Access and Customize Windows 7's Extended Context Menu

With Windows 7 pushed out to the masses, it's only a matter of time before the Web is flooded with all sorts of nifty tips and tricks as the inquisitive and tech savvy have their way with Microsoft's latest operating system. To get the ball rolling, we're going to show you how to access Windows 7's extended context menu, as well as how to edit, add, and remove items from it.



The context menu is nothing else but the options you get when right clicking on a file or folder. In Windows 7, some less popular options are left out and placed on the extended context menu, which is accessible by holding down shift when you right click on an item (shift + right-click).
This applies to just about everything, from files and folders to the desktop, and allows for quick access to specialized operations, such as opening a file as read-only, executing something as another user, or opening a command prompt at a specific location.

It also allows you to quickly accomplish things like an undo move, which is useful if you're unfamiliar with thecountless Windows shortcuts (Ctrl+Z is undo, by the way), or directly copy a drive path. The extended "Send to" menu (see screenshot below) comes in handy if you find yourself moving things using this shortcut often.
And while the pre-defined extended menu items may be helpful, they are still limited to what comes by default. ShellMenuView is a very lightweight utility (~80KB and doesn't require installation) that is compatible with everything from Windows 98 to Windows 7 x64. You can download the utility here (32-bit | 64-bit).
Once you open the program, you'll immediately be faced with dozens of entries that you can enable or disable -- both in the standard and extended context menu.

Through ShellMenuView you can get rid of all of the annoying program-specific clutter that has accumulated in your context menu (think: anti-malware software, all-in-one utilities, text editors and office applications, image mounting tools etcetera). Don't get me wrong, some of these entries are time-saving, but others are flat out annoying, and are usually are placed without your consent.


ShellMenuView's interface and feature-set is pretty straightforward. Scroll through the list of entries to find the offender, right click on it and choose "Disable Selected Items". Likewise, you can enable or even set other items to appear (or not) in the extended context menu with the same motion. ShellMenuView also gives you quick access to the registry entries of context menu listings.
In our tests using ShellMenuView we were able to manipulate context menu entries for most of our programs: VLC, Windows Media Player, Imgburn, OneNote, TVersity, and some of Windows own shortcuts. We had a few problems removing a stubborn entry for MagicISO, but using another program called ShellExView (from the same developer), we were able to get rid of the annoying extra shortcuts.
But obviously that's just the tip of the iceberg. Feel free to share your custom context menu or any other Windows 7 tips in the comments.

Did you know?

You can also easily edit Firefox's right-click menu with Menu Editor and spare yourself of unwanted items like "Send Link" or "Copy Email Address" every time you right click within your browser screen. Isn't that great?

Source: http://www.techspot.com

Windows 7 born from Vista's frustrations

If consumers like the new Windows 7 operating system, they'll have the much-maligned Windows Vista to thank.

In part, that's because Windows 7 actually builds on the under-the-hood changes that came with Vista. But, it also turns out that the vast headaches created by Vista were just what the PC industry needed to improve their cooperation.

With consumers lukewarm to Vista and many businesses shunning it entirely, both Microsoft and the computer makers realized that the standard way of business just wasn't cutting it, particularly with Apple coming on strong.

Windows 7's 'XP Mode' is among the features that evolved from close communications between Redmond and the PC makers.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Redmond, in particular, was humbled by the response to Vista. When it came time to planning the next version, newly installed Windows development chief Steven Sinofsky took the company's earliest ideas and met with PC makers.

That marked a huge change from past releases, where, as some PC makers described it, Microsoft would just develop windows in secret and then "throw it over the wall."

"Until Vista, Microsoft was fully thinking on their own and implementing their own ideas and then releasing it," said Gianpiero Morbello, a vice president for Taiwanese PC maker Acer.

Microsoft's Windows 7 launch: Deals, deals, deals

With Windows Vista, Microsoft staged a fancy launch, complete with this human billboard in New York City. Thursday's launch is expected to be a bit more subdued.

(Credit: Caroline McCarthy/CNET News)

With Windows 7, Microsoft is going back to basics.

It's true of the product, which is as notable for its everyday performance as any one new feature. It's also true of how Microsoft plans to launch the new operating system on Thursday.

Rather than go for flash, the company is focused on making sure that all of its partners are ready to sell lots of PCs and copies of Windows 7.

"We're living in a different world today," Microsoft Vice President Tami Reller said in an interview with CNET News.

