6 Essential Tips to Speed up Windows 7

Without a doubt, Windows 7 is a much better operating system than its predecessors, but that doesn’t mean it is the speediest of them all. Due to the hardware requirement, those who still have their old computer may not get the same performance as good as they had with Windows XP. Even if the computer comes with all the latest hardware installed, there are still many factors that can substantially slow down the performance. In this article, we are going to show you 6 useful ways to improve the speed and performance of your Windows 7.

1. Disable Unnecessary Visual Effects

• Right click on “Computer” in windows start menu and choose “Properties”.
• Click on “Advanced System Settings” at the left pane.
• Under the “Advanced” tab, click on “Settings” under “Performance” category. Select the “Custom:” option.
• Look through the list and uncheck the effects that you have no used for it. (Note: For optimum result, uncheck all the check box except the last four items). Click OK.
• Restart your computer.

You will notice the result immediately.

2.Increase the Boot Speed

With this small tweak, you can 

decrease the boot time of your Windows 7.

• Press Windows Key + R to launch the Run window.
• Type “msconfig” and hit Enter. The System Configuration Window will appear.
• Under the “Boot” tab, find the box (on the right side) labeled with “Time out”. Generally it is set to 30.
• If you are using only one operating system then you can set the value as 0. But if you are using more than one, then set to 3.
• Check “No GUI Boot” option.

• Click the “Advanced Options” button.
• Check the box labeled with “Number of Processor” and select the number of processors in your computer. Most probably it will be 2.

• Now click “OK”.
• Click “Apply” and then “OK”.

Note: The above tricks will work only If you are using multi-core (more than one) processor in your computer.

3: Disable Windows Aero theme

Windows Aero theme is the eye candy in Windows Vista/7. While its performance was greatly improved in Win 7 as compared to Vista, it is still taking up a large amount of memory and squeezes the graphics card to its maximum. If you can live without the eye candy, then it is a great choice to disable it.

• Right click on the desktop and select “Personalize” .
• Chose One of the standard themes from the right hand side. “Windows 7 Basic” is a good choice.

4. Remove unwanted items from startup menu

Some of the applications that you have installed are automatically added tn the startup menu without your knowledge. If you are wondering why your Windows take so long to startup, they are mainly the culprit. The best way to fix this is to remove the unwanted programs and services from the startup menu.

• Press Windows Key + R and type “msconfig” in the run dialogue box.
• Go to the Startup tab. Uncheck the applications that you have no use for. (Make sure you do not remove any system services).

5.Use your USB flash drive as RAM

In Windows 7, there is this awesome and useful feature that allows you to use your USB flash drive as an external RAM.

Before you start, make sure that you are using a freshly formatted USB drive.

• plug in your USB drive. Right click on the USB drive in My Computer window and select Property.
• Under “Ready Boost” tab, check the box “Use this device”.
• Configure the space of your USB flash drive that you want to allocate for system speed.

6. Disable unnecessary system sounds

When it is active, the system sound can take up a lot of system resources and slow down the computer.

• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run window. Type “mmsys.cpl” and hit Enter.
• Go to the Sound tab. Select “No Sounds” from the Sound Schemedropdown box.

Note: You can still keep some of your favorite sounds, but you must disable the Shutdown, Start up, Logoff, Start navigation and Logon sound for the best performance.

If you know of any more ways to speed up Windows 7, do let me know in the comments.

Enable Windows 7's Hidden "God Mode"

As indicated by enthusiasts around the Web, there is a simple way to access a hidden "God Mode" in Windows 7 and Vista. With a name like that, your expectations might be a little high -- and no, Windows is not secretly invincible -- but the trick is awesome nevertheless.

"God Mode" simply provides users with a centralized Control Panel for all of Windows' settings, from changing your desktop background to setting up a VPN or partitioning your hard drive. In all, there are nearly 50 categories and most have several entries.

