Sites for Windows 7 resources

here is a list of websites that have some good windows 7 resources, tips and helpful tricks

Windows Learning site - http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/windows.aspx

Seven Forums - http://www.sevenforums.com/

top 20 pcworld tips - http://www.pcworld.com/article/181926/top_20_windows_7_tips.html

And lastly the place for technology stunted people -http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/helpful-hints-for-working-in-windows-7.html

Parental Controls

To turn on Parental Controls for a standard user account

1. Open Parental Controls by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, and then, under User Accounts and Family Safety, clicking Set up parental controls for any user.‌ ‌  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. Click the standard user account that you want to set Parental Controls for. If the standard user account isn't set up yet, click Create a new user account to set up a new account.
3. Under Parental Controls, click On, enforce current settings.
4. Once you've turned on Parental Controls for your child's standard user account, you can adjust the following individual settings that you want to control:
   • Time limits. You can set time limits to control when children are allowed to log on to the computer. Time limits prevent children from logging on during the specified hours. You can set different logon hours for every day of the week. If they're logged on when their allotted time ends, they'll be automatically logged off. For more information, see Control when children can use the computer.
   • Games. You can control access to games, choose an age-rating level, choose the types of content you want to block, and decide whether you want to allow or block unrated or specific games. For more information, see Choose which games children can play.
   • Allow or block specific programs. You can prevent children from running programs that you don't want them to run. For more information, see Prevent children from using specific programs.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     Parental Control gives you control of:
     • Set specific time limits on your children's computer use. You can set time limits to control when children are allowed to log on to the computer. Time limits prevent children from logging on during specified hours. You can set different logon hours for every day of the week. If they're logged on when their allotted time ends, they'll be automatically logged off. For more information, see Control when children can use the computer.
     • Prevent your children from playing games you don't want them to play. Control access to games, choose an age-rating level, choose the types of content you want to block, and decide whether you want to allow or block specific games. For more information, see Choose which games children can play.
     • Keep your children from running specific programs. Prevent children from running programs that you don't want them to run. For more information, see Prevent children from using specific programs.
     
     

Windows Easy transfer

If you're using an administrator account, you can open Windows Easy Transfer:

• Open Windows Easy Transfer by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Easy Transfer, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Easy Transfer.‌  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Note

If you're not using an administrator account, you can't open Windows Easy Transfer.

To open Windows Easy Transfer Reports

You can view your Transfer Reports anytime after your transfer is complete.

1. Click the Start button .
2. In the search box, type Easy Transfer Reports, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Easy Transfer Reports.  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Windows Easy Transfer can't transfer files from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows. If you're transferring from a 64-bit version of Windows Vista to a 32-bit version of Windows 7, you can move your files manually or use Backup and Restore in Windows Vista. For more information, see Back up your files and Restore a backup created on a previous version of Windows on the Windows website. If you're transferring from a 64-bit version of Windows XP, you'll need to move your files manually.

Problem Step Recorder

1. Open Problem Steps Recorder by clicking the Start button , and then typing psr. In the list of results, click psr.
2. Click Start Record. On your computer, go through the steps on your computer to reproduce the problem. You can pause the recording at any time, and then resume it later.
3. Click Stop Record.
4. In the Save As dialog box, type a name for the file, and then click Save (the file is saved with the .zip file name extension).
   To view the record of the steps you recorded, open the .zip file you just saved, and then double-click the file. The document will open in your browser.

Sticky Notes

• Open Sticky Notes by tapping the Start button . In the search box, type Sticky Notes, and then tap Sticky Notes in the list of results.
   
  To create additional notes, click the New Note button.
  
  
  You can also open a new note by pressing Ctrl+N.

Peek

1. Point to the Show desktop button at the end of the taskbar. The open windows fade from view, revealing the desktop.
2. To make the windows reappear, move the pointer away from the Show desktop button.

Ready Boost

1. Plug a flash drive or flash memory card into your computer.
2. In the Autoplay dialog box, under General options, click Speed up my system.
3. In the Properties dialog box, click the ReadyBoost tab, and then do one of the following:
   • To turn ReadyBoost off, click Do not use this device.
   • To use the maximum available space on the flash drive or memory card for ReadyBoost, click Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost. Windows will leave any files already stored on the device, but it'll use the rest to boost your system speed.
   • To use less than the maximum available space on the device for ReadyBoost, click Use this device, and then move the slider to choose the amount of available space on the device you want to use.
4. Click OK.

Allowing Remote Desktop connections from outside your home network

Ever wanted to access your home computer when you're away from home? If you have a home network, you can use Remote Desktop Connection to access your home PCs from outside the network. This can be handy when you're traveling or at work.

