Getting StartED with Windows 7

Contents at a Glance

Contents

About the Authors

Introduction

Navigating Windows 7

The Start menu

The taskbar

Manipulating windows with the mouse

Browsing open windows with the keyboard

Summary

Managing User Accounts

Exploring Windows 7 account types

Creating a user account

Using the guest account

Logging off an account

Switching between accounts

Setting up account passwords

Creating a password reset disk

Using Parental Controls

Summary

Working with Files and Folders

Browsing storage devices

Using libraries

Using Windows search

Summary

Personalizing Windows 7

Personalizing your login screen

Personalizing your desktop

Setting up your screen saver

Making your screen easier to view and read

Cleaning up and organizing your desktop

Customizing your computer sounds

Customizing Windows for visual, audio, mobility, or cognitive needs

Customizing program preferences and personal information

Summary

Fixing Problems from A to Ctrl+ Z

Using Windows 7 to fix problems

Fixing things at the document level

Getting help from within Windows

Accessing Help and Support

Summary

Protecting Your Data

Backup types

Choosing a backup storage device

Creating automatic file and system image backups

Creating a system image manually

Creating a system repair disc

Restoring data from backups

Summary

Creating a Home Network

Checking your current network connections

Connecting to the Internet

Connecting to a homegroup

Sharing printers on a home network

Sharing files with computers or devices that are not part of a homegroup

Enhancing network security

Summary

Using Windows 7 Programs

Using Internet Explorer

Using Windows Media Player

Using WordPad

Using Windows Photo Viewer

Using Windows Fax and Scan

Using Calculator

Using Sticky Notes

Exploring the Windows Media Center

Using gadgets

Finding games to play

Exploring Windows Live Essentials

Configuring default programs

Changing AutoPlay settings

Installing programs

Uninstalling programs

Turning off Windows 7 programs

Summary

Safeguarding Your Computer

Setting up your computer for protection from logon to logoff

Security features that protect your computer

Checking the security status of your computer

Adjusting Windows Update

Adjusting Windows Firewall settings

Protecting against spyware

Choosing an antivirus program

Surfing the Internet and exchanging e-mail safely

Security check list

Summary

Moving Files and Settings to Your Windows 7 Computer

Moving to a new computer: the big picture

Understanding Windows Easy Transfer

Using Windows Easy Transfer for a Windows upgrade installation on the same computer

Preparing to move to the new computer

Transferring files with an Easy Transfer cable

Transferring files and settings via a network in real time

Using a USB flash drive, external hard disk, or network location for Windows Easy Transfer

Carrying out post-migration tasks

Using alternatives to Windows Easy Transfer

What to do with your old PC

Exploring related information

Summary

Index