Internet Explorer is a web browser that you use to search the web. You can start Internet Explorer using the Start menu or the button on the taskbar. Internet Explorer 8 starts and loads pages faster than previous versions (New!). After you start Internet Explorer, you might need to establish a connection to the Internet by selecting a dial-up service and entering a user name and password. If you have problems running Internet Explorer—sudden crash—due to add-on programs, only that tab is affected while the other tabs remain stable (New!). The affected tab is automatically reloaded (New!). You can start Internet Explorer with no add-ons, and then turn off individual add-ons to determine the problem. The elements of the Internet Explorer window allow you to view, print, and search for information on the Internet.
Start Internet Explorer
1. Click the Internet Explorer button, on the taskbar.
• To start Internet Explorer without Add-ons, click the Start button, point to All Programs, click System Tools, and then click Internet Explorer (Non Add-ons).
2. If necessary, click Connect to dial your ISP. You might need to type your user name and password before Internet Explorer will connect to the Internet. The Internet Explorer window opens.
You can work offline. If connection time is an issue, you can download and display a web page and then work offline to read it. Click the Tools button, and then click Work Offline. Internet Explorer stays in offline mode until you clear the check mark.
You can turn off the alert asking to make Internet Explorer the default. In Internet Options, click the Programs tab, clear the Tell Me If Internet Explorer Is Not The Default Web Browser check box, and then click OK.
Browsing with Protected Mode
Internet Explorer includes protected mode, which makes it difficult for hackers using a web site to install malicious software on your computer, yet makes it easy for you to install wanted software using the Standard user account (with security enabled) instead of the Administrator user account (with security disabled). Protected mode is turned on by default. When a web page tries to install unwanted software, a warning message appears on the Status bar. If you need to disable or enable it, click the Tools button, click Internet Options, click the Security tab, clear or select the Enable Protected Mode (requires restarting Internet Explorer) check box, and then click OK.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Using the Windows 7 Ease of Access Center
The Ease of Access Center allows you to check the status of and start or stop the Magnifier, Narrator, and On-Screen Keyboard accessibility programs. Magnifier (New!) is a utility that enlarges the full screen (Aero), the mouse area (Aero), or an area of the screen. Narrator is a text-to-speech utility that gives users who are blind or have impaired vision access to the computer. On-Screen Keyboard is a utility that displays a keyboard on the screen where users with mobility impairments can type using a mouse, joystick, or other pointing device. If you have administrator access to your computer, you can specify how the accessibility programs start when you log on, lock the desktop, or start the Ease of Access Center.
Use the Ease of Access Center
1. Press [window]+U to start the Ease of Access Center.
TIMESAVER The Windows key [window] is located in the lower-left corner of the keyboard.
• You can also start the Ease of Access Center in the Control Panel. Double-click the Ease of Access icon in Classic view.
2. To get recommendations on what to use, click Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use, and then follow the instructions.
3. To provide quick access to common tools, select the Always read this section aloud and Always scan this section check boxes.
4. Click the utility program or the settings you want to manage.
5. Select or clear the check boxes you want to specify how you want the selected program to start or a setting to be applied.
6. Click Save or exit the window.
7. When you’re done with the Ease of Access Center, click the Close button.
Use the Magnifier
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click Ease of Access, and then click Magnifier.
2. Click the Views button (New!), and then select a view: Full screen (Aero), Lens (Aero), or Docked.
3. Click the Options button.
4. Drag the Zooming slider to adjust the view level.
5. Select or clear the Turn on color inversion check box.
6. Select or clear the check boxes with the tracking options to follow the mouse cursor, keyboard focus, or text editing (non Aero), or drag a slider to change the magnifier lens size (Aero) (New!).
7. Click OK to use the Magnifier program. When you’re done, click the Close button to close the program.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard
1. Open the program in which you want to type.
2. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click Ease of Access, and then click On-Screen Keyboard.
3. Position the cursor, if necessary.
4. Type the text you want, or type keyboard commands.
5. When you’re done, click the Close button.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Use the Ease of Access Center
1. Press [window]+U to start the Ease of Access Center.
TIMESAVER The Windows key [window] is located in the lower-left corner of the keyboard.