It's almost comical how simple it is to access it:

1. Create a new folder. Anywhere is fine, I created one on my desktop.
   
   
2. Rename the folder to: God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} *Note: The "God Mode" chunk can be called anything you want.
   
   
3. The default folder icon will change to a Control Panel icon, and you can open it to view all of the settings.

User reports suggest that it may crash Windows Vista 64-bit, so proceed with caution. For what it's worth, I've successfully used the "feature" on Windows 7 Home Premium and Ultimate 64-bit.

As an additional note, having the undocumented feature disclosed all over the Web, Microsoft has decided to be more open about it admitting similar commands have been available even before Vista. They have also revealed other text strings that create similar "God Mode" folders, 

Ultimate List Of Windows 7 Tips and Tricks

Windows 7 has just been released to the general public and there are several tips and tricks flying around on several blogs, just like our earlier ultimate lists where we collect and share some of the best tips and tricks for a product, here are some of the best tips and tricks for Windows 7.

Windows 7 Features Walkthrough

Want to learn what is new in Windows 7? The How-To-Geek has put up a comprehensive screenshot tour, which walks you through the new features in Windows 7. Take a look at what you should expect from Windows 7 beta to learn more.

10 Things You Should Know Before Installing Windows 7

Windows 7 is in beta, and there are bound to be several things which will not work. The Windows 7 center has a list of 10 things you should know before you install Windows 7.

Dual Boot Windows 7 With Windows XP and Vista

Windows 7 is still in beta and it would be a tad bit early to get a brand new PC to just run Windows 7, so it makes more sense for users to stick to a current machine and dual boot Windows 7 with the current operating system. Adam Pash from Lifehacker has put up a nice tutorial using which you can dual boot Windows 7 with Windows XP and Vista.

What are Windows 7 System Requirements?

Windows 7 is not as resource hungry as Windows Vista, and you can run Windows 7 on a really low configuration. Learn more about the Windows 7 System Requirements.

How To Get Genuine Windows 7 Beta Product Key?

If you have downloaded Windows 7 Beta 32-bit or 64-bit, you will not be able to run it unless you use a valid product key, read our earlier guide to know, how you can get a Genuine Windows 7 Beta Product Key.

List of Compatible Anti-Virus for Windows 7

Windows is one of the most exploited operating system and you definitely cannot survive online threats without a good anti-virus and anti-spyware software. The How-To-Geek lists has compiled a list of Anti-virus softwares compatible with Windows 7.

5 Great Features in Windows 7

Martin from Ghacks talks about 5 Great Features you should know about in Windows 7, he promises that those features are not just run of the mill.

Extend Windows 7 Trail From 30 To 120 Days

The Windows 7 product keys are programmed to run for 30 days, however the How-To-Geek has a tutorial that will help you extend Windows 7 trial period from 30 to 120 days.

Shortcut Keys in Windows 7

Shortcut Keys definitely save users a lot of time, and Minty White has come up with a handy list of shortcut keys available in Windows 7, definite time saver.

Hidden Themes In Windows 7

The latest versions of Windows are more about looks, and Windows themes are definitely a craze, however Windows 7 does not allow users to use all the themes out of the box. Nirmal points out a neat trick that will allow you to use all the hidden themes in Windows 7.

How To Remove Send Feedbacklink from Windows 7 Title Bar?

Windows 7 is in beta mode and Microsoft is looking for feedback, fair enough, however many users are irked to see the Send Feedbacklink in the title bar of all the windows, Minty White talks about a registry hack that will allow users to remove the Send Feedbacklink from Windows 7 title bar.

Windows 7 Problem Steps Recorder

Windows 7 comes with a useful tool Problem Steps Recorderthat will allow users to record screen activities just like a regular screen capture program albeit for debugging purpose. The I Started Something blog tells us more about the Problem Steps Recorder and how you can use it.

How To Enable Aero In Windows 7?

We all love eye candy, but with that comes the need of a higher configuration PC. BlogsDNA tells us how to Enable Aero in Windows 7 on a decent configured PC.

