Microsoft Free eBook – Windows 7 Deployment

Microsoft has launched a new free eBook about Windows 7 deployment.

It’s a 412 pages eBook for IT Pros.

Download it here:
Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine

Windows 7/Windows 2008 R2 – Group Policy Reference Spreadsheet

Microsoft as recently released it’s traditional spreadsheet with information for Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2 group policies.

This Excel document has all the group policies available to configure Windows 7/2008 R2 and additionally also have information about Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2 and earlier service packs, Windows XP Professional with SP2 and earlier service packs, and Windows 2000 with SP4 and earlier service packs.

You can download it at:

Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2 Group Policy ADMX Spreadsheet

Webcast: Optimize Your Desktop Infrastructure With Windows 7 and MDOP

Here’s a new Microsoft On-Demand Webcast about the use of Windows 7 and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP).

This webcast covers um lowering IT costs, make the environment more secure and flexible.
The big focus here it’s on how virtualization can help you to decouple the applications from the physical machine and that, really makes your IT environment more flexible.

Note: MDOP it’s a software available only for Microsoft Software Assurance Program.

Presenters: John Diefendorf

Heres the link: Webcast: Webcast: Optimize Your Desktop Infrastructure with Windows 7 and MDOP

Windows 7 – Disable Language Bar via Registry

So, if you’re like me and don’t leave at the US, you’ll notice that because of the locale you choose, you’ll get an annoying language bar.

To get ride of it (hiding it) you can use a registry tweak.

.: Navigate to [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\CTF\LangBar]

.: If LangBar key doesn’t exist, create it

.: Inside LangBar create a new DWORD called “ShowStatus"

.: Set the ShowStatus value to 3

Of course that to apply this to all users, you should create a script (ex.: vbscript) loading the Default User hive.

Hope this helps

Windows 7 – 5 Tips and Tricks for better usage 002

New round up for tips and tricks for you to get the best of the new Windows 7:

6. Desktop Magnifier

To quickly use the Windows Desktop Magnifier use Windows Key + Plus Key to zoom in or Windows Key + Minus Key to zoom out.

7. Shift Window from one Monitor to Another

This is very useful if like me normally works with to monitor. To shift the window from one monitor to another press Windows Key + Shift Key + Left or Right Key (depends in which monitor you want to shift the window)

 

8. Desktop Magnifier

To quickly use the Windows Desktop Magnifier use Windows Key + Plus Key to zoom in or Windows Key + Minus Key to zoom out.

 

9. Cycling Through the Open Programs via the Taskbar’s Peek Menu

This is similar to Alt-Tab keystroke but for the taskbar. Use Windows Key + T combination to do it.

 

10. Run as Administrator Combination

To run a program using “Run as Administrator” without using the usual right-click, you’ll need to press Ctrl + Shift and then click the application you want to open as Administrator.

Windows 7 – 5 Tips and Tricks for better usage 001

So here we go, beginning a new series of tips & tricks for better usage of the new Windows 7.

1. AppLocker

This new functionality makes it possible for you to lock access to applications executables, documents or files.

To access and configure this tool and configure rules you’ll need to:

- Run GPEDIT.MSC

- Go to Computer Navigation –> Windows Settings –> Security Settings –> Application Control Policies –> AppLocker

2. Burn Images

With this new Windows version you can now burn ISO files.
To do so, just double-click the file and the new menu should appear for you to burn the image to the physical support.

3. Dock Current Window to the Right/Left Side of the Screen

This is a good shortkey to dock windows automatically to a side of the screen.
For this to work, select the window you want to dock and press Windows Key + Right or Windows Key + Left and the window will go to the side of the screen.

4. Turn the Windows Taskbar Smaller

Some people doesn’t like the new windows taskbar size.
If you’re one of them, you can shrink it a little.

To do so, right-click on the Start button, then go to Properties, select the Taskbar tab and check the option “Use small icons”.

 

5. Minimize Everything Except Current Window

This works by pressing Windows Key + Home.