Looking back on the move from Windows XP to Windows Vista, you may remember a number of changes to the graphical user interface (GUI) between the two. Microsoft, of course, attempted to improve the interface to make it easier for people to use Windows; why wouldn’t they? In that change, they made some pretty sweeping alterations to the well-used Windows Explorer. Many users like the format of Windows Explorer and would be rather upset if it were to be too different. In Windows Vista, it did look similar, but some of the functionality which could have been very useful [...] Continue Reading…
January 8, 2010
In the Windows 7 Home and Windows 7 Home Premium, the Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE) is not available. However, we can still make adjustments similar to the same changes made with LGPE. The way to do this is by way of an application called regedit.exe. This allows you to directly edit the entries in the Windows Registry with little effort. As usual, this can be dangerous, so create that system restore point and be careful not to modify any other keys other than those mentioned here. Make sure you understand the steps before you start to edit.
In each [...] Continue Reading…
January 6, 2010
With the Windows 7 Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE), we have seen just how much you can alter your operating system (OS) in some interesting ways. In Part V there are even more changes to look into. The policies which are covered in this section apply to changes in areas of your system which can actually be useful to many people – at least they expand your options somewhat and make the OS more flexible.
The first one we will study is one which expands the memory of your OS. Well, not exactly that, but it will save a longer [...] Continue Reading…
January 1, 2010
Previously, we looked at some security changes you can make with the Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE) in Windows 7. You also learned how to make changes to your Control Panel icon display – a nifty feature for simplifying your experience there; also, it’s very useful for securing your settings from the changes others may want to make without your permission. Now we will look at how to use the LGPE to make some changes to how Windows 7 notifies you of some events. Once more it needs to be said that you should be careful here – it [...] Continue Reading…
December 28, 2009
This is Part III of a series which demonstrates how you can use the Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE) to change various aspects of your life with Windows 7. Its power cannot be over-stressed, so – again – it is suggested that you follow the instructions given to you here closely so as not to cause any issues. Of course, don’t forget to make that system restore point before you start working with this snap-in. Be safe and you will be glad you were if something should go awry.
The Control Panel in Windows 7 is a central control center [...] Continue Reading…
December 25, 2009
Part I introduced you to the idea behind changing your Windows 7 Local Group Policies to make changes to suit your use of Windows, whatever that may be. The Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE) is a powerful tool, but also a potentially dangerous one if not used carefully. Yes, you have read that before; be careful and only make changes you understand. Of course, also make sure to do a system restore point to protect you from any missteps. This last step is much more than a recommendation; it is a life-saver.
Let’s look at making some security changes to [...] Continue Reading…
December 23, 2009
It is likely that you have read about many tips and tweaks for Windows 7; at least you have seen some while learning about the new Microsoft operating system (OS). What you may not be aware of is how you can use your Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE) to make some very interesting changes to your system. Of course, working with the Group Policies is always a risky affair, so make sure you follow the tweaks mentioned in this series exactly as they are written. Microsoft does a good job hiding the tool deep inside the OS due to [...] Continue Reading…
December 18, 2009
In Part I, we learned about Accelerators, which are a feature of Internet Explorer 8 (IE8). The browser does come standard on Windows 7, and it available to download for free from Microsoft for both Windows Vista and Windows XP. Though, as long as you can run IE8, you will be able to use its Accelerators.
So, what about those adding Accelerators to the pop-up window? Well, it is just as easy as using the feature. Simply bring up the Accelerator icon, click on it, and choose All Accelerators and you will see another list. This list does include all [...] Continue Reading…
December 16, 2009
With the new Windows 7 operating system (OS) we get our hands on the new Internet Explorer 8 (IE8). It is likely, though, that you already have this browser version on your Windows Vista or even Windows XP PC as it is a free download – and a recommended one to boot – from Microsoft. No matter where you use IE8, you will soon learn of its superiority over its previous major version, Internet Explorer 7. In Windows 7, you will get more functionality from IE8 than you would from any other version of Microsoft OS. But, do not [...] Continue Reading…
December 13, 2009
There are many new features and functions in the new operating system (OS) form Microsoft, Windows 7. If you have been reading up on them, you will know this very well and have probably tried a few of them if you are lucky enough to have Windows 7 installed. In addition to the fancy new bells and whistles, there are also some new shortcuts which you may make use of in the OS. In fact, they are likely to become your preferred manner for completing the functions they allow you to do.
Below is a chart with those shortcuts listed [...] Continue Reading…
December 11, 2009
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