Good afternoon, dear reader! Today I will share with you some good computer operating room tips. Windows system 7. We will consider 7 useful tips, some of them may be useful to you when working with your computer every day.


1. “Pin” the folder that is most in demand.

It's no secret that in operating system Windows 7, certain folders on the panel quick launch can be secured without any effort. To do this, you just need to hover your mouse over the folder you need. Then right-click and drag the folder to the taskbar. The operating system itself will automatically place it in the Quick Launch Environment. If you need to open this folder, then right-click on it and select the action that is necessary.

2. “Multiply” your windows.


There are situations when when working in an application you need to open another similar window. In this case, do not panic! First, make sure that the application has multiple launches. Then, pressing the " Shift", click on the icon on the taskbar, or click on the middle mouse button (wheel) without using a key.

3. The purity and clarity of the image on the monitor is within your reach.


Everyone knows that Windows 7 will help you adjust the image on your monitor. This system makes text and pictures clearer, no matter where you work on your computer. However, it happens that the 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 adjust 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 will be located on the taskbar!? Everything is very simple. You just need to drag 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 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 in the upper left corner.

6. Use BitLocker to protect your data.

BitLocker is used only when you need to increase the level of protection for your data. Windows 7 has a BitLocker To Go feature that allows you to protect various USB devices (flash drives, disks and other USB media). In order to launch BitLocker or BitLocker To Go, you need to 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 - Setting it up "BitLocker"- disk encryption program.

7. Your personal support service.

Perhaps you will agree that each of us faces problems in Windows work!? But in this case, do not be upset. New system“Windows has a function: Troubleshooting” and will help you find a way out of any situation. In order to access it, you should write “Troubleshooting” in the “ Start" Execute. Or go to Start > Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Troubleshooting > System and Security.

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 a number of situations they can be in demand, so knowing about their existence is very useful.

"Secret" Shift key

The Shift key first appeared in 1878 on the Remington typewriter. Much water has passed under the bridge since then, but this button fits perfectly into new computer interfaces and has acquired 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 for the folder will appear such as "Open in a new process", "Open a command window", "Copy as path" and " Full access" The shortcut menu will be replenished with the “Run as another user” item, with which this operation is performed without rebooting the system.

IN context menu files, an additional item “Pin to the Start menu” will appear, but the most interesting changes await us in the “Send” menu - more than a dozen new links to places where you can move the object will appear, including the user’s personal folders and the Desktop.

  • Tricks in the Taskbar

IN Windows 7 when clicked right key mouse over the application button in the taskbar, a new context menu appears with a list of recent open files and other information. However, previously you could use it to control the window - and if you want to see the context menu from previous versions of Windows, then hold down the Shift key while right-clicking. To open a new copy already running program Just click on its button in the Taskbar with Shift pressed. 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, then open the Start menu, then right-click with Shift and Ctrl pressed in any free place in this menu - and you will see the option “Exit Explorer”. You can prevent the execution of an application that starts when you start a disc inserted into the tray by holding Shift. Similarly, if at Windows startup Keep this key pressed, then programs from the Startup folder will be ignored.

Shortcuts

  • Changing the size of desktop icons

Select any icon on the desktop and roll the mouse wheel while holding the Ctrl button. Icons will gradually increase or decrease in size.

  • Shortcut for switching WinFlip 3D applications

IN Windows Vista there was a special button on the taskbar for switching between windows in mode WinFlip 3D. If you miss this feature, create a new shortcut anywhere. In this case, in the program location field, enter rundll32.exe DwmApi.dll #105 and give suitable name. The icon for this shortcut can be found at C:WindowsSystem32imageres.dll. Now drag it to the Taskbar and pin it.

  • Shortcut to lock your computer

If you often leave your workplace, you can use the Win+L keyboard shortcut to lock your 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 a number of built-in utilities that can help you out when performing a wide variety of tasks.

  • Automatic disk cleaning with specified parameters

Open the Start menu and enter the command Cleanmgr.exe /sageset:n, where n is any number (it is necessary so that the settings made are saved in corresponding key registry). You can then use Cleanmgr.exe /sagerun:n to start cleaning hard drive with the parameters you specify. This makes it possible to automate the process using the built-in Scheduler by creating a new task to run Cleanmgr.exe with the /sagerun:n parameter (for example, every week).

  • Prevent certain applications from running

There are a large number of third-party utilities that serve to restrict access to certain programs or folders. However, it is quite possible to use the built-in Windows tool for these purposes.

