Windows 7 Quick Reference Guide

The Original Quick Reference Guides

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Windows 7Microsoft®

Windows 7 is an operating system that handles all of your computer’s core functions, allowing also been expanded and can now be moved freely around
you to run programs, connect to networks, manage files, and store important data. This version the desktop to reduce clutter and increase their functionality
of Windows features an innovative new library system for accessing and organizing files, as well (see Adding and Customizing Gadgets, page 4).
as adding a host of new improvements to the Taskbar and Windows Explorer. Gadgets have
Windows Explorer.
Desktop shortcuts. See Working with
See The Windows Windows Explorer,
Desktop, page 4. page 2.

The calendar gadget.
See Adding and
Customizing Gadgets,
page 4.

The Start menu. The Taskbar.
See Starting Programs See The Windows
Taskbar, page 3.
and Opening Files,
below, and The Start The Show Desktop
button.
Menu, page 3. Mouse over or click
Start menu search box. to minimize open
windows and reveal
See Using Instant the desktop.
Search, page 2.

The Start button Active program buttons. Taskbar Notification area.
See Working with Active See Configuring the
Programs, below.
Notification Area, page 3.

Starting Programs and Opening Files Working with Active Programs

To open the Start menu: click the Start button or press CTRL+ESC to open the Start menu To view an active program: click the active program button
(shown on the Windows 7 Desktop, above). The Start menu is a central point of access to all of on the Taskbar (e.g. ), or press ALT+TAB to cycle
your programs and personal files. See The Start Menu, page 3. through all active windows. All open programs, folders,

To start a program from the Start menu: click the Start button . Choose All Programs, and or documents appear on the Taskbar. See Configuring the
then select a program from the menu. Taskbar and Displaying and Arranging Windows, page 3.

To start a program from the Taskbar: click a quick launch icon (e.g. ). You can modify the To view notifications or monitor status: double-click the
Taskbar to include quick launch icons for programs you use often, or remove them to avoid program or system icon (e.g. ) in the Notification area
clutter (see Pinning Program Icons to the Taskbar, page 3). of the Taskbar. You can also right-click the icon to open a
context menu of options. See Configuring the Notification
To open a file: click the Start button , and then click . Browse to the file and Area, page 3.
double-click it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Files & Folders 3 Taskbar & Start Menu 4 Windows Desktop & Aero 5 Interface & System Settings 6 Network Resources & Security
Working with Windows Explorer Jump Lists The Windows Desktop Window Color and Appearance Finding Shared Network Folders
Using Libraries Pinning Programs to the Taskbar The Recycle Bin Desktop Background Sharing Folders
Working with Files and Folders Configuring the Taskbar Aero Snap and Aero Shake Screen Saver and Themes Changing Your Windows Password
Aero Flip 3D Customizing Mouse Functions Encrypting and Compressing Files
Tagging Files Configuring the Notification Area Viewing Taskbar Thumbnails Removing Programs Safely Removing External Drives
Adding and Customizing Gadgets Date, Time, and Region Options Using Disk Cleanup
Instant Search Displaying and Arranging Windows

Search Results Configuring the Start Menu

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Files & Folders 2
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Working with Windows Explorer Working with Files and Folders

Windows Explorer is the primary tool used to browse, view, and organize files To open a file or folder: double-click the item.
and folders in Windows 7.
To create a new folder: right-click in the place where you want to create a new
To open Windows Explorer: click the Windows Explorer icon in the Taskbar. folder, and choose NewFolder. Type a name for the folder and press ENTER.
For a more detailed view of your computer’s storage resources, click the Start
button and choose from the menu. To rename a file or folder: right-click the item and choose Rename.

The Address bar displays your current view location. Click to choose how To delete a file or folder: right-click the item and choose Delete. Alternatively,
Click a place name to navigate to it, or click to files and folders are select the item and press the DELETE key, then click Yes. To restore deleted
choose from a list of sub-folders. displayed. items, see The Recycle Bin, page 4.

Tagging Files

Main menu Click to toggle You can add keywords to the properties of a file in Windows Explorer, making
bar the Preview the file easier to find when you perform a search.
pane on or off.
Navigation Right-click a Note: Some file formats are not compatible with tags.
pane. Click file or folder to
these places view a menu To add tags to a file: in Windows Explorer, navigate to and select the file you
to navigate to of options. want to tag. In the Details pane at the bottom of the folder window, click Add a
them on your tag and type appropriate keywords into the field (separated with a semicolon).
computer or Click .

network. To remove tags from a file: select the file. In the Details pane, click the Tags
Details pane
area to expand it. Click to highlight the tag you want to remove and press the

DELETE key. Click .

