Having avoided Windows Vista like the plague, Windows 7 is now a must have, for new PCs. The Microsoft operating system has has been well received and is a milestone release for the Windows OS.

As you and your business move to Windows 7, keep this 5 tips in mind: (If you are still on XP, look for our "Keeping XP alive tip later this week.)


1. Action Center
The Action Center used to be the Windows Security Center. The Action Center includes all the security-related functionality of its predecessor but also offers access to common maintenance features, many of which used to be found in other locations. For example, users can view backup status and launch the Backup utility, find solutions for reported problems and even launch System Restore — all from this single interface.

2. Libraries (a critical BackUp Tool)

The Libraries tool is one of the top enhancements of Windows 7. Windows 7 Libraries work much the same way as an iTunes library. Even though a user’s files might be in several locations on the physical hard drive, the Library keeps track of where they are and presents them to the user as though they were all in a single location. Even better, the Backup utility understands libraries. So instead of chasing down their myriad work files, users can simply back up their libraries, knowing exactly what they are saving

3. Problem Steps Recorder

With the Problem Steps Recorder, when a user encounters an issue, such as a program crash, Windows 7 can record that user’s mouse clicks, keystrokes and other actions leading up to the crash, and then generate a report on those actions and all system responses. Users can even add their own comments along the way. Once the recording process is finished, the user can save the recording onto a network share, where IT staff can retrieve it and view a detailed report of the issue in their browser.

4. Windows Mobility Center
The Mobility Center is a compilation of everything a mobile user needs to access quickly, all in a single easy-to-use interface. Once launched, users can adjust display settings, volume controls, power management settings, wireless utilities and device synchronization controls from a single screen. The Mobility Center also includes Presentation Settings, a value-added feature that lets users turn off wallpaper, disable the screen saver, change the system volume and disable system notifications with a single mouse click, eliminating common distractions when giving a presentation.

5. Desktop Peek
This handy new feature lets users view desktop gadgets and folders without having to minimize open windows on the screen. To access this feature, users simply move the cursor over the right side of the taskbar. All open windows then become transparent and the desktop can be viewed as though the windows were minimized. By moving the cursor away from the peek button, the windows are instantly restored.

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