The utility is called AppLocker, to access its settings you need to open the Control Panel, go to the “Administration” section, select “ Local politics Security", and then expand the list of "Application management policies".

  • Problem Reproduction Action Recorder

We believe that many users have found themselves in a situation where they need to demonstrate to another person some sequence of actions on a computer. This may be caused by the desire to show events that lead to a PC failure or, conversely, to demonstrate a solution to a problem.

Windows has an excellent built-in tool for performing similar tasks. You can launch it by opening the Start menu and entering the psr.exe command in the search bar. The application takes screenshots of open windows and actions you perform, and automatically adds annotations describing their sequence. The result is then saved as one compact file in MHT format, which can be opened and viewed in any browser, sent by mail, posted on the Internet, etc.

  • Memory diagnostics

Problems with a computer can be 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 diagnostic runs after rebooting the PC and automatically performs a standard memory test. Once completed, your computer will restart and you will see the results when you log in.

  • Deleting data

If you need to securely erase information from your hard drive, it is not at all necessary to use cumbersome specialized (and often not free) programs, especially since Windows 7 there is a built-in tool for this purpose. Cipher.exe is a utility for removing confidential data that works from command line. If you enter cipher /w x:folder_name, the contents of the folder 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 functions Windows. At the same time, we tried to ensure that the described “secrets” were not too difficult to repeat, but not too simple, like the usual listing of hot keys. And most importantly, following all the tips described above will definitely not cause any harm to your computer.

The Windows 7 operating system is rich in secrets and various tricks that not every PC user knows about. If you are an inquisitive person by nature, then you will definitely like these facts. Also, people who specialize in computers or whose work is somehow related to PCs should definitely know them, since the secrets of Windows 7 can facilitate a number of actions performed from time to time.

Secrets and tricks of OS Windows 7

Shortcuts

  • In the desktop context menu, you can select three options for label sizes - “Large”, “Medium” and “Small”, but not everyone knows that they can be scaled as desired using Ctrl key and mouse wheel.

  • In Windows Vista there was a special button, it was located on the “Taskbar” and was intended to switch between windows in WinFlip 3D mode. If you miss this feature on Windows 7, you can easily get it back. Create a new shortcut, write “rundll32.exe DwmApi.dll #105” in the program location field, give the shortcut a name that suits your needs. The icon for this shortcut is located at C:WindowsSystem32imageres.dll. After that, all you have to do is drag the shortcut to the Taskbar.

  • If you are constantly away from the computer, you can use the Win+L key combination to lock the computer, or place a shortcut on the “Taskbar”, indicating the address “C:WindowsSystem32undll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation”.

"Secrets" of the Shift key
The Shift key appeared back in 1878 on a Remington typewriter. Much time has passed, technology has switched to fundamentally new level, but the Shift button fits perfectly into interfaces modern computers, while acquiring many new functions.


  • If you right-click on an object while holding Shift, you will see new items in the menu that appears. Say for a folder, the command “Open in a new process”, “Full control”, “Open command window”, “Copy as path” will appear. A new item “Run as a different user” will appear in the shortcut context menu, so you can perform this operation without rebooting the system. “Pin to Start Menu” will appear in the file’s context menu, and the most interesting thing will be if you hover over the “Send” menu – a list of more than a dozen places where you can send the object will open, including the desktop and personal folders.

Integrated utilities
Windows 7 comes pre-installed with a number of utilities that can come to the rescue when solving a variety of problems.
Automatic disk cleaning with predefined parameters


  • You need to open the Start menu, enter the command Cleanmgr.exe /sageset:n (where n is a number of your choice, it is required to save the settings made in a specific registry key). After this, you can use Cleanmgr.exe /sageset:n to clean the hard drive with the parameters you specified. This allows you to automate the process using the “Scheduler” by creating a task there to run Cleanmgr.exe with the parameter you select (for example, every week).

Block certain applications from running

  • In principle, there are a lot of third-party utilities that allow you to restrict access to certain folders or programs. But instead of resorting to them, you can easily use the tool integrated into Windows 7. AppLocker is the name of this utility; To gain access to it, you need to go through the Control Panel to “Administration”, then “Local Security Policy”, where select “Application Control Policy”.