To show/hide the traditional menu bar (File, Edit, etc.): press the ALT key. Searching for Files and Folders

To display sub-folders in the Navigation pane: click or beside the Using Instant Search
or to collapse
drive or folder you want to view sub-folders for. Click Use the search box located at the bottom of the Start menu to quickly locate
sub-folders. files, folders, and programs on your computer.

To sort folder contents by view: in Windows Explorer, click in the main To locate files, folders, and programs with Instant Search: click the Start
button . In the search box, begin
menu bar and choose a view from the menu. From this menu, you can also typing keywords. As you type, files
). and folders that match your criteria
choose the size of display icons (e.g. are displayed. Click an item to open
or display it.
Using Libraries
If you can’t find the item you are
New in Windows 7, libraries are collections of similar files that may be stored looking for, click See more results to
in different folder locations on your networks or computer, but are grouped open a Search Results window (see
together in a single centralized place for easy browsing and access. Default Working with Search Results, below).
libraries enable you to collect media files (e.g. Documents, Music), but you can
create custom libraries as needed.

To view libraries: in Windows Explorer, click in the Navigation Working with Search Results
pane. Double-click a library to open it.

To add a folder to a library: right-click the folder containing the files you want If you want to expand your search to include several different folder locations,
to include in a library. From the menu, choose Include in Library and select an or to perform a more specific search, you can do the following:
appropriate library to add the contents of the folder to.
1. Click the Start button , and press F3 to open a Search Results window.
To remove a folder from a library: in Windows Explorer, click Begin typing in the search box, located at the top-right of the window.
and navigate to the folder you want to remove from a library. In the Navigation
pane, right-click the folder and choose Remove location from library from the 2. Scroll down to the bottom of the list of results and, in the Search again in
menu.
section, click .

To view and customize library properties: in Windows Explorer, right-click the 3. In the Choose Search Location dialog box, check the boxes of the
library and choose Properties from the menu. You can use the available options locations you want to search, expanding options as needed, and click OK.
to quickly add or remove folders from the library, or choose to optimize the
library for certain types of content. Click OK when finished. Saving Custom Searches

To sort items in a library: double-click the library to open it. Next to the library If you frequently perform the same search, you can save your custom search
title at the top of the screen, click the Arrange by drop-down menu and choose criteria so you can access up-to-date results easily.
a sorting option (e.g. Folder, Date modified, Type).
To save a search: create and complete a custom search (see Working with
Search Results, above). In the main menu bar, click Save search. In the Save As
To create a new library: in Windows Explorer, click . In the dialog box, type a file name and choose a location to save the custom search to
main menu bar, click New library. Type a name for the library and press ENTER.
(the default is Favorites). Click .
To delete a library: right-click the library and choose Delete from the menu.
Click Yes. To use a saved search: in the Windows Explorer Navigation pane, browse to
the saved search file location and click it. Updated results that match the saved
To restore default libraries: in Windows Explorer, right-click search criteria are displayed.
and choose Restore default libraries from the menu.

Copyright © 2010 Nevada Learning Series USA, Inc. New in Windows 7!

Taskbar & Start Menu 3
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The Windows Taskbar Displaying and Arranging Windows

The Windows Taskbar is used to manage active programs, folders, and To minimize all windows and show the desktop: click the Show Desktop
documents. Click a button on the Taskbar to display its corresponding window. button on the Taskbar (see screenshot, left). Click the Show Desktop button
Click and drag program buttons left and right on the Taskbar to rearrange again to restore the windows.
them.
To choose how windows are arranged: right-click the Taskbar and choose an
Pinned program Active program buttons Show Desktop option (e.g. Cascade windows, Show windows stacked) from the menu.
icons button

