Enhance Your Experience with These Windows 7 Quick Tweaks
The release of Microsoft’s newest operating system sent thousands of people in craze. Excited over this latest operating system, everyone using it right now is giving their thumbs up in approval of the system. They found Windows 7 to be a better and an intelligent version of its predecessor, Windows Vista. But just like any system and technology, users can further enhance their experience with these Windows 7 quick tweaks.
First, to maintain the speed of performance that this operating system is known for and admired over its predecessor, users have to install a good registry cleaner that will maintain the good health condition of the registry of their hardware. This is one of the Windows 7 tweaks that they will appreciate especially when speed and performance are two things that matter most to every user.
When users install a good registry cleaner, they can be assured that the speed and performance of their hardware is never compromised even if they find the need to install and uninstall programs in their hardware. It also prevents their hardware from running slowly, freezing up, or crashing.
Most users especially when they are presented with first time technology would love to tinker with this newest operating system and explore Windows 7 tweaks. Others do some minor tweaks while the adventurous ones would go to the extent of doing major tweaks.
Apart from the registry cleaner that has become part of the essentials, those who are for maximum speed and performance will find one of these Windows 7 tweaks most useful, that is disabling the search function. You will see that when you disable the search function, your hardware considerable runs faster. Most users will have not much need for this function especially those who are maintaining their files organized.
Users can also do Windows 7 tweaks using the built-in tools Microsoft has provided. For instance, users can change their windows log-on screen, unlock themes, enable quick launch bar, enabling the best performance, disabling system restore and UAC, using ready boost from your portable device like flash drive or USB as a memory cache, and more.
Where it concerns speed and performance, here are some useful tweaks users may want to consider. Users may want to uninstall the programs they do not use or not planning to use after all. Programs that are downloaded out of curiosity can be removed and uninstalled from the hardware. Aside from eating hard drive space, these programs also affect the performance of the hardware.
Users can also do some quick tweaks with their browsers. To optimize their browsers, they will have to clear the cache, cookies, and history. Most of the browsers nowadays from Internet Explorer to Google Chrome to Firefox to MSN browser have simplified their browser tweaks to allow users to enjoy maximum performance and speed of browsing.
Applying these Windows 7 tweaks should empower users to enjoy the best from their operating system. They are assured that they have the best experience with the newest operating system in town. This is what most users want after all.
How to Keep Your Windows 7 moving at Maximum Performance
Everyone is dishing out favorable reviews about Windows 7, the latest operating system released by Microsoft. This is not surprising when its predecessor Windows Vista has failed to live up to the expectations of the computing world most especially the tech geeks.
But no matter how better or improved Windows 7 is, chances are some people may encounter glitches along the way and say Windows 7 has problems, minor as they are.
When people say Windows 7 has problems, it is more likely that they are referring to any of these two common problems not just with Windows 7 but with earlier versions and other operating systems as well: speed and performance.
Here’s what to do to help when Windows 7 has problems:
To maintain the speed of your operating system, use the built-in utility tool that came with it like disk cleaner and disk defragmenter. They may sound too basic but most of the problems users encounter with their operating system is resolvable with basic tools.
Disk cleaner is a tool that allows users to delete unnecessary files from their system. It is a simple yet powerful built-in tool that frees the hardware from junks and thereby increasing disk space, speed, and performance.
Disk defragmenter is a Windows utility tool that increases access speed of one’s hardware by rearranging the files for easy access. It also improves the start-up speed of the hardware. Defragmenting the disk is also an effective maintenance tool to prevent system crashes and freezes.
Drivers need to be updated from time to time. The problem with outdated drivers is that: (1) they may contain errors that have been resolved with the new drivers; (2) they may no longer be compatible with certain features of the device; and (3) they may interfere with the performance of the users’ hardware. While updating drivers can be tedious and time consuming, users can find utility software programs online that automates the process.
The operating system is also dependent on the information contained in the registry. The registry is a database where all information needed by your operating system is stored. If the registry is corrupted, it causes errors and significant slowing down of your hardware. To maintain maximum speed and high performance of the hardware, it is essential for users to install good registry cleaner software that will clean and fix registry errors.
Windows 7 is not exempt from registry problems and errors. The reason for these problems and errors are the frequent installation and un-installation of software programs especially when users do not perform the right procedure in un-installing files and programs. The result is slowing down of the hardware even when you have the fastest operating system such as Windows 7.
There are several available cleaners downloadable from the internet. Some are free, others are not. There are advantages and disadvantages to both free and paid versions. But both versions have one common goal to clean the registry and maintain its optimal condition. Based on the extent of one’s necessity, he can then decide which of the two versions he needs for his hardware.
