Windows7How

Windows 7 – Biometric Framework, Credential Manager & Shortcut Keys

November 26, 2009

As we looked at some cool new tools in the Windows 7 operating system (OS) in Part I, we will look into more of them here. The previous batch was quite nice; the Action Center eases security, UAC changes, troubleshooting, and recovery procedures. The Problem Steps Recorder allow you to record a set of operations which cause some problem you wish to have solved – that makes it much easier to explain yourself to anyone helping you resolve issues. And, finally, we looked into the ISO burner – simply a handy and easy way to burn images to CD or DVD. In this part, we will look into three more great tools which are shipped with Windows 7 that you will likely find very useful in any number of situations.

Our first tool is one which improves the security of your PC. Previous versions of Windows had to use a third-party application to add any biometric (fingerprint sensors, retinal scanners, etc.) devices to your computer. And, in some cases, the third-party tool would not work very well with your Windows system; there were numerous issues with this. With Windows 7, there is now the Windows Biometric Framework. As this is an API built into Windows, it may not help everyone, but it will certainly help the people worried enough about security to use such devices. The Windows Biometric Framework API allows software developers to more cleanly integrate their biometric applications into the Windows OS. Many of those companies worked very closely with Microsoft on this improvement, which means that any biometric device used with Windows 7 will likely work flawlessly. That is a very cool tool for your safety and security – especially with notebook PCs.

In the Windows Vault, there is a new addition to the ‘safe’ on your computer. Windows 7 introduces the Credential Manager. It is like the password feature of the User Accounts in Windows Vista, but on steroids. The Content Manager will allow you to manage Windows credentials (to login to your Server or another computer on your network), certificate-based credentials (security applications, VPN login), and other generic identification (Web accounts, e-mail accounts, online merchants). When you use the Credential Manager, maintaining it is easy; simply go to the Control Panel and select Credential Manager. There you will be presented with an icon for your Windows Vault – which can be backed up or restored from here – and a list of the credentials contained there. This is where you can directly manage any passwords or certificates stored on your Windows 7 install. With everything on the web asking for login information, life will be a bit simpler this way. Just make sure to backup the Windows Vault.

Now we come to a new tool which seems to have been designed for the entire Marketing department of any company. This function has often depended on the notebook PC you are using – it seems that all of them have a different function keys. Well, with Windows 7, you now only have to hold down the Windows logo key and press “P” to switch on the projection mode. So, if you have a presentation which is on your computer and you want it to be projected, hook up the projector and use the key combo to switch to the presentation mode you need: cloned with both display and projector, your Desktop extended to the projector (as with a second monitor), computer display shut off and Desktop on projector, and the default of computer screen only. There is yet another presentation feature inside the Window Mobility Center which makes setting up your computer for the presentation a snap. To open this, press the Windows logo key and “X” together. Once it is open, turn on ‘Presentation’ mode. This will turn off your screen saver, sets your wallpaper to neutral and sets your IM programs to ‘do not disturb’ mode. Very cool!

Again, some very useful tools which are shipped with Windows 7 have been explained here. Will we ever run out of tools new to Windows 7? Well, yes we will, in part III. However, that still makes up quite a list.

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Tags: Biometric Framework, burn images, cool tools, Credential Manager, iso burner, netbook, notebook, Shortcut Keys, win 7, windows 7