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HT February 21, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Helpful Windows tutorials, tips, and tricks

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Here’s a compilation of all our tutorials, tips and tricks related to Windows.


Whether you’re at your wits end trying to troubleshoot a problem or you’re simply looking for some great Windows 7 tips, here’s a list of all our Windows-related articles. I’ll update this post as we publish new content, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often! Also, if there’s a Windows tutorial you’d like us to create, be sure to leave a comment to let us know!

Windows 7 tutorials

How to create a password reset disk in Windows 7

It’s quick and easy to create a password reset disk in Windows 7 and can save you a lot of time and frustration – and lost data! – caused by a forgotten password. Here’s a tutorial that shows you how.

How do I get Windows to stop asking me all those questions?

If you’re reading this then you’re probably a Windows user – and are getting tired of your computer asking to confirm this or that every time you want to perform an action. Here are a few tips to stopping this.

Seven handy Windows 7 productivity tips

Get more out of your computer time with these assorted Windows tips, tricks and shortcuts.

5 Tips and Tricks for Windows 7

As Windows 7 is still fairly new, some of you may not have yet discovered all of its capabilities. Here are a few cool features of Windows 7.

5 beginner’s tips for Windows 7 Library feature

One of my favourite things about Windows 7 is the library feature, which allows me to better organize and access content. Here are a few tips on how to best utilize a Windows 7 library.

How to tell (immediately) when you’ve hit the CAPS LOCK key!

Stop me if this sounds familiar: You’re typing away in a document or email, and then you suddenly realize you’ve been typing in ALL CAPS FOR THE PAST THREE SENTENCES (and the person you’re writing to will think you’re YELLING AT THEM). Here’s a simple fix for Windows users.

Stop yelling at people through email!

Stop me if this sounds familiar: you’re writing a lengthy email while looking at the keys, but when you look up at the screen you realize you just typed three sentences IN ALL UPPER CASE LETTERS BY ACCIDENT. Great, now you’re screaming at the person you’re writing to.

Change the boring Windows 7 logon screen

Customize the Windows 7 logon screen in a few short clicks.

45 shortcuts to master for Windows 7

Want to be more productive while using Windows 7? While some of these might be old hat as they worked with past Windows operating systems, you might discover a new one or two among the 45 shortcuts listed here. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have a quick refresher, no?

How to make a holiday photo video with Windows Live Movie Maker

Before the memories of the holidays fade just as quickly as the smell of food from the kitchen, there’s a way to create an entertaining video showing photos set to music.

How to (easily) open pinned apps in Windows

From the mailbag: “I like being able to ‘pin’ my favourite programs to the taskbar, but I heard there’s an easier way to launch them?”

How to create a supercharged Control Panel in Windows 7 and Vista 

Ever wished that you could see all the settings that can be changed via the Windows Control Panel displayed in a single alphabetical list? Well, here’s how you can do just that.

Remote assistance in four clicks

Screen sharing & technical support is a snap in Windows 7 with Remote Assistance.

How to add Internet search to your Start menu

Windows 7 owners can try out this neat little trick to searching online — from any program they’re in. Simply follow these instructions to add Internet search functionality to the Start menu.

Do you need to create a Windows user account?

From the mailbag: “I just installed Windows 7, and it’s prompting me to create a user account. Do I need to make one?”

How (and why) to create a ‘system repair’ disk in Windows 7

You might remember creating a System Repair (or Restore) disk in Windows XP — perhaps on a floppy! — which let you boot up to your operating system in case of any issues. While you’re less likely to have problems with Windows 7, here’s how to create a system repair disk in Windows 7.

Windows 7 tutorial: How to enable tab preview in Google Chrome

Hovering over your web browser’s thumbnail in Windows 7 will show you a preview of the tabs you have open … unless you use Google Chrome. Here’s an easy tutorial on how to make tab previews work in Chrome.

How to easily close web browser tabs

If you’re like me, you like to surf the web with multiple browser windows open at any one time. But in order to close the ones you’re done with, you must hunt for the teeny “X” in the corner of the tab, right? Nope, not with this little-known trick!

Having an issue with your PC? Try ‘Problem Steps Recorder’

Ever had a problem with your computer? Of course you have. Instead of trying to explain the issue you’re having to that tech friend or family member you have on speed dial (that would be me, in my world), try out this feature built into Windows 7.

How to disable Windows’ ‘User Account Control,’ and reminders

It’s one of the most aggravating features built into Windows Vista: User Account Control (UAC) is when you’re asked repeatedly if you’re sure you have the administrative privileges to perform an action. Here’s how to turn off UAC — and those pesky reminders, too.

Windows 7 calculator is better than you think

Glance at the Windows 7 calculator and you may think that it’s much the same as the calculator in earlier versions of Windows. But you’d be wrong. Look under the hood and you’ll find that Microsoft have made the calculator much more useful.

Windows 8 features and news

Poll: Will you upgrade to Windows 8?

What will you do when Windows 8 is released? Take the poll to let us know!

Eight cool features in Windows 8

Wondering why you should be looking forward to Microsoft’s next operating system? We’ve got 8 reasons why you’ll love Windows 8.

Microsoft demos Windows 8, the next generation of computing [Recap]

Looking to merge desktop and mobile computing, Microsoft has given developers an early taste of Windows 8.

How will Windows 8 change computing?

Microsoft gave a preview of Windows 8 at the D:9 conference, sparking interest in its new touch and desktop mix, and questions about how well it works.

What you need to know about Windows 8 so far

Windows 7 might be the fastest-selling operating system in history — and Microsoft’s best effort to date — but the company has big plans for Windows 8. And thanks an early build leaking out, we’ve already been able to take a look at some of the new features in Windows 8.

How Windows 8 will help disaster-proof your PC

Windows 8 is making one seriously geeky disaster preparedness feature a whole lot more accessible for the average user. Get ready to mirror your hard drives, folks!

Windows 8 Consumer Preview ditches the Start button

If the Start button falls off the Windows 8 taskbar, does it make a sound?

Your first Windows 8 laptop might have a Kinect sensor

Who needs a trackpad? With a built in Kinect sensor, you’ll be able to wave and shout commands and your laptop instead.

A closer look at the Windows Store

Hassle-free app searches, downloads, and updates are coming to Windows 8 via the Windows Store. Here’s an early look at how it will work.

External resources to help make Windows more enjoyable

Learn to use your Windows computer with It Clicks!

Learn to use your Windows 7 computer, Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer with interactive video tutorials from It Clicks! BONUS: Coupon for Sync readers!

Free Windows programs for PC spring cleaning

Your computer has endured another long Canadian winter, and now it’s time to clean out the cobwebs! These free Windows programs will help you get the job done.

“Blink” at Your Windows Computer to Login

Use a webcam & Blink facial recognition software to log into your computer.

How to recover deleted files from your computer

Have you ever deleted files or folders from your computer and cleared out the Recycle Bin — only to realize you needed something you removed? Well, in most cases, there is a way to recover files deleted from the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).

OnTopReplica keeps a window always in view with live, Aero-style look

Windows users typically love the live thumbnail preview that they get when hovering over a window. Wouldn’t it be great to always have that feature stay on top?

Tired of your Start button?

Customize practically everything in Windows for a more personalized computer.






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