Summary

Windows 7, the latest version to the Windows line of operating systems, not only brings new features and improvements but also eliminates some of the annoyances that its predecessor, Windows Vista, was criticized for. Windows 7, instead, was designed to improve the way you work and simplify your everyday tasks. In this article, we present a list to top 10 features of Windows 7.

Features

1. 

   Taskbar: In Windows 7, Taskbar is given a complete overhaul to make it more powerful and flexible. Unlike its predecessors, Windows 7 allows you to pin your favorite programs right on the taskbar for quick and easy access. In the taskbar, hovering the mouse over a program icon gives you a quick preview of the all the windows open by that program. You can even rearrange the icons in the taskbar any way you like by just clicking and dragging.

2. 

   Jump Lists: Jump Lists is a new feature in Windows 7. Jump Lists give you a quick way to access your frequently used information. As the name suggests, Jump Lists make it easier for you to jump directly to the documents you use most often and that too in just two clicks. To access a jump list, just right-click a program icon on the Windows 7 Taskbar. Jump Lists are also available in the Start Menu. Just click on the arrow next to the program name to see Jump Lists.

3. Libraries: Libraries, also a new feature of Windows 7, aggregates content from multiple folders into single and easy to manage views. For instance, if you have your pictures organized into different folders and let's say, on different hard drives, you can create a library by including the list of all those folders. Now, even though your pictures are physically located in different folders, when you view the library — they will show up in a single window. To learn more, read Windows 7 Libraries In Detail.

   

4. Aero Snap: The next useful and new feature of Windows 7 is Aero Snap. Aero Snap gives you a new way to organize the windows you've got open. Easily resize your open windows, dock them to one of the edges of your screen, fill the entire screen with a window, or even position windows side by side. Aero Snap is a new fun way of windows organization. To learn more on Aero Snap, read Windows 7 Features: Aero Snap.

5. Ribbon Interface: With Windows 7, in-built programs such as Wordpad, Paint, etc. has been given a new interface — ribbon interface. A ribbon is a panel that groups the relevant commands as a set of tabs. Ribbon user interface consolidates the functionality previously provided by menus and toolbars together. The only problem with ribbons is the learning curve and the time it takes to getting used to it.

   

6. User Account Control: User Account Control was introduced in Windows Vista. It helps protect you from malware by prompting you to approve certain changes made by the programs. However, it was criticized a lot because of the prompts that keep nagging while you are working on your computer. Windows 7 attempts to resolve this issue by giving users more control to choose when (or when not ) to get notified.

   

7. AppLocker: AppLocker is a simple yet powerful rules-based policy enforcer for IT professionals that gives them control to specify which applications are allowed to run on user desktops. It restricts unauthorized softwares while allowing installation programs to run. For example, a system administrator can easily create a policy for all applications signed by a specific publisher to execute. Thus, AppLocker provides yet another way to limit the risk of malicious software.

8. 
   BitLocker: BitLocker helps in keeping everything on your computer safe and secure by encrypting the entire hard drive. With Windows 7, an additional feature — BitLocker To Go — enables you to even encrypt your mass storage devices such as USB flash drives and external hard drives. To make Windows 7 encrypt your hard drive, the only thing you have to do it to just turn BitLocker on and no other special steps are required on your part; Windows does it all for you behind the scenes.
    

9. HomeGroup: New with Windows 7, HomeGroup makes it quick and easy to automatically share files and printers on all your computers running Windows 7. No more worrying about fiddling with the network configuration. Besides sharing, you can even stream media from your computer to devices. Moreover, HomeGroup sharing is password protected so only those who have the HomeGroup password would be able to join the network.

10. Problem Steps Recorder: Another very useful feature new to Windows 7 is the Problem Steps Recorder. Sometimes you have an issue on your computer for which you need an IT Pro's help. But not always it is easy to describe the problem you are having. That's where the Problem Steps Recorder jumps in. Problem Steps Recorder actually lets you record the steps causing the issue with the complete screenshots. This report can then be sent to the helpdesk via e-mail which helps them identify the problem faster.