How To Set Taskbar Buttons to Show Text Instead of Icons Only?

Windows 7 has a icon only taskbar, however Tech Recipes shows users How to set the Taskbar Buttons to Show Text Instead of Icons-Only.

How To Enable Run Command In Windows 7?

The run command is hidden by default in Windows 7 and blame it on the improvised start menu, however this trick can help you enable and display the run command in Windows 7.

How to Enable Disable Taskbar Thumbnails Preview in Windows 7?

BlogsDNA has another interesting tutorial where they talk about the trick to enable or disable the taskbar thumbnails in Windows 7.

How to Enable – Disable Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 7?

The Quick Launch bar has been disabled by default in Windows 7, BlogsDNA tells us How to Enable – Disable Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 7

How to Show AM / PM Symbols in System Tray Clock in Windows 7?

Windows 7 uses a 24 hour clock to display the time, Tweaking with Vishal shows us change it back to show AM / PM Symbols in System Tray Clock in Windows 7.

Updates

We will use this section to link to new updates on handy Windows 7 tips and Tricks that will help you with using Windows 7

• 10 Handy Windows 7 Tips for Beginners
• How to Optimize Windows 7
• How to Customize Windows 7 your Way

Read more at http://techie-buzz.com/tips-and-tricks/ultimate-list-of-windows-7-tips-and-tricks.html#jHtiWr7Ld9qL6uFb.99

Top Windows 7 Tech Tips And Tricks to Increase your Productivity.

1. How to change Windows 7 Visual Appearance?

This trick is very useful if you would want to readjust the folder and font sizes on your Windows 7. You can increase them from 125 % to 150 % of its normal size to give you a better view of your folders and files.

2. How to find your PC Rating on Windows 7?

Hardwares have a typical life span of 3 - 4 years after which the newer apps either don't support them or run real slow. This tip is extremely useful to find out over all hardware health of your Windows 7 Desktop. I have explained in details what each score signifies and when you can think of upgrading your PC hardware to increase performance.

3. Top 3 Windows 7 Tricks you must know!

This trick includes tips to pin your applications in your Task bar, Simple ways to minimize your running background apps and aligning your running Windows in a manner which would help you see multiple apps at the same time.

4. How to use cool wallpaper feature in Windows 7?

Dis you always wanted to update your wallpapers every day without you having to do so. Now auto change  your wallpapers like screensaver after a predefined time interval. Link your favorite snaps folder to the wallpaper and the trick does the rest.

5. How to use Cool Desktop Gadgets in Windows 7?

Now you can easily add cool gadgets on your Windows 7 desktop which include analog clock, Currency converter, fancy Date, Processor Meter and a lot more.

6. How to quickly change Sound Theme in your Windows 7?

Now Helps you identify a Windows 7 sound theme which would suite your taste and persona. Those sweet tunes are played during you boot your Windows 7, Log in, Log Off, warnings and lot more ..

I am sure these trick would help you use Windows 7 in a more effective and cooler way. Windows 7 has really taken Windows to the next level like XP did it in its own days. Windows 7 is much stable than Vista and gaining unprecidented popularity because of its  reliability.

15 Best Windows 7 Tips and Hacks

You have upgraded to Windows 7, love the new taskbar, and enjoy the power of using the cool Libraries feature.

But now you want more. You want the cool tips and tricks that make Windows 7 fun!

So here are the best ones to help you get the most out of your new OS. In this article, we will focus on the Windows 7 interface to get you started on the road to becoming a Windows 7 Power User. In Part 2, we will be looking at advanced tips for usability, performance, and security.

