The Definitive Windows 7 Commands Guide

This definitive, mammoth guide contains a complete list of  Windows 7 commands you need to gain access to all Windows 7 features. These commands are divided into two different categories :Shell commands and Run commands. Thanks to them you will be only one click away from all Windows 7 tools, utility, folders and features. Dont you remember the path to gain access to that neat Windows 7? Do you wish to clean Internet Explorer cache without rummaging among tricky options? Here is the guide you have always been looking for!

Shell Commands

These commands are especially useful to users, power users and administrators who need to gain access or create shortcuts to difficult-to-reach Windows 7 utilities or locations (such as folder for example).  There are two ways you can use these Shell Commands: To create a shortcuts or through Run…

How to Create a Shortcut using a Shell Command.

1. Right-click any empty space on your desktop.
2. Click New.
3. Click Shortcut.
4. Now, if you want to create a shortcut, you will need to add “explorer.exe” , whiteout quotes,  right in front of each Shell command. Here is an example: explorer.exe shell:PicturesLibrary.
5. So, right after clicking the shortcut link a new window will appear. In the blank field, write: shell:(your Command).
6. Click Next.
7. Click OK.

At this point you should see a shortcut icon on your desktop pointing to the the Picture Library.
How to access folders using a Shell Command.

1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
2. In the blank field, type Shell:(your command). This will let you access every folder in your Windows 7, including hidden folders.
3. Click OK.

List

1. shell:AddNewProgramsFolder
2. shell:Administrative Tools (hidden folder)
3. shell:AppData (hidden to users)
4. shell:AppUpdatesFolder (installed updates)
5. shell:Cache (hidden folder) (Temporary Internet Files)
6. shell:CD Burning (hidden folder)
7. shell:ChangeRemoveProgramsFolder
8. shell:Common Administrative Tools (hidden folder)
9. shell:Common AppData (hidden folder)
10. shell:Common Desktop
11. shell:Common Documents
12. shell:Common Programs (hidden folder)
13. shell:Common Start Menu (hidden folder)
14. shell:Common Startup (hidden folder)
15. shell:Common Templates (hidden folder)
16. shell:CommonDownloads
17. shell:CommonMusic
18. shell:CommonPictures
19. shell:CommonRingtones (hidden folder)
20. shell:CommonVideo
21. shell:ConflictFolder
22. shell:ConnectionsFolder
23. shell:Contacts
24. shell:ControlPanelFolder
25. shell:Cookies
26. shell:Cookies\Low (hidden folder)
27. shell:CredentialManager (hidden folder)
28. shell:CryptoKeys (hidden folder)
29. shell:CSCFolder
30. shell:Default Gadgets
31. shell:Desktop
32. shell:Device Metadata Store (hidden folder)
33. shell:DocumentsLibrary
34. shell:Downloads
35. shell:DpapiKeys (hidden folder)
36. shell:Favorites
37. shell:Fonts
38. shell:Gadgets (hidden folder)
39. shell:Games
40. shell:GameTasks (hidden folder)
41. shell:History (hidden folder)
42. shell:ImplicitAppShortcuts
43. shell:InternetFolder (Internet Explorer)
44. shell:Libraries
45. shell:Links
46. shell:Local AppData (hidden folder)
47. shell:LocalAppDataLow (hidden folder)
48. shell:LocalizedResourcesDir
49. shell:MAPIFolder
50. shell:MusicLibrary
51. shell:My Music
52. shell:My Pictures
53. shell:My Video
54. shell:MyComputerFolder
55. shell:NetHood (hidden folder)
56. shell:NetworkPlacesFolder
57. shell:OEM Links
58. shell:Original Images
59. shell:OtherUsersFolder
60. shell:Personal
61. shell:PhotoAlbums
62. shell:PicturesLibrary
63. shell:Playlists
64. shell:PrintersFolder
65. shell:PrintHood (hidden folder)
66. shell:Profile
67. shell:ProgramFiles
68. shell:ProgramFilesCommon
69. shell:ProgramFilesCommonX86
70. shell:ProgramFilesX86
71. shell:Programs
72. shell:Public
73. shell:PublicGameTasks (hidden folder)
74. shell:PublicSuggestedLocations
75. shell:Quick Launch (hidden folder)
76. shell:Recent (hidden folder)
77. shell:RecycleBinFolder
78. shell:ResourceDir
79. shell:Ringtones (hidden folder)
80. shell:SampleMusic
81. shell:SamplePictures
82. shell:SamplePlaylists
83. shell:SampleVideos
84. shell:SavedGames
85. shell:Searches
86. shell:SearchHomeFolder
87. shell:SendTo (hidden folder)
88. shell:Start Menu (hidden folder)
89. shell:Startup
90. shell:SyncCenterFolder
91. shell:SyncResultsFolder
92. shell:SyncSetupFolder
93. shell:System
94. shell:SystemCertificates (hidden folder)
95. shell:SystemX86
96. shell:Templates
97. shell:TreePropertiesFolder
98. shell:User Pinned
99. shell:UserProfiles
100. shell:UsersFilesFolder
101. shell:UsersLibrariesFolder
102. shell:VideosLibrary
103. shell:Windows

Run Commands

Run Commands are quite useful if you want to reach, use, open anything in your Windows 7. What follows are the easy steps to use these commands.

