AppLocker

AppLocker

AppLocker is a completely new feature for Windows 7 that enables you to lock down certain applications for users that you specify, using rules and properties to provide access control for applications.

Meant primarily for businesses, it's available in Windows 7 Ultimate, while you can also create rules in Windows 7 Professional.

You can configure numerous rules including restricting applications by publisher, for example, so you could restrict certain games or simply applications you use for work. AppLocker is hidden away though, in the Local Group Policy Editor.

To launch this, run GPEDIT.MSC and go to Computer Configuration ➜ Windows Settings. Then highlight Security Settings and look for Application Control Policies. AppLocker is within this group.

8. Shake your mouse for clarity

One of our favourite little enhancements to Windows 7 is the shake to minimise feature. If your desktop is cluttered with windows, it can be a time-consuming process to minimise them all to your taskbar. Now you don't need to.

Just grab hold of the title bar of the window you still want to use with your mouse, and shake it around a little. All the windows will minimise to the taskbar, except for the one you're using. Cool eh?

Oh, and should you want to clear the entire desktop, then just click on the area next to the clock in the bottom right-hand corner.