• You can also start the Ease of Access Center in the Control Panel. Double-click the Ease of Access icon in Classic view.
2. To get recommendations on what to use, click Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use, and then follow the instructions.
3. To provide quick access to common tools, select the Always read this section aloud and Always scan this section check boxes.
4. Click the utility program or the settings you want to manage.
5. Select or clear the check boxes you want to specify how you want the selected program to start or a setting to be applied.
6. Click Save or exit the window.
7. When you’re done with the Ease of Access Center, click the Close button.
Use the Magnifier
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click Ease of Access, and then click Magnifier.
2. Click the Views button (New!), and then select a view: Full screen (Aero), Lens (Aero), or Docked.
3. Click the Options button.
4. Drag the Zooming slider to adjust the view level.
5. Select or clear the Turn on color inversion check box.
6. Select or clear the check boxes with the tracking options to follow the mouse cursor, keyboard focus, or text editing (non Aero), or drag a slider to change the magnifier lens size (Aero) (New!).
7. Click OK to use the Magnifier program. When you’re done, click the Close button to close the program.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard
1. Open the program in which you want to type.
2. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click Ease of Access, and then click On-Screen Keyboard.
3. Position the cursor, if necessary.
4. Type the text you want, or type keyboard commands.
5. When you’re done, click the Close button.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Using Windows 7 Ease of Access Tools
If you have difficulty using a mouse or typing, have slightly impaired vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing, you can adjust the appearance and behavior of Windows 7 to make your computer easier for you to use. The Ease of Access Center helps you configure Windows for your vision, hearing, and mobility needs. You can also answer a few questions about your daily computer use that can help Windows recommend accessibility settings and programs for you. To open the Ease of Access Center, click the Start button on the taskbar, click Control Panel, click Ease of Access and then click Ease of Access Center. To use the Ease of Access questionnaire, click Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use. The Ease of Access Center provides utilities to adjust the way your keyboard, display, and mouse function to suit various vision and motor abilities. Some of the accessibility tools available include Magnifier (New!), On-Screen Keyboard, Narrator, and High Contrast. You can also set accessibility options, such as StickyKeys, FilterKeys, ToggleKeys, Sound-Sentry, ShowSounds, and MouseKeys, that automatically turn off accessibility features, provide warning sounds, and determine when to apply the settings. The accessibility tools in Windows are intended to provide a low level of functionality for those with special needs. If these tools do not meet your daily needs, you might need to purchase a more advanced accessibility program.
Ease of Access Center Tools
Magnifier. Displays a separate window with a magnified portion of the screen; this is designed to make the screen easier to read for users who have impaired vision. In Windows Aero, you can use full-screen and lens modes for added functionality (New!).
On-Screen Keyboard. Displays an on-screen keyboard; this is designed to use the computer without the mouse or keyboard.
Narrator. Use the computer without a display; this is a text-to-speech utility program designed for users who are blind or have impaired vision.
High Contrast. Sets the desktop appearance to high contrast to make the computer easier to see; this is designed to make the screen easier to read for users who have impaired vision.
StickyKeys. Enables simultaneous keystrokes while pressing one key at a time, such as Ctrl+Alt+Del. FilterKeys Adjusts the response of your keyboard; ignores repeated characters or fast key presses.
ToggleKeys. Emits sounds when you press certain locking keys, such as Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock.
SoundSentry. Provides visual warnings for system sounds.
ShowSounds. Instructs programs to provide captions.
MouseKeys. Enables the numeric keypad to perform mouse functions.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Ease of Access Center Tools
Magnifier. Displays a separate window with a magnified portion of the screen; this is designed to make the screen easier to read for users who have impaired vision. In Windows Aero, you can use full-screen and lens modes for added functionality (New!).
On-Screen Keyboard. Displays an on-screen keyboard; this is designed to use the computer without the mouse or keyboard.
Narrator. Use the computer without a display; this is a text-to-speech utility program designed for users who are blind or have impaired vision.
