Microsoft’s Windows Version 7

Review of Microsoft Windows 7

Whereas it was easy to find fault with many aspects of Vista, there has been nothing but praise for Windows 7.  Microsoft has soaked up the punishing criticism of Vista and tackled each and every shortcoming with zeal.  As a result is it’s now a pleasure to use Windows 7, whereas grappling with Vista made many users hanker for their old XP.

Windows Version 7 Topics

• Guy’s Review of Window 7
        – Migrate from XP
        – Traps when Buying Windows 7
        – Upgrade from Vista
        – Upgrade – Case Study
        – Upgrade, the Last Techie Taboo?
        – Virtual PC Install
        – Windows 7 Easy Transfer
• Activate the Administrator Hidden Account
• AppData – C:\Users Replaces XP’s Document and Settings
• AutoPlay Enable | Disable in Windows 7
• Data Collector Sets (Perfmon)
• Jump Lists
• Libraries
• Network Monitor 3.3
• New Features
• New Features – Fun
• Password Reset – How to Create
• Powercfg -energy
• PowerShell in Windows 7
• PSR – Problem Steps Recorder
• Recycle Bin – Find When Lost
• Reliability Monitor
• Remote Desktop Connection

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• Registry Tweaks
• Resource Monitor
• Run Command – Where is it?
• Sleep Problems
• Snipping Tool
• Shortcuts for WinKey
• Shutdown Command Line Switches
• SP1 – New Features
• Taskbar Behavior
       – Old Quick Launch
• UAC (User Account Control) Redesigned
• Windows 8 Overview

Windows 7 New Features

It’s worth checking out the full list of new features if only to give you fresh ideas.  Guy bets that you will find one item that you did not know existed, and another element that you had forgotten about.  In my own case I regarded a number of the features as planting seeds of ideas many of which will germinate over the next few months.  Examples, Taskbar has a new look and feel, User Account Control gives a better balance,  HomeGroup (Home Network) and AppLocker for domain users.  See more on Window 7 New Features

Libraries
This new feature of Folders really does make it easier to find and organize your documents, music and pictures.  See more on Windows 7 Libraries.

Guy Recommends: SolarWinds Engineer’s Toolset v10

This Engineer’s Toolset v10 provides a comprehensive console of 50 utilities for troubleshooting computer problems.  Guy says it helps me monitor what’s occurring on the network, and each tool teaches me more about how the underlying system operates.

There are so many good gadgets; it’s like having free rein of a sweetshop.  Thankfully the utilities are displayed logically: monitoring, network discovery, diagnostic, and Cisco tools.  Try the SolarWinds Engineer’s Toolset now!

Download your fully functional trial copy of the Engineer’s Toolset v10

Windows 7 Upgrade from Vista

The first consideration is to what extent does your existing hardware support Windows version 7?  Another key question with Windows version 7 is, ‘What to do about 64-bit hardware, software and drivers’.  If you are unsure if a computer can be successfully upgraded, then call for the aptly named, Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit.  See more on upgrading from Vista or XP to Windows 7

Improvements to the UAC (User Account Control)

Understand the goals for elevated privileges and how they have been refined in Windows 7.  See how to control the UAC via the control panel.

Ten Executables in Windows7

Windows 7 and PowerShell 2.0.

Windows 7 now has PowerShell 2.0 built-in.  No longer to you have to download .Net Framework and PowerShell before you can use this superior command-line configuration language.   PowerShell in Windows 7

Windows 7 Registry Tweaks

If you want to combine business with pleasure, merge fun and learning about the registry, then try these Windows 7 registry tweaks:  display the build number, check the registered owner.

Windows 7 Tips

Here is a personal view of my favourite Windows 7 tips

Windows 7 Milestones

Microsoft started with a master plan for Windows 7.  In true project management style they broke the task down into steps, consequently, as the development team delivers a major component, so a milestone is reached. 

See more about Microsoft Virtual PC 2007

Guy Recommends: SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM)

NTM will produce a neat diagram of your network topology.  But that’s just the start;Network Topology Mapper can create an inventory of the hardware and software of your machines and network devices.  Other neat features include dynamic update for when you add new devices to your network.  I also love the ability to export the diagrams to Microsoft Visio.

Finally, Guy bets that if you test drive the Network Topology Mapper then you will find a device on your network that you had forgotten about, or someone else installed without you realizing!

Download your 14 day free trial ofSolarWinds Network Topology Mapper

Versions of Microsoft Windows that I have been involved with:

• Windows 7 SP1
• Windows 7 Ultimate (Build 7600) October 2009
• Windows 7 RTM (Build 7600) August 2009
• Windows 7 RC (Build 7100) May 2009
• Windows 7 Beta (Build 7048) March 2009
• Windows 7 Beta (Build 7000) February 2009

• Vista SP2 2008
• Vista SP1 Beta September 2007
• Vista general release of all editions January 30th 2007
• Vista Business edition released to manufacturers December 2006
• Vista 5728 October 2006
• Vista RC2 Build 5600 September 2006
• Beta 2 5536 August 2006
• Beta 2 5308 March 2006
• Beta 2 5270 January 2006
• Beta 2 5231 Winter 2005
• Beta 1 5112 Summer 2005
  (Longhorn 5112)

Microsoft Windows Version 7 Topics