Software; Getting To Know Windows® 7 - Medion Multimedia PC Operating Instructions Manual

18. Software

This section concerns itself with software. We make a distinction between the operating system, the software (application pro-
gram), Windows activation, BIOS and the security package which is delivered with the device.
18.1. Getting to Know Windows® 7
With Windows® 7, Microsoft is launching the new operating system and successor to Vista®.
Windows® 7 contains a number of innovative functions and technologies, enabling your PC to work quickly and reliably, while
being easy to use.
18.1.1. Windows® 7 - News
Improved Taskbar
The Taskbar at the bottom of the screen enables you to start programs and change between programs which are already run-
ning. Using Windows® 7, you can place any program in the Taskbar, so that it will always open with one single click. You can
also arrange the symbols on the Taskbar simply by clicking on them and dragging them to the desired position. The symbols
are also considerably bigger, so that they are easier to use. Moving the cursor over the symbols will display miniatures of each
file or each window open in the program. Moving the cursor over the miniature displays a full-screen preview of the particular
window. Moving the cursor away from the miniature closes the full-screen preview.
Jump lists
Jump lists offer a practical possibility when opening files which you have recently worked on. To display recently used files,
just right-click the application symbol on the Taskbar. Right-clicking on the Word symbol will display recently used Word do-
cuments. You can also easily place other files in the jump list if you would like to have them readily at hand, in which case they
will always be displayed. This allows you to access documents which you use more frequently, with just a few mouse clicks.
The jump lists from a few programs, such as Windows® Media Player, can be filled in advance with frequently used commands.
Thus, for example, the Windows® Media Player jump list might contain options to play all music or to re-open the latest play
list.
The Internet Explorer jump list displays frequently and most recently visited websites. For certain programs, this enables rapid
access commands which, in the past, could only be retrieved from the program itself, such as the command to create a new e-
mail message.
Improved Desktop
Windows® 7 simplifies working with the windows on the Desktop. This provides you with more intuitive possibilities for ope-
ning and closing, as well as for changing the size and for rearranging.
Windows® 7 makes the performance of everyday tasks even simpler. For example, the Snaps function makes it easier than ever
to compare two open windows. You do not need to adjust the size of the open window for comparison. Simply pull the win-
dow, using the mouse, to one of the edges at the side of the screen, and it will fill half the screen. Snap the window on both si-
des, and it is already easier than ever to compare two windows.
If you would like to display all Desktop mini-applications, simply move the mouse into the lower right hand corner of the
Desktop. This makes all open windows transparent, so that the Desktop and all the mini-applications located on it will be ins-
tantly visible.
Click on the Titlebar of the window, "shake" it, and all open windows will be displayed as symbols on the Taskbar. "Shake" the
window again, and the other windows will be displayed again.
Better device management
Windows® 7 enables you to close, manage and use all devices through the "Devices and Printers" central function.
All devices are displayed in a central position.
With the new Device Stage Technology, Windows® 7 even goes one step further in device management. Device Stage helps
you use all compatible devices connected to your computer. Thanks to Device Stage, now you display the device status in one
single window and carry out often-used commands. You will even find pictures of the devices here, easily enabling you to see
which devices are connected. The manufacturer of the devices can even adapt Device Stage. If the manufacturer of your ca-
mera, for example, prepares an adapted version of Device Stage, you can see the number of photos on the camera and receive
links to useful information when you link the camera to the PC.
Homegroup
With homegroups, a new function of Windows® 7, the linking of home computers is really simple. A home network group is
created automatically, for example, when you link the first PC under Windows® 7 with the home network. The addition of addi-
tional PCs with Windows® 7 to the home network group is quickly accomplished. You can indicate exactly what should be re-
leased on each PC for all other PCs in the home network group. Finally, the shared use of files on the various home PCs, and
on many other devices, is so simple that it is as if all files were located on one single hard drive. This allows you to store digi-
tal photos on the computer in your home office and then enjoy easy access to them from a laptop in any other room in the
house. Similarly, the printer in home office is automatically released for all PCs in the house, as long as they are all in the home
network group.
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