Home > Store

Using Microsoft Windows 7

Register your product to gain access to bonus material or receive a coupon.

Using Microsoft Windows 7

Book

  • Sorry, this book is no longer in print.
Not for Sale

Audio & Video

Audio

Listen to an audio sample from Using Microsoft Windows 7.

Video

You need to upgrade your Flash Player. You need version 9 or above to view this video. You may download it here. You may also see this message if you have JavaScript turned off. If this is the case, please enable JavaScript and reload the page.

Description

  • Copyright 2010
  • Edition: 1st
  • Book
  • ISBN-10: 0-7897-4291-8
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-4291-9

Get comfortable with Windows 7. Don’t just read about it: See it and hear it with step-by-step video tutorials and valuable audio sidebars delivered through the Free Web Edition that comes with every USING book. For the price of the book, you get online access anywhere with a web connection–no books to carry, content updated as Windows 7 changes, and the benefit of video and

audio learning. Way more than just a book, this is all the help you’ll ever need where you want, when you want!

  

* Learn fast, learn easy, using web, video, and audio

* Show Me video walks through tasks you’ve just got to see–including bonus advanced techniques

* Tell Me More audio delivers practical insights straight from the experts

UNLOCK THE FREE WEB EDITION–To register your USING book, visit quepublishing.com/using.

Sample Content

Sample Pages

Download the sample pages (includes Chapter 2 and Index)

Table of Contents

1 Navigating Your Windows 7 Environment

The Windows 7 Desktop

    Begin Learning How to Navigate Around Your Desktop

Desktop Gadgets

    Let’s Work with a Few Gadgets on Your Desktop

    Locate and Download Additional Gadgets from the Internet

Using Shortcut Keys

    Let’s Try a Few Shortcut Keys

An Enhanced Taskbar and Start Menu

    Working with the Taskbar

Jump Lists Help You Work Faster

    Using the Windows Explorer Jump List

Aero Shake and Aero Snap

    Aero Shake

    Aero Snap

Working with New Windows Explorer Features

    Searching

    Federated Search

    Libraries

Shutting Down Your System

    Putting Your System To Sleep

2 Personalizing Your System

Changing Display Settings

    Adjusting Your System to Work With Multiple Monitors

Altering Personalization Settings

    Adjusting Your Background

    Customizing Your Screen Saver

Configuring the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties

    Taskbar Tab

    Start Menu Tab

    Toolbars Tab

Configuring Time Options

    Adding an Additional Clock to the Notification Area

Installing Applications

    Installing an Application

3 Working with Onboard Applications

Using WordPad and Paint

    WordPad

    Paint

Using the Calculator

Using the Snipping Tool

    Taking a Freeform Snip with the Snipping Tool

Using DVD Maker

    Creating a Custom DVD from Stored Video

Using the Command Prompt (For Users and Admins)

Combining Tools Project

    Putting All Our Onboard Tools Into One Task

4 Windows Live Essentials

Download Windows Live Essentials

    Downloading and Installing the Windows Live Essentials Tools

Windows Live Messenger

    Altering the Live Messenger Background

    Configure Live Messenger to Not Save Your Contact List

    in a Shared Environment

Windows Live Call

Windows Live Family Safety

    Setting Up the Family Safety Filter

Windows Live Mail

    Create and Configure a New Email Account

Customizing Your Interface Colors

    Add and Save an Appointment with Your Calendar

    Adding Calendars

Windows Live Movie Maker

    Create and Publish a Video

    Build an Impressive Photo Slide Show

Windows Live Photo Gallery

    Photo Straightening with Live Photo Gallery

    Creating a Photo Panorama

Windows Live Writer

    Opening an Additional Blog Account with Live Writer

5 Viewing and Sharing Media

Using Windows Media Player 12

    Adding Media to your Windows Media Player 12 Library

    Edit Your Media Information Manually in Your Library

    Deleting Files from the Library Only

    Creating a Personal Playlist

    Altering the Video Border Color

Using Windows Media Center

    Adding a Media Center Library

    Customizing Media Center Settings

    Troubleshooting Your TV Connection

Volume Mixer Improvements

    Lowering Specific Application Audio

Turning Features On and Off

    Turning the Index Service

Media Streaming

    Using Media Streaming

    Using Tabbed Browsing in IE8

6 Internet Explorer 8.0

The Evolution of IE8

    Quick Tabs

    Tab Settings

    Tab Groups: Grouped Favorites and Multiple Home Pages

    Additional IE7 Features Carried Over to IE8

Using New Features in IE8

    Suggested Sites

    Accelerators

    Web Slices

    Compatibility View

Working with Security Enhancements

    Protected Mode

    The SmartScreen Filter

    InPrivate Browsing

    InPrivate Filtering

    Additional IE Features

    Add-Ons

    Pop-Up Blocker

    Security Report

7 Using Security Features in Windows 7

User Account Control (UAC) Improvements

    In-Depth Look at UAC

    What’s New with UAC?

