There are several different levels of computer users. When a person first starts to become a heavy computer user, they have to overcome different obstacles so that they are more comfortable with the machine. The more comfortable you are with the computer, the faster you are able to get work done. You are also able to squeeze more out of the machine than the average user, since you have a broader knowledge of it’s abilities. All of the shortcuts become part of your daily routine. Most people who make a living using their computer, would like to become power users. There are steps that a person must take to be able to reach that status. Here are a couple of software tools that Windows 7 provides, which will help get you on your way. 

    Several years ago, Microsoft introduced a tool that it’s Linux and Unix competition has seen as a necessity for a long time. This tool was named Powershell and it is a command line shell that has been optimized for efficiency. Microsoft had the old Dos command line but that shell was very weak compared to the competition. We are in the age of GUI’s and pretty moving graphics on the screen but sometimes typing in text commands can be a lot faster. Powershell has brought a lot of the features from the Bash shell, that runs on Linux, to windows. This includes alias, the ability to pipe a program’s output into another program, scripting with cmdlets, and a help system that is similar to man pages in Linux. The Powershell also brings it’s own extra set of features such as a heavy integration with the .Net library, ability to access COM, and other features that integrate well into Windows. You do not have to be a tech head to be able to see the advantages that Powershell can bring. A lot of your daily computing task can be automated with Powershell.  

    Another tool that can help you become a Windows power user, is the Windows Search feature. When you click on the start button, at the bottom, you will see a search bar. Most people ignore this feature and only use it if they are looking for a file. In the past version of Windows, that may have been all that it was good for. Now in Windows 7, the search feature has been tremendously upgraded. It is designed so that it can be used as a replacement for the normal start button features all together. Instead of searching through the start menu for a program that you want to use, type the first two letters of the programs name and it will pop up. Also you can access Control Panel features in the same manner. Accessing program and files in this manner will help your computer flow become 2x more efficient. 

    Also, last but not least, the final feature that will help you become a power user , is learning the abilities of jump list. Jump list are features that are accessed by right clicking on an icon in the task bar. When you right click on an item, it will show you the most commonly used features in a pop up panel. This can allow you to control the program, even if it is not in full display. This feature makes tedious task go by so much quicker, since you are not constantly minimizing and maximizing programs all day. 

    These are a couple of tools that will help you become a Windows 7 power user. If you learn these features, then your productivity will definitely see an upswing.