Here are some cool tips for improving your Windows 7 experience. I will be updating this info somewhat regularly, so feel free to check back from time to time.
GodMode:
This one of my favorites. It is most often referred to as GODMODE and it comes from one of my favorite editors from CNET. Most alarmingly, it is fairly easy to set up, but I recommend its use only for more experienced users. So here is how to set it up:
Use Windows Explorer (NOT Internet Explorer) to look at the contents of your C: drive (although you can also put this on another drive if you have one). I recommend using the root directory. Create a new folder and give it the name "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}" (spell it as you see it without the quotes). That is it. Click on the folder icon and you will see dozens of control options to use in customizing your Windows 7.
Here are some useful keyboard shortcuts:
- Alt + P: This shortcut is usefull when using Windows Explorer. The Alt-P combination will toggle the use of preview pane (which is sometimes helpful and sometimes not).
- Windows + Plus Key or Windows + Minus Key: These keys turn on or off the Windows Magnifier option, which can be helpful when looking at pictures.
- Windows + Up or Windows + Down: (these refer to your up and down arrow keys) changes a window from full screen (up) to minimized (down).
- Windows + Left (arrow) and Windows + Right (arrow): This moves the active windows to the left or right.
- Windows + Spacebar: Makes all windows transparent as long as you are holding down the Windows key.
Calibrate your Onscreen Text:
Type in "cttune" in the Start Menu and run this program. You will be presented with a menu that allows you select which type of screen sample is easiest to read. And if you wish to calibrate your screen colors, type in "dccw" in the Start Menu instead. This will allow you to adjust brightness, contrast, gamma and other functions.
Controlling UAC:
I know you Vista users hated this, and for awhile, Microsoft took it out of the beta but then put it back. UAC (User Account Control) is that often bothersome pop-up that tells you something could be trying to do something to your Windows. This security feature irritated many (myself included). They did add some adjustments to ease the pain. Type "UAC" in the Start Menu and you will be given a dialogue box that allows you to adjust the amount of "bother" you can live with.
Try the New Calculator:
Yep, even the old Calculator has been revised. The new version provides Standard and Scientific modes as well as performing loan or mortgage calculation. It also has tools for programming and statistics analysis. Very cool.
Burning CDs or DVDs:
All of this is now built-in and this includes burning ISOs (full CD or DVD "images").
Bring Back Quick Launch:
Do you miss the old Quick Launch function on your taskbar? Well, here is how you can bring it back:
Right-click the Taskbar, hover over Toolbars, and select New Toolbar.
In the Folder selection field at the bottom, enter the following string:
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
Turn off the "lock the Taskbar" setting, and right-click on the divider. Disable "Show Text" and "Show Title" and set the view option to "Small Icons".
Drag the divider to rearrange the toolbar order to put Quick Launch where you want it, and then right-click the Taskbar to lock it again.
Done and dusted.
Pin-Up Your Favorite Tasks:
You can get to some of your favorite apps by pinning them to them to either the Start Menu (that vertical screen that pops up when you press the Power Button (or Orb as some call it), or you can pin-it to the Taskbar so that it remains there. Simply right-click on the icon for your application and select which option to choose (or pin to both as I do).