Deleting data

  • It’s probably no secret that simply deleted data (including from the recycle bin) can be restored quite easily by using specialized software. The reason for this is the peculiarity of how a computer works with data - when you delete a file or folder, the information does not go anywhere, but the header is simply “erased”, and the machine no longer pays attention to this data, but they remain in place until they are overwritten by the recorded data. on top of information. It is to solve this issue that the Cipher.exe utility is built into Windows 7. It works from the command line - Just type cipher /w x:file_name, and the latter will be overwritten many times with a set of random data, which makes attempts to restore it impossible.


All the described actions will not harm your computer, and will not cause difficulties when repeated, however, if something does not work out, ask, we will definitely help you. Also, if you do not have this operating system installed yet, then you can use our manual: "".

The Windows 7 operating system is complex software product, which contains a huge number of functions and capabilities. A full description of the operating system will take dozens of 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 moments, which will surely interest any Windows user.

  1. Window management. Windows 7 gives users real ease and freedom in working with windows. Now you just need to lightly pull the edge of the window so that it is pulled towards 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, this can be done by double-clicking on its top part. In addition, in the user manual you will be able to find keyboard commands that allow you to configure Windows decoration 7 is even easier and faster.
  2. Minimizes all inactive windows. Using the Win+Home keyboard shortcut, you can minimize all windows at once, except the one you are currently working with. Pressing it again will expand the windows to the Windows 7 desktop.
  3. Moving windows on multiple monitors. If you work with multiple monitors at the same time, you have the ability to move windows between them very easily and conveniently. To do this, use the key combination Win+Shift+Left Arrow or Right Arrow. This will allow you to move the window to another monitor while maintaining its position relative to the top-left point of the screen.
  4. Rearrange the taskbar. You can easily change the location of icons in the panel Windows tasks 7, simply by dragging them from place to place. In the same way, it is possible to rearrange application icons in the system tray and even drag them onto the icon hidden icons, making them invisible and thereby changing the design of Windows 7 elements.
  5. Quick launch panel. Since the Quick Launch icons are now placed directly in the taskbar, there is no need to use the Quick Launch bar. But the most conservative users are not left unattended; they have the opportunity to return to their previous appearance. To do this you need:
  6. Right-click on the taskbar and select Toolbars / New Toolbar. In the folder selection dialog that appears, you must enter the following value: %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\ Internet Explorer\Quick Launch and click OK.

    Disable “Lock the taskbar” and right-click on the separator. Make sure that the “Show title” and “Show text” options are disabled and the view selector is set to “Small icons”.

    Using separators, bring the taskbar to the desired form, and then dock it again.

  7. Show desktop. In the lower right corner of the screen there is a small rectangle, when you click on it we see the contents of the working Windows desktop 7. The same action can be performed if you use the Win+Space key combination.
  8. 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 user convenience. It is now possible to switch between multiple open windows of one application. To do this, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the icon several times desired application for Windows 7. In this case, switching will occur exclusively between the windows of this application.
  9. Using the taskbar. Now it is possible to fully use the taskbar without using the mouse. To do this, you need to use the Win+T key combination, which takes the user to the taskbar. After this, it becomes possible to navigate the taskbar using the arrows on the keyboard and launch required applications by pressing the Enter key. To exit this mode, use the Escape key.
  10. Speed ​​up access to frequently used folders. If you regularly work with multiple folders, it makes sense to add them to File Explorer's Quick Jump list. To do this you just need to drag and drop required folders to the taskbar while holding down the right mouse button.
  11. Fast disc burning. Incredibly convenient feature that most people don't know about Windows users 7. If you need to burn to CD or DVD disc image.iso - just double-click on it. A special application window will appear that allows you to burn a disc in just a couple of clicks.
  12. Recording user actions. IN part of Windows 7 is a program designed to record user actions that lead to a problem. It's called Problem Steps Recorder and has good functionality. The program not only records all actions performed using the mouse and keyboard, but also takes pictures of all comments. After finishing recording, the program saves all information to a zip file.
  13. Installation from a flash drive. Perhaps one of the most important and pleasant innovations for users is the ability to install Windows 7 from a flash drive. Now you can finally forget about the unpleasant fuss with disks, which at the most inopportune moment could simply not be read. Also note that Windows 7 is much more optimized for working with netbooks and other portable devices, because it requires fewer resources to operate than its predecessor, Windows Vista.
  14. Optimized for working with touch screens. IN Microsoft take into account the latest trends in the development of mass computer technology. That's why Windows 7 supports multi-touch and advanced touch screens. It is for them that the function is intended, which many users initially found useless. Now you can open the context menu, which usually appears by right-clicking the mouse, by simply dragging a special icon from the taskbar to the desired location on the screen. This feature is designed specifically to work with touch screens. You can also use drag and drop in Internet Explorer 8.
  15. Quickly launch a second application window. In the case when 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 panel. Simply hold down the Shift key and click on the icon of this application in the taskbar. To avoid reaching for the keyboard, the same can be done by simply clicking on the icon with the middle mouse button.
  16. Monitor calibration. 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 Control Panel that will help you with this - cttune.exe and dccw.exe. With them, you can easily adjust settings such as image brightness, clarity, and contrast to suit a specific task.