The Start button The Notification area The Start Menu

Jump Lists The Start menu provides comprehensive access to your programs, commonly
used folders, and files. Open the Start menu by clicking the Start button on
A jump list is a menu of options or actions that specifically relates to the the Taskbar.
program or document it appears under. The jump list for Internet Explorer,
for example, displays a list of recently viewed websites while the jump list for Quick links to User name. Click to
Windows Media Player displays your media play lists. recently used view your personal
To display a jump list: right-click an active Taskbar button. Alternatively, click folders.
on a Taskbar button and drag up to display the jump list. programs Click a library name
Click to view a list to open it. See Using
Pinning Program Icons to the Taskbar Libraries, page 2.
of all available The Control Panel.
If you pin a program to the Taskbar, its icon will remain even when the program programs. You can view and
window is closed. You can click this icon to quickly open the program again. change many
To pin a program to the Taskbar: right-click a program button in the Taskbar Windows 7 system
and choose Pin this program to taskbar from the menu. settings here.
To unpin a program from the Taskbar: right-click the program button or icon in Shut down Windows 7
the Taskbar and choose Unpin this program from taskbar from the menu.
Pinning Programs to the Start Menu
Configuring the Taskbar
You can ‘pin’ programs you use often to the top of the Start menu, making them
1. Right-click the Taskbar and choose Properties from the menu. more accessible.
2. In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box, click the Taskbar tab
To pin a program to the Start menu: in the Start menu, click All Programs and
and choose from the following options: navigate to the program you want to add. Right-click the program icon and
To prevent the Taskbar from being moved accidentally: check the Lock the choose Pin to Start Menu from the menu. Pinned programs will appear at the
taskbar box . top of the Start menu.
To hide the Taskbar when it’s not in use: check the Auto-hide the taskbar box
To unpin a program from the Start menu: in the Start menu, right-click the
. program you want to remove and choose Unpin from Start Menu.
To display smaller icons on Taskbar buttons: check the Use small icons box .
To group similar Taskbar buttons: choose Combine when taskbar is full from Configuring the Start Menu
the Taskbar buttons drop-down menu.
To select a screen location for the Taskbar: choose an option from the Taskbar 1. Right-click the Start button and choose Properties to open the Taskbar
location on screen drop-down menu. and Start Menu Properties dialog box.
3. Click OK to save your changes.
2. Click the Start Menu tab, then click to open the Customize Start
Configuring the Notification Area Menu dialog box.

You can customize the Taskbar’s Notification area to only display icons for To add or remove items from the right pane of the Start menu: in the
programs and system features you use often. Click in the Taskbar Notification Customize Start Menu dialog box, click the appropriate radio buttons to
area to display hidden icons. determine which items (e.g. Computer, Documents, Pictures) will be displayed.
To choose which icons or notifications are displayed: click and choose You can choose to display items as a link, as a menu, or not at all.
Customize. In the window that opens, use the drop-down menus in the
Behaviors section to choose which programs can show an icon and/or display Note: For simple items, check the box beside the option to enable it in the
messages in the Notification area. Click OK to save your changes. Start menu, or uncheck the box to disable it.
To turn system icons on or off: right-click and choose Properties. In the
window that opens, use the drop-down menus in the Behaviors section to turn To display the Recent Items menu at the top of the Start menu: locate and
the desired System Icon (e.g. Clock, Volume) on or off. Click OK to save your
changes. check the Recent Items box .

Using the Action Center To choose how many recently opened programs will display in the Start
menu: near the bottom of the Customize Start Menu dialog box, type a number
Security and maintenance notifications are now stored and displayed in the
Action Center, which you can access by clicking in the Taskbar Notification in the Number of recent programs to display field.
area.
3. Click OK to save your changes.

To prevent recently opened programs from displaying in the Start menu:
right-click the Start button and choose Properties. Under the Start Menu
tab, uncheck the Store and display recently opened programs in the Start
menu box . Click OK.

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Windows Desktop & Aero 4
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The Windows Desktop Viewing Taskbar Thumbnails

The Windows desktop features the Recycle Bin , which stores recently Taskbar thumbnails show you the contents of the windows you have
deleted files and folders. You can add additional shortcuts to the desktop and minimized on the Taskbar. You can quickly preview the contents of windows
use them to start programs or open documents you use often. without actually opening them and bringing them to the foreground. Taskbar
thumbnails are also live, which means they display video and other real-time
To add a program, file, or folder shortcut to the desktop: right-click an empty changes.
Note: Your computer must meet Aero desktop specifications to display Taskbar
space on the desktop, and choose NewShortcut. In the Create Shortcut dialog thumbnails correctly.
box, click . In the Browse for Files or Folders dialog box, navigate to To preview windows using Taskbar thumbnails: place your mouse cursor over
and select the program, file, or folder you want to link to, and click OK. Click an active program button on the Taskbar. The thumbnail appears directly above
the Taskbar. Move your mouse cursor over the thumbnail to view a full-screen
. Type a name for the shortcut, and then click . preview of the window, or click on the thumbnail to work with the previewed
program.
Alternatively, right-click any program, file, or folder while browsing your
computer and choose Create Shortcut from the menu. Select the new shortcut Taskbar
and press the F2 key to rename it. Click and drag the shortcut to the desktop. thumbnail

