As we return for part 2 of our introduction to Windows 7 (Part 1 available here) let us take one more quick look at the start menu...
One nice change, though it offers no practical advantages over previous versions of Windows, is a a brighter highlighting of the Start Orb which draws more attention when moused over. It isn't ground breaking, but is a nice touch.
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More important than a bright and shiny button is the change noticed when searches are performed from the Start Menu dialog box. The Start Menu changes so the focus is on the results of the search. The entire Start Menu displays search results, which should be easier to read and allow display of the full text on longer results.
When things go bad
Windows 7 offers some much improved troubleshooting options. We've all experience times when Windows just doesn't want to work. Usually accompanied by a black screen and options including "Start Windows Normally". issues. Windows 7 actually will attempt to diagnose and repair such a problem, which is a pleasant surprise.
A very nice touch. Microsoft has gone much further though and added a new Troubleshooting applet to the control panel. The new applet helps diagnose and provide useful recommendations for common computer problems including; issues with programs, sound, networking, display, and performance among others.
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Pretty neat, huh? Well it gets better! Clicking 'View All' in the upper left displays all Troubleshooting tools and should cover most user problems. Microsoft can update these and hopefully will based upon user feedback.
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I will tell you that the stability of Windows 7 has been wonderful. Many considered Windows 7 ready for release after using the Beta, and I must say that I agree. Hopefully these tools will get little use.
Another new addition to the Control Panel is Devices and Printers, which is commonly referred to as Device Stage. As more manufacturers incorporate the awareness of Windows 7 into their products this will be a great place for users to interact with those devices. A current list of supported devices can be found here.
Device Stage will offer a convenient place to adjust settings, view manuals, update firmware, and perform other device specific functions. Devices that are Windows 7 Aware will display a picture of the device and offer device specific options. This adds to the user friendliness of Windows.
User Account Control
User Account Control (UAC) was added to Windows Vista to improve security by requiring user intervention before changes could be made to key areas, thereby allowing users to operate in a safer limited user account. Definitely a good (though misunderstood) decision, but many lauded the implementation. Microsoft has refined what many called "an overbearing solution" by not prompting for common administrative tasks, thereby reducing the overall number of prompts the average user will see(by default). Further reductions have been accomplished by streamlining processes that generated two prompts.
In addition to the above refinements users can easily adjust UAC to one of 4 levels. The 3rd level is the default and where I would recommend you leave it, unless you have a specific need to change it.
Level 4 - Always notify me when:
- Programs try to install software or make changes to my computer
- I make changes to Windows settings
Level 3 - Default - Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer
- Don't notify me when I make changes to Windows settings
Level 2 - Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)
- Don't notify me when I make changes to Windows settings
Level 1 - Never notify me when:
- Programs try to install software or make changes to my computer
- I make changes to Windows settings
