This guide presents Microsoft Windows 7, a software operating systems and graphical user interface. Windows 7 was released on July 22, 2009. This book covers every practical aspect of using Windows 7 on a PC or laptop and is filled with easy to understand practical tasks that will help readers to achieve immediate results. Helps readers to build confidence and help get the most out of their computer by providing practical hints, tips and shortcuts. It explains and provides practical solutions to the most commonly encountered problems; provides time and effort saving shortcuts; points readers to other related tasks and information; and explains jargon and technical terms in plain English.

Includes index.

How to use this book. This book is like a recipe -- Active learning helps you remember -- Link new knowledge to what you already know -- Mysteries are memorable -- Why 'take a break' before the end of each chapter? -- Learn. Review. Repeat. -- 1. Be more efficient with Windows 7. Make Windows 7 look more familiar -- Work faster with Windows 7's new features -- Access information quickly with gadgets -- Manage multiple windows with Shake, Snap, and Peek -- 2. Where's the e-mail program? Windows Live Mail has to be downloaded? But I'm not online yet! -- Download and install Windows Live Mail -- Get to know Windows Live Mail -- What about spam? -- 3. Is surfing the Web the same as before? Show the Menu Bar -- Set multiple home pages to open automatically in tabs -- Use Web Slices to access information that changes often -- Get faster and better search results -- More information in fewer clicks -- 4. Manage your photos. Do you have Windows Live Photo Gallery? -- Import pictures from a digital device -- Get pictures stored on other PCs -- Get organized -- Edit your pictures -- Share your photos -- 5. Windows Media Player. Access music on other PCs -- New ways to play music -- Sync an MP3 player -- Do Burn, Rip, Visualizations, Pictures, Videos, and Playlists still work the same way? -- 6. Windows Media Player vs Windows Media Center. Get organized -- Media Center -- Configure Media Center's Media Libraries -- So what's new in Media Center? -- Media Player or Media Center, which is better? -- 7. Watch TV on your computer. Is your computer TV-ready? -- Set up a TV tuner -- Improve the picture -- Record some TV! -- What does Media Center offer sports fans? -- Watch Internet TV -- 8. Shortcuts and personalization save time. Copy or move your documents -- Improved and categorized searches -- Taskbar improvements -- Reduce interruptions -- 9. Organize data with Libraries. How do libraries work? -- Create your own libraries -- 10. User accounts secure your computer. Which user account is best? -- Create a user account for another user on your Windows 7 PC -- Can two people share a PC effectively? -- Resolve sharing issues on a network -- Create a Standard user account for yourself and only use the Administrator account in emergencies -- 11. Share data over a mixed network. Share data with everyone on the network with Public Folder Sharing -- Share files and printers, fast -- Share a folder, library, or other area on your hard drive -- 12. Create a Windows 7 HomeGroup. What's a HomeGroup? -- Find out if you have a HomeGroup, and, if not, create or join one -- HomeGroup benefits and personalization -- Network and sharing fixes -- 13. Keep your PC in shape. Stay safe online -- Deal with pop-up messages that state your computer isn't secure, has a virus, or isn't performing to its potential -- Maintain your computer.