Windows 7 - Must Have Applications

The time is now to enjoy this new operating system. Part of this involves determining what software we should install to complement the change. There are many changes from expanded security software to interesting, photo-editing tools should make that list. Picking the best can be difficult. How do we know which security software to use? Which video application is ideal for Windows 7? Answering those questions might be more difficult than we think. That's precisely why I compiled this list of the top 5 things.

• Microsoft Security Essentials - This preloaded free security package for home users is a must-have for any consumer. According to most security experts, the application does a fine job of detecting malware. In these times we all need to secure our data and Windows 7 is just as vulnerable to hackers.
• Office 2007 - I know that Office 2010 is right around the corner but you will need to manage your email and create documents. A must have if you want to get work done. If you don't already have it than try to get just what you need Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This can save you a few dollars.
• AVG Anti-Virus - Microsoft's Security Essentials isn't enough to keep a Windows 7. It's a best practice to also install another anti-virus software. AVG's Anti-Virus 8.5 is still free. While it's not guaranteed to keep users safe, but combined with Security Essentials should make for a more reliable computing experience.
• Photoshop Elements 8 - Taking pictures has become such a key part of daily life, it's probably useful to have quality photo-editing software on game day. Adobe makes awesome software and you could blow a lot of money on a full version of PhotoShop, but most users can get by with Adobe's PhotoShop Elements 8.
• iTunes - I know it's not a windows app but Apple's free iTunes software is a digital hub providing a gateway to music, movies, television shows, mobile applications, podcasts, and more. It's a must-have for anyone (especially iPhone and iPod owners) configuring Windows 7 on game day.

Corporations hesitate to migrate at this time.  Recent survey's have shown true hesitation in the development of migration strategies from XP to Windows 7.  It might be several months bvefore this happens in the current economy.  Many IT shops are running at bare bones staff levels and with reduced funding.  Small businesses might be the first to adopt this but again with hesitation. There is no migration method to move from XP to Windows 7 and the real benefits as they relate to speed are only gained through the 64 bit architecture, again an added expense for the migration. Several people that I consult for are staying steady state to keep the lights on.

Windows 7 has a small delay in displaying windows for a dramatic effect. You can disable that by following the steps below.

To perform this tweak, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop key.
3. Right-click the MenuShowDelay item and select Modify.
4. In the Edit String dialog box, change the current value (typically 400) to something a bit lower - something around 100 typically works well.
5. Click OK.

Warning: If you set the MenuShowDelay value too low, menus will open if you merely move your mouse over them. You need a value somewhere above 0; otherwise, it will make Windows impossible to use.

All Windows versions constantly check to see if there is enough free space. This checking uses a number of system resources.

To perform this tweak, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies key.
3. If the Explorer key exists, select it. If not, right-click in the rightmost pane and select New, Key. Name this new key Explorer, and then select it.
4. Right-click in the rightmost pane and select New, DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new DWORD NoLowDiskSpaceChecks.
6. Right-click the new NoLowDiskSpaceChecks item and select Modify.
7. In the Edit DWORD dialog box, change the value to 1.
8. Click OK.

Note: A DWORD is a special type of data value used for some Registry entries.

The OS  runs fastest in system memory. Windows speeds up by moving the Windows kernel into RAM.

To perform this tweak, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\
3. CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management key.
4. Right-click the DisablePagingExecutive item and select Modify.
5. In the Edit DWORD dialog box, change the value to 1.
6. Click OK.

You must reboot your system for this tweak to take effect.

Caution: If you experience system problems after performing this tweak, re-edit the value of DisablePagingExecutive back to 0.