Skip to main content

How to Find Files and Folders on Windows 7

Search Magnifying GlassMy sister recently “lost” an entire folder that was supposed to be on her PC’s desktop.

(The fact that the folder turned out to be on her desktop after all, but had moved — and her desktop was simply too cluttered for her to be able to tell — is another story entirely.)

(We’re also not going to discuss the fact that she’s still running Windows, despite the combined efforts of myself and our Dad to convert her to — or convince her to at least try — Linux.)

Instead, what we’re focusing on here is how we found the folder, and how you can find any files or folders that have up and walked away… or (more likely) got put somewhere and you forget where.

Read More

Get to Know the Windows File Explorer File Manager

File Explorer IconA file manager does pretty much exactly what its name suggests; it allows you to manage files and folders from a graphical interface.

You can create, open, edit, view, play, move, copy, delete, rename, organize and otherwise manipulate files and folders to do your bidding, making use of a file manager.

In fact, you probably already use one every day, if you have any files at all. If not, you’re missing out. (Or maybe you always use the command line?)

Read More

How to Uninstall Programs In Windows 7

cd-in-caseAs time goes by and bigger and better comes along, we have a habit of leaving behind the old… and forgetting about it as we welcome the new.

It’s not that we mean to, but it usually ends up happening, and technology is the best example that I know of.

This phenomenon (which can hardly be called a phenomenon, because it is neither new nor remarkable) is very noticeable in regards to electronic hardware (especially phones).

It is not so noticeable as it pertains to software, and that’s why we’re going to discuss it today.

Read More

How to Determine If You’re Running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows

bitsIn the process of obtaining new Windows software, you’re often confronted with two daunting options: 32-bit and 64-bit.

Ultimately, only one option or the other may actually work on your computer, as the version of Windows itself is either 32-bit or 64-bit.

Determining which Windows version that you have installed is a simple matter.

Determining which Windows version that you can install is another matter entirely.

Read More

How to Customize the Windows 7 Taskbar and Start Menu Properties

CustomizeIt’s driving me nuts.

Don’t get me wrong; I like having my most-often-used programs clearly visible on my Taskbar, where they are always just a single click away from deployment.

It’s the after-deployment part that’s the problem.

It’s the part where the open programs look identical to the closed programs, and multiple instances of the same program get collapsed under one icon, and I can’t tell what’s going on!

It must be stopped.

Thankfully (for the sake of my sanity), the fix is very simple.

Read More

Personalizing Windows 7 (Desktop Photos, Themes, & More)

PersonalizeMaybe you like the default Window 7 desktop background.

It is pretty… For a day or two. After that, I’m ready for a change.

I like to entertain myself by putting puppy photos on my desktop, since I’m not allowed to have a real puppy. (My brother’s dog would object. I still wonder why she has any say in the matter.)

The ability to change the desktop background, window colors, sounds, icons, pointers, screen savers, and more, are all parts of the personalization experience.

Read More

How to Create & Customize a Windows 7 User Account

Generic User Account PeopleOperating systems allow you to create multiple user accounts where files, settings, customizations, and more, are all unique.

I like to think of a user account as a room in my house (the operating system).

Each room has standard furniture (programs), with it’s own cupboards (folders), full of nick-knacks (files), and decorations (settings/customizations).

Some rooms are shared (no password, anyone with access to my computer can enter), and others are private.

I can, for example, lock my door (password protect my account) to keep out nosy siblings.

Multiple user accounts are not only useful in the case of multiple people using the same computer, but also for anyone who wants access to different settings/setups/files/etc. based on the job they are doing at the time.

Read More

Everything You Need to Know About Windows 7 Updates

windowsIt’s important for operating systems to stay up-to-date, and not just because you get access to all the latest and greatest.

With security – and its flaws – so greatly an issue in this day and age, keeping on top of the latest updates, patches and fixes is a must-do rather than a maybe.

With that said, if Windows wants to download 1GB of updates at the exact same time I’m trying to download my emails… we’re gonna have some problems.

Read More

From Windows to (Partly) Linux, or Why I Use Both

operating system iconsWindows and Linux, as two of the most popular operating systems on the market today, are often pitted against one another.

Some people have have very decided opinions on the topic of which is better, but I find myself in the category of ambivalence.

I use both, but it wasn’t always that way. Early on, my experience was limited to Windows, simply because that was what was installed on my PC.

But learning curves, although sometimes difficult, are good exercise for the brain.

Read More