Software included on your Windows 7 PC

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1 1 Welcome to Windows 7 As you ll learn, the latest version of Microsoft Windows is loaded with timesaving features and shortcuts that make Windows 7 the most efficient Microsoft operating system yet. Building on the intuitive interface of Windows XP and Vista before it, the following pages of this guide will introduce the most pertinent new features of Windows 7. To begin learning about what s new in Windows 7, click on one of the six quick links to the right or use the page navigation buttons below. We recommend reading through each of these features in order, as the concepts and vocabulary will build upon each other. Software included on your Windows 7 PC Microsoft Office 2010 Productivity tasks including the creation and editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases Web Browsers Clicking on any of the icons below will open the official application website for more information. Viewing web pages on the Internet Mozilla Firefox 4 Internet Explorer 8 Media Players/Readers Viewing media documents, audio, video, and animation especially those hosted and streamed from web pages Word Excel PowerPoint Access Publisher InfoPath OneNote Outlook Antivirus Protection against malware and viruses Adobe Flash Adobe Reader X Microsoft Silverlight McAfee VirusScan QuickTime your experience.

2 2 A redesigned puts programs and shortcuts at your fingertips If you ve used Windows XP or even Vista in the past, the first thing you might notice about Windows 7 is the redesigned taskbar. While visually similar to previous versions, the Windows 7 taskbar has a number of time-saving features that may not be immediately apparent. The first thing you ll notice is that your open program windows are no longer displayed individually. Starting in Windows 7, open programs are represented by a single taskbar icon, regardless of how many individual windows of that type are currently open. A thin outline around an icon signifies an open program. Preview windows As shown above, holding your mouse cursor over any open program will display a thumbnail preview of each instance of that program. To view a full-screen preview of any window, move your mouse cursor over the thumbnail of that window. To restore a progam window, just click the preview thumbnail. Pinning items A tabbed outline represents multiple open program windows. An icon without an outline has been pinned for convenient access. Along with your currently open programs, you can also pin commonlyused programs so their icons always appear on your taskbar. To add a program, just click and drag it to the taskbar. If you always want your Microsoft Word icon next to the Start button, simply click and drag the Word icon to the desired taskbar position and then release the mouse button. Alternately, you can pin a program by rightclicking on the desired program and then selecting Pin to Taskbar. You will notice that beneath this option, you can also choose Pin to Start Menu, which permanently adds the chosen progam to the top of your start menu for easy access. your experience.

3 3 JumpLists You can display a convenient, context-specific menu called a JumpList by right-clicking on any of the taskbar icons. For example, the JumpList for Word shows recently-opened documents, while the itunes JumpList shows recently-played songs and playlists. AeroPeek Need to see something on your desktop? Move your mouse cursor over the AeroPeek button at the far right of the taskbar and watch your windows turn transparent instantly. your experience. Pinning items to JumpLists You can also pin commonly used items so they always appear at the top of a program s JumpList. First, right-click on your desired program to display the JumpList, then move your mouse cursor over the item you d like to pin. You ll notice that a pushpin icon appears to the right of the item s name. To pin the item, just click this icon and watch as the item is instantly moved to the top of the JumpList. Too many windows open? Click the AeroPeek button once to minimize all your open windows, click again to restore them to their original locations. Manage Pop-up Notifications Another handy Windows 7 feature is the ability to manage the frequency and types of pop-up notifications which appear in the far right corner of your taskbar. To begin, click the upward arrow as shown above, and then click Customize to select which icons and notifications appear. For more in-depth information, including step-by-step videos of the process, visit Microsoft s advanced tutorial on the Windows 7 site by clicking here.

4 4 Windows Explorer One of the most important Windows components is the Windows Explorer application (sometimes just Explorer), accessed in Windows 7 by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar. Explorer gives you access to your files and displays interface elements like the taskbar and the desktop. Developing a thorough grasp of this application and the locations of common tasks will allow you to take advantage of the many intuitive changes to Windows 7 covered in this document The Address Bar shows the current folder or location that you re browsing on your computer. 2 The Toolbar displays common tasks relevant to the folders and files you re currently browsing, along with tasks that used to reside in the Menu bar used in previous Windows versions. 3 The Navigation Pane provides access to favorite locations, libraries, hard drives, and network shares. 4 The Details Pane displays in-depth information for files or folders that are currently selected. 5 The Search Box allows you to instantly look for items in the current folder or library. 5 6 your experience. 6 The Library Pane appears when browsing a library, allowing you to customize or arrange your files. Where did my drives go? As shown above, Explorer windows will now open to display your Libraries rather than showing disk drives like in previous versions of Windows. To view your drives, click Computer in the Navigation Pane to the left or just use the + E shortcut to open an Explorer window with this view.

