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A Second Instance
If you want to open a second instance of a program in Windows 7, but you don't want to go through the hassle of the Start menu, simply hold the Shift key and click on the program's icon in the task bar.
Depending on the program, a second instance should open up!
Show Empty Drives in Windows 7
By default Windows 7 doesn't show empty drives, like card readers and what-not, in the explorer window. As far as I know there isn't really a good reason for this, so I keep it so everything shows up no matter what.
Here's how:
Click Start, and in the Search Box (Located above the Start button) type "Change search options". In the results that will appear above, you'll see a selection at the top that says "Change search options for files and folders". Click it.
Now select the View tab and scroll down until you see the selection that says "Hide empty drives in the Computer folder" and un-check it. Hit Apply, then OK and you're all set! Now whenever you insert media into your computer it'll show up regardless!
Windows 7 Taskbar
I was one of the many who upgraded to Windows 7 as soon as it was released in stores. The one thing I noticed straight away after I upgraded was the new format of the taskbar. Instead of long, rectangular buttons, Windows 7 features a space-saving small button design. To be honest, I don't particularly like the new buttons, and would love to return to the old style. I didn't think this was possible until recently, when I chanced upon an option under Taskbar Properties to change this.
If you're like me, and want to get a blast from the past by switching back to the old taskbar format, here's how:
Firstly, right-click on a blank space on the Taskbar. A menu will appear... select Properties.
Select the Taskbar buttons dropdown menu and choose Combine when taskbar is full.
Click Apply and voila! Your taskbar should now look like this:
Although this isn't the exact look that you get on Windows Vista, it's very similar. This way, instead of a non-descriptive icon, the taskbar shows the name of the program. You still have the option to preview the window you're planning to open by simply hovering over the icon in the taskbar, just like before.
Have fun with your new taskbar!
Backup Your Computer for Free with GFI Backup
There are many services and software that allow you to backup your computer files, however the majority of these programs are usually not free and can be quite costly. Fortunately, GFI Backup Utility isn't like that, because it allows you to backup your entire computer for free! The following information shows how to backup your files with GFI.
Step 1: Download GFI Backup Utility
The first thing you have to do is download GFI. This can be done by going to the GFI homepage [GFI.COM]. Under the "Products" tab, select "GFI Backup Home Edition". Next, enter some of your information and download the product. The software is about 10MB, so it will not take long to download.
Step 2: Backup Your Computer 
Once you have finished downloading GFI, open the program and click on "Backup". The following screen will ask you to enter a task name—which must be entered to begin the backup process. The rest of the information is optional. 
Select the type files in your computer you want to backup. GFI allows you to backup registry keys, files & folders, Emails, and user settings.
Choose where you want to backup data. After you have selected the files you want to backup, you will have the option to choose where you want them stored. You can store your files in DVDs, CDs, USB flash sticks or an external hard drive.
Step 3- Restore Your Files
After you have backed up your files, you will able to restore them to your computer. To restore your files, open GFI, and simply click on "Restore". The following screen will give the options to restore entire or individual backups.
Vista System Health Report
Did you know that there's a built in diagnostic tool in Windows Vista? You can generate your very own health report for your computer that will show you what's going on inside and give you helpful resolutions to ensure your PC is running at it's peak of performance!
Here's the dish:
Go Start>Control Panel>System and Maintenance>Performance Information and Tools. Under here you'll want to select "Advanced Tools" on the left. At the bottom click "Generate a System Health Report".
The gears will start turning immediately, and within a minute or two, a window will pop up giving you a bevy of system information to peruse.
Use the arrows to expand and collapse each field. You might see a lot of stuff you don't recognize in here, so just look around and don't be afraid to Google or check Worldstart's tips out if you have any questions.
Congratulations! You might not be a doctor, but you play one on PC!
