Exploring Windows

1. Get quicker access to all of your stuff

In Windows 7, you’ll find the taskbar is still the same familiar place for switching between windows, but now it’s easier to see, more flexible, and more powerful. You can pin your favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar so you can easily access them with one click. And if you’re not crazy about the icon lineup, you can rearrange them any way you like by just clicking and dragging.

Do you keep a lot of documents on the Windows desktop or in your Documents folder? If so, you know how hard it can be to find that one file you need. Jump Lists can help. These dynamic lists automatically show you files based on how often and how recently you’ve done things, so you’ll spend less time looking for your favorite song or that document you worked on yesterday.

2. Manage open windows easier

With desktop enhancements in Windows 7, working with multiple windows on your desktop is easier than ever. For instance, you can use Snap to quickly compare the contents of two different windows. Simply drag the top of each window to opposite sides of the screen and as your cursor touches the edge, the window will resize to fill exactly that half of the screen.

3. Quickly find what you’re looking for

Windows 7 helps you search more efficiently, regardless of whether what you’re looking for is on your PC, on another PC running Windows 7, on your home network, or on the web. The new Libraries feature and Windows Search enhancements help you find a specific file, program, or e-mail in a few seconds. Start typing into the Start menu search box—and you'll instantly see a list of relevant documents, pictures, music, and e-mail on your PC.

4. Share files and printers among multiple PCs

Do you have multiple PCs in your home? If so, HomeGroup, a new feature in Windows 7, is likely to be your new best friend. HomeGroup makes it easy to connect and share your files and printers with other Windows 7 PCs in your home. If a HomeGroup is available on your home network, you can join it by entering your HomeGroup password. If no HomeGroup exists, you can easily create one.

After you’ve created your HomeGroup, you can easily access and share files among the various PCs—or other devices—in your home. Similarly, if there’s a printer connected to a PC in your HomeGroup, the printer is set up automatically on PCs that join the HomeGroup.

5. Stay entertained effortlessly

With a streamlined user interface and support for new content types and digital TV, Windows Media Center in Windows 7 makes viewing TV, movies, and other media content on your PC easier than ever. With Internet TV, you can choose from a variety of online TV shows and movies, all organized and viewable with a consistent look and feel.* You can also turn your PC into a digital video recorder by adding a broadcast TV tuner, which you can find at many popular retail electronics stores.

6. Connect to networks easily

Windows 7 makes it a cinch to view and connect to networks on your laptop wherever you go with View Available Networks. Just click the networking icon on the taskbar. View Available Networks displays all your wireless and wired options—Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, dial-up, or corporate VPN. One more click, and you're connected.

7. Manage devices more easily

In Windows 7, working with cameras, cell phones, and other devices has never been easier. Device Stage provides a single place to check on and manage cell phones, printers, digital cameras, and other compatible devices. The new Devices and Printers folder takes Device Stage a step further, showing you everything connected to your PC.

*Internet access required. Free Internet TV content varies by geography. Some content may require additional fees.

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