Microsoft is hoping to strike a contrast with the launch of Vista, which was marked by ambitious marketing (Remember "The Wow starts now"?) but a product that wasn't fully baked, nor were other software and hardware makers ready for the big changes that came with Vista.

Windows 7, meanwhile, offers only minor changes to the Windows core from Vista, and aims to be faster and easier to navigate than its predecessor.

Reller said the goal with the marketing of Windows 7 is to let the product speak for itself. Early ads have featured Kylie--the perfectly precocious preschooler--reading some of the product's positive reviews.

"We'll stay true to that on October 22, and we'll stay true to that post-October 22, which just results in sort of less acrobats, and more customers," Reller said, adding that there will be more than just Kylie.

Among the promotions Microsoft tried with Windows Vista was an outdoor human billboard, which left spectators--quite literally--out in the cold on a very nippy New York day.

Microsoft said this time around, it is putting nearly all its energy on getting the product in front of as many people as possible. As has been the case with past Windows launches, there will be plenty of specials and promotions tied to the Windows 7 launch. Customers, she said "can expect great, great deals."

"This is where we've put a lot of coordination effort to make sure that customers more than ever get some great, great value, starting on October 22 and continuing."

And, of course, Microsoft is planning a massive advertising campaign to promote the product. The launch of Windows 7 is key for Microsoft, which gets a huge chunk of overall sales and profits from Windows.

Although some PC makers have already started introducing their Windows 7-based models, Reller promised there are other machines yet to be announced.

"You'll see a few more PCs for sure in all categories, whether they're gaming machines, whether they're new notebooks, a few new Netbooks," Reller said. "You will see more."

Some stores will also open at midnight, Reller said, without offering specifics. Microsoft itself is opening its first retail store--in Scottsdale, Ariz.--to coincide with the launch, although that store opens at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Sources said to expect a celebrity or two, plus some nice goodies for whoever happens to be the first to walk out of the store with a copy of Windows 7.

Microsoft is also opening a "Windows Cafe" in Paris, though that location will be selling lattes rather than laptops.

As for formalities, Microsoft plans launch events around the globe, with Windows unit head Steven Sinofsky in Japan kicking things off, followed by Julie Larson-Green at an event in Britain and finally, (due to time zones) Steve Ballmer presiding over the main event in New York.

Microsoft will also ring the opening bell on Nasdaq on Thursday, while Microsoft will join with its computer maker partners to end the day's trading.

Unclear is whether Microsoft will be making a return appearance to late-night TV. With the launch of Vista, Bill Gates took to the Daily Show stage, talking tech with Jon Stewart.

"You'll certainly see a lot of coverage from us that day, but no commitments on the exact venue," Reller said.

I'll have more from my interview with Reller in a post on Tuesday morning, including her thoughts on Apple and those now-infamous Windows 7 house parties.

Update, 6:05 p.m. PT: Most retailers have not yet posted their Windows 7 deals yet, but Office Depot has an online ad up touting hundreds of dollars of "free after rebate" software with the purchase of Windows 7.

Source: http://news.cnet.com

Visual Studio 2010 to launch in March

Microsoft is set to announce on Monday that it is ready with a second beta version of its Visual Studio 2010 and .Net Framework 4.0 developer tools. Both products are set for a final release on March 22, Microsoft said.

"Microsoft has reached the home stretch for Visual Studio 2010," said Dave Mendlen, a senior director in Microsoft's developer division. "This is probably the biggest release we've had in many years."

Among the product's features is a Tivo-like recording featurethat Microsoft has now dubbed "IntelliTrace."

"That's our time machine," Mendlen said. "We're very proud of that."

Other features new to the 2010 release include support for Windows 7 and Windows Azure as well as tools for building on top of Microsoft's Sharepoint product.

With Visual Studio 2010, Microsoft is also taking the opportunity to scale back the number of different versions it sells, cutting the number of subscription options from seven to three. In a telephone interview, Microsoft Vice President S. "Soma" Somasegar said that move came from customer requests.

They told us "one place you can do better is making it simpler how you package your products," Somasegar said.

Under the new plan, myriad Visual Studio options will be consolidated into Professional, Premium, and Ultimate. Microsoft is planning an "ultimate offer" promotion that will give many current subscribers access to the next-higher version of Visual Studio as well as 750 Windows Azure compute hours per month. Next year, the company plans to change that to offer varying amounts of Azure compute time based on the level of the Visual Studio subscription.