How to use Run Commands

1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type the command in the blank field.
3. Click OK.

List

1. Add/Remove Programs = appwiz.cpl
2. Administrative Tools = control admintools
3. Authorization Manager= azman.msc
4. Calculator = calc
5. Certificate Manager = certmgr.msc
6. Character Map = charmap
7. Check Disk Utility = chkdsk
8. Command Prompt = cmd.exe
9. Component Services = dcomcnfg
10. Computer Management = compmgmt.msc
11. Control Panel = control
12. Date and Time Properties = timedate.cpl
13. Defragment User Interface = dfrgui
14. Device Manager = devmgmt.msc
15. Direct X Troubleshooter = dxdiag
16. Disk Cleanup Utility = cleanmgr
17. Disk Management = diskmgmt.msc
18. Disk Parmelonion Manager = diskpart
19. Display Properties = control desktop or, alternatively desk.cpl
20. Ditilizer Calibration Tool = tabcal
21. Downloads = Downloads
22. DPI Scaling = dpiscaling
23. Driver Package Installer = dpinst
24. Driver Verifier Utility = verifier or, alternatively reset
25. DVD Player = dvdplay
26. Encryption File System = rekeywiz
27. Event Viewer = eventvwr.msc
28. Fax Cover Sheet Editor = fxscover
29. File Signature Verification Tool = sigverif
30. Folders Properties = control folders
31. Fonts = control fonts
32. Free Cell Card Game = freecell
33. Group Policy Editor = gpedit.msc
34. Iexpress Wizard = iexpress
35. Internet Explorer = iexplore
36. Internet Properties = inetcpl.cpl
37. IP Configuration = ipconfig.exe
38. iSCSI Initiator = iscsicpl
39. Keyboard Properties = control keyboard
40. Libraries = explorer or, alternatively Windows key + E
41. Local Security Settings = secpol.msc
42. Local Users and Groups = lusrmgr.msc
43. Logs You Out Of Windows = logoff
44. Microsoft Paint = mspaint.exe
45. Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool = msdt
46. Mobility Center (mobile) = mblctr or, alternatively Windows key + X
47. Mouse Properties = control mouse
48. Mouse Properties = main.cpl
49. Network Connections = control netconnections
50. Network Connections = ncpa.cpl
51. Notepad = notepad
52. ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32
53. On Screen Keyboard = osk or, alternatively Windows key + U
54. Optional Features Manager = optionalfeatures
55. Performance Monitor = perfmon.msc
56. Phone and Modem Options = telephon.cpl
57. Power Configuration = powercfg.cpl
58. Printer Migration = PrintBrmUi
59. Printers and Faxes = control printers
60. Private Character Editor = eudcedit
61. Regional Settings = intl.cpl
62. Registry Editor = regedit.exe
63. Remote Assistance = msra
64. Remote Desktop = mstsc
65. Resultant Set of Policy = rsop.msc
66. Scheduled Tasks = control schedtasks
67. Security Center = wscui.cpl
68. Services = services.msc
69. Shared Folders/MMC = fsmgmt.msc
70. Shuts Down Windows = shutdown
71. Snipping Tool = snippingtool
72. Sound Recorder = soundrecorder
73. Sound Volume = sndvol
74. Sounds and Audio = mmsys.cpl
75. Spider Solitare Card Game = spider
76. SQL Client Configuration = cliconfg
77. Sticky Note = StikyNot
78. Stored User Names and Passwords = credwiz
79. System Configuration Editor = sysedit
80. System Configuration Utility = msconfig
81. System File Checker Utility = sfc
82. System Information = msinfo32
83. System Properties = sysdm.cpl or, alternatively Windows key + Pause
84. Task Manager = taskmgr
85. Trusted Platform Module = TpmInit
86. User Accounts = netplwiz or, alternatively control userpasswords2
87. Utility Manager = utilman
88. Windows Activation = slui
89. Windows Backup Utility = sdclt
90. Windows Fax and Scan = wfs
91. Windows Firewall = firewall.cpl
92. Windows Firewall with Advanced Security = wf.msc
93. Windows Image Acquisition = wiaacmgr
94. Windows Magnifier = magnify
95. Windows Management Infrastructure = wmimgmt.msc
96. Windows Media Player = wmplayer
97. Windows Share Creation Wizard = shrpubw
98. Windows Standalong Update Manager = wusa
99. Windows System Security Tool = syskey
100. Windows Update App Manager = wuapp
101. Wordpad = write

Different shortcuts

These shortcuts let you access specific features and tools in Windows 7. Simply, copy and paste them to the blank field Run.. window and that’s it!

