Libraries are cool, in fact the word 'cool' could have been invented to
describe these new super folders. A Windows 7 Library is a solution to
the problem caused by users, and their applications, spraying files such as
pictures and music all over the disk(s), and then not being able to find
them.
Folders with a sixth sense. Gain control over which underlying folders
contribute to 'My Music, Pictures, Videos and Documents'.
A prison cell for the world's most organized geek.
Search that is fast and intelligent.
Graphical Pivot tables.
Your own personal Windows Explorer navigation robot.
A file organizational method that's intuitive and even tunes itself.
User-defined collections of content, sorted by relevance.
How to Organize Your
Windows 7 Library
While you can access the Windows 7 libraries via the explorer, and also
there is a handy shortcut on the taskbar.
Users can organize their data by adding collections of files, that may
even span multiple
computers, to one central Library. Actually, the files don't move the
Library acts as a portal, front-end or index page. XP and Vista users may already be familiar with
a more primitive concept of redirecting the My Documents folder, here in
Windows 7 they can extend this capability to include multiple locations,
both on local and remote computers.
The result is that Windows 7 displays all your pictures no matter where the
underlying files are
stored. Furthermore, what you learn with the (My) Documents and
Picture folders, they can extend to the other two default libraries,
Music and Videos. Also, it's typical of Microsoft that you can create
your own library, just right click in the libraries folder, and find the
'New' link.
In Windows 7 there is an intelligent link between Applications and the Library
folders. For example, graphics packages can now find, link, and
interact with the 'My Pictures' folder / library. The benefit is that it's easier
to open and save pictures from multiple locations. On XP or Vista the
same graphics application would install itself, possibly create
its own custom folder and save picture files to this path. The result was confusion caused by pictures
stored in at least two file locations.
How could Search possibly be more intelligent? Well the answer lies
in ranking the result so that the most relevant heads the list. Search
is smart because it first checks for filenames that match the query, next it uses the
closeness of words in the search phrase to rank the results. Another
neat feature is the way the Library technology displays a snippet of the
relevant text with the keywords highlighted.
The Windows Explorer navigation pane has been cleaned up to make it more
stable and consistent. At last the term 'Improved Usability' walks the
walk. Even the File Preview has been improved, not only is the layout
well designed,
but also the dynamic updates are lighting quick.
Guy
Recommends: Permissions Analyzer - Free Active Directory Tool
I like the
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to do WHAT. When you launch this tool it analyzes a users effective NTFS
permissions for a specific file or folder, takes into account network share
access, then displays the results in a nifty desktop dashboard!
Think of all the frustration that this free utility saves when you are
troubleshooting authorization problems for users access to a resource.
Menu options are always a double-edged sword. Experienced
operators, sometimes called power users, love the choices, but for novices
zillions of buttons can bewilder and may even threaten their competence.
Windows 7 in general, and the Libraries in particular the
balance between features and confusion is just right. This is because the toolbars are relatively
uncluttered, but somehow encourage even the most timid to explore.
To give a practical example if you are searching for pictures that were
added in April, then instead of having to type the date in a box, (and in the UK,
worrying about the day/month/year format), all you do is click on calendar.
The results appear instantly, but suppose the preview doesn't show what you want?
No problem, just use the mouse to extend the search so that it includes the months of
Feb / Mar / Apr. The Windows Explorer pane instantly and automatically updates
with the extra pictures.
You can even include files on other computers in your library, however it
does not make sense to include the DVD drive or other removable medium.
Arranging Files Your Windows 7 Library
Arrange items by Items in a library can be arranged by sorting on
folder, date, and other properties. The secret is to find the 'Arrange
by' menu, above the file list but below the Organize pane. The
screenshot below shows the library documents arranged by folder, but you
could choose, date or rating.
Searching the Library
Once you start adding to the library content they can become a victim of
their own success, and it's more difficult to find what you are looking for.
Just remember that Windows 7 indexes libraries, thus all you have to do is
enter your criteria in the Search dialog box. It's probably best to
start in the library, but if you prefer, just click on the Start orb, and
then type in the dialog box.
In Windows 7, it helps if you reconsider that the special folders called
My Documents, My Pictures and My Music could be also be called 'Libraries',
furthermore, you could then share your Library
with other people in your HomeGroup. If you like this Library concept then
you can develop it by creating new Libraries with virtual folders, and
then tick on the box which makes them available to other users in your
HomeGroup.
Guy
Recommends: The Free Config Generator
Solarwinds' Config Generator is a free tool, which puts you in charge of
controlling changes to network routers and other SNMP devices.
Boost your network performance by activating network device features
you've already paid for.
Guy says that for newbies the biggest benefit of this free tool is that
it will provide the impetus for you to learn more about configuring the SNMP
service with its 'Traps' and 'Communities'.
While I an not a great fan of disabling the Windows 7 Libraries, I like
to apply an old trick to a new situation. That old trick, which will
disable the Windows 7 Libraries, involves re-programming the Target of the
Windows Explorer, or Libraries shortcut.
Windows Explorer Options
Since Windows 3.1 it has been possible to customize what happens when you
launch Windows Explorer.
Firstly there are numerous places from which to launch the (Windows)
Explorer, for our example let us focus on the Library icon in the taskbar.
An alternative way to disable the Windows 7 Libraries is to click on the
Start Orb, and type Windows Explorer. Once you find the shortcut the trick
is to edit the Target: dialog box. While you want to retain
explorer.exe, the key is to append /n or /e.
Finally add a location such as {450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103} or
{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}. Here are two examples:
Example 1: To set the starting position to Documents try this:
Note: If %windir% does not work you could substitute the %systemroot%
variable
Let us Recap on the Windows Explorer Switches:
Which ever icon you use to launch Windows Explorer, the secret to disable
the Windows 7 Libraries is to add switches to explorer.exe in the Target:
dialog box.
/n: Opens a new window in single pane
/e: Switches to the Windows Explorer view.
/root,<object>: Specifies the root level of the specified view. The
default is to use the desktop.
/select,<sub object>: This is a refinement which specifies which folder
is in focus or selected.
Whenever you take advantage of multiple locations for a library, it's a
good idea to review the tick or check next to 'Set save location'. It
can be annoying when you download a file and tries to save to the wrong
location.
As you can see from the screenshot, the Library Properties sheet is also
where you add or 'Include a folder'.
Hiding in Navigation Pane
It is also possible to control which libraries display in the navigation
pane. Open up the Libraries folder, and right-click on the Library you
wish to hide, for example Videos, and select 'Don't show in navigation
pane'. If you make a mistake, no worries, just right click and select
'Show in navigation pane.'
Summary of Windows 7 Library
A Windows 7 Library is like a folder with a 6th sense and hidden depths.
Build on how you can change the one Location of My Music or My Pictures in
Vista, to creating multiple Locations for your Windows 7 Music or Pictures
folders.
The result will be a fine collection of Windows 7 Libraries.
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