So, you have finally decided to cave in to the pressure from all your friends and the positive reviews of the Windows 7 operating system. You're going to get it for yourself. Windows 7 offers many advantages to its users in terms of flexibility, ease of use, and simplicity. Now that you have it, you will want to know how to maximize its use and all the features it provides. In this two-part series, we will discuss several tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your newly-installed Windows 7 operating system.
Windows 7 offers users a quick way to customize their power button. Depending on your usage patterns, you may want the power button to completely shut down your computer every time you press it, or put the computer into other modes while resting. To set your power button's function to best suit your needs, simply right click on the Start button in the lower left hand corner of the screen. Select Properties, and select whatever Power Button Action is right for you, whether it be Logoff, Hibernate, Shut Down, or other options. Click Apply, and the next time you hit your power button, the computer will perform whatever action you chose.
Increase the color accuracy of your display
Nobody likes inaccuracy. This is especially true when it comes to graphics. If you work in graphic design, photography, or just want to get the most accurate picture possible on your display, you can do so via the Calibrate Color option. According to your monitor's capabilities, Windows 7 will help you with calibrating different settings to ensure that you get the best picture.
To access the Calibrate Color option, either go into the Start menu or enter dccw.exe into the search box to run it. You can also go into the Control Panel, select Appearance and Personalization, and then Display. Finally, on the left hand side, click on Calibrate Color. Once there you will be given options to calibrate different settings such as basic color, gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance.
Optimize your text for your display
Depending on what type of display you are using, you want to make sure that your text is as clear as possible. To access the ClearType text function, go to Control Panel -> Appearance and Personalization -> Display, and select Adjust ClearType Text from the left hand side. Once there, you will be shown a series of screens with examples of text and be told to select which is the clearest. When you are done, your screen will be adjusted to give you the clearest text available.
You can make life much easier for yourself if you learn the various keyboard shortcuts on Windows 7.
Windows key + Home = minimize or restore all windows/programs other than your active window.
Windows key + Up arrow = maximize a window.
Windows key + Down arrow = minimize or restore a window.
Windows key + M = minimize all windows.
Windows key + Left arrow = dock window to the left hand side of the screen.
Windows key + Right arrow = dock window to the right hand side of the screen.
Alt + Up arrow = used in Windows Explorer to go to the parent folder.
Alt + Left or Right arrow = used in Windows Explorer to go Back or Forward through folders.
Alt + Windows key + corresponding number of program on the taskbar = shortcut to access a specific program's Jump List that sits on the taskbar.
Make your own keyboard shortcuts
Not only does Windows 7 have keyboard shortcuts like the ones listed above, but you can also create your own. To do this, simply right click on the program's icon that you want to create a shortcut for and select Properties. Look for the Shortcut tab at the top, and then look for the Shortcut Key slot. Enter whatever key you want as the shortcut, click Apply, and you now have a customized keyboard shortcut for that program.
Stay tuned for part 2, where we will discuss even more great tips for Windows 7.
Windows Security 
Microsoft Patch Update for July
