There’s a lot more to Windows than most people realize, and there are many ways to make all kinds of tasks much easier. A majority of PC users don’t take advantage of all the features available with the Windows operating system. They learn the basics and never venture further. We’re going to give you some tips in this article that will open your eyes to more of the possibilities you can experience with Windows.
If you learn how to use the Windows taskbar efficiently, it can make your life less complicated. If you need to switch between programs, or open a program, you use the taskbar. Where this can limit you is if you need to run multiple copies of the same program at the same time. This isn’t something you can usually do. When you click on the icon for the program a second time, it will just open the currently running version. If you are in a situation, however, where you need a different instance of a program you are running to open, you can do this by first holding down the SHIFT key and then clicking on the icon of the program. Each time you repeat these steps, a new copy of the running program will open and this is possible to do as many times as are necessary.
Most computer folks search for information on the web by first opening their browser and then doing a search. But Windows 7 has a convenient feature that allows you to conduct searches from your desktop without having to launch a web browser. Using ‘search connectors’ you are able to search sites like YouTube right from your desktop. If you have favorite sites that you do quick searches on from time to time, this feature is very convenient and saves you from having to open your browser first. There are sites online that can show you how to create your own search connectors for sites that don’t already have them for you to download.
Do you have a notebook PC or a laptop? Then you probably wish there was something you could do to extend the length of each charge. Windows 7 allows you to run an Energy Report which gives you information on how to make your battery charge last longer. Just a few clicks will get you this Energy Report. Open the Start Menu and type CMD in the search box at the bottom. When the command prompt appears at the top, right click on it. Then, click on Run As Administrator. The next screen with be a dos screen. When the DOS screen appears, type ‘powercfg -ENERGY (leave off the quotes) at the DOS prompt and hit Enter. This command will ask your PC to generate a report that will tell you how you can save energy and improve the length of your battery’s charge. The report, if appropriate, will also suggest upgrades or drivers that you can change to or add to improve your computer’s efficiency. By following the recommendations in your Energy Report, you can often get longer charge times from your battery.
It only makes sense to benefit by all the many ways you can use Windows. The above are just a few helpful tips that can make Windows run more efficiently. It’s possible for anyone – no matter why they use a computer – to find shortcuts to make their tasks easier. Be open to searching for ways to enhance your computer experience and you will discover the many possibilities available to you.
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