1. Action Center = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL wscui.cpl
2. Add Network Location = rundll32.exe shwebsvc.dll,AddNetPlaceRunDll
3. Add/Remove Programs = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl
4. Add/Remove Programs = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,0
5. Add/Remove Windows Components = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,2
6. Advanced Restore = sdclt.exe /restorewizardadmin
7. Aero (Transparency feature) Off = Rundll32.exe DwmApi #104
8. Aero (Transparency feature) On = Rundll32.exe DwmApi #102
9. Backup Location and Settings = sdclt.exe /configure
10. Content Advisor = RunDll32.exe msrating.dll,RatingSetupUI
11. Control Panel = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
12. Date and Time = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl
13. Date and Time (Additional Clocks) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl,,1
14. Date and Time (Properties) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl
15. Device Manager = RunDll32.exe devmgr.dll DeviceManager_Execute
16. Device Manager = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl
17. Display Settings = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL access.cpl,,3
18. Folder Options = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 0
19. Folder Options (File Types) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_Options 2
20. Folder Options (Search) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 2
21. Folder Options (View) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 7
22. Forgotten Password Wizard = RunDll32.exe keymgr.dll,PRShowSaveWizardExW
23. Hibernate = RunDll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState
24. Indexing Options = control.exe srchadmin.dll
25. Keyboard Properties = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl @1
26. Lock Screen = RunDll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
27. Manage Wireless Networks = explorer.exe shell:::{1fa9085f-25a2-489b-85d4-86326eedcd87}
28. Map Network Drive = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL Connect
29. Mouse Properties = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl @0
30. Network Connections = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL ncpa.cpl
31. Notification Cache = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 5
32. Open Control Panel (All Items) = explorer.exe shell:::{21ec2020-3aea-1069-a2dd-08002b30309d}
33. Pen and Touch Tablet PC (Settings) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl
34. Pen and Touch Tablet PC (Settings Flicks Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl,,1
35. Pen and Touch Tablet PC (Settings Handwriting Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl,,2
36. People Near Me = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL collab.cpl
37. People Near Me (Sign Up Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL collab.cpl,,1
38. Personalization = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,2
39. Phone and Modem (Options) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL telephon.cpl
40. Phone and Modem (Options Modems Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL telephon.cpl,,1
41. Phone and Modems (Options Advanced Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL telephon.cpl,,2
42. Power Options = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL powercfg.cpl
43. Power Options Modify Plan Settings = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL powercfg.cpl,,1
44. Regional Settings = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl,,3
45. Restore Files = sdclt.exe /restorewizard
46. Screen Resolution = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl
47. ScreenSaver = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,1
48. Set Program Access and Computer Defaults = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,3
49. Sound Control Playback Tab = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLLmmsys.cpl
50. Sound Control Recording Tab = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLLmmsys.cpl,,1
51. Sound Control Sounds Tab = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLLmmsys.cpl,,2
52. Stored Usernames /Passwords = RunDll32.exe keymgr.dll,KRShowKeyMgr
53. System Properties = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl
54. System Properties (Advanced Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,3
55. System Properties (Hardware Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,2
56. System Properties (Remote Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,5
57. System Properties (System Protection Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,4
58. System Properties (Advanced) RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,4
59. System Properties (Automatic Updates) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,5
60. Taskbar Properties = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 1
61. Unplug Eject Hardware = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll
62. User Accounts = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL nusrmgr.cpl
63. Welcome Center = rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter
64. Windows (About) = RunDll32.exe SHELL32.DLL,ShellAboutW
65. Windows Firewall = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL firewall.cpl
66. Windows Firewall = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL firewall.cpl
67. Windows Security Center = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL wscui.cpl
68. Wireless Network Setup = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL NetSetup.cpl,@0,WNSW
69. Wireless Networks pop-up = rundll32.exe van.dll,RunVAN