These tools should be able to resolve your concerns when Windows 7 has problems.
Windows 7: Is it the Operating System For you?
Microsoft has released its new version of operating system (OS) known as windows, the sizzling-hot windows 7. It was made available in general retail last October 22, 2009, and it was an astonishing success, beating even Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the biggest-grossing pre-order product of all time. Many reviews soon came into the web blogging windows7 favorably. But we can still ask this question: Is windows7 any good?
To answer this question, we need to compare it with the previous versions of windows. The earliest proven stable version of windows is windows xp, which came into the scene last 2003. Judging this new OS, it is quite better compared to the DOS-built windows 90 series. However, it was recently discovered that windows xp do have major security flaws enabling hackers and crackers to loot valuable information from the computer. With these, the company started to develop a new version that would settle the security issues (and other minor software issues) – windows vista. Windows vista at first grabbed public attention, but as people discover the extravagant hardware requirements of the new OS and incompatibility issues with third-party manufacturers, they started to bring their thumbs down. But despite this, it was later revealed (by software nerds) that indeed, windows vista is superior compared to windows xp in terms of performance and productivity. And many people really bought the idea, as the number of windows vista users exceeded that of windows xp.
Many people believe that the newest version, windows7, is another “new” OS that would replace windows vista. But as a matter of fact, windows7 was intended as an upgrade to windows vista. And if one would dissect it, he or she will learn that some of the features initially bundled with windows vista are no longer present in windows7. Is windows7 any good? Well, we can at least answer that question in terms of performance and efficiency. According to software testing sites, windows7 beat windows xp and vista in terms of start up and shut down speed. The same is true in terms of document loading and handling. However, it was found that windows7 failed to beat windows xp in terms of video editing efficiency, with capability at par with windows vista. If you are going to ask its new features, well, the new OS comes with a multi-touch capability and handwriting recognition. It also has improved system that would allow better performance of multi-core processors and virtual hard drives.
Is windows7 any good? Maybe it depends on the user’s requirements. But as a suggestion, availing such new OS can be treated as an investment in the future. Why? The hardware sector is evolving more and more, and old OS may not be able to comply with the needs. An example of this would be the emergence of multi-core processors. Windows7 can manage multi-core processor well compared to the previous windows versions. As such, everyone can say that it is alright to rate windows7 as good, nevertheless.
Enjoy the Power-Packed Features of Windows 7 and Its Big Improvements.
Microsoft’s latest operating system is definitely a big improvement on its predecessor- introducing Windows 7 and the big improvements. With the power-packed features of this latest operating system from Microsoft, it can be said that what Windows Vista is not, Windows 7 is.
Officially launched in the market last week of October, Windows 7 operating system has gotten countless warm reviews from users and critiques alike. Microsoft has a winning system in Windows 7 considering Windows 7 big improvements over Windows Vista, its predecessor.
What is best about Windows 7 is its enhanced user experience. Microsoft has taken into consideration all aspects relative to enhancing user experience and translates it into the power-packed features of Windows 7.
Windows 7 User Interface
Beginning with the user interface, Windows 7 has an improved taskbar where the icons can easily be rearranged according to the user’s preference. Icons have also replaced text description to make it visual and easy for users to identify. Unlike the previous systems, these icons will remain in place and will not get mixed-up the moment the user restarts the computer.
Microsoft has also introduced the Windows 7 snap feature where users who multitask will find it easy to open and manage two windows at the same time. User can just drag one window either to the left or the right edge of the screen where said window automatically resizes to about 50% of the screen. This makes it convenient for the user to manage two open windows at the same time.
Improved Performance
Windows 7 has effectively addressed one of the big issues hounding Windows Vista that is performance speed. The improved performance of Windows 7 is one of its most admired features. The user does not have to impatiently wait for the applications to load, or to respond to requests. Loading of application as well as responding to user’s requests is definitely much faster in Windows 7 than Windows Vista. The user does not also get the feeling that his computer is freezing that usually what one gets with Windows Vista.
Another thing with Windows 7 that greatly enhances user experience is its ability to adjust the permission settings. This means that depending on one’s adjustment, the user can easily turn-off the permission setting that typically pops-up in Windows Vista every time he opens an application, load a program, or do something in the computer.
A More Comprehensive Help and Support
With user experience and convenience in mind, Microsoft has enhanced Windows 7 help and support system. This time, the user does not only get general and detailed information about the common issues on using the operating system, but also provides an answer to any specific issue a user may have with Windows 7. It practically covers every issue possible on how to use and troubleshoot Windows 7.
