Windows 7 – Taskbar Tips

- Shift Click – To open up a second version of any program in the taskbar, just hold down the Shift key and then click the icon on the task bar. I find this useful when I want to open two instances of Windows Explorer and want to drag files/folders from one drive to another.

- Show Desktop – this icon from Win XP has been moved over to the far right end past the date and time. Just click on the button to clear the desktop or again show everything.

- Ctrl Click – Cycles through the pages of a group in the taskbar.

 

 

Goodbye Norton Antivirus

I was in the local Best Buy lustfully looking at the new Windows 7 laptops and overheard a conversation about antivirus programs.  The sales associate was trying to encourage the new computer buyer to get the extended anti-virus program so that she would be covered for the next three years. I wanted to butt in and say, “Don’t do it. Microsoft has a free anti-virus program available to download.

Microsoft Security Essentials is highly rated and FREE.

The one thing I don’t like about it is that it seems to run and take up lots of resources when I first start the computer. MSMPENG.EXE is the file that I find running under my processes and taking up 50% of my resources.  Here’s a link which discusses this problem (click here)

Note – this is such a hassle on my XP machine, that I got rid of it and went back to AVG Free 8.5
My Windows 7 machine seems to be fine with MSE.

Chart – Upgrading to Windows 7

Since I have Windows XP, it looks like I have to do a clean install or setup a dual-boot system.

Make sure you image your system drive and backup your data before installing Windows 7.

XP to Windows 7

In just 2 1/2 months, Oct. 22nd, you’ll be able to buy or upgrade to Windows 7 from XP. Paul Thurrott, provides a great tutorial for the process and all your different options. (click here)

Backup with Windows 7

I’ve always paid in the past for good backup software. I use Second Copy for my data and Acronis True Image for image backups of my system drive. It seems that might all come to a screeching halt when Windows 7 comes out with what looks like good backup software. According to Paul Thurrott’s product comparison, all versions of Win 7 will do image and data backups which is just what most people need. The only question I have is whether or not it will do Incremental backups which can be a big time and space saver. Neowin.net has a nice overview of the process.

Don’t Buy a New Computer Now!

Windows 7 should be coming out in a few months and if you can wait, you’ll be rewarded. All the  press I’ve seen lately says Windows 7 is MUCH BETTER than Vista. Here’s a site with many of the new features.(click here).

Note – Windows7 is slated for an October 22nd release!