemented with the item "Run on behalf of another user", with the help of which this operation is performed without rebooting the system.
An additional item "Pin to the Start menu" will appear in the file context menu, but the most interesting changes await us in the "Send" menu - more than a dozen new links will appear here to places where you can move the object, including the user's personal folders and Work table.
Tricks in the Taskbar
V Windows 7 when you right-click on an application button in the Taskbar, a new context menu appears with a list of recently opened files and other information. However, it used to be able to control the window - and if you want to see the context menu from previous versions of Windows, hold down the Shift key while right-clicking. To open a new copy of an already running program, just click on its button in the Taskbar while holding down Shift. The same effect can be achieved by clicking on the application button with the middle mouse button.
And a few more tricks. If you need to restart Explorer, open the Start menu, then right-click with pressed Shift and Ctrl in any empty space of this menu - and you will see the item "Exit Explorer". You can prevent the execution of the application that starts when you start a disc inserted in the tray by holding Shift. Likewise, if you hold down this key while starting Windows, programs from the Startup folder will be ignored.
Shortcuts
Resize desktop icons
Select any icon on the Desktop and roll the mouse wheel while holding down the Ctrl key. The icons will smoothly increase or decrease in size.
Shortcut for switching applications WinFlip 3D
In Windows Vista, the Taskbar had a special button for switching between windows in the mode WinFlip 3D... If this is not enough for you, create a new shortcut anywhere. In this case, in the program location field, enter rundll32.exe DwmApi.dll # 105 and give a suitable name. The icon for this shortcut can be found at C: WindowsSystem32imageres.dll. Now drag it to the taskbar and pin it.
Computer lock shortcut
If you often leave your workplace, you can use the Win + L keyboard shortcut to lock the computer or make a special shortcut on the Taskbar, specifying C: WindowsSystem32rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation as the address.
Built-in utilities
Windows OS contains in its depths a number of built-in utilities that can help you out when performing a wide variety of tasks.
Automatic disk cleanup with specified parameters
Open the Start menu and enter the command Cleanmgr.exe / sageset: n, where n is any number (it is needed in order for the settings made to be saved in the corresponding registry key). You can then use the Cleanmgr.exe / sagerun: n item to start cleaning the hard disk with the parameters you specified. Thus, it becomes possible to automate the process using the built-in Scheduler by creating a new task to start Cleanmgr.exe with the / sagerun: n parameter (for example, every week).
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Prohibiting the launch of certain applications
There are many third-party utilities that serve to restrict access to certain programs or folders. However, the built-in Windows tool can also be used for these purposes.
The utility is called AppLocker, to access its settings, open the Control Panel, go to the "Administrative Tools" section, select the "Local Security Policy" item, and then expand the "Application Control Policies" list.
Problem Steps Recorder
We believe that many users have found themselves in a situation where it is necessary to demonstrate to another person any sequence of actions on a computer. This may be due to a desire to show the events leading to a malfunction of the PC, or, conversely, to demonstrate a solution to a problem.
Windows has a great built-in tool for doing this. You can start it by opening the Start menu and entering the psr.exe command in the search bar. The application takes screenshots of open windows and your actions, and also automatically adds annotations describing their sequence. The result is then saved as a single compact file in MHT format, which can be opened and viewed in any browser, sent by mail, posted on the Internet, etc.
Memory diagnostics
Computer problems are associated with memory failures, so the authors of the operating system have provided the ability to check it. Click Start, type mdsched.exe in the Search box, and press Enter. The diagnostics start after restarting the PC and automatically perform a standard memory test. When it finishes, the computer will restart and you will see the results when you log in.
Deleting data
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If you need to reliably erase information from your hard drive, it is not at all necessary to use cumbersome specialized (moreover, often not free) programs, especially since Windows 7 there is a built-in facility for this purpose. Cipher.exe is a command line utility for removing confidential data. If you enter cipher / w x: folder_name, then the contents of the latter will be overwritten several times with random data, which ensures that it cannot be restored.
Conclusion
Of course, we only talked about a small part of the little-known and hidden features of Windows. At the same time, we tried to make the described "secrets" not too difficult to repeat, but not too simple, like the usual enumeration of hotkeys. And most importantly, following all the above tips will definitely not do any harm to your computer.
