The taskbar can be tweaked in a variety of ways.
If you’re upgrading to Windows 7 from Vista, then you’ll probably notice a number of changes made by Microsoft to the dependable taskbar. Bars are shorter, programs can be pinned into position as well as being rearranged as necessary. In fact, the Windows 7 taskbar offers more flexibility and customisation options than it did in previous versions of the operating system, so you can easily tailor it to suit your needs.
Reposition the taskbar: simply left-click on a blank area of the taskbar and drag it to one of the edges of the screen. If it doesn’t move, it’s probably locked – right-click and untick the Lock the taskbar option.
Bars not buttons: if you prefer the older look of the taskbar, where you can see program and document names rather than square icons, this is easily achieved. Right-click on the taskbar and choose Properties. Open the Taskbar buttons drop-down menu – either of the last two options will reinstate the labels. Automatic grouping of windows (e.g. multiple Word documents) can also be controlled from here.
Shrink the taskbar: to make the taskbar even smaller, you can opt for the Use small icons option on the Properties screen. As in previous versions of Windows, you can opt to auto-hide the taskbar when not in use as well.
Pin applications to the taskbar: programs can now be pinned to the taskbar as well as the Start menu. Right-click on an application icon and choose Pin this program to taskbar to do this. You can then launch the software in question with a single click without having to open up the Start menu at all.
(For a full guide to Windows 7, order the Essential Windows 7 Handbook 2nd Edition, on sale now from newsagents and online.)