These are just some of the powerful features user can enjoy and benefit from Windows 7 and the big improvements. Many have already migrated from their previous operating system to Windows 7. Don’t you think it’s about time that you do, too?
Let’s Play a Game: Vista versus Windows 7
Is that a new game? No, definitely. It is just a shortcut for vista versus windows 7. But in order to have fun, we can have a betting game out of this. So ready for our game, vista ver windows 7 ? Bet all you have here!
Windows vista, let us call it simply as vista, is an operating system (OS) by Microsoft, the successor of Windows xp. On the other hand, Windows 7, or simply w7, is the so-called “successor of vista”. Let us clarify this thing. According to Microsoft, w7 is actually a direct upgrade OS for vista. But since one can do a clean install to have w7, it was considered as a new and separate OS under the name Windows. Vista debuted in 2006 as a full replacement to the successful Windows xp line. Vista was packed with rich set of features and comes in a very lucrative graphical user interface. However, users find vista quite annoying, especially in the issue of hardware and software compatibility. Most third-party applications working perfectly in Windows xp, became non-sense pieces of codes in vista. Those companies managed to release vista-ready counterparts but still, a large number of incompatible software and hardware are in the market.
Another big concern was the full replacement of old hardware that cannot meet the standards set by vista. In other words, using vista implies a whole computer make-over and that translates to double spending. To make things better for vista, windows 7 comes to the rescue. To set vista to rest, w7 was designed to be the future of OS, with superb multi-touch system and handwriting recognition. Also, w7 is better suited to be used in multi-core processors and it supports for the first time, Mac-related raw images and videos plus some applications. Other improvements include faster booting, and support for virtual hard disks. Fine, how about system requirements? Well, it is just what people calls “right timing”. Computer hardware has improved so much for the past years that many of the available desktop and laptop computers are already capable of handling the likes of w7. Today, if someone tells you that w7 requires a CPU with 1 GHz CPU, 2 GB of memory and 20 GB hard disk space, you won’t be shocked since those specifications are common in today’s market. Dare to continue our game vista ver windows 7 ? I think it is clear who the winner is.
Windows 7 is plainly superb compared to vista, since it is an upgrade for the latter. Our game was biased by the fact that w7 is newer (and of course should be better) than vista. Nevertheless, we were able to have a somewhat comprehensive view of the two OS. Since w7 is still relatively fresh, bugs and security holes will be discovered later as people probe it. So, who won our game vista ver windows 7 ? Le us call it a draw. Think of vista as the precursor of w7 and without vista, w7 won’t exist.
Upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 It’s Simple and Fast!
A lot of people who have upgraded from Vista to Windows 7 are marveling at how simple and fast the process is. This is very unlike the upgrade from Windows XP to Vista that is a little complicated and time consuming. If you are having second thoughts, you can now be rest assured upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 simple and fast.
How to Upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7
First, it will help to determine which version of the Windows Vista you are running. If it’s home basic, you may need some few more steps in upgrading as this version does not have an upgrade path. What this means is that you will have to completely install the Windows 7 from start to end. But you will still find that upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 simple and takes only a few minutes more.
If you are upgrading from Windows Vista Home Premium, then the upgrade should be a breeze. Since your hardware is already running Vista, there should be hardly any difficulty at all switching to Windows 7. Just use the upgrade path and follow the simple instruction and you’re good to go.
Things to Consider When Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7
You may want to check these things when you decide to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Ensure that you have a ready-to-install anti-virus and anti-malware programs into your new system. The upgrade will not automatically include whatever anti-virus and anti-malware you have in your Vista.
It is also essential that you do back-up of your files especially the critical ones in case the new system would not recognize the files. Although files and program save for some anti-virus and anti-malware carry to your new system, it is better to be ready with spare when the installation accidentally wipes out some of your files without prior notice.
The Advantages of Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7
Aside from upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 simple and fast, there are numerous advantages when you upgrade. Some of these are the following: (1) enhanced speed and performance; (2) fewer permission alerts and warnings that can be extremely annoying at times with Vista; (3) convenient and quicker ways to organize files; (4) streamlined and simplified ways to back-up and restore files; (5) easy to snap open windows without having to click small elements on screen; (6) extended encryption of files that will now include files stored in portable devices such as USB and flash drives; (7) enhanced parental controls; (8) inclusion of power configuration utility tool that will allow users to identify any problems with their power settings; (9) inclusion of a new utility Problem Steps Recorder that will allow the help desk to remotely repair computer problems; (10) the ability to use the ready boost that increases the performance and speed of the hardware using the available USB or flash drives for the memory cache.
