Windows 7 is a significant improvement over Windows Vista, and overall, a very convenient operating system, but it is by no means complete. These ten downloads will improve Windows 7’s functions, looks and make it safer and easier to upgrade to.

• Reviving the old Start menu

Windows 7’s has a powerful Start menu, offering file and program launching as you type and it allows smart pinning of anything you frequently access. But if you are really attached to the Windows XP/2000-style Start menu, though, you can use StartKiller (http://www.tordex.com/startkiller/) to restore the “classic” XP look in Windows 7.

• Customizing logon background

You can customize many things in Windows 7, but the password/login screen remains fairly unchangeable and opaque. With Logon Changer (http://tweaks.com/software/tweakslogon/) you can use a JPG file to change the logon background.

• Creating recovery discs for pre-installed Windows 7

If you use Windows 7 that comes with a new computer, you may have discovered that getting a full Windows 7 installation disc, or even the system recovery disc, is an “option” that cost you some extra cash. If you would like to make sure you can save your computer from inevitable system and boot-up errors in the future, you may need to download NeoSmart (http://neosmart.net/blog/2009/windows-7-system-repair-discs/) to create System Recovery Discs that can restore System Restore points, repair damaged files, and even pull in complete backups for restoration.

• Better integration with Gmail

If Gmail is your email service, Gmail Notifier Plus (http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Gmail-Notifier-Plus/1243868925/1) will subtly inform you of any new mails using its taskbar icon and provide a preview of your new messages when you move the cursor over its icon. There are also shortcuts for composing new messages, popping open your inbox in the browser, or heading to any of your emails individually.

• Firefox with Jump Lists

Firefox won’t have support for jump lists until version 3.7. However, those who want to have more access on tabs and most commonly visited websites can try Winfox (http://www.compugeeksoftware.com/software/winfox.aspx), a helpful tiny add-on that you can pin to your taskbar for accessing Firefox. Before installing, copy Winfox to the Firefox program directory then pin the “Winfox” program to your taskbar.

• Adding better TV streaming to Media Center

Media Center in Windows 7 is impressive; however some people may note the inadequate access to streaming TV. Since Media Center currently only have CBS streaming, with Hulu (http://www.hulu.com) you can get more streaming shows for example NBC, ABC, and Fox.

• Adding stacks to the desktop

Many people are talking about Windows 7’s taskbar and some even say it’s more effective than Mac OS X’s Dock, except it’s missing the really neat “Stacks” feature. However, with StandaloneStack (http://www.chrisnsoft.com/standalonestack/) you can get blown-up menus of apps and folders from single icons on the taskbar.

• Tweaking hard-to-find settings

It’s always nice to tweak with the new Control Panel, however Microsoft only lets us play with so many sliders and check boxes. With Ultimate Windows Tweaker and XdN Tweaker you can dig deep into the guts of Windows 7. You can control Aero 3D effects, modify Windows 7’s window-snapping behaviors and others.

• Making Alt+Tab shortcut more intuitive

The common Alt+Tab shortcut get a tiny visual overhaul in Windows 7, however it still only gives you basic capabilities in window switching. VistaSwitcher (http://www.ntwind.com/software/vistaswitcher.html) is a powerful app which supports keyboard shortcuts that allow you tile or minimize windows from the Alt+Tab screen, close down files or programs windows in bulk, and, with the Ctrl+Alt+Tab combo you switch only between the open windows of a particular program. Despite its name, VistaSwitcher works really well on Windows 7.

• Installing necessary programs simultaneously

The first time you install a newly-released OS, it usually feels like an exciting adventure. And to make things easier, you can skip the part where you laboriously download Firefox, uTorrent, anti-virus application, WinAmp, Picasa, and other must-have software from the net. Ninite (http://ninite.com/) is a good way to avoid redundant installations. In the Ninite’s web site, you can check the software you need from a wide range of freeware and download a customized installer. The installer will download and install everything you need in the background.