Instant Search – Everywhere and Everything

One of the most powerful features of Windows 7 (and Vista) is the Instant Search.  From anywhere, press the “Start” button (Windows Flag, or the Windows Flag Key on your Keyboard) and start typing.  Your computer will start searching in real-time everything including Outlook Mail, Calendars and Contacts, Documents, Programs, and the Control Panel.

ReadyBoost – Extra Performance for Nearly Nothing

Have a reasonably new flash drive that you’re not using?  Integrated SD Card reader that’s empty?  Plug that sucker in and use it for ReadyBoost!  Windows 7′s support for ReadyBoost has been greatly improved and helps improve system responsiveness when waiting on your hard drive by offloading some of the tasks that are difficult for hard drives to the flash drive where thy can be completed much faster.  Microsoft recommends that you have at least as much ReadyBoost Cache as you do Memory, and up to 2.5 times depending on your workload.  I’m seeing a pretty noticable improvement with 10 GB of cache, even with my Memory usage staying below 2 GB.  ReadyBoost will not be available to you if you have a Solid State hard drive, because there is no advantage.

Aero to Productivity

The new window management interface utilizes Aero to allow for some pretty sweet productivity boosts. Check out the video to see it in action:

Bitlocker – Safety with Numbers

More and more people are storing confidential data on removable media like Thumbdrives and External Hard Drives. This is incredibly convenient, but what about protecting that data in case the storage device is lost or stolen? Bitlocker makes protecting that data fast and easy – just right-click on the drive in “My Computer” and select “Turn on BitLocker.”

Networking – Easier, Better, Faster, Stronger

There are countless improvements to the networking system in Windows 7, including an improved interface that brings all of your networking within just a few easy clicks.  Not only that, but the networking stack has been improved to bring about more robust, faster and dependable networking.

Alex Conner : A local geek and owner of Geekery for Rent who loves startups - especially local startups.