Windows 7 Annoyances

Description

Windows 7 may be faster and more stable than Vista, but it's a far cry from problem-free. David A. Karp comes to the rescue with the latest in his popular Windows Annoyances series. This thorough guide gives you the tools you need to fix the troublesome parts of this operating system, plus the solutions, hacks, and timesaving tips to make the most of your PC.

* Streamline Windows Explorer, improve the Search tool, eliminate the Green Ribbon of Death, and tame User Account Control prompts
* Explore powerful Registry tips and tools, and use them to customize every aspect of Windows and solve its shortcomings
* Squeeze more performance from your hardware with solutions for your hard disk, laptop battery, CPU, printers, and more
* Stop crashes, deal with stubborn hardware and drivers, fix video playback issues, and troubleshoot Windows when it won't start
* Protect your stuff with permissions, encryption, and shadow copies
* Secure and speed up your wireless network, fix networking woes, make Bluetooth functional, and improve your Web experience
* Get nearly all of the goodies in 7 Ultimate, no matter which edition you have

"Blunt, honest, and awesome."

 --Aaron Junod, Manager, Integration Systems at Evolution Benefits

"This could be the best [money] you've ever spent."

 --Jon Jacobi, PC World

 "To use Windows is to be annoyed -- and this book is the best way to solve any annoyance you come across. It's the most comprehensive and entertaining guide you can get for turning Windows into an operating system that's a pleasure to use."

 --Preston Gralla, author of Windows Vista in a Nutshell, and Computerworld contributing editor

CONTENTS:

Preface; Why Am I Annoyed?; Of Bugs and Features; How To Use This Book; Conventions Used in This Book; Using Code Examples; Request for Comments; Safari(R) Books Online; Acknowledgments; Chapter 1: Get Started with Windows 7; 1.1 Editions of Windows 7; 1.2 Install Windows 7; 1.3 Migration to Windows 7; Chapter 2: Shell Tweaks; 2.1 Customize Windows Explorer; 2.2 Secrets of Window Management; 2.3 Working with Files and Folders; Chapter 3: The Registry; 3.1 The Registry Editor; 3.2 The Structure of the Registry; 3.3 Registry Tasks and Tools; 3.4 File Type Associations; Chapter 4: Video, Audio, and Media; 4.1 Get Videos to Play; 4.2 The Trouble with Webcams; 4.3 Sound and Music; 4.4 Photos, Pictures, and Images; 4.5 Media Center Hacks; 4.6 Optical Storage Annoyances; Chapter 5: Performance; 5.1 Trim the Fat; 5.2 Make Your Hardware Perform; 5.3 Hard Disk; Chapter 6: Troubleshooting; 6.1 Crashes and Error Messages; 6.2 Dealing with Drivers and Other Tales of Hardware Troubleshooting; 6.3 Preventative Maintenance and Data Recovery; Chapter 7: Networking and Internet; 7.1 Build Your Network; 7.2 Internet Me; 7.3 Secure Your Networked PC; 7.4 Web and Email; Chapter 8: Users and Security; 8.1 Manage User Accounts; 8.2 Permissions and Security; 8.3 Logon and Profile Options; 8.4 Share Files and Printers; Chapter 9: Command Prompt and Automation; 9.1 Command Prompt; 9.2 Windows PowerShell; 9.3 Run Scripts Automatically; BIOS Settings; TCP/IP Ports; Colophon;