To arrange icons on the desktop: right-click the desktop and choose preview
ViewAuto arrange icons. To arrange the icons yourself, right-click and choose
ViewAuto arrange icons again. Click and drag icons as desired, right-click the Active program button
desktop, and choose ViewAlign icons to grid.
Adding and Customizing Gadgets
The Recycle Bin
Desktop Gadgets are mini-applications that live on your desktop. Gadgets
Deleted items are stored in the Recycle Bin, where they can be restored or can now be placed anywhere on the desktop and, by default, stay in the
permanently removed from your computer. background behind open windows. Windows 7 automatically includes a small
sample of gadgets to choose from (e.g. clock, calendar, currency converter),
To restore deleted files or folders: on the desktop, double-click the Recycle Bin but you can easily download additional gadgets from Microsoft’s website.
icon . In the Recycle Bin window, select the item you want to restore, and To place a gadget on the desktop: right-click the desktop and choose Gadgets
then click . from the menu. In the gadget gallery window, drag and drop the gadget you
want to a desired location on the desktop. Alternatively, double-click the desired
To empty the Recycle Bin: on the desktop, right-click the Recycle Bin icon gadget to add it to a default location on the desktop.
and choose Empty Recycle Bin from the menu. Click Yes. Note: To download additional gadgets from the Microsoft website, click the Get
more gadgets online link at the bottom of the gallery window.
Windows Aero Desktop Features
Close gadget
Computers that meet Windows Aero desktop specifications can use several Change gadget size
handy new desktop tools, such as animated thumbnail previews and Aero Gadget options
Snap. Consult your IT department to find out if your computer is Windows Move gadget
Aero compatible.
Mouse over a gadget to
Resizing and Organizing Windows With Aero Snap & Aero display its toolbar.
Shake
To move a gadget to another location on the desktop: click and drag the
To maximize a window using Aero Snap: drag the title bar to the top of the gadget.
desktop screen until the window’s outline expands to fill the screen. Release the To change a gadget’s options: right-click the gadget and choose Options. Make
mouse button to maximize the window. Drag the title bar away from the top of the desired changes and click OK.
the screen to return the window to its previous state. To change a gadget’s level of transparency on the desktop: right-click the
To minimize all windows except the one you’re working with: click and gadget and choose Opacity from the menu. Select a percentage (e.g. 40%). The
‘shake’ the title bar of the window you’re working with to minimize all other gadget will remain transparent until you move the mouse cursor over it.
windows. Shake the window by rapidly moving your mouse left and right. To resize a gadget: right-click the gadget and choose Size from the menu.
Shake the title bar of the main window again to return other windows to their Select a size. In cases where a size option is available, choosing Large size may
previous state. reveal additional gadget information or content.
To arrange two windows side-by-side using Aero Snap: click to select the first To always keep a gadget on top of open windows: right-click the gadget and
window, and press the Windows key + to expand it to the left. Now click choose Always on top from the menu. Repeat this step to turn off this option.
to select the second window and press +. The two windows should fill the To remove a gadget from the desktop: right-click the gadget and choose Close
two halves of your screen. gadget from the menu.

Using Aero Flip 3D New in Windows 7!

With Windows 7’s Aero Flip 3D, you can preview all windows quickly in a 3D
stack, and then quickly flip through the windows to choose the one you want.

To view windows using Aero Flip:
press CTRL+Windows key +TAB.
Press TAB to cycle through all open
windows, and press ENTER to open the
window you want. You can also click
any window to open it. Press the Escape
key to close Aero Flip 3D at any time.

