Windows Vista A to Z
Learn about Windows Vista the alphabetical way
Recycle Bin:
When you delete a file Windows temporarily stores it in the Recycle Bin. If you regret deleting any files then you can restore them before they are deleted permanently.
Recent Items:
Your recently-opened files can be accessed from Recent Items, in the Start menu. To empty the list, right-click and select Clear Recent Items List.
RAM:
Random Access Memory is used by your computer to store data. Your computer can access the data kept here much faster than from your hard drive, as it is solid state (as opposed to a spinning disc like your hard drive) and the data can be accessed at any ‘random’ point. If you want to speed up your computer, adding more RAM is both the cheapest and most effective way of doing so.
Quick Launch:
This toolbar sits next to the Start button. It allows you to launch programs and minimize open windows with a single click. Drag on shortcuts to your favourite programs to add them.
Right-click:
Right-clicking in Windows Vista brings up a context-sensitive menu, from which you can perform a number of actions, such as viewing properties or creating a new folder. What is displayed depends on what you clicked on, and what programs you have installed.
Restore Point:
Windows Vista takes snapshots of your system settings as you’re using it, and before any major changes. If you encounter any problems, use the most recent restore point to ‘rewind’, whilst files remain unchanged.
RSS Feeds:
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds help you keep up-to-date with web sites and blogs by sending the content straight to you, without you having to visit the sites yourself. You can use RSS readers such as Internet Explorer 7 to find and subscribe to the RSS feed of a site.
Readyboost:
ReadyBoost is a great feature exclusive to Windows Vista that allows you to use a USB memory stick as a disc cache, which speeds up your PC as it can temporarily store processes and the USB drive rather than your hard drive – it essentially acts as extra RAM. When you insert a compatible device, Windows Vista will ask if you want to use it for ReadyBoost. The device must have at least 256MB of free space.
Remote Assistance:
Remote assistance is a great way of getting help when you’re struggling. It allows a friend to control your PC via the internet or network, so they can troubleshoot without leaving their desk!
