Windows 7 includes improved features to ease your work


Windows Fax and Scan

Windows 7 includes improved features for using the system as a fax machine. The computer must still be connected to a fax modem and have the appropriate drivers for the device. Once configured, Windows Fax and Scan can be started and configured to receive and send faxes. Windows Fax and Scan may be started from Start menu > All Programs > Windows Fax and Scan.

Windows Search

Windows Search is another feature that has been improved from Windows XP and Vista. The Start menu has a Windows Search bar for quick searching and launching of programs and files. Most programs and new features found in Windows 7 can be launched straight from that search. It has come to replace the run command from Windows XP and older versions. By default, this search will search for documents, pictures, music, e-mail, and installed applications. Windows Search is also accessible from the Windows Explorer window on the top right.

Windows Search is improved over the Microsoft Desktop Search application that had to be installed as a third-party program in Windows XP and Vista. Many administrators and end users have issues with Windows Search because of its indexing settings. You may notice that each hard drive on the computer has indexing enabled by default.

This can be removed by rightclicking on the hard drive, selecting Properties, and unchecking Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties. In addition, there is a service running by default called Windows Search that is enabled and started by default. Services can be disabled by typing services.msc in the Start menu Search.

Windows Taskbar

The Windows Taskbar was introduced in Windows 95 and will be very familiar to any Windows end user. Windows 7 has provided some modifications to the traditional taskbar. Microsoft has removed the quick launch toolbar and added functionality to the new Windows Taskbar for pinning shortcuts to commonly used applications. Additionally, the taskbar is now more flexible for end users needs allowing for the unpinning and moving of program shortcuts.

When a program is started, the application icon on the taskbar appears with a box around it. Multiple open windows appear grouped. If Aero is enabled, moving the mouse over an application icon that is open will preview the window content straight from the taskbar. Lastly right-clicking on application icons will pop up Jump Lists. To pin an application to the taskbar, open the application, right-click on the application icon that appeared on the taskbar, and select Pin this program to taskbar. If Aero is enabled, right-clicking on the icon will show Jump Lists with options for the specific application. Placing the mouse pointer over an open application icon will preview the content of the window if Aero is enabled.

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

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