    UAC Within Your Network

The Action Center

    Opening the Action Center

    Viewing and Saving Data from the Reliability Monitor

    Turning Off Virus Protection Messages in the Action Center

    Downloading and Installing Free Antivirus Software

Windows Defender

    Performing a Quick Scan with Windows Defender

    Performing a Full Scan of Your Computer from the

    Windows Defender Console

    Performing a Custom Scan of Your Computer from the

    Windows Defender Console

    Windows Defender Tools and Settings

Windows Firewall

    Turning Off Windows Firewall

    Allowing a Program or Feature Through Windows Firewall

    Opening Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

    Open Local Ports in Windows Firewall

    Restoring Windows Firewall Default Settings

BitLocker Encryption

    Setting Up BitLocker to Work on an Operating System

    BitLocker to Go

Windows Biometric Framework

    Opening the Biometric Devices Control Panel

8 Networking with Windows 7

HomeGroups

    Creating a HomeGroup

    Locating a Lost HomeGroup Password

    Accessing the HomeGroup Settings

    Changing the HomeGroup Password

    Sharing Additional Libraries with the HomeGroup

    Removing Libraries from the HomeGroup

    Removing Your Computer From a HomeGroup

    Using the HomeGroup Troubleshooter

    Turning on Public Folder Sharing

    Workgroups, HomeGroups, and Domains: What’s the Difference?

The Network and Sharing Center

    Upgrade Your Network Adapter Driver

    Setting Up Your Network Location

Utilizing the Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI)

    Removing the Network Icon from the Notification Area

The Network Map

    Viewing the Network Map

Advanced Sharing Settings

Troubleshoot Problems

    Accessing the Troubleshooting Packs

    Accessing the Internet Connections Troubleshooting Pack

    Accessing the Shared Folders Troubleshooting Pack

    Accessing the HomeGroup Troubleshooting Pack

    Accessing the Network Adapter Troubleshooting Pack

    Accessing the Incoming Connections Troubleshooting Pack

    Accessing the Connection to a Workplace Using

    DirectAccess Troubleshooting Pack

    Accessing the Printer Troubleshooting Pack

Configuring Your TCP/IP Settings

    Opening Local Area Connection Properties

    Checking Your TCP/IP Settings from a Command Prompt

    Changing a Network Adapter to Use a Static IPv4 Address

    Setting Up Internet Connection Sharing on a Wired Network

9 Using Windows 7 on the Network

Domain Networking

    The Logon Process and Tokens

    Joining a Domain

    Domain-Joined Computers and HomeGroups

    Changing Advanced Sharing Settings

Looking at DirectAccess and BranchCache

    DirectAccess

    BranchCache

AppLocker

    Open AppLocker to Configure Rules

    Starting the Application Identity Service and Configuring

    AppLocker to Audit Rules

Local Group Policy Settings

    Opening MMC and Saving the Local Group Policy Editor Snap-In

    Creating a 90-Day Password Policy Using Local

    Security Policy Editor

Remote Desktop Connections

    Opening Remote Desktop Connection

    Configuring Remote Desktop Connection Permission

    on a Host Machine

    Connecting with Another Computer on the Same Network

RemoteApp and Desktop Connections

    Starting RemoteApp and Desktop Connections Using a URL

10 Control Panel Features in Windows 7

Using the Control Panel

    Expanding the Control Panel from the Start Menu

The Item Lineup

    The Action Center

    Administrative Tools

    AutoPlay

    Backup and Restore

    BitLocker Drive Encryption

    Color Management

    Credential Manager

    Date and Time

    Default Programs

    Desktop Gadgets

    Device Manager

    Devices and Printers

    Device Stage

    Display

    Ease of Access Center

    Folder Options

    Fonts

    Getting Started

    HomeGroup

    Indexing Options

    Internet Options

    Keyboard

    Location and Other Sensors

    Mouse

    Network and Sharing Center

    Notification Area Icons

    Parental Controls

    Performance Information and Tools

    Personalization

    Phone and Modem

    Power Options

    Programs and Features

    Recovery

    Region and Language

    RemoteApp and Desktop Connections

    Sound

    Speech Recognition

    Sync Center

    System

    Taskbar and Start Menu

Troubleshooting

    Problem Steps Recorder (PSR)

    User Accounts

    Windows CardSpace

    Windows Defender

    Windows Firewall

    Windows Mobile Device Center

    Windows Update

11 Managing and Monitoring Windows 7

Performance Information and Tools

    Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT)

    Advanced Tools

The Reliability Monitor

The Resource Monitor

    Open the Resource Monitor

Working with the Performance Monitor

Task Manager

    Applications

    Processes

    Services

    Performance

    Networking

    Users

    Menu Items

System Properties

    Computer Name

    Hardware

    Advanced

    System Protection

    Remote

System Information

    Accessing System Information

12 Working with Administrative Tools

Using Administrative Tools

    Creating a Link to the Administrative Tools Section from the Start Menu

Tools You Might Never Use

    Component Services

    Data Sources (ODBC)

    iSCSI Initiator

    Local Security Policy

    Print Management

    Windows PowerShell Modules

Working with Computer Management

    Creating and Formatting a New Partition

    Using Disk Management to Create a VHD

Event Viewer

    Opening Event Viewer and Viewing all Error Events Recorded

    Scheduling an Email to be Sent to You in Response to an Event

    Services

    Stopping and Restarting the Print Spooler Service

    Setting Up Recovery Actions to Take Place When a Service Fails

System Configuration As a Troubleshooting Tool

    Speed Up Windows Startup by Removing Startup Items

    General

    Boot

    Services

    Startup

    Tools

Task Scheduler

    Scheduling Backup and Restore to Launch Every Monday

    Connecting to a Remote Computer to Create a Task

Windows Memory Diagnostic

    Starting the Memory Diagnostic Tool with Advanced Options

Index

Updates

Submit Errata

More Information

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020