Master Windows 7 Control Panel

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If you are new to Windows 7 and its Control Panel, here is an overview on how to navigate the central configuration hub for your computer’s operating system.  When you first open the Control Panel the numerous tools that you use to configure and control every aspect of Windows 7 are divided on the first screen by their broader categories.  Here you have the option to either view the Control Panel by Category view or small or large icon view.  The icon view shows all the 45 tools available to configure your system individually.

The category view contains the following eight categories:

System and Security

• Action Center – Check your computer’s status and resolve operating issues, Change User Account Settings and Computer Restore
• Windows Firewall
• System – Device Manager, View RAM and processor speed, Allow remote access
• Windows Update
• Power Options
• Backup and Restore
• Windows Anytime Upgrade
• Administrative Tools – Free up Disk Space, Defragment your hard drive, Create and format partitions

Network and Internet

• Network and Sharing Center – View network status and tasks, Connect to a network, View network computers and devices, Add a wireless device to the network
• HomeGroup
• Internet Options – Change your homepage, Manage browser add-ons, Delete browsing history and cookies

Hardware and Sound

• Devices and Printers – Add a device, Add a printer
• AutoPlay
• Sound
• Power Options
• Display
• Windows Mobility Center

Programs

• Programs and Features – Uninstall a Program, Turn Windows features On or Off, View installed updates
• Default Programs
• Desktop Gadgets

User Accounts and Family Safety

• User Accounts
• Parental Controls
• Windows CardSpace – Manage Information Cards that are used to log on to online services
• Credential Manager – Manage Windows Credentials

Appearance and Personalization

• Personalization – Change Theme, Change Desktop Background, Change Window Glass Colors, Change Sound Effects, Change Screen Saver
• Display – Adjust Screen Resolution, Connect to a Projector, Connect to an External Display
• Desktop Gadgets
• Taskbar and Start Menu – Customize Start Menu, Customize Icons on the Taskbar, Change Picture on the Start Menu
• Ease of Access Center
• Folder Options – Show hidden files and folders
• Fonts – Add, delete fonts, Change Font Settings, Adjust ClearType text

Clock, Language and Region

• Date and Time – Set time and date, Change Time Zone, Add Clock Gadget to the Desktop
• Region and Language – Change Location, Change the date, time or number format, Change keyboards
• Windows Live Language Setting

Ease of Access

• Ease of Access Center – Change how mouse works, Change how keyboard works, Optimize Visual Display
• Speech Recognition – Start Speech Recognition, Set up A Microphone