High Contrast. Sets the desktop appearance to high contrast to make the computer easier to see; this is designed to make the screen easier to read for users who have impaired vision.
StickyKeys. Enables simultaneous keystrokes while pressing one key at a time, such as Ctrl+Alt+Del. FilterKeys Adjusts the response of your keyboard; ignores repeated characters or fast key presses.
ToggleKeys. Emits sounds when you press certain locking keys, such as Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock.
SoundSentry. Provides visual warnings for system sounds.
ShowSounds. Instructs programs to provide captions.
MouseKeys. Enables the numeric keypad to perform mouse functions.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Working with Fonts in Windows 7
Everything you type appears in a font, or typeface, a particular design set of letters, numbers, and other characters. The height of characters in a font is measured in points, each point being approximately 1/72 inch, while the width is measured by pitch, which refers to how many characters can fit in an inch. You might have heard common font names, such as Times New Roman, Arial, Courier, or Symbol. Windows comes with a variety of fonts for displaying text and printing documents. Using the Fonts window, you can view these fonts, see a sample of how a font appears when printed, and even install new fonts.
View or Install Fonts
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click the Fonts icon in Small icons or Large icons view. The currently installed fonts on your computer appears in the Fonts window.
2. To install a font, drag the font into the Fonts window in the Control panel (New!).
• You can also right-click the font, and then click Install.
3. To delete a font, select the font, and then click the Delete button on the toolbar.
• To select more than one font, hold down the Ctrl key while you click each font.
4. To show and hide fonts based on language settings, install fonts using a shortcut, or restore default font settings, click Font settings in the left pane (New!).
5. Click the Close button.
What’s the Difference Between the Fonts?
Everything you type appears in a font, a particular typeface design and size for letters, numbers, and other characters. Usually, each typeface, such as Times New Roman, is made available in four variations: normal, bold, italic, and bold italic. There are two basic types of fonts: scalable and bitmapped. A scalable font (also known as outline font) is based on a mathematical equation that creates character outlines to form letters and numbers of any size. The two major scalable fonts are Adobe’s Type 1 PostScript and Apple/Microsoft’s TrueType or OpenType. Scalable fonts are generated in any point size on the fly and require only four variations for each typeface. A bitmapped font consists of a set of dot patterns for each letter and number in a typeface for a specified type size. Bitmapped fonts are created or prepackaged ahead of time and require four variations for each point size used in each typeface. Although a bitmapped font designed for a particular font size will always look the best, scalable fonts eliminate storing hundreds of different sizes of fonts on a disk.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
View or Install Fonts
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click the Fonts icon in Small icons or Large icons view. The currently installed fonts on your computer appears in the Fonts window.
2. To install a font, drag the font into the Fonts window in the Control panel (New!).
• You can also right-click the font, and then click Install.
3. To delete a font, select the font, and then click the Delete button on the toolbar.
• To select more than one font, hold down the Ctrl key while you click each font.
4. To show and hide fonts based on language settings, install fonts using a shortcut, or restore default font settings, click Font settings in the left pane (New!).
5. Click the Close button.
What’s the Difference Between the Fonts?
Everything you type appears in a font, a particular typeface design and size for letters, numbers, and other characters. Usually, each typeface, such as Times New Roman, is made available in four variations: normal, bold, italic, and bold italic. There are two basic types of fonts: scalable and bitmapped. A scalable font (also known as outline font) is based on a mathematical equation that creates character outlines to form letters and numbers of any size. The two major scalable fonts are Adobe’s Type 1 PostScript and Apple/Microsoft’s TrueType or OpenType. Scalable fonts are generated in any point size on the fly and require only four variations for each typeface. A bitmapped font consists of a set of dot patterns for each letter and number in a typeface for a specified type size. Bitmapped fonts are created or prepackaged ahead of time and require four variations for each point size used in each typeface. Although a bitmapped font designed for a particular font size will always look the best, scalable fonts eliminate storing hundreds of different sizes of fonts on a disk.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Changing Text Size on the Screen in Windows 7
If text and other items, such as icons, on the screen are not large enough for you to comfortably view, you can customize the screen to display items larger. Windows 7 allows you to increase the screen scaling option (New!), known as the Dots Per Inch (DPI) scale, which is the number of dots that a device can display or print per linear inch. The greater the number, of dots per inch, the better the resolution. DPI is a standard measurement used to specify screen and printer resolution. The Smaller - 100% option is the default screen scale setting (96 DPI). If you want to make items on the screen larger, select the Medium - 125% or Larger - 150% option. After you change the screen scale option, you need to log off and restart Windows to see the change.