Considering the upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 simple and fast plus all the features and benefits of this latest offering from Microsoft, don’t just sit there and lag behind others who are now enjoying all these and more.
What Is Spyware? Lots of people are talking about this subject!
Spyware is a malware program that utilizes your internet connection, without your knowledge, to collect and send out information to other computers/databases about your recent internet activity (i.e. downloads, most visited sites, home address, phone number, etc.) The software is most often associated with corporate gain and its intention is to advertise to the user without the user actually visiting their personal web site. Spyware first reared its ugly head in the mid nineties and has been exponentially appearing on personal computers ever since. All of your computer usage habits and history are susceptible to the software and is stolen without your knowledge and can be very difficult to detect without the proper software. Spyware varies and operates in several different ways to perform different functions such as:
- Hi-jacking, which causes your computer to navigate on its own
- Redirection to different web sites
- Allows for satellite (off site) users to control your computer
- Causes your computer to call expensive 900 numbers
- Respond to personal ads without your knowledge
- Change the setting of your homepage
- Record and obtain your banking information
- Steal any log in Identifications and passwords
- Download content without your permission
Spyware integrates itself onto your personal computer in many different ways. It can attach itself to a downloaded program, or the majority of the time it appears when you activate a “pop up” that claims that you are required to install a file or plug-in. When you are prompted to download such items, always be weary and proceed with caution as this is the most common method of spyware transmission to your personal computer. This particular form of spyware is referred to as “adware” and is associated with software programs that push advertisements and redirect the user to the web site in question. Adware is most often associated with pop-up windows, and often you can’t get rid of them by trying to close the window. When you are tricked into downloading these documents, that particular method of transmission of spyware is referred to as the Trojan horse method and is seen most frequently.
There is another form of spyware which is referred to as a “key logger” that is intentionally installed by a shared user, a manager, or corporate company to monitor the computer usage of its employees. This type of program can also be utilized by parents who are looking to keep an eye on their children and ensure that they aren’t visiting inappropriate or unsafe web sites without their knowledge.
Due to the increase in spyware appearing throughout homes all over the world, there has been a large insurgence of companies that promote and offer an anti-spyware program to combat the ill effects of spyware on a consumer’s personal computer. The appearance of these defense mechanisms for your computer has drastically cut down on the success of spyware, but unfortunately not the presence of the programs. Most of these programs are included with the purchase of a new computer or are very affordable stand-alone.
A Beginners Guide To Viruses And Trojans
It’s hard to believe that anyone would even ask what is a virus, considering the immense impact it has had on business operations across the globe. For those who are still asking “What are viruses and trojans?” though, the simplest answer would be a program which piggybacks on other programs to corrupt an operating system and cause other damages. Just like the biological virus, a computer virus can spread easily, and they infiltrate your computer’s system when you have no protection against them. The computer virus is also like its biological counterpart in that it sneaks into your computers mercilessly without getting noticed until it has already caused significant damage. Computer viruses also spread easily, and the growing popularity of internet use has made the problem worse.
People who ask, “What is a virus,” are also the most vulnerable victims and carriers of this infection. Most likely, they have been surfing the internet without virus shield installed on their computers. Virus infections can be absorbed into your system when you open suspicious emails, click on links without knowing where exactly it’s leading to, browsing questionable online sites, and downloading executable files and even images. A computer which has been infected with a virus can also spread the infection by transferring files to other computers using flash disks and other devices with no virus shields.
Now that you know what is a virus, the next thing that you should do is to look for ways to fight it. After installing an anti-virus program, run virus scans regularly to weed out these infections from your files. Once they’ve been identified and located by your software, quarantine them and delete them before they infect your other files. During your first scan, you might lose some data in your computer especially if the virus has been sitting in your system for quite a while. This can be painful, especially if the files are important, but it’s certainly better than having your entire hard disk wiped out, or worse, your operating system crashing. You also have to keep your anti-virus software updated because new virus infections are created every day. Unless your real time shields are up-to-date, the software won’t be able to protect your computer efficiently.
Some people may ask you what is a virus when they see the software you’ve installed in your computer. You can also add that you can get viral infections through social networking websites. These websites have messengers that allow people who are connected to you to communicate with you. Before you open or click on links sent to you by a contact, look for a description of the website first. If the link doesn’t come with a description, don’t click on it and ask your contact if s/he did send the message. There’s a high possibility that this is just a SPAM message, which is another way for virus infections to spread. When your computer is unprotected, virus infections can infiltrate your messengers and send messages to your contacts without your knowledge.
