I really like Windows 7. Very snappy and easy to use.

I can't think of many specific tips. One thing I really like is the "jump lists" on items you pin to the task bar--I pinned Windows Explorer to the task bar and then added a handful of folders I use often to the jumplist.

thanks. i'll look into the jump list. could be very useful

1. Pin things to the taskbar. Once something is pinned, click on the taskbar icon and slide up. Try this with itunes :)

2. Aero: Drag a window to the top of your screen to maximize it, pull it back down to put it back. Drag it left and right to snap it to the screen edges. Open a bunch of windows, then grab one and shake it back and forth to minimize all but that window (shake it again to bring them back).

3. Search: Use it to find anything. Type something in the search box, then click "see more results". The results screen is pretty useful.

4. If you are working with tech support, use the search box to "record steps to reproduce a problem" to get a little app that will record your keystrokes and then create a file you can email to someone.

5. Play with libraries. They can be cool. They can also be annoying.

6. I love the sticky notes app. I hate the font. So, to make sticky notes more "professional", open your font folder from the control panel, find the "Segoe" fonts, and delete them. Sticky notes will go to arial instead.

7. If you have 7 Professional or Ultimate, download and install Virtual PC, then download and install "XP Mode" from Microsoft. VPC is free, so is XP mode. XP mode is way cool for older applications that won't run under vista or 7 (it's a fully working version of XP in a window, sorta)

8. The "Devices and Printers" control panel is a LOT more useful than it used to be. It's where you go to control all the hardware stuff, but its also where you go to download camera pics, run the scanner, etc.

9. The calculator is now useful (search for "calc"), open it and hit the View menu.

There are a lot more...

I do like the ability to tile/snap windows from dissimilar apps side by side. As a writer, this is a huge convenience.

I don't have it, but if I shy away from going full-linux, I might look into 7.

thanks disclaimer !