Change the Screen Scaling Options
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Screen resolution.
2. Click the Make text and other items larger or smaller link.
3. Click the Smaller - 100% (default), or Medium - 125%, or Larger - 150% option (New!).
4. To adjust the DPI setting, click Set custom text size in the left pane, specify a scale percentage with a DPI, and then click OK.
5. Click Apply. To see the changes, close all of your programs, and log off Windows.
6. If a message alert appears, click Log off now or Log off later to log off now or later.
What’s ClearType
ClearType is a font technology that improves the display on a computer monitor. ClearType makes on-screen text more clear, smooth, and detailed, which can reduce eye strain. ClearType is turned on by default in Windows. This is useful and most effective when you use LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays) devices, including flat-panel monitors, mobile computers, and smaller hand-held devices. ClearType is optimized for use with some fonts, including Constantia, Cambria, Corbel, Candara, Calibri, and Consolas. To set the ClearType setting, open the Control Panel, click Appearance and Personalization, click Make text and other items larger or smaller link, click Adjust ClearType text in the left pane, select the Turn On ClearType check box, click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Change the Screen Scaling Options
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Screen resolution.
2. Click the Make text and other items larger or smaller link.
3. Click the Smaller - 100% (default), or Medium - 125%, or Larger - 150% option (New!).
4. To adjust the DPI setting, click Set custom text size in the left pane, specify a scale percentage with a DPI, and then click OK.
5. Click Apply. To see the changes, close all of your programs, and log off Windows.
6. If a message alert appears, click Log off now or Log off later to log off now or later.
What’s ClearType
ClearType is a font technology that improves the display on a computer monitor. ClearType makes on-screen text more clear, smooth, and detailed, which can reduce eye strain. ClearType is turned on by default in Windows. This is useful and most effective when you use LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays) devices, including flat-panel monitors, mobile computers, and smaller hand-held devices. ClearType is optimized for use with some fonts, including Constantia, Cambria, Corbel, Candara, Calibri, and Consolas. To set the ClearType setting, open the Control Panel, click Appearance and Personalization, click Make text and other items larger or smaller link, click Adjust ClearType text in the left pane, select the Turn On ClearType check box, click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Customizing the Desktop in Windows 7
The icons on the desktop provide easy access to programs, folders, and system related shortcuts. If your desktop is getting cluttered, you can quickly show or hide the desktop icons. In addition, you can customize the desktop to show or hide the familiar icons: Computer, User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin, or Control Panel. You can also quickly sort, resize, and rearrange desktop icons by right-clicking the desktop, and then using commands on the View and Sort By submenus.
Display or Hide Desktop Icons
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
TIMESAVER To show or hide all desktop icons, right-click the desktop, point to View, and then click Show Desktop Icons.
2. In the left pane, click Change desktop icons.
3. Select or clear the check boxes to show or hide desktop icons.
4. To change the appearance of an icon, select the icon, click Change Icon, select an icon, and then click OK.
5. Click OK.
6. Click the Close button.
You can resize desktop icons. Rightclick the desktop, point to View, and then click Large Icons, Medium Icons, or Small Icons.
You can arrange desktop icons. The Auto Arrange Icons option keeps icons organized so they don’t overlap each other, while the Align Icons To Grid option aligns icons in a window according an invisible grid to keep them organized. Right-click the desktop, point to View, and then click Auto Arrange Icons or Align To Icons Grid.
Customize the Desktop Appearance
• Resize desktop icons. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Large Icons, Medium Icons, or Small Icons.