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Interface & System Settings 5
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Customizing the Windows Interface Changing System Settings

You can change Windows 7 interface display options such as the color scheme, Your system settings control your computer’s font and language support, and
icon size, monitor resolution, desktop background, screen saver, and more. determine how devices such as keyboards and printers work. Settings can be
To start customizing: right-click an empty area on the desktop and choose accessed and changed through the Control Panel.
Personalize from the menu. Make changes as desired by clicking the links in the To access the Control Panel: click the Start button , and then click
Personalize window (shown below).
.
Click to choose
custom desktop Control Panel
search box
icons and
mouse pointers. Hardware and Clock,
Sound category Language,
Theme gallery and Region
Programs category
category

Display options Printers and Other Hardware

Desktop background Screen saver Windows 7 installs most printers and external devices (labeled ‘Plug and Play’)
settings settings automatically.

Window Color and Appearance To connect a printer to my laptop: connect the printer to the correct port on
your laptop, and then switch the printer on to begin the setup process.
To change the Windows color scheme: click Window Color and choose one
of the available colors, or click Show color mixer to make your own. Click or Customizing Mouse Functions
clear the Enable Transparency box as needed. Click Advanced appearance
settings and make changes to individual Windows elements if necessary, or 1. Click Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel, then click Mouse in the
click when done. Devices and Printer section to open the Mouse Properties dialog box. Make
changes as needed:
Note: If your computer is not Windows Aero enabled, you will only see the
Advanced appearance settings screen when you click Window Color. To switch the mouse buttons for left-handed use: check the Switch primary
and secondary buttons box .
Desktop Background
To change the mouse’s double-click speed: click and drag the slider towards
To change the desktop background: click Desktop Background and choose Slow or Fast in the Double-click speed section. Double-click the test folder
an image from the gallery, or use the Picture Location drop-down menu and to try out your new settings.
click to choose a background from another folder. Use the Picture
position options (e.g. Fill, Stretch) to fit the picture on your screen and click To control how quickly the mouse pointer moves: click the
tab. In the Select a pointer speed area, click and drag the slider .
.
2. Click OK to close the Mouse Properties dialog box.

Screen Saver The Keyboard

To choose a screen saver: click Screen Saver. In the Screen Saver Settings To change the keyboard’s repeat speed: type ‘keyboard settings’ into the
dialog box, choose an option from the Screen saver list. Select a number in
the Wait box to specify how soon the screen saver starts after user inactivity. Control Panel search field, and click the Keyboard link that appears. Click
Click to configure the screen saver and to test it. Click and drag the Repeat delay and Repeat rate sliders as needed, and use the
Click here and hold down a key to test repeat rate area to test your settings.
, then click OK. Click OK.

To password protect your screen saver: click Screen Saver and, in the Screen Note: Clear the Control Panel’s search field after use.
Saver Settings dialog box, check the On resume, display logon screen box .
Your Windows logon password will now be required to unlock your computer. Removing Programs
Click , then click OK.
To safely remove a program: in the Control Panel, click Uninstall a program
under the Programs category. In the Programs and Features window, select
the program you want to remove from the list and click . Follow the
Themes uninstall instructions, and then click to return to the Control Panel.

To switch between Windows themes: select a theme from the theme gallery in Important: Do not remove programs by deleting them in Windows Explorer!
the Personalize window. You may accidentally delete important files used by other programs.
To create a custom theme: select an existing theme and use the links in the
Personalize window (e.g. Desktop Background, Sounds, Change Desktop Icons) Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options
to change individual Windows elements. When finished, right-click the new
theme in the My Themes section of the main gallery, and choose Save Theme. To choose date, time, language, and region options for your computer:
click Clock, Language, and Region and then, under the Regional
Display Settings and Language category, click Change location. In the Region and Language
dialog box, choose a region from the Current location list. To make formatting
To increase the size of text and other screen items for better readability: click changes, click the Formats tab, and make changes to date and time formats as
needed. Click Additional Settings and use the Customize Format dialog box to
Display. Select a magnification level and click . You may need to set currency and other options. Click OK twice to close both dialog boxes.
restart Windows for this change to take effect.

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Network Resources & Security 6
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Sharing Network Resources Keeping Your Data Secure

Here’s how to find shared folders, and share your own files on a network. Windows 7 lets you protect your data by locking your workstation, changing
passwords, and encrypting files.
Finding Shared Folders on Your Network
Locking Your Workstation
Open Windows Explorer (See To open Windows Explorer, page 2). Double-click
the Network link at the bottom of the left pane to browse your network(s). Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Lock this computer. To unlock your
workstation, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, type your logon password, and click OK.
To open files and folders shared on a network: once you’ve found the network
computer containing the resources you want to use, double-click the computer Changing Your Windows Password
icon to view the shared folders it contains. Double-click the shared folders
Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Change a password. In the Old
to open, view, and use their contents. password box, type your old password. Type your new password in the New
password box, and retype it in the Confirm password box. Click to apply,
Creating a Shortcut to a Shared Folder then OK.

