Computer Tech Tips and Computer Tricks

Ever since Windows 7 was officially released back in October of 2009, the question on everyone’s mind has been: Will it be significantly better than its predecessors, Windows XP and Vista? The answer is a resounding yes! Here’s a brief rundown of the top 7 reasons.

1. Automatic Desktop Wallpaper Shuffling: Not everyone is a fan of desktops wallpapers that shuffle, but even some of the critics have been won over by this slick, built-in feature of Windows 7. There are tons of themes to choose from, thus offering something to suit virtually everyone‘s taste. Don’t like the current image? Not to worry. Just right-click on the desktop, and it quickly shifts to the next image.
2. Blu-Ray Support: As you probably realize by now, Blu-Ray won the hi-def DVD war. Although it will no doubt take many years for this format to become mainstream in all households, it is fully supported now in Windows 7. The operating system includes native functionality to read and write Blu-Ray discs.
3. Media Streaming: Not only does Windows 7 include many new codecs to support more file types, but it also allows you to stream media files from within Windows Media Player. You can stream files both from your network and from the Internet.
4. Multiple Instances of the Same Program: Have you ever wished you could easily open two, three, or even four instances of the same program? For instance, maybe you want to check your e-mail in one Internet Explorer window, manage your stock portfolio in a second window, and take over the Second Life world in a third. Well, Windows 7 lets you do just that. Simply hold down the SHIFT key while left-clicking on the first instance of the program in the Windows taskbar, and presto! A second instance is opened.
5. Windows XP Mode: Although most applications run just fine on Windows 7, there are a few that aren’t compatible yet. Microsoft seems to have anticipated this delay, so they’ve included a handy little feature called Windows XP mode. This feature allows you to run a fully functional version of XP from within Windows 7. It operates by means of a tool called Virtual PC.
6. DirectAccess: Experts are saying that DirectAccess may be one of the more compelling reasons that businesses will consider upgrading to Windows 7. This feature gives you a bi-directional link among your internal network and traveling machines, such as laptops, as long as they are connected to the Internet. Such direct connection allows users to access the network remotely, and gives IT personnel the ability to manage the remote machine as if it were running on the internal network. DirectAccess may thus provide a free alternative to expensive and complicated VPN systems. To make use of this feature, your network must be running Windows Server 2008 R2.
7. Faster Boot Time: While this point may not seem as glamorous as some of the other features, the fact is that Windows 7 may boot a stunning 20% faster than Vista! In one published test, the Windows 7 login prompt appeared 27 seconds after booting up, as compared to the 34 seconds it took Vista to load the same screen. While that difference may seem relatively negligible, in today’s fast-paced business world, decisions are made and customers are won or lost in a matter of seconds. Besides, an operating system that boots quickly shows that it is well-designed and cleanly written.

Would you like to learn more about these and other features of Windows 7? Check out the official site. Perhaps after a closer look you’ll decide that an upgrade is worth your while.

James is a writer and analyst who works for an online specialist in ink cartridges where he writes about everything from the HP 300XL ink cartridge to design and art on their blog.

The latest Ubuntu release, 10.04 Lucid Lynx, has been available for free Download since the end of April. It allows folks new to Linux to comfortably transition to the free operating system. These apps are must have ones that cater to both the new folks on Ubuntu and the veterans on Fedora and other variants.

1. AllTray: This application offers a system tray, supporting other apps that come with a minimizing feature. Unlike most others, you can drag and drop applications that do not onto the tray, so that you can easily click the tray to access them.
2. amaroK:This is a music player built specifically for folks who use Linux, making it a must have for all of its users. This app comes with automatic cover art and the ability to drag and drop songs to a playlist.
3. Beagle: This app quietly indexes the files you create and modify them, which is especially useful for people who need to search among their many files. For example, it’s helpful if you have a large music library.
4. Beryl 0.2.1: This gives new Linux users the familiar feel of the Vista interface, effectively mimicking the Windows OS. While you will still be running Linux, it will simply be themed like Vista.
5. CheckGmail 1.11: If you migrated from the world of Windows to Linux, you will undoubtedly notice that you no longer are able to access your Gmail notifier, which only works on Windows. However, this application fills in the void.
6. Cinlerra: This application has been cited as being a movie studio in a box, and for good reason; it allows users to essentially create their own movie and edit it once they are done. Capture your movie, composite it, and edit both the video and the audio to top quality.
7. Deluge 0.5.0: This is a client that allows you to easily Download BitTorrent files without a problem. Share your own files with friends and save the money of those who use their resources on their web hosting and hardware. Even if you have not toyed with a BitTorrent client in a long time, this is a great place to get back into the groove.
8. Flash: It is difficult for very many people to survive the Internet without the magic known as Flash. Luckily, Flash is available for all Linux users.
9. GIMP: Rather than dish out the down payment on the fortune that is Photoshop, there is a free alternative: the GNU Image Manipulation Program, or GIMP. This application allows you to author images, composite images and otherwise manipulate the images in ways that Photoshop could only dream of doing.
10. GnomeBaker:This application is the way Linux users make do when they want to burn their DVDs and CDs. It is an easy to use tool and is perhaps the most popular of all of other alternatives available in the Linux library, and for good reason. It is difficult to go wrong with GnomeBaker.

These are just ten of the literally hundreds of different free applications available in the Linux library, and they are ten of the best.

This post was written by James Adams, a tech writer and commentator based in the UK who works for an online store supplying ink cartridges and franking machine ink for businesses in the UK.