Internet Explorer Advanced Settings

1. Delete All (Deeper Cleaning Including Add-on Data Deletion) = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 4351
2. Delete All = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 255
3. Delete Cookies = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 2
4. Delete Form Data = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 16
5. Delete History = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1
6. Delete Passwords = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 32
7. Delete Temporary Internet Files = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 8

How To Install Cool Windows 7 Theme Downloads For Windows XP

Don’t be jealous of your friends with Windows 7. Don’t run out and buy a new operating system or computer just so you can have the look and feel of Windows 7.
Maybe you like the orb, the toolbar, tray icons or the quick launch buttons? Well guess what, you can have them on your XP computer FOR FREE!
There are a few different themes and visual styles that you can grab. We found the best one and we will show you what you get and how to install it. It is not as easy as you would think.
The theme itself is a user on DeviantArt. This user has many great themes but today we will be looking at his Windows 7 transformation pack for Windows XP.

You can grab the download the Windows 7 themes for Windows XP here. We will also grab the Super Bar files from this link.
I found the theme and instructions from TechBliss Online.

Inside the archive you will find four folders. We will really only be using the Visual Styles folder but there are some  great wallpapers (I say some because only one tickled my fancy and my wife liked one) in the wallpapers folder. Don’t worry you can use any wallpaper you want.  Next up we will have to download an application that allows us to use a third party theme. That application is called UXTheme Multipatcher and you can grab it from Softpedia.
To start we will need to run the EXE and hit the button marked Patch. Don’t be scared – you can always undo it by re-running this setup program again. Without UXTheme-Multipatcher you will not be able to use third party themes as we will be in the next few steps.

You need to confirm your operating system version and then you will need to restart. Once you have the UXTheme installed and you have the above archives downloaded and extracted, we can get started.
Go into the DeviantArt RAR file we downloaded first and find the directory called Visual Styles. Inside there you will find a directory called Windows Se7en. Copy that entire directory to c:\windows\resources\themes.
Once it is there go into the folder and double click on the theme’s file called Windows Se7en.msstyles. If you have extensions turned off it will say Windows Se7en but the icon will be the same as the one in the shot below:

That will bring up the Windows theme chooser (located in display properties). There you will click apply to apply the theme. Next you will run the ViGlance OneStep.exe file within the ViGlance zip file. This file adds some awesomeness to your task bar.

When you are complete you will have a Windows 7 like system! This ViGlance also installs a system tray icon that gives you options on what you want enabled or not. You can see the options below and they are all self explanatory.

You can use and apply any of the wallpapers that you extracted or choose your own. Here is what my desktop looked like when I was finished:

Courtesy: Make Use

Author: Karl L. Gechli

Is your Windows Computer slow? Fix it.

Your computer running Windows isn’t running in the same speed that it used to run when you first used it. It’s slower, crappy, takes a while to start and tests your patience like anything. There are many reasons for this, let’s try fixing up a few things on your slow Windows PC:
Slow Start Up
There can be a variety of reasons to Windows loading slow during start up. Go to Run, type msconfig and hit enter. Under the ‘Start Up’ tab, uncheck the unwanted programs and press OK. Things should be a bit fine the next time Windows boots.
Another program worth mentioning here is StartUp Delayer which will help in setting after how much time programs should be loaded after Windows boots. For instance, you could set your instant messenger program to load 50 seconds after Windows starts up.
Slow Loading Start Menu
If the Start Menu items are loading slowly, you can open the Registry Editor by typing in the Run menu ‘regedit.exe’ and pressing Enter. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Look for MenuShowDelay, and double click to edit the value. The lower the number specified, the faster the Start Menu will load.
Slow Right Click Context Menu
Probably the Windows Right Click menu on your computer is loading slow because too many programs added unwanted entries there. Just download this program called Mmm, install it and then modify your context menu to remove unwanted items to speed it up.
Slow Send To Menu

If the Send To menu loads slowly, you can type ’sendto’ in the Run Dialog, and remove unwanted items in the Explorer Window that appears. This should add some speed to it.
Slow Defragmentation
The Windows Defragmenter can’t get any slower. You need to have an alternative to the Windows Defragmenter, and Defraggler is just one of the best ones available in the market. It’s free, and works like a charm and can speed up defragmentation manifold.
Slow loading My Computer Window
If the My Computer Window loads slowly, in the Explorer Window, go to Tools >> Folder Options >> View and uncheck ‘Automatically search for network folders and printers”
Slow loading Add or Remove Programs Applet
This is one of the most annoying piece of programs present in Windows, it takes ages to load if you have a considerable number of programs installed on your computer. You can either use the all-in-one CCleaner for this purpose, or get MyUninstaller that comes as a speedy replacement for Add or Remove Programs.
Slow Ending of Unresponsive Programs
If you’ve clicked on ‘End Task’ if any program is running unresponsive, you might have noticed that the program is not terminated immediately. You can alter this by going to Run >> regedit.exe >> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\ and change this value to 1000.
Disable Animations and Appearance Overhauls to maximize performance
If you’re a serious performance junkie, you probably won’t bother about eyecandy. Go to System Properties in the Control Panel. Click ‘Advanced’, then ‘Performance’ and click ‘Adjust for best performance’. This might boost your PC’s performance up a bit.

