As I continue to use the Windows 7 Release Candidate, and look forward to the release of Windows 7 in October, I’m finding a number of things that are simply more user-friendly than in earlier versions of Windows.
Setting the power options in Windows 7 is a good example of this.
Instead of a small, efficient dialog box — that basically assumed you (a) understood what it would do and (2) were willing to try things, the Windows 7 power options are available through a large, friendly window.
Tech Tip
Windows 7′s dialog boxes look more like Windows 7′s windows and less like the dialog boxes of earlier versions of Windows. Microsoft has added a lot more explanations, too, to make the user more comfortable in choosing the dialog box’s options.
(click on the image for a larger version)
The default setting for all of the power "button" options in Windows 7 is to put the computer to sleep. That’s similar to Windows Vista’s default.
With the dialog box, it’s easy to change what happens when you press the power button, the sleep button or close the lid of a notebook computer. In addition, you can choose different actions depending on whether you’re running on battery power (if it’s a notebook computer) or if it’s plugged in.
You can also set Windows 7 to require a password when it wakes up from sleep or hibernation.
(click on the image for a larger version)
The other important dialog box allows you to change the time delay before turning off the computer’s display (that is, stop sending signals to your monitor, so your monitor can go to sleep).
Notice that these settings are for the "Power Plan" selected on the previous screen.
YOu can also change the delay before your computer goes to sleep because of inactivity.
Again, you have separate choices for the delay if you’re running on battery or plugged in.
(click on the image for a larger version)
Notice also that the above dialog box gives you access to even more power settings via the "Change enhanced power settings" link.
After experimentation, you can always revert back to the defaults for that Power Plan. Use the link "Restore default settings for this plan" to solve the problem.
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