Windows 7: How to Navigate the Desktop
October 27, 2009 | In: Computers
If you’ve been a computer user who has had the experience of using XP or Vista, then navigating the Windows 7 Desktop shouldn’t even be a hard transition for you. The desktop, is composed mostly of the same items that you’re accustomed to in Windows though it gets a makeover that makes it somehow distinct compared to the other versions.
As a GUI, it’s still filled with icons that you can manipulate with your mouse. Here’s a diagram showing you the basic parts of the desktop:
For XP users, what would be strikingly new to you would be the Search bar inside the Start Menu. Basically, anything you type in the field will get searched giving priority to Windows apps and program files, and indexed documents next. This truly benefits the keyboard ninja since all you have to do to get to your apps and docs would be to hit your Windows key and start typing.
Say, launching Notepad, for example, all you have to do is hit the Windows key (it autofocuses on the Start Search field and start typing “notepad”). The menu will automatically show you the Notepad icon. As we keyboard ninjas swear, keyboarding is quicker than mouse clicks.
Another feature for XP users would be the Desktop Gadgets. These were initially available in Vista as well as part of the Windows Sidebar. These basically mimic the Mac OS X’s Dashboard widgets – small applications that are designed to give you quick access to common functions. These gadgets include (for download) stuff like a Twitter gadget, calendars, and Google gadgets.
Perhaps what would strike both XP and Vista users is how the folder that used to be named after your user name is now dubbed “Libraries.” Same old folder that houses your documents and media folders just with a fancier name.
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