Some Windows 7 tips

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Windows 7 Device Experience ****

In Windows 7 we introduced several new features to improve how users discover and use devices that are connected to their PC. These new features are supported by system and platform enhancements that define how device makers present their devices and related applications and services within the Windows user interface.

Devices and Printers Folder

In the Windows 7 Control Panel, there is a new experience known as the Devices and Printers folder through which users can see all the devices that are connected to their PC. The devices represented are the ones the user sees, that are connected via USB, or paired via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless interfaces. As a general rule, internal PC devices or device functions will not be exposed via Devices and Printers. Through a new set of XML schemas supported in Windows 7, device makers can customize how the device is described and presented within this view. Devices and Printers may be easily accessed and discovered by users via the Windows 7 Start menu.

Device Stage™

Device Stage provides a new way for users to interact with their Windows 7 logoed cell phones, cameras, printers, and portable media players. It includes a visual interface that makes it easy for customers to find and use applications and services for their devices in the supported categories. Building on the Devices and Printers XML schema, device makers can easily specify rich branding and customization of the interface including custom tasks and links to services. In addition Device makers can easily update their custom Device Stage experiences by submitting updated XML to the Windows Metadata Information Service hosted by Microsoft.

Here’s how it works: When a user connects a Device Stage device, the Device Stage can be accessed by double clicking the image of the supported device from within the Devices and Printers folder. Portable devices that use Device Stage, will also automatically appear on the taskbar whenever the device is connected. Think of this as a multifunction replacement for AutoPlay. The Device Stage user interface follows the model of any shell view in Windows, and Device Stage devices appear on the taskbar whenever the Device Stage is open. In this way, users can interact with devices in the same manner as they would an application, with access to the enhanced taskbar functionality including Aero peek and jump list features.

Device makers with compatible devices who do not participate in Windows 7 with a custom Device Stage experience, may opt their devices into the new user experience model described above. In this case, there is no partner branding or tasks, but all of the built-in Windows tasks are supported, as well as integration with the Windows 7 taskbar, jump lists, the Devices and Printers folder, and AutoPlay as applicable. This option is available for document devices (Print/Fax/Scan) and portable devices (Digital Camera/Portable Media Player/Mobile Phone). For RC, there are over 5000 supported printers and portable devices that support at least a baseline Device Stage experience.

Based on industry feedback, Device Stage now also supports the “My Computer” as a device class for logoed system, and logoed HID based devices such as keyboards and mice. These device classes will not support a baseline experience. Participation from PC and device makers in these classes is ramping up and we should see some of the experiences emerging as new Windows 7 PC’s are launched

Federated Search & Windows Explorer

Federated Search in RC is even better than before. Search MSW, SharePoint or other locations right from Windows Explorer, where you can see your results with hit highlighting and drag file results straight to your desktop Check out the gallery of Search Connectors. You can even Bing right from Windows 7!

Windows 7 Display and Projection

Windows 7 offers a new and quick way for you to connect to a projector or external display. Next time you want to give a presentation using your laptop, simply plug in the projector cable and then use the Win+P key as shown below to start and stop projection. You can also use the Display Control Panel to connect to a projector or configure multiple monitors.

Instructions on how to use the new Projection UI and Display Control Panel in Windows 7:

1. Hold the Windows key (ÿ) and press P. This will launch the new Projection UI:

2. Tapping the P key or using the left or right arrow keys will allow you to select your desired projection state:

a. Computer Only
My desktop is only shown on my laptop screen.

b. Duplicate
My desktop is mirrored on my laptop screen and the projector.

c. Extend
My desktop extends onto the external screen.

d. Projector Only
My desktop is only shown on the projector.

3. Press enter to confirm your selection. Your computer will adjust the displays according to your selection.

4. You may also launch the new UI by searching for the “Connect to a Projector” task.

Tip keyword searches such as “project” and “connect” will also surface this task.

5. For users who use multiple monitors, be sure to check out the new Display Control Panel which allows you to configure your multi-monitor setup, adjust resolution and change monitor orientation.

Tip You can easily access the Display Control Panel with a right-click on the desktop, then selecting Screen resolution.

6. Click Apply to save your new settings.

Feature Note: Once you have configured your display settings using Display Control Panel, Windows 7 will always remember your settings and re-apply them when the same monitor is connected again.