Blog posts tagged windows

TOTW: get the Recent Documents option back in Windows 7

If you've been struggling to cope without the Recent Documents folder in Windows 7, this tip of the week explains how to get it back.

The Recent Documents folder appears in your Start menu, giving you an easy way to access the files and documents you've been working on most recently. However, it isn't switched on as standard in Windows 7, which can be confusing if you usually rely on it to find your files.

Here's how to get it back:

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Properties.
2. A dialog box should open. If the Start Menu tab isn't already selected, click it.
3. Click Customise.
4. Scroll down to the Recent Items check box.
5. Click the box so a tick appears in it.
6. Click OK to close the dialog, then click OK again.

That's it - you should now see a Recent option in your Start menu, which you can use to open the documents and files you worked on most recently.

• How to add a start menu to Windows 8
• What to do when you leave your computer unattended
• How to make your network ten times faster

(Image: Flickr user Marcin Wichary.)

TOTW: how to shake away your cluttered desktop

As the new Windows 8 has been getting all the attention lately, for this week's tip of the week we thought we'd explain an often-overlooked feature of Windows 7.

If you've bought your computer in the last few years then you're probably using Windows 7, and many people will be using it for several years to come yet.

The feature in question is Shake, a handy little mouse gesture that lets you clear everything from your desktop except a single window, all with a flick of your mouse.

It's really useful if you're the kind of person who has a cluttered computer desktop and lots of open windows. If you want to concentrate on a task or just tidy up, it's a quick way to do so. Here's how:

1. Click and hold the top of the window you want to keep open.
2. Give your mouse a good shake, while still holding the button
3. Watch in amazement as all your other windows become minimised

To bring your windows back, click and shake again. It really is that easy - check this video to see it in action:

• How to speed up your broadband connection
• The little box that can save you lots of time
• Keep on top of your Outlook inbox

Will you have to upgrade to Windows 8?

If you decide to use it, this is what Windows 8 will look like.

Windows 8. It’s the forthcoming new version of Microsoft’s overwhelmingly dominant operating system. Due for release in the autumn, it looks designed to bridge the differences between tablet and desktop computers. So, will it retain the features you’re used to, and what will it do for businesses?

If your business still uses Windows XP, Microsoft’s decade-old operating system (and still one of the best it’s ever created), you’ll need to pay special attention to Windows 8. That’s because Microsoft will stop offering security updates for Windows XP in April 2014, pretty much forcing you to upgrade to either Windows 7 or 8.

On the one hand, Windows 7 (the current version) is tried and tested. But Windows 8 is likely to last longer overall – and will offer new features that could benefit your business.

For starters, Windows 8 is aiming to be all things to all users. It aims to bridge the current gap between tablet and desktop computers. As an operating system, you’ll be able to run Windows 8 on a desktop computer, a laptop, a netbook, or a tablet.

Since it combines both a desktop and tablet functions, the question is whether they will all integrate and work together seamlessly. I’ve taken a look at a preview version of Windows 8, and these are the biggest changes I’ve seen so far:

• No more ‘Start’ button. Instead, you’ll be relying on the Windows Metro screen (pictured) which contains ‘tiles’ you can swipe and tap to launch applications.
• Your desktop isn’t so central. Instead of being at the heart of Windows, the desktop will be just another app that you can run from the Windows Metro screen.
• It’ll start faster. Finally, Windows 8 should put an end to those long, frustrating waits to get up and running at the start of the day.
• You’ll have some learning to do. The interface of Windows 8 is going to be substantially different to what’s gone before. Expect a steep learning curve.
• It’ll be good for touchscreens. The new interface is designed for touchscreens, so it should be easy to use by swiping, tapping, pinching and zooming the screen.
• It could be distracting. The home screen can contain newsfeeds, tweets, Facebook updates … all the things that you want to close down when you’re trying to focus.

However, one thing you can rely on is that you’ll still be able to use your favourite productivity tools like in-house software, spreadsheets, accounting software, word processors and graphics software. They should all run faster in Windows 8, too.

• Useful Windows keyboard shortcuts
• Mac or PC for business?
• Are tablet computers right for business?

Kelly Smith has worked in the IT support industry in Kent for several years and has seen the constantly changing face of technology first hand and its effects on business. She currently works for Barton Technology.