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Ten Things to Try: Windows Vista

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By Matt Duffin.

   

   1. The final version is just on the horizon, but if you haven’t got it already (where have you been?), download Windows Vista RC (Release Candidate) 1 at the following URL: https://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/en/download.htm.

2. Use the souped-up Alt+Tab (Windows Flip) to easily switch between your documents. Or, use Flip 3D to get a new perspective on your windows if your graphics card supports it. Hit Windows Key + Tab to switch between windows or Ctrl + Windows Key + Tab for a longer look.

Flip 3D

Can’t reach the Windows Key? Use this icon in the taskbar to activate Flip 3D, then switch Windows with Tab.

Flip 3D Taskbar Button

3. Surf safe online with Internet Explorer’s Phishing Filter. Phishing is a method used to obtain credit card or other personal information by creating a fake website posing as your bank or another trusted site. This information often used in identity fraud.

Internet Explorer keeps you safe by analysing the sites you visit. If they’re definitely fraudulent, the address bar will turn red. If the site has some of the characteristics of fraudulent sites, a yellow warning will be displayed.

Internet Explorer Phishing Filter

Either way, by closing any site reported by Phishing Filter when not certain that it’s absolutely trustworthy, and refusing to enter any personal information, you’re protected.

4. Miss the Run command? Hit Windows Key + R to get back your faithful friend. Or, for a more permanent return:

1. Open Taskbar and Start Menu Properties by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Taskbar and Start Menu.

2. Click the Start Menu tab, and then click Customize.

3. In the list of Start menu options, select the Run command check box, and then click OK. The Run command will be displayed on the right side of the Start menu.

5. Check out the improved, streamlined Start Menu. By replacing the slow-performing ‘All Programs’ menu and adding Instant Search, the Start Menu makes it very easy to navigate through your applications and documents. Just start typing a word or phrase into Instant Search to begin.

Vista Start Menu

6. Open multiple tabs in Internet Explorer. Click the ‘new tab’ icon (red, rightmost ring) to open another site within the same Internet Explorer window. Or, click the ‘Quick Tabs’ icon (blue, leftmost ring) to see the content in all of your open tabs at once, or add them all together as a single favourite – great for research! When closing Internet Explorer, you can choose to have currently open tabs reappear next time. This comes in really handy when you just haven’t got time to read through all your open sites.

Internet Explorer 7 Tabs

7. If you’ve made an undesired change to an important document, Windows Vista Previous Versions allows you to turn back time and get back an earlier version of your file. Open a document in Documents Explorer and choose the “Previous Versions” option on the Command Bar to bring up a list of previously saved versions of the individual file. Choose a version and restore your file to that version, easy! (Note: requires configuration before use.)

8. Ever been annoyed when you’re playing music quietly and an application plays a sound at full volume? Take control of your sounds with the Volume Mixer in Windows Vista, which allows you to set advanced options and adjust the volume of each application separately.

Volume Control

9. Take advantage of the improvements made to Explorer. Forget the small, vague icons of XP and view your documents your way. Folders show a customized icon depicting their contents, which can be resized using the Command Bar (under ‘Views’) or simply by holding Ctrl and scrolling the mouse wheel.

Vista Explorer

10. Take advantage of mini-applications called Gadgets on the Windows Vista Sidebar. Gadgets are small and lightweight yet powerful and incredibly useful. They perform a wide range of functions, from telling the time, displaying your holiday snaps and outstanding emails to choosing the colours of your wallpaper! The best thing is that Gadgets are chosen by you, swappable at any time, and an incredible amount are already available on the Live Gallery (https://gallery.live.com/).

      The Sidebar

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    January 14, 2007
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