Note

The steps described in this topic are designed for advanced users who are comfortable with changing router configurations. To set up Remote Desktop Connections within the same network—a much simpler process—see Allow someone to connect to your computer using Remote Desktop Connection.

There are six steps you'll need to follow to set this up. Each one is explained in detail below.

1. Allow remote connections to the computer you want to access.
2. Make sure Remote Desktop is able to communicate through your firewall.
3. Find the IP address of the computer on your home network that you want to connect to.
4. Open your router's configuration screen and forward TCP port 3389 to the destination computer's IP address.
5. Find your router's public IP address so that Remote Desktop can find it on the Internet.
6. Open Remote Desktop Connection and connect.

Allow remote connections to the computer you want to access

To access one computer from another computer, you first need to allow remote connections on the computer you want to access, which must be running one of the following versions of Windows:

• Windows XP Professional edition
• Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise edition
• Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, or Enterprise edition

On the computer you want to access, follow these steps:

1. Open System by clicking the Start button , right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.
2. In the left pane, click Remote settings.  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Under Remote Desktop, select one of the options to allow connections. For more information about these options, see What types of Remote Desktop connections should I allow?
4. Click Select Users.
5. In the Remote Desktop Users dialog box, click Add.
6. In the Select Users or Groups dialog box, do one or more of the following:
   • To specify the search location, click Locations.
   • To specify the types of objects (user names) that you want to search for, click Object Types.
   • In the Enter the object names to select box, type the user name that you want to search for, and then click Check Names. If the user name isn't found, click Advanced to run an advanced search.
7. When you find the correct name, click OK.
   The name will be displayed in the list of users in the Remote Desktop Users dialog box.
8. Click OK, and then click OK again.

Make sure Remote Desktop is able to communicate through your firewall

If you're using Windows Firewall, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button , click Control Panel, type "firewall" in the search box, and then click Windows Firewall.
2. Click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.
3. Under Allowed programs and features, scroll down to Remote Desktop and make sure its check box is selected.
4. Under Home/Work (Private), make sure the check box next to Remote Desktop is selected.

If you're using a non-Microsoft firewall, refer to the instructions that came with your firewall.

Find the IP address of the computer on your home network

Next, determine the IP address of the destination computer—the one you want to connect to.

1. Click the Start button , click Control Panel, type "network" in the search box, and then click Network and Sharing Center.
2. Next to Connections, click the link for your current network connection (either Wireless Network Connection or Local Area Connection).
3. Click Details.
4. Write down the IP address listed next to IPv4 Address. You'll need this address when you turn on port forwarding.

Forward TCP port 3389 to the destination computer's IP address

To allow remote connections from outside of your home network, you need to set up your router to forward remote access requests to the computer that you want to connect to.

1. On any home network computer that's connected to the Internet, open a web browser and type the internal IP address of your router. This address will usually be 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.2.1. Refer to the instructions that came with your router if you need more information about accessing the router's configuration screen.
2. Type the router administrator user name and password.
3. In the router's configuration screen, look for a place to turn on port forwarding (also called port mapping).
4. Forward TCP port 3389, the default port for Remote Desktop Connection, to the IP address of the home computer you want to access from outside the network.

To access more than one of your home computers from outside the network, you can forward an additional TCP port to each additional computer. For example, you can forward TCP port 3390 to a second computer, TCP port 3391 to a third computer, and so on. Then change the listening port, the port that Remote Desktop listens to for incoming network traffic that matches that port, on each computer to match the number you assigned. When you use Remote Desktop Connection to connect to these computers, type the IP address of the router, followed by a colon and the port number (for example, 208.147.66.254:3390).

Changing the listening port is also helpful as a security measure, since a malicious user might first try port 3389, the default for Remote Desktop Connection. By changing the listening port, the malicious user has to guess which port you've chosen. For information about changing the listening port, see How to change the listening port for Remote Desktop on the Microsoft website.

Find your router's public IP address

While you're still at home and connected to your home network, open a web browser and search for "find IP address" to find a service that will report your router's public IP address. Unfortunately, some computers are given a different IP address each time they connect to the Internet. An Internet service provider (ISP) can use a few IP addresses to serve many customers that way, but it means that your computer's address on the Internet is always changing.

To get around the problem of a frequently changing IP address, try a DNS dynamic update service, which allows you to assign a URL to your router that you can use instead of an IP address. The URL stays the same no matter how often the IP address changes. To find a service, search for "DNS dynamic update" on the Internet.