Additional Tips:
- Always keep your computer clean. Remove Junk and Unnecessary registry entries. Use CCleaner for this purpose, one excellent tool that just does what it says.
- Don’t keep installing software. Install a program only if it really serves you a purpose.
- Keep as less programs as possible running on the System Tray. This essentially means reducing the number of programs that start during Windows start up.

Courtesy: Make Use

Author: Shankar Ganesh

Top 5 Free Microsoft Products

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer may be the worst browser on the planet, and any Mac lover or Linux geek can easily expound on the flaws in the Windows operating system.

However, it would be foolhardy to abandon our objectivity and criticize all Microsoft products. Not only does Microsoft make some great products, but several of them are available for you to use completely free.

Here are my picks for the Top 5 free Microsoft software products and why they are the best.

#1: Windows Live Writer

Any blogger not using Windows Live Writer (WLW) is wasting time and being unproductive. Looking for a better alternative? There is none.

WLW makes blogging a breeze on popular platforms like Wordpress, Blogger, Windows Live, LiveJournal and Typepad. True WYSIWYG editing shows you previews of how your post will look. Easily upload/embed photos/videos with borders, effects, alignment, and resizing. WLW also has an extensible framework of plugins, that let you customize and extend its functionality. Check out our previous coverage of WLW to get more out of this must-have tool for bloggers.

#2: Photosynth

Microsoft Photosynth is a jaw-dropping technology that automatically stitches together your photos to create an immersive 3D view. You can explore hundreds of thousands of synths on the site, or upload your own photos to create your own synth. You can then embed your synth on your website to share with everyone. This can even be used for multiple people uploading pictures of an event. For example, here is the photosynth of Obama’s presidential inauguration made with hundreds of photographs contributed by multiple people. Below is a snapshot of a popular synth of the Statue of Liberty.

From NASA to National Geographic, you can explore fascinating 3D views of places all over the world. Photosynth uses the Seadragon technology that we’ve covered previously on MakeUseOf.

Photosynth is also integrated with Bing Maps. Over 14,000 geo-tagged photosynths comprising 1.4 million photos uploaded by users like you and me can be explored via the Photosynth Bing Maps application – easily one of the best free Microsoft software products.

#3: World Wide Telescope

Microsoft WorldWide Telescope (WWT) brings terabytes of imagery from the best ground telescopes and the Hubble Space Telescope to your desktop. It seamlessly combines the data from these multiple sources into a rich immersive world that you can explore from your home. Use the native Windows client for all features, or the web client for a smaller subset. Guided tours from experts are a great way to introduce the stars and galaxies to youngsters. Exploration is possible not only in the visible light spectrum, but also in non-visible wavelengths such as x-ray and infrared.

The user interface and imagery use Photosynth technology and is said to be significantly better than Google Sky.

#4: Windows Live Skydrive

Windows Live Skydrive offers 25 GB of free space to anyone with a free Live ID for uploading, storing, and sharing files and photos. Most online storage services do not provide anything above 2 GB for free, and Skydrive’s 25 GB remains unparalleled. You can choose to keep files private, share them with contacts, or make them public. People are uploading 4 million photos to Skydrive every day. With Office 2010, you’ll be able to directly save a document on your PC to Skydrive.

Check out MakeUseOf’s coverage of Windows Live to get the most out of Skydrive.

#5: Bing

Bing is one of the best free Microsoft software products. While I still use Google almost exclusively myself, I have no hesitation in nominating Bing in this list of the best free Microsoft products. Why?

For starters, Bing is better than Google for certain kinds of queries. Natural language searches seem to be better in Bing. The categories and suggestions offered by Bing on the left are unique and not matched by Google. Check out these 10 Sites to Compare Google vs Bing Results Side by Side and judge for yourself.

But the real reason I love Bing is because it provides competition to Google. The past decade has seen Google become a monopoly in the search business. With Bing’s increasing popularity, Google is forced to innovate. Compare the rate of feature enhancements announced by Google before and after the arrival of Bing and you will agree that Bing makes Google better. That is certainly good for all of us and the web in general.

Courtesy: Make Use
Author: Mahendra Palsule