Microsoft's new operating system implements many original innovative solutions that make working on a computer easier and faster. This material talks about some of them.

The Windows 7 operating system, officially presented by Microsoft on October 22, implements many original innovative solutions that speed up work on the computer and make it easier to solve daily tasks. Some of them are described in this material, for clarity, provided with screenshots of the most interesting features of the new product of the Redmond corporation.

Instantly search for programs and files. In the "seven" search mechanisms have evolved significantly, and now to search necessary information Just click on the "Start" button and enter the text in the appropriate field. As you type a search query, the left pane of the Start menu will display lists of matching applications, documents, images, audio, video, email, and other files found on your computer. For the convenience of users, the results are grouped into categories and contain highlighted keywords, as well as text fragments that make documents easier to view.

Dropdown lists. For quick access The Jump List function has been implemented for documents that are opened multiple times in Windows 7. To activate it, you need to right-click on the program icon in the taskbar or, while holding the left key, drag the application icon up. As a result, a list will appear containing a list of recently opened files and frequently performed actions by the user when working with a particular software product. If desired, any drop-down menu item can be pinned to the list or deleted.

Window management. In Windows 7, the user can manipulate application windows with deft mouse movements. The technique is simple: if you drag the program window to the top border of the desktop, it will automatically open to full screen, and if you drag it, it will return to the initial state. If you move it to the right or left edge, it will take up exactly half the screen, and thus it is very convenient to organize simultaneous work with several documents. In the same way, you can manage windows using the keyboard: pressing “Win ​​+ up/down arrow” will open the window to full screen or return it to its previous state, using the combination “Win ​​+ left/right arrow” will force active window expand to half the screen. There's another one interesting thing: if you grab the window with the mouse and “shake” it a little, then all the others open windows on the desktop will be minimized to the taskbar. If the window is vigorously moved left and right again, then all the windows will return to their places. Instead of a mouse, you can use the Win+Home keys. The effect of their use will be just as impressive.

Speeding up the system. The Seven has no problems with performance, even on machines two or three years old. However, if you want to get the most out of your computer, speed up the operation of outdated equipment or a low-performance netbook, then the ReadyBoost function may be an ideal solution, optimizing the loading of the system and heavy applications by caching data on a flash drive. Unlike Vista, the ReadyBoost mechanism in Windows 7 is more advanced. It supports up to eight independent drives, each of which can reach 32 GB. Thus, all free USB connectors can be used for the cache. If the laptop has a multi-format card reader, then you can find work for it. It’s no good to stand idle during a crisis; let it do some good. Prostokvashinsky cat Matroskin would definitely like such an innovation.

Working with disk images in ISO and IMG formats. Another little-known feature of the new operating system is the ability to interact with disk image files and write them to optical media, followed by checking the integrity of the data saved on the disc. The option is, without a doubt, useful, freeing you from the need to install additional software on your computer. software and, as a result, saving time and money.

Quick start private mode in Internet Explorer 8. Like many other browsers, the Microsoft browser has an InPrivate mode that allows you to view pages without saving your browsing history, cookies, cached objects, web form data, and other information that may indicate what the user was doing online. To activate this function it is very convenient to use the Jump List menu, called up by clicking right button mouse over the Internet Explorer 8 icon or by dragging it up. Do you remember? Then let's move on.

Virtualization tools. Among the most notable innovations of the “seven” is support for Windows XP Mode. We have already talked about it. However, we repeat and remind readers that Windows XP Mode is software solution, based on the next generation of the Virtual PC product and allowing the user to run selected applications within virtual machine with Windows XP SP3 operating system installed. The new mode ensures absolutely transparent work with applications running in a virtual environment and does not impose any functional restrictions on them. Activate Windows mode XP Mode is only available in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate editions and on computers that support hardware virtualization.