1. Click to open Windows Explorer. Navigate to the desired Network Encrypting Files or Folders
computer folder (see Finding Shared Folders on Your Network, above).
1. Click to open Windows Explorer, then right-click a folder or file and
2. Right-click a shared folder and choose Create Shortcut. The shortcut choose Properties.
appears on your desktop.

Assigning a Drive Letter to a Shared Network Folder 2. In the Properties dialog box, click . In the Advanced Attributes

You can create a shortcut to any shared network folder by assigning an unused dialog box, check the Encrypt contents to secure data box .
drive letter (e.g. M:) to it. This shortcut appears as an additional drive in the
Computer window, and it can be used just like a local hard drive. 3. Click OK twice to close the Advanced Attributes and Properties dialog boxes.
The selected files can now only be read by the user who encrypted them.

To assign a drive letter to a shared network folder: Note: When encrypting a folder, you will be prompted to apply the encryption
to the folder only, or to the folder, subfolders, and files. Click OK.
1. Locate the shared folder (see Finding Shared Folders on Your Network,
above). Right-click the folder and choose Map Network Drive. Safely Removing External Drives

2. In the Map Network Drive dialog box, choose an unused letter from the When working with external storage devices, such as USB keys and portable
hard drives, remember to protect your data by safely removing these devices in
Drive list and click . A window opens displaying the shared folder. Windows before disconnecting them.

To remove a network drive: click to open Windows Explorer and locate the To safely remove external hardware: in the Taskbar Notification area, click the
network drive (e.g. M:). Right-click the drive and choose Disconnect. Safely Remove Hardware icon . Click Eject <Hardware name>.

Sharing Your Folders with Other Network Users Note: If you don’t see the icon, click to view hidden notification items.

1. Click to open Windows Explorer. Right-click the folder on your hard drive Maximizing System Performance
that you want to make available to other users on your network and choose

Share withSpecific people from the menu.

2. In the File Sharing window, select people from the drop-down list and click Defragmenting Your Hard Drives
.

3. Choose a Permission Level (e.g. Read) for each recipient in the main area. Over time your files can become fragmented, resulting in slow hard drive
performance. To keep drives running efficiently, defragment them often.
4. Click , and then click Done. Shared folders are displayed with a
icon.
Click the Start button , and then choose All ProgramsAccessoriesSystem
To stop sharing a folder: locate the folder in Windows Explorer. Right-click the ToolsDisk Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens.
folder and choose Share withNobody from the menu.
To run Disk Defragmenter immediately: click .
To change the sharing permissions of a shared folder: locate the shared folder
in Windows Explorer. Right-click the folder and choose Share withSpecific Using Disk Cleanup
people from the menu. In the File Sharing window, make changes to the
permission level of recipients as desired, and click Share. Use Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary files from your hard drive(s).

Using the Network and Sharing Center 1. Click the Start button , and then choose All ProgramsAccessories
System ToolsDisk Cleanup.
The Network and Sharing Center provides a visual map of your network as well
as access to associated networking tasks and options. 2. In the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection dialog box, choose a drive from the
To open the Network and drop-down list and click OK. A drive analysis begins.
Sharing Center:
1. Click the Start button 3. When the analysis is complete, check boxes in the Files to delete list
(e.g. Recycle Bin) to select which files to delete, and then click OK.
and choose
from the menu. Compressing a File or Folder
2. In the Computer
window, click 1. Click to open Windows Explorer. Navigate to the folder or file you want
Network and then click to compress, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.

. 2. In the Properties dialog box, click . In the Advanced Attributes
dialog box, check the Compress contents to save disk space box .

3. Click OK twice to close the Advanced Attributes and Properties dialog boxes.

Note: When compressing a folder, you will be prompted to apply the
compression to the folder only, or to the folder, subfolders, and files. Click OK.

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Shortcuts & What’s New? 7
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Shortcuts What’s New in Windows 7?

