Synopses & Reviews
Step-by-step instructions with callouts to Windows 7 photos that show you exactly what to do
Help when you run into Windows 7 problems or limitations
Tips and Notes to help you get the most from your Windows 7 computer
Full-color, step-by-step tasks walk you through getting and keeping your Windows® 7 computer working just the way you want. Learn how to:
• Get started fast!
• Quickly set up your Windows 7 PC, and transfer files and programs
• Master the Windows 7 updated interface and new productivity shortcuts
• Connect printers, cameras, tablets, media players, smartphones, and other devices
• Protect yourself by preparing for system recovery
• Instantly find files, media, and anything else on your computer or the Web
• Share and secure your Windows 7 computer
• Find, download, install, and run new programs
• Reliably connect to the Internet
• Get and send messages via email, IM, and more
• Make the most of Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Media Player 12
• Use Windows Media Center to watch Internet TV and stream favorite shows
• Set up the Xbox 360 as a Windows Media Center extension
• Organize, fine-tune, and share your photos
• Set up a HomeGroup and connect all the Windows 7 computers in your house
• Keep your Windows 7 computer up-to-date and reliable
Synopsis
The clear, friendly, visual guide to using and personalizing Windows 7 - 100% focused on what you really want to do with Windows 7!
- Full-color, step-by-step tasks teach you how to do what you want, find what you need, run media like a breeze, connect with anyone, and make your whole computing experience smooth and seamless
- Packed with screen captures that show you exactly what to do
- Walks through connecting devices and networks, securely sharing content, and troubleshooting problems
This easy, visual tutorial doesn't just introduce new users to Windows 7: it shows how to use Windows 7's coolest new features to personalize your experience around the way you live and work. You learn how to get connected to people, places, and other devices, run Windows 7 efficiently, find what you need to run media like a breeze simplify the way you manage your life and commitments create a computing experience that's smoother, more seamless, and more fun. The book walks step-by-step through each key task you need to master, from getting comfortable with the Windows 7 desktop through connectivity, security, mobility, personalization, upgrades, troubleshooting, and much more. This book's step-by-step instructions link to callouts of Windows screen captures that show exactly what to do. Tips and Notes help you discover shortcuts and techniques you'll never find on your own, and Help features guide you past common Windows 7 problems. This book is designed for anyone just starting out with Windows 7 at home or at work, no matter how much experience you have with previous versions - or how little.
About the Author
Katherine Murray has been writing about technology since before Microsoft Windows--a ny Microsoft Windows--even existed. She’s worked with every consumer version of Windows that has ever been made, marveling with the masses at Windows 3.1, swearing at Windows ME, enjoying Windows XP, and threatening to throw her computer off the roof, thanks to Windows Vista. Now with Windows 7, she feels we have arrived at a sleek, smart, reasonably lightweight operating system that does pretty much what most users need it to do. She started writing about technology 24 years ago and still enjoys it, specializing in Microsoft Office technologies and the fascinating ways in which we stay in touch with each other through cloud technology, blogging, social media, and more. You’ll find Katherine’s blog, BlogOffice, at www.murrayblogoffice.blogspot.com. In addition to writing books, she writes regularly for CNET’s TechRepublic and Windows Secrets.
Table of Contents
1: Exploring Windows 7
Starting Windows 7
Using the Start Menu
Learning the Taskbar
Finding Your Way Around
Navigation Basics: Mouse and Keyboard
Working with Windows
Getting the Help You Need
2: Preparing Your Windows 7 PC
Transferring Files
Setting Default Programs
Setting Up Your Printer
Getting Ready to Use Hardware
Setting Up Internet Connections
Managing Your PC Power
3: Getting & Staying Connected—PCs, Netbooks, Tablets, and Phones
Synching Your Phone
Connecting Your Tablet
Working with Device Stage
Sharing Files in the Cloud
Moving Files from a Flash Drive
Creating a Home Network
4: Securing Your Windows 7 Computer
Working with the Action Center
Setting a Password
Changing a Password
Setting Up User Accounts
Checking Your Security Settings
Turning On Your Firewall
Backing Up and Restoring Your Files
Enabling Administrative Actions
Downloading Microsoft Security Essentials
Creating Trusted Contacts
5: Find What You’re Looking for—Fast!
Performing a Simple Search
Extending a Search
Saving a Search
6: Exploring, Downloading, and Running Programs
Displaying Gadgets
Finding a Program
Creating a Program Shortcut
Copying Content between Windows
Closing a Program
Using the Task Manager to Close Programs
Downloading a Program
Installing and Uninstalling Programs
7: Organizing Files and Folders
Using File Libraries
Creating a New Library
Adding Library Folders
Removing Folders
Changing Library Views
Previewing Files and Folders
Hide a Library
Finding Files
Sharing Files
***Note about tagging **
8: Doing the Web Thing (Plus Email and Calendars, Too)
Firing Up Internet Explorer
Browsing the Web
Working with Multiple Pages
Viewing Quick Tabs
Adding Favorites
Understanding Web Slices
Choosing Your Home Page
Blocking Pop-ups
Working with RSS Feeds
Setting Security Options
Using the SmartScreen Filter
Viewing the Browser Full-Screen
Upgrading Internet Explorer
9: Ready, Set, Media!
Finding Your Media Files
Synching Media with Your Phone
Starting Windows Media Player
Creating a Media Library
Creating Audio CDs
Streaming Your Media
Sync a Media Device with Windows Media Player
Changing Display Modes
Recording Sound
Adjusting the Volume
Creating a Simple Movie
Trimming a Movie Clip
Adding Titles and Credits
Applying Transitions
Finishing Your Movie
10: Cataloging and Fine-Tuning Your Pictures
Adding Pictures to Your PC
Scanning Pictures
Displaying the Pictures Library
Using the Windows Photo Viewer
Displaying a Picture Slide Show
Rotating Pictures
Changing Your View of Pictures
Managing Your Pictures
Tagging Pictures
Sharing Your Pictures
Printing Pictures
11: Personalizing Windows 7
Changing Your Background
Adjusting Window 7 Color Scheme
Adding a Screen Saver
Changing the Font Size
Modifying User Accounts
Customizing Folders
Changing the Date and Time
Adjust the Mouse
Setting Alert Sounds
12: Connecting to a Network
Setting Up Your Wireless Network
Securing Your Network
Adding a PC to the Network
Sharing a Printer
Sharing Files
Creating a Network Connection
Logging on to another Network
Managing Your Network Connections
13: Windows 7 Care, Feeding, and Troubleshooting
Upgrading Windows 7
Installing and Uninstalling Programs