Since we touched on the topic of virtualization, it would be logical to also mention Windows support 7 formats Virtual Hard Disks, allowing G7 users to mount VHD disks into the system, used by many software packages virtualization.

File libraries. If you open Windows Explorer 7, then you can find an element on the left side of the window called “Libraries”. With its help you can combine into one virtual folder objects stored on disk in different directories. For example, if the user has video files in folders on his hard drive and on external media, then through libraries all films and videos can be collected into a single collection, accessible with one click. It's important to keep in mind that libraries do not store objects. Libraries only track the contents of user-specified directories and allow you to view and organize the files stored in them in various ways.


By default, Windows 7 has four libraries - Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos

Quickly close windows and tabs from the taskbar. And this task in Windows 7 can be completed in no time, or rather, in one click. Nothing complicated: we technically point the mouse at the icon of the running application, then move the cursor to the desired thumbnail and click the wheel (middle key) of the manipulator. All! Only memories will remain from the selected browser window or tab.

View and edit Office Open XML (docx) files. In the new Microsoft operating system text editor Wordpad allows you to open and edit documents created in Word 2007. In addition, the program has a ribbon interface and a mechanism for inserting images, advanced text formatting functions have been added, and the option to quickly send the created file via e-mail and other previously missing tools. Don’t forget about this, because you never know what situations happen when working at a computer, and in some cases, an updated Wordpad can do a good job.

Run applications as another user. In previous versions of Windows, to perform such a task, you had to skillfully manipulate the runas instruction in a console as dark as night and feed the system intricate directives. In the "seven" there is no need to delve into the jungle of the command line and, scratching your turnips, remember the sequence of a set of control instructions. All you need to do is press the Shift key and, while holding it, right-click on the program shortcut. If everything is done correctly, the hidden “Run as another user” item should appear in the context menu. By the way, if you often have to run applications with administrator privileges, then the correct thing to do would be to check the appropriate boxes in the properties of shortcuts for specific products or use the Ctrl+Shift keyboard shortcut. Using it, you can also open programs with elevated privileges. Naturally, to perform the above operations, you must have the appropriate rights in the system or know the administrator password.

Calculation of loan repayment amounts. The new Windows 7 calculator (yes, it also did not go unnoticed by Redmon specialists) has a function that will definitely come in handy for those who are used to living on credit in a big way, but can’t figure out the tricky mathematics of interest. All you have to do is enter the size of the bank loan, the interest rate and the amount of the monthly payment, and in a moment you can find out how long it will take to pay off the debt. Instead of the payment period, you can calculate monthly payments, the total amount of loan compensation and other financial components, the study of which can bring depression to any friend living in debt.

Managing control parameters accounts. The User Accounts Control mechanism that debuted in Windows Vista was not to the liking of many, and it was turned off without regret in the heart. It was so. In the "seven", UAC has become less intrusive and has acquired a few settings, by manipulating which you can set the behavior of the User Account Control function in accordance with the user's preferences and, if desired, completely deactivate it. Microsoft, of course, does not recommend doing this, but is it possible to stop advanced users who are accustomed to working at the computer with maximum efficiency, and not being distracted by reading warning prompts?

Setting up automatic wallpaper updates. For those who like to add polish to the system, as well as for those who are inspired to work feats by constantly changing pictures on the desktop, Microsoft programmers have implemented in the seventh version Windows function responsible for automatic update background images on desktop. To include a newfangled gadget, you will need to prepare a selection in advance graphic files, then go to the "Personalization" menu and make necessary settings: select photos, set the desired frequency of updating them (from 10 seconds to 24 hours), activate the power saving mode when powering the computer from a battery.

Easy to use projectors. If the laptop you have on hand is often used as a tool for making presentations and showing slides to a wide audience via a projector, then it would be correct to once again make sure that Windows 7 is installed on the computer and... remember the combination of the magic keys Win + P. Why magical? And you try to press it, and everything secret will become clear. No jokes.

Alex Axler, writer

Which Windows features 7 pleased you the most?

  • Seven loads noticeably faster than Vista and consumes less memory.
  • The new taskbar mode is great.
  • The search is noticeably better and more versatile.
  • The virtual machine mode with Windows XP is well done - it helps with a couple of old programs.
  • Great preview of running applications.
  • The mode of appearance of icons in the notification area was very correctly modified.
  • Widgets are no longer bound to the widget panel.
  • Library mode is extremely convenient.