5 5 Your catch-all My Documents folder is now split into intelligent Libraries Departing from the organization of personal files in one central location within the traditional My Documents folder, Windows 7 has introduced separate Libraries for your files. While these libraries are similar to folders, there is one important difference: a folder contains files, while libraries collect and display files located in multiple folders. It s easiest to think of libraries as super-folders which continuously monitor the locations of files in different folders across your hard drive. Windows 7 contains four default libraries: Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos. By setting up these libraries, you ll be able to take advantage of the improved functionality shown on the following page. Including or removing a folder To add a folder on your local computer to an existing library, click the Windows Explorer icon on the taskbar. You ll notice that you can also easily create a new library by clicking New Library in the Toolbar near the top of the window that appears. Using this Explorer window, browse to the folder you d like to add and click once to select it. In the Toolbar near the top of the window, click Include in library, then click to select an existing library or create a new library for this content. Alternately, you can right-click on the folder you d like to add, and then select Include in library. Removing a folder from a library is just as easy right-click on the desired folder and click Remove location from library. Changing the default save location Because each Windows 7 library is simply a collection of individual folders, you may want to change the default location for saving new files that are added to a particular library. To begin, click the Windows Explorer icon on the taskbar to show your existing libraries. Double-click on the library you d like to configure, and then click Locations in the Library Pane near the top of the window. A new window appears with a list of the current library locations, with a second column signifying which folder is currently the default save location for library files. To set a different location, right-click on the desired folder (or use the Add button to add your desired folder to the library first) and click Set as default save location, and then click the OK button. In the future, all files saved to this library will be placed in the folder you have selected. Locating downloaded files In Windows XP, your downloads were automatically saved to a Downloads folder in your My Documents folder. In Windows 7, Microsoft has created a separate Downloads folder in your user profile. To access this folder, simply click Downloads in the Favorites group of the Navigation Pane at the left of any Explorer window as shown to the right. your experience.

6 6 The enhanced is faster and more accessible than ever before. One of the primary improvements in Windows 7 is the built-in, which is now lightning-fast and accessible from more locations than ever before. By indexing (continually monitoring) your libraries and other commonly-used folders, Windows 7 is able to instantly display search results in a manner similar to the real-time results delivered by Google and other Internet search engines. By default, Windows 7 indexes your documents and libraries, ignoring program and system folders that are rarely searched. It is still possible to search these unmonitored folders, albeit at a slower pace than indexed locations. As a result, individuals who take the time to configure their Libraries with commonly-used file locations will be able to take full advantage of this improved functionality. There are three simple ways to search: 1 From the Start Menu. Just click and start typing your applications will be replaced with real-time search results as you type. To view a detailed list of your results which contains the size, type and location of each matching file, click See more results. You can even use this search method to help you accomplish certain Windows tasks. For example, if you want to change the background image on your desktop, typing change background brings up a shortcut to the Change Desktop Background window in the Control Panel. 2 The search box in the corner of any Explorer window. If you d prefer to see your results in a detailed list view, use the search box in the upper right of any Explorer window to show contextual results depending on your current location. For example, if you re browsing your Documents library and searching for a video, you will need to expand your search to all of your Libraries by clicking the Libraries link at the bottom of the search window after the search finishes. 3 In the middle of something? Press + F for a new dedicated search window. your experience.