Open Remote Desktop Connection and connect

Now you're ready to actually make the connection. Follow these steps on a computer outside of your network:

1. Click the Start button , type "remote" in the search box, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Type the router's public IP address in the Computer field (followed by a colon and the new port number, if you've changed the listening port; for example, 208.147.66.254:3390).
3. Log on to the remote computer as you normally do.
   
   
    this information was pasted from
   http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/allow-remote-desktop-connections-from-outside-your-home-network

Windows 7 Shortcuts

All of these commands use the Windows key, which is the little key with the windows flag near your space bar on the left.

WK+P - Opens up monitor control

WK+arrow keys - Moves active window

WK+Tab - Rotates through active windows

WK+L - Logs off active profile

WK - Opens up start menu

WK+E - Opens up my computer

WK+R - Opens up run window

WK+X - Opens up windows mobility centerqw

WK+any number from 1-0  - Opens up programs on your task bar

WK+T - Functions same as 1-0, except it highlights the taskbar program, then hit enter to run or open it

WK+U - Opens up ease of access center

WK+D - Minimizes Your active window

WK+F - Opens window Find

WK+Spacebar - Show desktop

Pipe more

using |more after a command will let you go line by line using enter or page by page by using the space.
for example typing dir |more will show you the first page and by either hitting enter or space you will proceed by line or by page.

Resources for Microsoft OS

CD - Microsoft Windows 7 Configuration Study Guide - Get copy from Ken
DVD - Microsoft Windows 7: Mastering the windows user experience - Get copy from Ken

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/
Google - http://www.google.com/
Technet - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/ms376608
Professor Messer - http://www.professormesser.com/
MCMCSE - http://www.mcmcse.com/

Windows 7 RUN Commands

slui - Windows Activation Wizard.

optionalfeatures - Turn on/off Windows features.

appwiz.cpl - Add/Remove Programs.

bdeadmin.cpl - BDE Administrator.

control /name microsoft.backupandrestorecenter - Windows Backup and Restore

mobsync -  Sync Center.

certmgr.msc - User Certificates.

osk - On-Screen Keyboard.

napclcfg.msc - NAP Client Configuration.

cliconfg - SQL Server Client Network Utility.

control userpasswords - User Accounts.

msconfig - System Configuration.

telephon.cpl - Phone and Modem Connection.

wab  - Contacts.

control userpasswords2 or netplwiz - Control User Accounts.

mmc - Empty Console.

joy.cpl - Game Controllers.

fsmgmt.msc - Shared folders.

sysedit - System Configuration Editor.

regedit - To open Registry Editor.

azman.msc - Authorization Manager.

devmgmt.msc - Device Manager.

taskmgr - Windows Task Manager.

diskmgmt.msc - Disk Management.

compmgmt.msc - Computer Management.

iscsicpl or %SystemRoot%\system32\iscsicpl.exe - iSCSI Initiator.

control printers - Devices and Printers.

msinfo32 - System Information.

cmd - Windows Command Prompt.

lpksetup - Install/uninstall languages.

%SystemRoot%\system32\perfmon.msc /s - Performance Monitor.

cleanmgr - Disk Cleanup.

eventvwr, eventvwr.msc, or %SystemRoot%\system32\eventvwr.msc /s - Event Viewer.

utilman - Ease of Access Center.

control folders - Folder Options.

powercfg.cpl - Power Options.

control international - Region and Language.

control admintools - Administrative Tools

mdsched or %SystemRoot%\system32\MdSched.exe - Windows Memory Diagnostic.

Control - Control Panel.

%SystemRoot%\system32\WF.msc or wf.msc - Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.

taskschd.msc or %SystemRoot%\system32\taskschd.msc /s - Task Scheduler.

control fonts - Windows Fonts.

Type cmd and click OK, then type tasklist and press Enter - System Idle Process.

computerdefaults - Set Program Access and Computer Defaults.

desk.cpl - Screen Resolution.

control color - Window Color and Appearance.

control keyboard - Keyboard Properties.

wscui.cpl - Action Center.

timedate.cpl - Date and Time.

ncpa.cpl - Network Connections.

mmsys.cpl - Sound Properties.

main.cpl or control mouse - Mouse Properties.

sysdm.cpl - System Properties.

syskey - Securing the Windows Account Database.

rstrui - System Restore.

credwiz - Stored User Names and Passwords.

dcomcnfg - Component Services.

%SystemRoot%\system32\odbcad32.exe - ODBC Data Source Administrator.

services.msc - Windows 7 Services.

charmap - Character Map.

tabletpc.cpl - Pen and Touch.

lusrmgr.msc - Local Users and Groups.

dxdiag - DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

collab.cpl - People Near Me.

wmimgmt.msc - Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).

defender - Turn On/Off Windows Defender.

