Windows 7 Walkthrough: Programs Control Panel
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Windows 7 Walkthrough: Programs Control Panel
Windows 7 Walkthrough: Programs Control Panel
Windows 7’s Control Panel is literally packed with tools (a.k.a. applets) that allow you to configure and control the way that the operating system works. Because the Control Panel has so many tools, Microsoft added a Search box to make it easy for you to find the tool that you need for a particular task.
To help you become familiar with all of the tools that are available in Windows 7’s Control Panel, I have created the Windows 7 Walkthrough series in which I’ll show you and provide a brief overview of each tool in the Control Panel categories. This one covers the tools in the Programs category.
Keep in mind that I’ll be using the Ultimate edition of Windows 7, which contains some features not available in other editions of the operating system.
Programs and Features
Programs and Features
When you access Programs and Features you’ll find a list of all the applications that are installed on your Windows 7 system including the date on which they were installed. You can also uninstall any application.
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Installed Updates
Installed Updates
If you select View Installed Updates, you’ll see a list of all the updates that Windows Update has installed on your system. You can also uninstall any update.
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Turn Windows features on or off
Turn Windows features on or off
If you select Turn Windows features on or off, you’ll see an expandable tree list showing all the available features in Windows 7. You can enable and disable any of the features by selecting or clearing the associated check box. Windows 7 allows you to disable such features as Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, or Windows Search and use third-party alternatives.
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Program Compatibility
Program Compatibility
Back on the Programs window and under the Programs and Features section, you can select Run Programs Made for Previous Versions of Windows and access the Program Compatibility wizard, which will walk you through the steps involved in configuring appropriate settings to allow older applications to run from within Windows 7.
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Default Programs
Default Programs
When you select the Default Programs item in the Programs window, you’ll have access to four items that you can use to manage how your programs work.
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Set your default programs
Set your default programs
Using the features in this window you can specify which programs will be the default program that Windows will run when you select a certain type of file. You can then associate the program with all file types or choose only certain file types.
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Set Program Associations
Set Program Associations
If you select Choose defaults for this program, you can individually select file type associations from this window.
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Associate a file type or protocol with a program
Associate a file type or protocol with a program
Back on the Default Programs window, you can view and change any of the default file associations for all the available programs and file types.
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Change AutoPlay Settings
Change AutoPlay Settings
From the Default Programs window you can access the AutoPlay configuration window that is also available from the Hardware and Sound category.
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Set Program Access and Computer Defaults
Set Program Access and Computer Defaults
You can use the settings in the Set Program Access and Computer Defaults window to further fine tune the default program used for certain activities, such as web browsing, sending e-mail, playing audio and video files, using instant messaging, and running Java applets.
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Desktop Gadgets
Desktop Gadgets
As you may know, Windows 7 doesn’t have the Windows Sidebar container for Gadgets. As such, you can access the Gadgets user interface from within the Program window.
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Programs Walkthrough Map
Programs Walkthrough Map
This tree diagram presents a map of the Programs walkthrough.
Images by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