7 7 Smarter User Account Control (UAC) can give you power and peace of mind. To mitigate the risks of browser-based virus and malware threats, Windows 7 has revamped the technology introduced in Windows Vista, which is designed to prevent these threats from making system changes without your consent. Essentially, UAC restricts what even administrator-level users can do unless they give explicit consent. While this may seem like an unnecessary step in many circumstances, UAC provides a last line of defense against malicious programs running on your computer. If, for instance, you plug in a USB flash drive with a virus, it would normally run in the back ground and infect your computer without your knowledge or authorization. With UAC, you will be alerted and can deny the program the rights it needs to compromise your computer. Appearance and Types of UAC Windows Depending on the available information about the program requesting administrative rights, the UAC pop-up window will appear in one of two distinctive visual styles: Unknown Publisher For files with an unknown publisher, the top portion of the window and the shield icon are a bright orange color. Verified Publisher For files with a verified publisher, the top portion of the window and the shield icon are a deep blue color. For either type of window, you can click Show Details in the lower left of the window to view the exact location of the file and, for verified publishers, the details of the associated security certificate. Potential UAC-Triggering Operations Most operations on your computer that will trigger a UAC prompt (such as the Run As Administrator option shown on the next page) are accompanied by the UAC shield logo. Some of the most common of these protected operations are: Installing software, including downloaded applications Device installation (e.g., driver CDs included with printers) Copying or editing files in protected locations (e.g., C:\Program Files or C:\Windows) NOTE: If a UAC window appears and you are not trying to do one of the above tasks or don t recognize the Program Name shown, it is highly recommended that you click the No button to deny administrative rights to the program. your experience.

8 8 Copying or renaming files in protected locations If you attempt to rename or copy files in protected locations on your computer, you will also see a UAC window similar to the two shown below: Copying a File Renaming a File Editing documents or files in protected locations If you attempt to open a file in a protected location without administrative rights, you ll likely receive an error message similar to the two shown below: Editing a file in Word Editing a file in Notepad To remedy this problem, you ll need to copy the file out of the protected location, or re-open your application using the procedure below to manually provide the administrative rights which allow you to edit files in these protected locations. Manually Providing Administrative Rights While UAC in Windows 7 showcases new improvements, some programs haven t yet been updated to properly trigger the UAC prompts and could result in errors. If you encounter a problem while running or installing a program, you ll likely need to manually provide administrative rights. To run a program with administrative rights, right-click on the application and select Run As Administrator as shown below: your experience. To confirm your action and retry your operation with administrative rights, simply click the Continue button. To run a pinned taskbar shortcut with administrative rights, you ll need to hold down the Shift key before right-clicking. A UAC confirmation window will appear. To run the application, click the Yes button.

9 9 Intuitive Windows Shortcuts help you work faster and more efficiently. The improved Aero visual interface in Windows 7 provides new mouse gestures and key combinations which can simplify many common tasks and allow you to work faster. Along with each shortcut, you ll find a link to a brief description of the feature on the official Microsoft Windows 7 website, and in some cases, a short video. A complete table of these shortcuts can be found on the following page. AeroSnap Need to quickly position a window to one side of the screen? Drag the window to either edge of the screen until you see a transparent outline of a window appear and then release. Your window snaps to the edge of the screen and takes up 50% of the screen s width. This shortcut can be a great time-saver when you re working with multiple documents or webpages. For a brief video of the Snap feature in action, visit the official Microsoft Windows 7 site here. Using dual monitors? Just press + left or right arrow to snap the active window to the corresponding edge of the screen. You can also press + up arrow to maximize the active window. Similarly, + down arrow will restore a maximized window or minimize a restored window. Flip3D The Flip3D feature is an evolution of the Alt+Tab shortcut in previous Windows versions which displays a slideshow containing a preview of each of your open windows. To bring up the Flip3D display, press and hold and tap the Tab key to scroll through your windows one at a time. Releasing the key will close the slideshow and switch to the currently displayed window. For a brief overview of the Flip3D feature, visit the official Microsoft Windows 7 site here. your experience.

10 10 AeroShake Similar to the AeroPeek feature shown earlier, the AeroShake feature is another new method of de-cluttering your workspace. To use the AeroShake feature, click and hold the title bar of an open window as if you were moving it, then shake the window back and forth sharply to minimize all other windows. To restore these windows to their original positions, just shake the window again. For a brief video of the Shake feature in action, visit the official Microsoft Windows 7 site here. Magnifier The Magnifier is a handy Windows 7 feature that allows you to magnify portions of the screen. To enable the Magnifier feature, just press + Plus to display the following application window: Use the window controls or the + Plus / Minus shortcut to zoom in and out, respectively. To return to normal magnification, simply close the window. For a more detailed video of the Magnifier feature in action, visit the official Microsoft Windows 7 site here. Windows 7 Shortcuts Shortcut Function + D Toggles the display of all open windows + E Opens a Windows Explorer window + F Opens the window + L Locks the computer, preventing unauthorized access + M Minimizes all open windows + P Switches display modes (for projectors/dual monitors) + R Opens the Run command window + Spacebar Activates the AeroPeek feature + Tab Activates the Flip3D feature + Plus/Minus Opens the Magnifier feature and zooms in and out + Home Minimizes all but the active window + Left/Right Uses AeroSnap to dock the active window to the left/right side of the screen + Up Maximizes the active window + Down Restores the active window if it is maximized; if the active window is restored, this shortcut minimizes it your experience.

