Just switched back to Windows, give me some tips!

SLCentral

Diamond Member
Feb 13, 2003
3,542
0
71
So I haven't used a PC since 2003/2004, and have been on OS X since then. I just picked up a Lenovo x200s as my dedicated system, running 7 Professional. Anyone have any must-have applications, tips, hints, etc. to help me out with this switch? It's a lot easier finding these lists for new Mac switchers...
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
58,540
8,818
126
I don't know about tips; the best thing is to play around with it, and figure it out as you go. I consider these essential applications...

Antivir
SpyBot S&D
Spywareblaster
VLC
Foobar2000
Paint.NET
Open Office
Firefox
Thunderbird
7Zip
Pigeon
Audacity
Infrarecorder
Foxit Reader
Notepad++

Edit:
I forgot ObjectDock, and RocketDock
 

Scotteq

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2008
5,276
5
0
Some articles with tips:

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/fe...ips_%E2%80%93_every_secret_uncovered_date


You probably won't need most of these, but I have a Word doc I use for easy reference for when someone has questions. And since ControlC and ControlV are the same regardless of how much you select:

Internet Troubleshooting Guide
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18203-internet-troubleshooting-guide.html

Repair Installation
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

The Real Administrator (root) account
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

Show Services running under svchost
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/4590-task-manager-show-services-running-under-svchost-exe.html

Startup Repair
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html

System Recovery Options
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html

Resource Monitor – Troubleshoot Problem Program
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/12547-resource-monitor-troubleshoot-unresponsive-program.html

Reliability Monitor
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2270-reliabilty-monitor.html

Advanced Boot Options (start in Safe Mode)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/666-advanced-boot-options.html

Troubleshooting Tool
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/472-troubleshooting.html

Troublehooting History
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/473-troubleshooting-history.html

How to run Check Disc
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

How to Run as Administrator
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11841-run-administrator.html

Problem reports and Solutions
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/4566-problem-reports-solutions-view-history-details.html

List of Run Commands:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5966-run-commands-windows-7-a.html

Upgrade Advisor
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/10956-windows-7-upgrade-advisor.html

Compatibility Mode
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html


How to Administer UAC
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/299-user-account-control-uac-change-notification-settings.html

How to use BCD Edit
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2676-bcdedit-how-use.html

Change Default OS in Dual Boot
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2282-default-operating-system-change-default-boot-os.html

Performance Tips for Win 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-speed-up-performance-windows-7-a.html

Enable or Disable Win 7 Features
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5462-windows-features-enable-disable.html

Turn Features On or Off
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5023-windows-features-turn-off.html

Administer User Accounts
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2974-user-accounts.html
 

Scotteq

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2008
5,276
5
0
Oh - On a widescreen monitor, I've found placing the taskbar vertically is a more efficient use of screen space. Just right click, unlock, and you can drag it around. Right clicking also lets you set it's properties: I use small icons, and "Combine When Full". Right clicking any program or folder in the computer lets you "Pin" it to the taskbar. Basically like a Mac's Dock. The same app will then be in the same place, regardless of whether it's running or not.
 

SLCentral

Diamond Member
Feb 13, 2003
3,542
0
71
Sweet, thanks guys. Really loving Windows 7, this OS is a real refresher compared to Snow Leopard.
 

Chiefcrowe

Diamond Member
Sep 15, 2008
5,050
194
116
lxskllr has a really great list of software. I'd also like to add Malwarebytes Antimalware for spyware scanning.
 

spikespiegal

Golden Member
Oct 10, 2005
1,219
9
76
Curious if you could list some of your grievances with Snow Leopard compared to Win-7. Note, I'm not asking this for Mac bashing purposes but simply because I have to support both platforms and it helps with user support.

Also, the main security clause you need to know with Win-7 is the same with other Windows platforms; learn to use restricted accounts for general desktop use. If you listen to these guys and their free-ware security approach you might as well go back to Apple.