Turning Features On and Off
One of the ways Windows 7 applies the theme of "choice and control," according to Microsoft, is in allowing you to determine what features you want to have included (or not). Windows 7 includes a comprehensive list that you can use to alter the "features" included with your operating system. Keeping in mind that there are different definitions on what a feature is within an OS, the Windows development team listened to users who requested the ability to pull out pieces, such as the following:
- Windows Media Player
- Windows Media Center
- Windows DVD Maker
- Internet Explorer 8
- Windows Search
- Handwriting Recognition
- Windows Gadget Platform
- Fax and Scan
- XPS Viewer and Services
To turn features on or off, go to the Control Panel, change the view to show Control Panel icons (large or small) and open the Programs and Features applet, and then click the Turn Windows Features On or Off link. Here you will see all the features you have control over, as shown in Figure 3.6, including the media features discussed in this chapter.
Figure 3.6 Turning features on or off.