11 11 Important information for Windows 7 Laptop users The next two pages provide necessary information for mobile Windows 7 users, including wireless information, stand-by mode, and a helpful new way to connect to external displays such as projectors. You ll also find critical information about the effects of new anti-piracy technology on traveling UWM laptop users. 180-Day Activation Timeout Every University-licensed copy of Windows 7 and Office 2010 must contact the Campus Key Management Server at least once every 180 days to maintain compliance with Microsoft s Windows Activation Technologies, an anti-piracy system created by Microsoft that enforces online validation of the licensing of Windows operating systems. The only method of contacting the Campus Key Management Server is being physically connected to the campus network or by connecting to the PROWLnet wireless network. If a computer running Windows 7 fails to contact the Campus Key Management Server within 180 days, the operating system will revert to a reduced feature mode. To restore normal functionality, you ll need to return to campus, connect an ethernet cable to your laptop, and then login. If you encounter any problems, please read the Help page of this guide for information about submitting a support request. Stand-By Mode When you close the lid of your laptop, you will place the laptop in stand-by mode and also lock the computer, preventing unauthorized access. After re-opening the lid, you ll be prompted to unlock the computer by entering your epanther credentials before you may resume using it. If the Unlock Computer dialog box doesn t appear on your screen after a minute or two, you may have to press your laptop s power button to enter your credentials and resume using the computer. Connect to a Projector One handy feature for Windows 7 laptop users who often use a laptop for presentations is the ability to easily switch between different viewing modes with the + P shortcut, which displays the popup to the right. To switch to a different display mode, simply click your desired choice. Computer only will only use the laptop display. Duplicate shows the same image on your laptop and the projector. Extend will extend your desktop to the projector. Projector only will temporarily disable your laptop display and use the projector display. For a more detailed look at this feature, please visit the official Microsoft Windows 7 site here. your experience.

12 12 Connecting to a Wireless Network Most newer laptops feature built-in wireless connectivity which will allow you to take advantage of PROWLnet, the university s free wireless Internet service, using only your epanther ID and password. For more information about PROWLnet, including advanced configuration instructions and a list of wireless hot spots, visit To connect your wireless-capable laptop to the PROWLnet wireless network: 1 Locate and click once on the wireless network icon in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar to display a list of available wireless network connections. 2 Click on the PROWLnet connection to select it. You ll notice that a warning appears to notify you that the network is unsecured. Click the Connect button to connect to PROWLnet. If you d like to automatically connect when your laptop is in range, click to select the Connect automatically check box before clicking Connect. Note: While this will automatically connect to PROWLnet, you ll still need to complete steps 4 and 5 to authenticate each time you connect. 3 After a few moments, the icon will change and a notification window shows that your computer is connecting to the PROWLnet wireless network. 4 When your wireless icon changes again, open your preferred web browser to display the PROWLnet login page: 5 Enter your epanther credentials in the fields provided and click the Log In button. After authentication, a logout pop-up window will appear and your wireless icon changes again to indicate that you are now connected. When you ve finished using PROWLnet, always click the Click to Logout link in this window to end your session and disconnect. Please note: You ll be able to connect to any unsecured (i.e., passwordfree ) wireless Internet connection within range of your laptop by repeating Steps 1-3 of the previous PROWLnet connection process for your desired wireless network. Please use caution with unsecured networks as any data transmitted through such a network can be intercepted by other network users. your experience.

13 14 Help is not just another four-letter word. Our first priority is service, and providing the support and resources you need to make your work work, the first time. If it doesn t, we want to be the first to know. Additional Windows 7 Resources For additional information about other Windows 7 features, click the Start button and click Help and Support on the right hand side of the Start menu. Alternately, you can browse the Microsoft Windows 7 site for how-to videos and in-depth explanations of the features and concepts covered in this guide. Short Courses on Windows 7 and Office 2010 are also available. Visit shortcourses.uwm.edu for more details. Contact the UWM Help Desk For additional support or questions regarding Windows 7, please contact the UWM Help Desk at or your experience.