Introducing Today’s Windows 7 Master

From lists to shortcuts, here are a few of our tricks to help you become a Windows 7 master.

The Windows 7 operating system (OS) answered the prayers of those who love streamlined systems for efficient output. (And who wouldn’t love that, after all?)

Many tech-savvy users have already begun taking advantage of all Windows 7 has to offer. If this doesn’t sound like you, here are some ways to become a true Windows 7 master.

Optimize Your Jump Lists

Jump Lists are Windows 7’s way of giving you instant access to recently opened files and programs. You’ll find Jump Lists in the taskbar, on the Start menu and by right-clicking program icons.

• Pin favorite files and programs to Jump Lists so you can access and manage them with a click or keyboard shortcut. To pin a program, go to Start, right-click the program icon and then click Pin to Start Menu or Pin to Taskbar.
• Interact with applications in your taskbar with the Win key plus numbers 1–9. For example, Win+3 will launch whichever program appears in the third position of the taskbar.
• Do you love Jump Lists? Expand the number of items displayed on yours by clicking Start, Properties and then Customize.

Find the Shortest Shortcuts

Have you learned every keyboard shortcut — and created some of your own? Windows 7 shortcuts are especially useful when you’re working with a number of programs or documents at once.

• Use the Win+Arrow buttons to move a window around your screen, and Win+M to minimize.
• Navigate folders with Alt+Arrow.
• Access your Jump List with Alt+Win+#.
• Once you have the hang of these, use the Shortcuts tab in Program Properties to create your own keyboard shortcuts for the programs you use most.

See More Clearly

Windows 7 not only lets you build a hyper personalized, streamlined desktop, but also improves your visual experience with clear text and true colors. These tweaks make the biggest impact on flat-screen monitors.

• Sharpen text using the ClearType Text Tuner. Locate ClearType in the Control Panel, and the tuner will walk you through a few quick steps to find the display option that suits you best.

• If you’re a designer or you work with colors, use Calibrate Color in the Control Panel under Display to adjust brightness, contrast, balance and more on your screen.

If you’re already a Windows 7 master, congratulations! But if you’re not quite there yet, just imagine the boost in productivity — and fun — you’ll have once you optimize your personal Windows 7 experience.