Now that Windows 7 is available and you may like to know about some popular changes to the Microsoft Operating System.  Windows 7 is full of small and subtle improvements so this is just scratching the surface.

1. Search bar

Remember when the Start menu was everything? Sensibly Vista was the first to remove the actual word Start from there, which was always ironic when you clicked it to shut down. Vista also introduced the ability to use it to launch apps, just by typing in the box, but in Windows 7 it’s taken further, which much greater granularity. You can find, programs, documents and even particular control panel settings, enabling it to rival Mac OS X’s Spotlight.

2. Windows Search Federation

Windows 7 uses a new feature called Windows Search Federation, meaning it’s possible to link external websites directly into Windows 7, so you can search them right from the search bar.

3. Windows arrow keys

There is a new way of arranging windows on the desktop. Hitting the Windows arrow keys will snap a Windows to the left or right, or Windows Up or down will Maximise or Restore. You can even use it to move windows across multiple displays if you have them them.

4. Windows key + P

Previously all laptops tended to send the output to the external VGA port differently. Now press the Windows key + P and you can a pop up that lets you send the desktop to projector or extend across multiple displays

5. Burn ISO images

You can now burn ISOs to CD or DVD directly from within Windows and even verify the burn.

6. Screen resolution

Adjust your desktop resolution always used to be a bit of a pain, but now when you right click on the desktop the context menu has an option called ‘Screen resolution’. Windows 7 does a great job at setting things up for you, so you’ll have less need to use it than you might previously.

7. Problem Steps Recorder

This handy feature allows someone to review an issue with your computer. If a support staff member cannot Remote Desktop into your PC, they can ask you to launch the Problems Steps Recorder by typing ‘psr’ in the Start box. Hit record and it captures each step into an .mht file, which can easily be emailed. You can view each step as an image, and there’s text beneath it too for additional information.

8. Jump lists

You might be aware of Jump Lists, but if you’re new to Windows 7, then it will take a while for you to get used to using them. Right click on the new large taskbar icons and a list of useful recent documents or files will appear, depending on the application. If you prefer you can drag up holding the left mouse button instead, which brings up the jump list with a cool animation too.

9. UAC

This feature was in Windows Vista but it has been tweaked for Windows 7. You can do more than just put up with it or turn it off but choose from two intermediate settings that just alert you when other programs make changes and dims the screen, and one that omits the latter. With these present, it’s more likely to be left running and therefore protecting your PC.