General Libraries

Undo last action........................................................................................................ CTRL+z Windows 7’s new library system allows you to gather similar files from across
Search for a file or folder................................................................Windows key +F/F3 your computer into a single collection, without actually moving the files out of
Select all items in a document or window..............................................................CTRL+A their original folders. You can add folders to the core list of libraries
Rename the selected item................................................................................................. f2 (e.g. Documents, Music) and access these files easily in the future through
Display properties for the selected item........................................Alt+enter Windows Explorer. See Using Libraries, page 2.
Display the shortcut menu for the selected item............................................. shift+f10
Activate the menu bar in the active program.f10 Improvements to Search
Refresh the active window................................................................................................ f5
Open the shortcut menu for the active window......................... alt+spacebar Searching for items in Windows 7 now returns a far more comprehensive list
Close the active item or program........................................................ alt+f4 of results, with results appearing the moment you begin typing. Searches have
Open the Start menu............................................................. Windows key /CTRL+ESC been expanded to include files displayed in library folders, as well as results
Open the Task Manager....................................................................... CTRL+SHIFT+ESCAPE located on external sources such as websites. See Searching for Files and
Lock your computer or switch users................................................... Windows key +L Folders, page 2.

Desktop and Windows Taskbar Enhancements

Open the Computer window...............................................................Windows key +E One of the most dramatic improvements made to the way programs can be
Preview active programs on the Taskbar............................................Windows key +t viewed and managed from the Taskbar is Taskbar thumbnails. You can now
Toggle between open windows..........................................................alt+tab see full-screen previews of open programs without having to expand their
Activate Windows Flip 3D....................................................CTRL+Windows key +TAB windows. The Notification area has also been
Snap open window to right.............................................................. Windows key + cleaned up, with routine notifications hidden
Snap open window to left................................................................ Windows key + away under the Action Center icon . You
Minimize/maximize open window.............................................Windows key +/ also pin (attach) programs to the Taskbar,
Display the desktop............................................................................. Windows key +D as you could to the Start menu in previous
Minimize all windows.........................................................................Windows key +M versions of Windows. See Viewing Taskbar
Restore minimized windows.................................................. Windows key +SHIFT+M Thumbnails, page 4, and Pinning Program
Toggle between gadgets.................................................................... Windows key +G Icons to the Taskbar, page 3.

Within Dialog Boxes The Windows Aero Desktop

Move forward through tabs.................................................................................ctrl+TAB A number of new features have been added to Windows Aero, such as the
Move backward through tabs................................................................. ctrl+shift+TAB ability to drag and snap windows between full-screen, split-screen, maximized
Move forward through options.......................................................................................TAB and minimized states. You can also ‘shake’ a window header to quickly minimize
Move backward through options....................................................................... shift+TAB all other windows, and cycle through many open windows within a 3D view
Display the items in an active list...................................................................................... f4 using Windows Flip 3D. See Windows Aero Desktop Features, page 4.
Display Help........................................................................................................................ f1
Desktop Gadgets
Within Windows Explorer
Gadgets are small, useful programs and tools such
Display the bottom of the active window.....................................................................end as clocks, RSS feed readers, and calendars that can
Display the top of the active window.........................................................................home be added to your desktop. Gadgets generally reside
Collapse the current selection (if expanded) or select parent folder............................. behind open windows, and you can adjust their
View the previous folder.......................................................................................... aLT+ opacity settings so they only fully appear when
Display the current selection (if collapsed) or select first sub-folder............................. you mouse over them. See Adding and Customizing
View the next folder................................................................................................. aLT+ Gadgets, page 4.

Within Windows Help and Support The Theme Gallery

Display the Help table of contents..............................................................................alt+c Set new Windows sound schemes, screen savers, colors, wallpapers and more
Display the Options menu...............................................................................................f10 from one convenient window, with real-time previews. See Customizing the
Move to the beginning/end of the topic..........................................................home/end Windows Interface, page 5.
Move backward or forward between viewed topics....................................... aLT+/
Display the Help and Support home page........................................................ aLT+HOMe
Search the current topic.............................................................................................ctrl+f

For information on customization, visit our website at www.nlearnseries.com/custom

To order other guides in our series, please contact us by fax at 416-487-3121 or by email at [email protected]

Microsoft® Windows 7: Quick Reference Guide copyright ©2010 Nevada Learning Series USA, Inc. We assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions in this guide. Windows 7 is a registered trademark of Microsoft®.

ISBN: 978-1-55374-958-5 Printed in the USA