This spotlight will focus squarely on the brand new taskbar for Windows 7. While the new taskbar isn’t complicated by any stretch of the imagination, it will be a little difficult to explain. It’s definitely one those things you have to use yourself to get a good feel for it. So let’s dive right in, shall we?
Meet your new taskbar:
Initially, it simply looks like the Vista taskbar with large, oversized quicklaunch icons. If this is what you were thinking, then you’re correct. Sort of.
Read more…
Personal Musings
As you may know, I’ve been using the Windows 7 (build 7000) for a few days now, and the more I use it, the more I love it. There are a lot of great features and touches included in this first public beta build, some which are nice additions, some which are questionable. Since my readers aren’t typically huge computer nerds like I am, these spotlights will focus on the basic stuff.
This first feature spotlight will focus on “Aero Peek”. Aero Peek is an evolved idea from the “Show Desktop” icon from past windows versions. Previously, if you clicked on the Show Desktop icon in your quicklaunch bar, all windows would be minimized, leaving it for you to reopen the windows in the order you wanted once you were done with your desktop duties. This was fine, but sometimes annoying when you just wanted to take a look at your desktop for the presence of a file, but not have to deal with re-opening a dozen windows.
Enter Aero Peek, which is activated by simply hovering over the new glass tile next to the time display on the taskbar:
Read more…
Personal Musings
If you’re looking forward to Street Fighter IV as much as I am, then you probably know that the XBOX 360 controller (my preferred platform) isn’t the best when it comes to precise d-pad movements. In fact, while the 360 controller is my personal favorite controller of all time in terms of layout and functionality, the directional pad is one of the worst in history.
So what better solution for SFIV than to purchase a quality arcade stick?
This puppy will only set me back $150. Seeing as to how I’m not rich, anyone want to donate to my good cause? You can write it off on your taxes if you wish…
Videogames
I’m testing out a new program released by Microsoft last week entitled Windows Live Writer (or WLW for short). Basically, WLW interfaces with many popular blogs around the net to allow you access in creating blog posts without having internet service available. Not only does this allow you to create blog posts without the need for the net (you upload your completed post when you get back to civilization), but it also (supposedly) helps you nail down that awesome layout, complete with pictures, links, embedded video, etc without having to mess with a sometimes clunky WYSIWYG web editor.
Consider this my first test of this software, as I like the idea of forming blog posts outside of the site atmosphere and in something more attune to writing and composure.
Read more…
Personal Musings
