Windows 7 is a fantastic operating system that is now almost a year old.  As good as it is, there are always ways of making it better and easier to use.  Here are ten tips that do just that:

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Launch any Program:

  Lets face it, we clutter up our desktops with short cuts to almost every application that we have installed.  Here is how you can setup a keyboard shortcut to launch an application.

1. Create a normal shortcut to the application
2. Right Click the shortcut and click Properties.
3. Type your desired Keyboard Shortcut in the Shortcut field.  Make sure its prefaced with "CTRL+ALT"

This shortcut will work in Windows Explorer, on your Desktop and in most programs

Having Problem with PDF Previews in 64 Bit Windows 7?

PDF Previews have been a bear to get working in Windows 7.  Here is how you get it working.

1. Open Reg-Edit
2. Goto this Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeClasses
   CLSID{DC6EFB56-9CFA-464D-8880-44885D7DC193}
3. Change the AppID Value to {534A1E02-D58F-44f0-B58B-36CBED287C7C}
4. Voila! PDF Previews should now work

Take Control of UAC

User Account Control pop-ups are so annoying. UAC in Windows 7 displays fewer warnings, but you can also fine-tune its notification habits by launching the UAC Settings from the start menu. Just type “UAC” in the Start Menu search field and click the result. Choose the setting just above “Never notify” for piece of mind and less intrusion in your life.

Track Your Actions with Problem Steps Recorder

This is one of my favorite tools in Windows 7.  Being a Computer Tech I have found it invaluable when my customers can repeat the problem they are experiencing.

Microsoft during the Windows 7 Beta built a diagnostic tool called Problem Steps Recorder that combines screen captures with mouse tracking to record your actions. You can launch this program from the Start Menu by typing “psr.exe” in the search field.

Hit the Record button and Problem Steps Recorder starts tracking your mouse and keyboard input while taking screenshots that correspond with each new action. Stop recording and your session is saved to an HTML slide show recreating your steps, in which you can add comments and annotations. 

The Snippet Tool is Great for Quick Screen Captures

The snipping tool has also been around in various incarnations but it's even easier to use in Windows 7. Launch the tool, then drag and drop any part of your screen. The tool will snip the selection. You can save it as a graphic file or annotate with basic drawing tools. Teach your end users how to use this tool so they can grab the snapshots of their problems and send them to the help desk. Or create your own library of visual notes.

1. Go to Start -> Programs -> Accessories
2. Click Snipping Tool
3. Say good bye to expensive screen capture tools like Snag-it

Aero Snap!

Snap That Aero. The Windows key is great for all your shortcuts. Now you can use it to work with the new AeroSnap feature in Windows 7. Select a window, hit the Windows key and a left or right arrow to snap the window to that half of the screen, or use the up arrow to snap it to the top of the screen.

Sticky Notes

Use Stickier Notes. Even though this feature has existed in previous versions of Windows in one form or another, it's much easier to use in Windows 7. You can stick a note on your desktop for quick reminders. It's a snap to change the font or note color. If you have a note selected, use Ctrl-N to create a new one.

Thats all for this blog. There are plenty more cool features in Windows 7 that we will explore in future Blog posts.

Cheers,

Joe