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Using the mouse, you can drag-”˜n-dock windows to either side of the screen, or drag it to the top to maximize it. These keyboard shortcuts are even faster:

• Win+Left Arrow and Win+Right Arrow dock the window to the left and right side of the screen
• Win+Up Arrow and Win+Down Arrow maximize and restore/minimize
• Win+M minimizes everything
• Alt+Up, Alt+Left Arrow, Alt+Right Arrow navigate to parent folder, or browse Back and Forward through folders in Explorer
• Win+Home minimizes/restores all open windows except the active window
• Alt+Win+# accesses the Jump List of program number ‘#’ on the taskbar

2.Rearrange System Tray Icons

You can rearrange icons on the taskbar as you wish and start new (or switch to running) instances of the first ten taskbar programs using Win+1, Win+2, and so on. The cool thing is you can also rearrange system tray icons. Reorder them on the tray or move them outside or back in the tray. Take control of what you want to always keep an eye on, and from which apps you’ll require notifications.

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3. Access Jump Lists with the Left Mouse Button

Jump Lists usually show up when you right-click on a taskbar icon. However, they can also be accessed by holding the left mouse button and dragging upwards. If you’re using a laptop touchpad or a touch screen, this is convenient because you do not have to click any button to access a context menu.

4. Add Any Folder to Favorites

You can add any library or folder to the Favorites section in Windows Explorer. To add a folder, navigate to it in Explorer, right-click Favorites in the left navigation pane, and selectAdd current location to Favorites. Now you get quick access to your favorite folders in allFile->Save As dialogs!

5. Pin Frequently Used Folders to the Taskbar

Right-click, drag, and pin your favorite folders to Windows Explorer on the taskbar. They will now show up in the Jump List when you right click on Explorer giving you quick access to your favorite folders.

6. Pin Control Panel to the Taskbar

You cannot pin the Control Panel to the taskbar via the Start Menu or by drag and drop. Open the Control Panel and right-click its taskbar icon to pin it to the taskbar. An advantage of this is that Control Panel’s Jump List allows quick access to recently used functions.

7. Create Keyboard Shortcuts for Programs

You can create keyboard shortcuts for any program in Windows 7. Right-click the program icon and select Properties. Select the Shortcut tab, click in Shortcut key, to set the keyboard shortcut for that program.

8. Open Command Prompt in Any Folder

Like the command prompt? Miss the “˜Open Command Window Here’ Windows XP power toy? Press “˜Shift’ when right-clicking on a folder to get that option in the context menu. This also works on the desktop. No power toy required!

9. View Expanded ‘Send To’ Menu

Press Shift when right-clicking on a folder to get an expanded Send To menu.

10. Adjust Screen Text with Clear Type

Use Clear Type Tuner for the best look on your LCD monitor or laptop screen. Run “˜cttune.exe‘ from the Start Menu search box, or go to the Control Panel Display applet, and select Adjust ClearType Text from the left.

11. Get Exact Colors On Your Screen

If you are an artist or you work with colors, use the Calibrate Color option in the Control Panel Display applet or run dccw.exe from the Start Menu search box. You can adjust gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance, ensuring that colors are displayed correctly on your screen.

12. Customize the Power Button

If you restart your computer more often than you shut it down, change the default Shutdownpower button to Restart. Right-click on Start, select Properties, and choose the Power button action that you use the most.

13. Customize Number of Items in Jump Lists & Start Menu

Right-click Start, select Properties, click Customize and choose the number of recent programs to be shown in the Start Menu and the number of items displayed in Jump Listsfrom the Start Menu Size section below.

14. Search Internet from the Start Menu

Enable Internet search from the Start Menu using your default browser. Run GPEDIT.MSCfrom the Start Menu search box to start the Group Policy Editor. In the left pane, go to User Configuration->Administrative Templates->Start Menu and Taskbar. In the right pane, right-click to Edit and Enable Add Search Internet link to Start Menu.

15. Add Videos to Start Menu

Windows 7 does not place a link to your videos on the Start Menu by default. To add a link to your videos on the Start Menu, right-click Start, select Properties, click on Customize. In the Videos section at the bottom, choose Display as a link.

Did you like these tips? Tell us or share your tricks with us in the comments! Don’t forget to watch out for Part 2!