Discover Microsoft Windows 7, Level 1

In this first of three programs covering the Windows 7 operating system, viewers are introduced to what many are calling Microsoft's most user-friendly OS to date. Building on the good points of Windows Vista (stop snickering—there were plenty), Windows 7 goes much further toward ensuring a more productive computing experience. Even so, there are some tips and tricks included here that will definitely help users avoid having to learn the hard way. Discover Microsoft Windows 7, Level 1 does a good job of going over the initial basics, including a tour of the desktop, redesigned taskbar, and a look at the new concept of “libraries” as a means to organize and locate certain file types (such as documents and media files). One fun feature is a powerful program-search function that is accessed from the “start” button (which is now actually just a round image at the bottom-left of the screen, so no more jokes about clicking “start” to shut down); and another that makes it possible to see thumbnails of all running programs simply by hovering over the icons on the taskbar. Also covered in this first volume are customizing settings, working with Windows Explorer, adding “gadgets” to the desktop, using the control panel, and networking. Recommended. [Note: also newly available are Discover Microsoft Windows 7, Level 2 and 3.] Aud: H, C, P. (C. Block)