Windows 7 Commands

ASSOC Displays or modifies file extension associations.
ATTRIB Displays or changes file attributes.
BREAK Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking.
BCDBOOT* Used to copy critical files to the system partition and to create a new system BCD store.
BCDEDIT Sets properties in boot database to control boot loading.
CACLS Displays or modifies access control lists (ACLs) of files.
CALL Calls one batch program from another.
CD Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHCP Displays or sets the active code page number.
CHDIR Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHKDSK Checks a disk and displays a status report.
CHKNTFS Displays or modifies the checking of disk at boot time.
CHOICE Batch file command that allows users to select from a set of options.
CIPHER Displays or alters the encryption of directories [files] on NTFS partitions.
CLIP Redirects output of another command to the Windows clipboard.
CLS Clears the screen.
CMD Starts a new instance of the Windows command interpreter.
CMDKEY Creates, lists and deletes stored user names and passwords or credentials.
COLOR Sets the default console foreground and background colors.
COMP Compares the contents of two files or sets of files byte-by-byte
COMPACT Displays or alters the compression of files on NTFS partitions.
CONVERT Converts FAT volumes to NTFS. You cannot convert the current drive.
COPY Copies one or more files to another location.
DATE Displays or sets the date.
DEFRAG Disk defragmenter accessory.
DEL Deletes one or more files.
DIR Displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory.
DISKCOMP Compares the contents of two floppy disks.
DISKCOPY Copies the contents of one floppy disk to another.
DISKPART Displays or configures Disk Partition properties. A separte command interpreter with a sub-set of commands.
DOSKEY Edits command lines, recalls Windows commands, and creates macros.
DRIVERQUERY Displays current device driver status and properties.
ECHO Displays messages, or turns command echoing on or off.
ENDLOCAL Ends localization of environment changes in a batch file.
ERASE Deletes one or more files.
EXIT Quits and closes the command shell.
EXPAND Expands one or more compressed files.
FC Compares two files or sets of files, and displays the differences between them.
FIND Searches for a text string in a file or files.
FINDSTR Searches for strings in files.
FOR Runs a specified command for each item in a set.
FORFILES Selects files in a folder for batch processing.
FORMAT Formats a disk for use with Windows.
FSUTIL Displays or configures the file system properties.
FTYPE Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.
GOTO Directs the Windows command interpreter to a labeled line in a batch program.
GPRESULT Displays Group Policy information for machine or user.
GRAFTABL Enables Windows to display an extended character set in graphics mode.
HELP Provides Help information for Windows commands.
ICACLS Display, modify, backup, or restore ACLs for files and directories
IF Performs conditional processing in batch programs.
IPCONFIG Displays all current TCP/IP network configuration values
LABEL Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.
MD Creates a directory.
MKDIR Creates a directory.
MKLINK Creates Symbolic Links and Hard Links
MODE Configures a system device.
MORE Displays output one screen at a time.
MOVE Moves one or more files from one directory to another directory.
OPENFILES Queries, displays, or disconnects open files or files opened by network users.
PATH Displays or sets a search path for executable files.
PAUSE Suspends processing of a batch file and displays a message.
POPD Restores the previous value of the current directory saved by PUSHD.
PRINT Prints a text file.
PROMPT Changes the Windows command prompt.
PUSHD Saves the current directory then changes it.
RD Removes a directory.
RECOVER Recovers readable information from a bad or defective disk.
REM Designates comments (remarks) in batch files
REN Renames a file or files.
RENAME Renames a file or files.
REPLACE Replaces files.
RMDIR Removes a directory.
ROBOCOPY Advanced utility to copy files and directory trees
SET Displays, sets, or removes environment variables for current session.
SETLOCAL Begins localization of environment changes in a batch file.
SETX Sets environment variables.
SC Displays or configures services (background processes).
SCHTASKS Schedules commands and programs to run on a computer.
SHIFT Shifts the position of replaceable parameters in batch files.
SHUTDOWN Allows proper local or remote shutdown of machine.
SORT Sorts input.
START Starts a separate window to run a specified program or command.
SUBST Associates a path with a drive letter.
SYSTEMINFO Displays machine specific properties and configuration.
TAKEOWN Allows an administrator to take ownership of a file
TASKLIST Displays all currently running tasks including services.
TASKKILL Kill or stop a running process or application.
TIME Displays or sets the system time.
TIMEOUT Pauses the command processor for the specified number of seconds.
TITLE Sets the window title for a CMD.EXE session.
TREE Graphically displays the directory structure of a drive or path.
TYPE Displays the contents of a text file.
VER Displays the Windows version.
VERIFY Tells Windows whether to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk.
VOL Displays a disk volume label and serial number.
VSSADMIN Volume Shadow Copy Service administration tool
WHERE Displays the location of files that match a search pattern.
XCOPY Copies files and directory trees.
WMIC Displays WMI information inside interactive command shell.
*New to Windows 7