5 Tips and Tricks for Windows 7

Even the most experienced user of Windows can find features they never knew existed. This article will be showcasing some of them. You may find you've been upset with something that could have been changed or tweaked all along! Let's take a look at some of these simple tips and tricks for your Windows 7 computer.
1. Classic Taskbar Buttons
I know the first thing I disliked about Windows 7 was the way programs behaved in the taskbar. I couldn't get used to seeing icons instead of the classic text. If you would prefer the classic look and feel, you simply need to right-click on your taskbar and select 'Properties' from the dropdown menu. You can adjust several features of the taskbar but we are focused on the dropdown box for toolbar buttons. By default this will be set to 'Always combine, hide labels,' however, set this to 'Never combine' or 'Combine when taskbar is full' and you will see the classic text based taskbar grouping.
2. Access the Web From Your Taskbar
Sometimes you just don't have the time to navigate to the desktop to launch a new browser window. Wouldn't it be nice if you could jump to a website straight from your taskbar? The good news is that you can!
Once again, right-click the taskbar and click 'Properties.' Now, navigate to the 'Toolbars' tab. You will see several options and checkboxes. Put a checkmark next to 'Address' and click OK. You will now have an address box located on your taskbar. Simply type in a web address and press enter, your default browser window will open and navigate to whatever page you requested.
3. Easily Select Multiple Files In Windows Explorer
Many of us are familiar with holding the Ctrl key and clicking each file we want to select. That's still an option in Windows 7, however, there is an easier way. When you have a folder open, click the 'Organize' button at the top of the window and click 'Folder and search options' from the dropdown menu. Next, click the view tab and look under 'Advanced settings,' scroll until you find an entry labeled 'Use check boxes to select items' and check the box next to it and press OK.
Voila! Now, when you are looking at files in a window, you will be able to hover over an item and click a checkbox as a means of selecting the file.
4. Make Text Easier to Read
It's possible that your text could be made clearer. Windows 7 includes a feature known as ClearType Text Tuner (CTTT). To access CTTT, navigate to the control panel (you can access this via the Start menu) and click 'Appearance and Personalization' and then, on the next screen, click 'Display.' From the resulting window, click on 'Adjust ClearType Text' which is located on the left hand menu.
Ensure that 'Turn on ClearType' is checked and follow the prompts from Windows. You will be guided through several text samples. You simply choose which text is easier for you to read. Once you complete the prompts, you should notice text is much sharper and easier to read.
5. Quickly Launch Programs From Your Taskbar
Opened programs and pinned programs on your taskbar can quickly be launched or maximized with a simple keyboard shortcut. Every program (pinned and opened) on your taskbar is assigned a number starting from 1 and counting up from left to right. By pressing the Windows key and the corresponding number on your keyboard, you can easily access these programs.