Home > Articles > Operating Systems, Server > Microsoft Windows Desktop

What's New in Windows 7

  • Jan 25, 2010
Although the general look of Windows 7 resembles Windows Vista, Windows 7 offers many new and improved features to make computing on any type of PC easier. Mark Edward Soper, author of Easy Microsoft Windows 7, walks you through some of these new features.
This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Easy Microsoft Windows 7Easy Microsoft Windows 7

Learn More Buy

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Easy Microsoft Windows 7Easy Microsoft Windows 7

Learn More Buy

Microsoft Windows 7 is the seventh generation of the world’s most popular computer operating system. Although the general look of Windows 7 resembles Windows Vista, Windows 7 offers many new and improved features to make computing on any type of PC easier. Whether you use a laptop, desktop, or a standard or small-sized notebook computer, Windows 7 is designed to make life easier for you. From printing to working with photos and other types of media, from using the Internet to solving problems, Windows 7 provides you with tremendous new tools.

Getting Started

When you first start using Windows 7, the features you need are located in the Getting Started menu. Use this menu to learn more about Windows 7, personalize the operating system’s visual and audio features, transfer files from your old computer, add users, and more.

Figure 1.1

  1. Click Start.
  2. Click Getting Started.
  3. Select the option you want to use.

NOTE

To learn more about these options, see “Using Getting Started” in Chapter 2, “Getting Started with Windows 7.

Aero Peek

Aero Peek enables you to instantly view the desktop without minimizing or closing programs. After you view the desktop, you can instantly bring program windows back to their original positions.

Figure 1.2

  1. Normal desktop with program windows open.
  2. Aero Peek displays transparent frames in place of program windows.

NOTE

To learn more about Aero Peek, see “Using Aero Peek to View the Desktop” in Chapter 3, “Using the Windows 7 Desktop.”

Aero Snap

Aero Snap enables you to control the window size and location of any program running on your desktop without lifting your hands off the keyboard. You can move a program window to the left or right of your desktop, maximize it, or minimize it.

Figure 1.3

  1. Program running in window.
  2. Aero Snap moves program window to right.

NOTE

To learn more about Aero Snap, see “Using Aero Snap to Manage Windows” in Chapter 3. 

Libraries

The new Libraries feature enables you to view the contents of all folders you use for a particular type of file by selecting the corresponding library link in the Start menu. For example, if you have digital photos in your Pictures folder as well as on an external hard disk and a network folder, adding the other locations to the Pictures library will enable you to view and work with all of your photos at the same time.

Figure 1.4

  1. Click Start.
  2. Select a library.
  3. The Pictures library arranged by date.
  4. A library can contain multiple locations (folders or drives).

NOTE

To learn more about using libraries, see “Using Libraries” in Chapter 4, “Working with Your Folders.”

NOTE

Windows 7’s libraries include Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos.

Internet Explorer 8

Windows 7 includes Microsoft’s newest browser, Internet Explorer 8. Internet Explorer 8 makes surfing the web even easier with new features like suggested websites and an easy-to-access library of add-ons you can use to customize your web-browsing experience, such as a visual search for eBay items, various web radio add-ons, and much more.

Figure 1.5

  1. The Suggested Sites tab recommends sites similar to the site you’re viewing.
  2. Select a site to open it in a new tab.
  3. The Get More Add-ons tab shows featured add-ons.
  4. Click to find more add-ons.

NOTE

To learn more about using Internet Explorer 8, see Chapter 10, “Browsing the Internet.”

Windows Action Center

Wondering if your system is as secure as it should be? Need to fix a problem with your system? The new Windows Action Center combines access to security and maintenance warnings and solutions into a single window.

Figure 1.6

  1. Action Center is the first option in the System and Security section of the Control Panel.
  2. Click to solve listed problems with your system’s security.
  3. Click to find and solve problems with your system.
  4. Click to restore your system’s configuration to an earlier time with System Restore.

NOTE

To learn more about using Action Center, see Chapter 11.

Windows Live Essentials

Windows Live Essentials is an optional part of Windows 7. If you take pictures, write blogs, send and receive email, use social-networking sites, work with video files, or use instant messaging, Windows Live Essentials has the programs you need to get started.

Figure 1.7

  1. Windows Live Photo Gallery helps you organize, share, and edit your photos.
  2. You can share your photos via Flickr.
  3. Windows Live Messenger provides instant messaging (IM).
  4. Windows Live Call provides computer-to-computer telephone service using the Telefonica Voype service.

NOTE

To learn more about using Windows Live components, see Chapter 17, “Using Windows Live Essentials.”

TIP

You can install Windows Live Essentials by selecting it from the Getting Started menu.

NOTE

Other Windows Live components include Live Writer (blogging), Live Movie Maker (video editing), Live Family Safety (access control), and Live Mail (email).

Device Stage

Device Stage takes managing multifunction peripherals to a whole new level. With a multifunction printer, smartphone, or another device that supports Device Stage, you can control all of its functions from a single window.

Figure 1.8

  1. Device Stage displays an accurate illustration of the device.
  2. Device-specific setup and configuration information.
  3. Device-specific functions and support features.

NOTE

To learn more about using Device Stage, see -Chapter 6, “Printing.”

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020