Tech Potential: Three Surprising Things about Windows 7? Glad You Asked.
From Gary Moulton, 8/19/2010 2:34:00 PM
Windows 7 is the new PC operating system from Microsoft. You've heard of it I'm sure!
Whether you’ve heard of Windows 7 or are using it to run your PC, I’d bet there are at least three surprising things you don’t know about it.
Things that might be of surprise conveniently fall into three areas:
- Microsoft employee favorite. One thing is true about every new product from our company —there is at least one feature each one of us absolutely loves about it - and we’re dying to share!
- Designed to delight. The Windows 7 product development plan had a list of things that were included to delight various market segments. One of those market segments was labeled “empty-nesters.” As a result, Windows 7 was designed to include features to delight individuals age 50+--yes you can use technology easier!
- Well-kept secret. Assuming you are NOT using Windows 7 but are using a PC, there has got to be one thing about this new operating system that is so captivating that if you knew about it, you’d buy it and upgrade your PC immediately. Dying to know?
So here’s the scoop: if we were making a wager, my bet on the 3 things about Windows 7 that would probably surprise you are:
- Employee favorite: Sticky Notes. I use the traditional, paper-based, Post-it notes daily at home and at work. They’re on the counters and appliances in my home. They are scattered about my office. I now have the digital version “on” my monitor. I love ‘em! To try Sticky Notes on Windows 7, type “Sticky Notes” in the Start Menu (lower left-hand corner). Select “Sticky Notes.” http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/sticky-notes
- Designed to delight: Ease of Access Center. Granted some of these utilities haves been in Microsoft operating systems since the days of Windows 95, but improvements have been made in the Windows 7 version. For example, the Magnifier. This tool is geared toward “Empty nesters” by helping users see content on their PC screen more easily. You’ll be surprised how many options Windows 7 offers to help ease accessing your PC! To try Magnifier or any of the other utilities in the Ease of Access Center, select “Control Panel” in the Start Menu (right-hand side of the menu). Select “Ease of Access Center.” Select “Magnifier.” Suggestion…. Under “View” select “Lens.” http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/Make-items-on-the-screen-appear-bigger-Magnifier
- Well-kept secret: Windows Speech Recognition. This feature didn’t premier in Windows 7, but for individuals who like to consider themselves a PC aficionado, this is one of those things they have to have…. Instead of using the keyboard to type in a response, imagine just speaking replies to all your e-mails! To try out Windows Speech Recognition, type "speech recognition" in the search area at the bottom of the Start Menu. Recommendation…. Only try this with a headset microphone. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Use-Speech-Recognition-to-operate-windows-and-programs
As you can guess, if you asked any Microsoft employee to name his/her “favorite” Windows 7 feature, list something in the operating system “designed to delight”, or for them to share a “well-kept” product secret, you’d be looking at well over a thousand different things. But don’t be overwhelmed: Consider the features above as just a few places to start. More importantly, prepare your own list of favorites and see how quickly technology really can help you reach your potential.
Speaking of things that can be done to “reach your potential” how about signing up to take a computer course? Not just any computer course, but one from a group that is the professor emeritus of computer training for individuals 50+. I’m talking about SeniorNet. SeniorNet is the world's premier technology trainer and online community for adults over 50. Their mission is to provide older adults and the underserved computer education --- enhancing lives and enabling them to benefit as others do. Check them out here:http://seniornet.org
The opinions and views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of Microsoft.
