You have upgraded
to Windows 7, love the new
taskbar, and enjoy the power of using the cool Libraries
feature.
But now you want more. You want the cool tips and tricks that make Windows 7
fun!
So here are the best ones to help you get the most out of your new OS. In
this article, we will focus on the Windows 7 interface to get you
started on the road to becoming a Windows 7 Power User. In Part 2, we will be
looking at advanced tips for usability, performance, and security.
1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Using the mouse, you can drag-‘n-dock windows to either side of the
screen, or drag it to the top to maximize it. These keyboard shortcuts are even
faster:
- Win+Left Arrow and Win+Right Arrow dock
the window to the left and right side of the screen
- Win+Up Arrow and Win+Down Arrow maximize
and restore/minimize
- Win+M minimizes everything
- Alt+Up, Alt+Left Arrow, Alt+Right
Arrow navigate to parent folder, or browse Back and Forward through
folders in Explorer
- Win+Home minimizes/restores all open windows except the
active window
- Alt+Win+# accesses the
Jump List of program number ‘#’ on the taskbar
2.Rearrange System Tray Icons

You can rearrange icons on the taskbar as you wish and start new (or switch
to running) instances of the first ten taskbar programs using
Win+1, Win+2, and so on. The cool thing is you
can also rearrange system tray icons. Reorder them on the tray or move them
outside or back in the tray. Take control of what you want to always keep an eye
on, and from which apps you’ll require notifications.
3. Access Jump Lists with the Left Mouse Button
Jump Lists usually show up when you right-click on a taskbar icon. However,
they can also be accessed by holding the left mouse button and dragging upwards.
If you’re using a laptop touchpad or a touch screen, this is convenient because
you do not have to click any button to access a context menu.
4. Add Any Folder to Favorites

You can add any library or folder to the Favorites section in Windows
Explorer. To add a folder, navigate to it in Explorer, right-click
Favorites in the left navigation pane, and select Add
current location to Favorites. Now you get quick access to your
favorite folders in all File->Save As dialogs!
5. Pin Frequently Used Folders to the Taskbar
Right-click, drag, and pin your favorite folders to Windows Explorer on the
taskbar. They will now show up in the Jump List when you right click on
Explorer giving you quick access to your favorite folders.
6. Pin Control Panel to the Taskbar

You cannot pin the Control Panel to the taskbar via the Start
Menu or by drag and drop. Open the Control Panel and right-click its
taskbar icon to pin it to the taskbar. An advantage of this is that Control
Panel’s Jump List allows quick access to recently used functions.
7. Create Keyboard Shortcuts for Programs
You can create keyboard shortcuts for any program in Windows 7. Right-click
the program icon and select Properties. Select the
Shortcut tab, click in Shortcut key, to set
the keyboard shortcut for that program.

8. Open Command Prompt in Any Folder
Like the command prompt? Miss the ‘Open Command Window Here’ Windows
XP power toy? Press ‘Shift’ when right-clicking on a folder to
get that option in the context menu. This also works on the desktop. No power
toy required!

9. View Expanded ‘Send To’ Menu
Press Shift when right-clicking on a folder to get an
expanded Send To menu.
10. Adjust Screen Text with Clear Type
Use Clear Type Tuner for the best look on your LCD monitor
or laptop screen. Run ‘cttune.exe’ from the Start
Menu search box, or go to the Control Panel Display applet, and select
Adjust ClearType Text from the left.

|