Windows 7 in easy steps

Windows 7 in easy steps is a concise, yet comprehensive, guide to the latest version of Microsoft Windows and the successor to Windows Vista. It cuts out the waffle and gets straight to the point, in the usual In Easy Steps manner.

It covers the six different editions of Windows 7 (Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate) helping you to understand which edition of Windows 7 is right for you, and what upgrade paths are available. It introduces you to the key features of Windows 7, and explores its operations, including starting up, basic control functions, working with applications, managing files and folders, printing
and fonts, networking and home groups, and Internet access.

It reviews the Windows 7 interface, including the new Taskbar and Windows Aero, and discusses system activation and validation, backup, security and Windows Update. It also covers the new Windows Live Essentials such as Messenger, Mail and Photo Gallery, and explains how to incorporate these into your Windows 7 system.

This book will help you quickly become productive with your Windows 7 system, whether you're upgrading from an earlier version of Windows or this is your first experience with Windows.

Harshad Kotecha is one of the directors of In Easy Steps Limited and a successful computer books author and publisher. He is a Computer Science graduate with extensive experience in computing and publishing.

1. Introducing Windows
   • What is Windows?
   • Windows 7
   • Other Windows 7 Editions
   • Windows 7 Features
   • PC Requirements
   • 32-Bit versus 64-Bit
   • Installation Options
   • Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
   • Upgrade Reports
   • Starting Windows 7
   • Network Location
   • Finalize Settings
   • Windows Recovery
   • User Account Control
   • Using Your Mouse
   • Windows Touch
2. Getting Started
   • Select User and Sign On
   • The Desktop
   • The Start Button
   • Getting Started/Welcome
   • Get Windows Live Essentials
   • Windows Live Settings
   • Antivirus Protection
   • Help and Support Center
   • More Support Options
   • Product Activation
   • Add a Printer
   • Print Preview
   • Turn Off Your Computer
   • Switch Users
3. Basic Controls
   • Menus
   • Dialog Boxes
   • Structure of a Window
   • Moving a Window
   • Restoring a Window
   • Resizing a Window
   • Arranging Windows
   • Aero Snaps
   • Switching Windows
   • Windows Flip and Flip 3D
   • Arranging Icons
   • Scrolling
   • Closing a Window
4. Windows Explorer
   • Windows Explorer
   • Computer Folder
   • Exploring Drives
   • Opening Windows Explorer
   • Navigation Pane
   • Libraries
   • Customize the Library
   • Address Bar
   • Customize Layout
   • Folder Contents
   • Changing Views
   • Sorting
   • Filtering
   • Grouping
   • Folder Options
   • Customizing Folders
5. Manage Files and Folders
   • Select Files and Folders
   • Copy or Move Files or Folders
   • File Conflicts
   • Delete Files and Folders
   • The Recycle Bin
   • Create a File or Folder
   • Rename a File or Folder
   • Backtrack File Operations
   • File Properties
   • Open Files
   • Recent Items
   • Search for Files and Folders
   • Compressed Folders
   • Fonts Folder
   • Character Map
6. Working with Programs
   • Start and Close Programs
   • Start Menu Searches
   • Create a Shortcut
   • Pin to Start Menu
   • Pin to Taskbar
   • Taskbar Grouping
   • Startup Folder
   • Minimized (or Maximized)
   • Install and Uninstall
   • Windows Features
   • Program Compatibility
   • Windows Virtual PC
   • Configure XP Mode
   • Command Prompt
   • Task Manager
   • Resource Monitor
7. Internet and Windows
   • Internet Connection
   • Start Internet Explorer
   • Browse the Web
   • Browser Buttons
   • Search the Internet
   • Change Search Provider
   • Bookmark Favorites
   • RSS Feeds
   • History
   • Home Page
   • Tabbed Browsing
   • Zoom
   • Print
8. Email and Messaging
   • Web Mail
   • Enable Pop Mail
   • Start Windows Live Mail
   • Receive Emails
   • Read a Message
   • Reply to a Message
   • Compose a New Message
   • Windows Live Contacts
   • Instant Messaging
   • Newsgroups
   • Block Spam Senders
   • Send a Web Page
9. Networking
   • Network Components
   • Set Up Your Network
   • Internet Connection
   • Discover Networks
   • Network and Sharing Center
   • Join the HomeGroup
   • Sharing a Printer
   • Network Map
   • View Network Components
   • Share Files and Folders
   • Network Troubleshooting
10. Customize Windows
    • Personalize Your Computer
    • Change Color and Sound
    • Screen Saver
    • Get More Themes
    • Windows 7 Basic
    • Desktop Icons
    • Screen Resolution
    • Display Settings
    • Desktop Gadgets
    • User Accounts
    • Configure the Account
    • Password Reset Disk
    • Date and Time Functions
    • Ease of Access Center
    • Mouse Settings
11. Digital Media
    • Upload Pictures
    • Windows Live Photo Gallery
    • Windows Live Movie Maker
    • Windows DVD Maker
    • Windows Media Player
    • Copy Audio CD
    • Play DVD Movies
    • Media Library
    • Online Resources
    • Windows Media Center
12. System and Security
    • System Properties
    • Performance Information
    • Clean Up Your Disk
    • Back Up and Recover Data
    • System Restore
    • Action Center
    • Windows Firewall
    • Malware Protection
    • Windows Update
    • Change Settings