Probably the most dangerous type of virus infection is the one that steals your credit card information or drains out your banking account. If you transact online with an unprotected computer or open your bank account’s page without an anti-virus software program installed on your system, you run these risks.
What is a Trojan Horse And How Do I Remove It?
A Trojan Horse program presents itself as a helpful “user friendly” computer program while in actuality it can cause destruction to ones computer. A Trojan is the beginning of an attack on ones computer; it remains hidden while more destructive threats are being downloaded such as a Bot causing your computer to run sluggishly and behave abnormal.
Trojans cannot spread on their own; they are usually sent through e-mail or links on a webpage. When a Trojan Horse has infected a computer it can access personal folders and sometimes an entire system. More than likely a Trojan Horse will activate a “back door” or a “trap door” which is used to steal sensitive information (ie home address, telephone number, bank statements, etc.) and send it to other computers.
How to remove a Trojan effectively?
- Download SpyBot. This download should be free but keep an eye out for some websites that will try and charge an installment fee.
- Once the download is complete and the program is up and running; a box should appear asking you to complete an update. Complete the update for this will give you more virus definitions. The homepage should show three choices: Binoculars (scans your computer), Recovery (rewinds any spyware you may have installed), and Updates (Spybot usually does this on it’s own.)
- Begin with a scan of your computer. This can be a timely step and sometimes take up to a half hour to complete. You will be able to see the progress of the scan on the bottom of your screen.
- Delete the recommended infected files; Majority of the time you will have to delete all the files. If you are uncertain about a file you can click on it and the information will show up on the right of the screen. If a Trojan Horse is detected you will need to delete the infected files immediately.
- Once the files are removed you may restart your computer to complete the deletion of the infected files. This should finalize the removal of the Trojan and other infectious viruses.
How to protect ones computer?
Computer security specialists suggest that the best protection to a Trojan Horse is a firewall. Firewall programs can easily be constructed to stop imposters looking to steal ones personal information. Log files can be accessed for one to see just how many outsiders are looking to threaten the security of ones computer.
An anti-spyware application can also be helpful when it comes to protecting the security of a computer. These types of applications are a bit more advanced than the average day to day anti-virus programs; they have the skill to detect Trojans and other computer threatening viruses that sometimes slip through a virus scanner.
These two programs will help protect your computer from viruses as well as eliminating potential threats to the security of your computer. Both programs also perform periodic cleansing scans that can detect hidden threats such as a Trojan Horse.
When A Virus Gets Harder to Remove, Here’s What to Do!
With each day that passes, there are several new virus infections that are created and spread over the internet. This is why most PC users are somewhat frantic as to how to address this issue immediately and correctly as most viruses become harder to remove in computers. Here are some solutions that shall help you resolve the issue.
First, you must understand that virus gets harder to remove because there are several other mutations such as the spyware programs that can get into your system. The thing with these programs is that they appear to be harmless but have the ability to render your pc useless.
You must also realize that virus and spyware programs have found an easy channel in the internet to wreak havoc with so much speed and to a larger extent possible. Today, you need not worry only about the discs that can infect your pc with virus, but also about every email you open, software program you download, files you share, and instant messages you send and receive.
Steps to Protect Your PC from the Latest Security Threats
But the internet also makes it possible for millions of pc users like you to shield and protect your computers from threats such as virus and spyware programs including those viruses that get harder to remove. Here are some easy steps you can do:
- Check your security protection. You may need to upgrade your security system to cover all threats. It may not be enough to protect your computer from viruses; you need to prevent spyware and other malware programs from damaging your computer and invading your privacy. Your security system must also be updated regularly.
- You think that when you have your security system installed, you can just be complacent about it. It is important that you regularly scan your computer to detect the latest virus and spyware programs. Consider it an essential task to scan all files before opening them no matter where these files may have come from.
- Back-up your files regardless whether your system is corrupted or not. You never know when a virus infection can hit you. It is better to be safe than lose your files in an instant.
- It is always prudent to get your security protection from reputable and credible companies. You are ensured of the reliability of the security software in detecting the latest threats, especially now that virus are becoming harder and harder to remove.
- Be cautious in opening programs and files, especially when these programs and files come from unknown sources or publishers. Malware programs such as virus and spyware usually originate from freeware programs or from shared files.
There are several reliable security protection programs that you can download from the internet. Since virus are becoming harder and harder to remove, you may want to consider a comprehensive security protection program that can address multiple issues such as virus, spyware, adware, and other malware programs that do not only damage your pc but also rob you of your privacy!
Recent Comments