Source : http://news.cnet.com

Windows 7 Arrives This Week: What You Need To Know

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The much anticipated release of Windows 7 is finally upon us. This Thursday, October 22, Microsoft's latest operating system arrives on the scene looking to win over skeptics disappointed with the much-hyped but often criticized Windows Vista. Whereas its predecessor got off to a rough start with plentiful compatibility issues and incessant "allow or deny" prompts annoying users, Windows 7 represents a major leap forward and has generally been regarded as a snappier and more polished operating system.

We've been playing with it ever since the beta became available, and can honestly say that much of the hype is justified. Although Windows 7 is still very much the same as Vista at its core, hundreds of small improvements make it work more smoothly, easier to navigate and overall better looking than before. With few exceptions, compatibility isn't expected to be a major issue either.

In preparation for the launch this week, we thought it would be a good idea to run through a few things worth keeping in mind before taking the plunge. If you are thinking about going Windows 7, read on.

First, get up to speed

There's been no shortage of coverage on Windows 7 -- here and elsewhere. But if you are still undecided on whether Microsoft's latest operating system is worth your hard earned cash, or are simply uninformed about what it has to offer, reading a few reviews online should help.

Engadget and WinSuperSite have long pieces sharing their hands-on experience with the final, RTM version of Windows 7. You can also have a look at our news archive and get the gist of what have been going on the past few months.

Choose the version that fits you best - 32 vs. 64-bit

In contrast with Vista, Microsoft has cut down on the number of Windows 7 editions to just Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Although additional versions will be available for specific regions, the aforementioned three are what primarily will be available to the general public. A pretty straightforward chart comparing each of them on a feature-by-feature basis is available here.

You should know that retail versions of Windows 7 will include both 32-bit & 64-bit discs on the box so you can install either version. For a brief run down on the advantages and disadvantages each possess, check out our previous article on the subject.

• Should You Install Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit?
• Windows 7 editions comparison

Possible upgrade paths

Microsoft will be granting both Windows XP and Vista users the right to buy "Upgrade" versions of Windows 7, which run for considerably less money compared to a full license. However there are a few considerations one must take into account, such as the Windows edition you are upgrading from. In an attempt to smooth things out for our readers, we've created a condensed, easy-to-digest reference with all of the potential paths.

• Understanding Windows 7 upgrade paths

Make sure your hardware is up to the task

If you bought your computer in the last couple of years or are already running Windows Vista smoothly, then you are probably all set as far as hardware requirements are concerned.

If you need to be 100% sure you are covered, Microsoft provides a simple upgrade tester called the Windows Upgrade Advisor, which scans your hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues, gives you guidance on how to resolve potential issues found, and recommends what to do before you upgrade.

• Windows Upgrade Advisor
• TechSpot's PC Buying Guide

Get comfortable upgrading

If you haven't been running any of the test releases as your main installation, setting up Windows 7 on top of your existing copy of Windows may feel a bit premature. Thankfully, setting up a dual boot configuration is both easy and practical, so you can run both side by side until you are ready to make the switch. Whatever you decide, it's just as easy to go back to your previous configuration following our partition removal guide.

• Dual Boot Windows 7 with XP/Vista in three easy steps
• Removing your Windows 7 installation, partition

Get the best deal

Microsoft is currently giving anyone with a valid .edu email address the chance to buy a Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional license for just $30. This offer is valid through January 3, 2010 which gets you a digital copy of the operating system in either its 32 or 64-bit version.

If you missed the initial pre-order discount, or don't qualify for the current student offer, going for an OEM copy of Windows 7 may be the next best thing in terms of savings. You'll get no phone support or fancy boxes, and will have no other choice than to perform a clean install (which we recommend anyway), but the up to 50% lower price tag is definitely worth it in our opinion.

Don't forget that for the first time Microsoft is offering the Windows 7 Family Pack. This includes three Home Premium upgrade licenses for $150, which equates to just $50 per user, or about the same price as the initial pre-order offer.

• Windows 7 student discounted licenses
• Windows 7 Family Pack information
• Windows 7 OEM shopping
• Windows 7 comparison shopping

Go for it

Windows Vista users may choose to perform an in-place upgrade, but we recommend a clean installation. Remember to back up your stuff and take a look at some useful applications to install on your fresh Windows 7 system.

• No apps left behind: A backup checklist before reinstalling
• Top applications to install after a fresh OS installation
• 11 awesome applications you've never heard of

Source: http://www.techspot.com