• Auto arrange icons. The Auto arrange icons option keeps icons organized so they don’t overlap each other. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Auto arrange icons. (the option toggles on and off)
• Align icons to grid. The Align icons to grid option aligns icons in a window according an invisible grid to keep them organized. Rightclick a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Auto arrange icons. (the option toggles on and off)
• Show or hide desktop icons. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Show desktop icons. (the option toggles on and off)
• Show or hide desktop gadgets. (New!) Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Show desktop gadgets. (the option toggles on and off)
• Sort desktop items. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to Sort by, and then select an option.
• Show the next desktop background. (New!) With multiple backgrounds selected, right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Next desktop background.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Display or Hide Desktop Icons
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
TIMESAVER To show or hide all desktop icons, right-click the desktop, point to View, and then click Show Desktop Icons.
2. In the left pane, click Change desktop icons.
3. Select or clear the check boxes to show or hide desktop icons.
4. To change the appearance of an icon, select the icon, click Change Icon, select an icon, and then click OK.
5. Click OK.
6. Click the Close button.
You can resize desktop icons. Rightclick the desktop, point to View, and then click Large Icons, Medium Icons, or Small Icons.
You can arrange desktop icons. The Auto Arrange Icons option keeps icons organized so they don’t overlap each other, while the Align Icons To Grid option aligns icons in a window according an invisible grid to keep them organized. Right-click the desktop, point to View, and then click Auto Arrange Icons or Align To Icons Grid.
Customize the Desktop Appearance
• Resize desktop icons. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Large Icons, Medium Icons, or Small Icons.
• Auto arrange icons. The Auto arrange icons option keeps icons organized so they don’t overlap each other. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Auto arrange icons. (the option toggles on and off)
• Align icons to grid. The Align icons to grid option aligns icons in a window according an invisible grid to keep them organized. Rightclick a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Auto arrange icons. (the option toggles on and off)
• Show or hide desktop icons. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Show desktop icons. (the option toggles on and off)
• Show or hide desktop gadgets. (New!) Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to View, and then click Show desktop gadgets. (the option toggles on and off)
• Sort desktop items. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, point to Sort by, and then select an option.
• Show the next desktop background. (New!) With multiple backgrounds selected, right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Next desktop background.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Changing the Desktop Background in Windows 7
The desktop background, or wallpaper, is a picture that serves as your desktop’s backdrop, the basic surface on which icons and windows appear. You can select one or more background pictures (New!) and change how it looks using the Desktop Background dialog box. If you select more than one picture, you can set a change picture interval in to display them in order or shuffle them (New!). Once you select a background picture, you can display it on the screen five different ways: Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, or Center. Instead of selecting a background picture, which can sometimes make icons on the desktop difficult to see, you can also change the background to a color.
Select a Desktop Background
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Click Desktop Background.
3. Click the Picture location list arrow and select a location, or click Browse, select a picture in the location you want, and then click Open. The default picture locations include:
• Windows Desktop Backgrounds.
• Pictures Library.
• Top Rated Photos.
• Solid Colors.
4. Point to a pictures, and then select the check box next next to it.
5. If you select more than one picture, select a Change picture every interval, the Shuffle check box, or the When using battery power, pause the slide show to save power check box.
6. Select the Picture position button, and then select the option you want: Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, or Center.
7. Click Save changes.
8. Click the Close button.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
Select a Desktop Background
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Click Desktop Background.
3. Click the Picture location list arrow and select a location, or click Browse, select a picture in the location you want, and then click Open. The default picture locations include:
• Windows Desktop Backgrounds.
• Pictures Library.
• Top Rated Photos.
• Solid Colors.
4. Point to a pictures, and then select the check box next next to it.
5. If you select more than one picture, select a Change picture every interval, the Shuffle check box, or the When using battery power, pause the slide show to save power check box.
6. Select the Picture position button, and then select the option you want: Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, or Center.
7. Click Save changes.
8. Click the Close button.
Source of Information : Microsoft Windows 7 on Demand (2009)
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