People were pretty hyped when they started using windows Vista, but it had its problems, which sometimes made it difficult to use. Windows 7 however, has been one of the best Windows to come in the market after Vista.


What Microsoft did with it was that, it took the pros of Windows Vista and took it a step further to develop a user friendly, high performing but low system speed taking Windows that is known as Windows 7. People like me, who upgraded from windows XP to windows 7, had a very strange feeling about using Windows 7. In simple words, the first impression of Windows 7 was that it’s smooth on the eyes as compared to Windows XP. You can say that this effect is similar to editing a picture in photo shop. However, there are many advantages of using Windows 7 and there are plenty of things that you still do not know about it. Therefore, following are some tips to help enhance you Windows 7 experience. 

Tip # 1

Pick your Edition! There is no need for Ultimate version if you are not going to use the features that come with it. Windows 7 Ultimate costs more than other versions of Windows 7, which is why you should not opt for Ultimate if you have no use for features such as BitLocker. There is no need to spend extra money on the Ultimate version because the Windows 7 edition you have, will be good enough for you anyway.

Tip # 2

Want to Upgrade? Go 64-bit as it is the second major Windows release that can fully support 64-bit. Keep in mind, not to buy a NEW 32-bit hardware unless it is a Netbook! The x64 architecture has definitely arrived on the desktop, so why bother with 32-bit.

Tip # 3

Nostalgic about Windows XP? No problem – Use Windows XP mode! Although it is an embedded Virtual PC with a full copy of Windows XP, but that is the most profound use of intelligence in desktop virtualization we have ever seen in Windows, which offers a great and exciting way to move on to Windows 7, without having to give up fully on the Windows XP compatibility.

Tip # 4

Use AppLocker! Software Restriction Policies are around since the dawn of Windows XP and AppLocker offers the perfect way to make application white-listing possible. You can use this tool to either enhance or replace your anti-virus software. This will help you ensure that only the softwares you want to run will run on your computer.

Tip # 5

Got Problems? Record them! The Problem Steps Recorder also known as PSR is a great new feature that is introduced in the Windows 7, which helps in troubleshooting a system. This tool is very helpful when you have to deal with problems on your own. Just search for PSR in the instant search and it will launch the recorder. As you perform actions that are needed to recreate the problem, each click that you make, will be recorded with the help of this tool. You can also add comments. When you are done, the PSR will compile the whole thing into an MHTML file and zip it. Now you can easily email this file to anyone who can help you solve the problems you are facing.

Tip # 6

Making Training Videos Was Never This Easy! Tools like Camtasia are perfect for making short training videos to help people understand things that you want them to understand. Camtasia is perfect for recording short video tutorials that range from anywhere between one to three minutes.

Tip # 7

Keep It Clean – Installations! If you want to make your computer run for a long time without facing any troubles, then choose a clean installation method when you are upgrading from Windows Vista. Although, the clean installation process will take more time, but it is all in the best interests of your machine, which will run free of troubles for a long time.

Tip # 8

Find New Tools! There is a single Troubleshooting link within the Control Panel that will lead you to all of the tools that can help with system diagnostics. There are additional tools as well, which are not installed by default on your computer. By selecting the “View All” link in the top left-hand corner will give you information about the troubleshooting packs and tell you whether they are local or online. If you have a tool that is not installed, then you can install it from here.

Tip # 9

Be Prepared for DirectAccess! With the help of DirectAccess, users can easily access their office-based resources remotely, without a VPN. One of the benefits of DirectAccess is that it allows computers to open more fully to Group Policies. However, in order to use this feature, you must have Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2.(More about DirectAccess Requirements here).

Tip # 10

Check Reliability! Reliability Monitor was first introduced in Windows Visa under the name of “The Reliability and Performance Monitor.” However, in Windows 7, this feature is separated from Performance Monitor to a new location. This program can easily be accessed with the help of instant Search or you can go to Action Center in Control Panel and look under the Maintenance options for “View Reliability History Link.”

Stay tuned for more tips as I will update this post when I find new and helpful tips for windows 7 users.