Improvements to the Windows 7 desktop and its gadgets


Calculator

Even the Windows Calculator has been improved in Windows 7. It now contains a new user interface with a cleaner look as well as many new features. It allows for different types of calculations such as Standard, Scientific, Programmer, and Statistics. History may also be enabled to see past computations. The Windows 7 Calculator also has added features to calculate fuel economy, mortgages, leases, and can even do unit conversions. On Windows Touch enabled hardware, users will be able to tap calculations on the screen allowing for better usability and efficiency. The Calculator is found in Start menu > All Programs > Accessories or by typing calc on the Start menu Search.

Desktop

As you might have already witnessed the Windows desktop has been vastly improved. New Aero features such as Shake, Snap, and Peek allow for better desktop management. Additionally, Gadgets have been enabled without a sidebar as they were in Vista making them easier to access and more convenient. The taskbar has also been improved to store shortcuts for the most used programs allowing for quick launching and searching already open windows. Lastly, Microsoft has included a number of new and very good looking wallpapers for themes.

Depending on what version of Windows 7 you are running, some of these features may not be enabled. To modify desktop options you may right-click the desktop and select the desired configuration or select the Personalize icon from the Control Panel.

Device Management

Windows 7 has improved Device Management tenfold. Vista users and administrators know the headaches cause by Vista's poor device and hardware management offerings. Windows 7 has fixed those issues with two new features: Device Stage and Device and Printers console.

Device Stage

The Device Stage is a new feature in Windows 7 designed to be the portal between your hardware device and your system. Depending on the device plugged in the Device Stage will provide the most popular tasks for that specific device. A mobile phone will allow easy managing of music on the device, syncing, and other device-related options. A multifunction office device would allow for easy printing, scanning, and faxing services from a central console. Additionally, device manufactures can customize the Device Stage options for their specific device. To access the Device Stage console for a device, simply plug it in and start the Device Stage from the AutoPlay options or by selecting Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel.

Devices and Printers

The Devices and Printers Control Panel feature shows all devices connected to the PC. This allows for checking the status of printers, media players, cameras, mouse, keyboard, display, and digital photo frames to list a few. This new central console for devices should prove to make end users more efficient by providing a single location to perform actions on the desired device. This option may be accessed from the Control Panel by selecting Hardware and Sound and then Devices and Printers.

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Note: This article was sent to us by: Brian D. Smith at 10022010

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