Windows 7 has become quite popular with the users since its launch. Microsoft has equipped this operating system with several noble technologies to enhance the experience of computer users.

The demand for the help for migration to Windows 7 from MS’ older operating system is on the rise. In this scenario, it is quite natural that demand for the help to Windows 7 issues will rise in the near future.

Users may face several issues, like hardware compatibility, installation, product activation, upgrade, performance, customization and software compatibility.

Here are some important tips that will help you in running your Windows 7 computer at a fast speed.
Hardware compatibility

You can’t install Windows 7 on your system, if it does not have:

* Processor-1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
* Memory-1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
* Hard disk-16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
* Graphic card-DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Next important aspect is compatibility of peripheral devices like printers, scanner, webcam, MP3 or media player, keyboard, monitor and external devices. You can check about the compatibility of individual hardware peripheral at Microsoft’s Compatibility Center.

Software compatibility
Software which are compatible with Windows 7, helps user to reduce conflicts and errors for smooth functioning.
Keeping in mind manufacturers are making use of logos of Microsoft with their compatible versions. It will help the user to purchase the most suitable software for their computer, which is working on Windows 7 operating system.
However, the below steps would help you to demise some of your software compatibility issue:

Step 1. Select the corresponding icon of the apps, right click and select, Troubleshoot Compatibility.

Step 2. Windows offers you two options: Try recommended settings and Troubleshoot program. Prefer the first option.

Step 3. Now, Windows applies the default setting, click “Start Program” and observe the change. If it resolves the issue, then well, otherwise try different settings. After getting the desired setting click “Next” and apply it as a permanent setting.

Alternative way is to apply XP mode, but this is especially for those applications which were running good over Windows XP but now suffering with latest Windows 7 OS. This feature is available with Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise. It demands additional, 2 GB of memory (RAM) along with a CPU, which can support chip-level virtualization.

Performance
Although Windows 7 offers better performance, but if your system is old or lacking somewhere in compatibility fact, then it’s not responsible. However Windows 7 helps to get the enhanced performance with some visual tweaking. You can follow the below steps:

Navigate to the Control Panel and click on “System and Security” followed by “System”. Highlight “Advanced System Settings”, which is available on the left side of your Windows. Click on “Settings”, button and customize some of the feature inside “Custom” box. You can Un-check the following options:

* Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing
* Fade or slide menus into view
* Fade or slide tooltips into view
* Fade out menu items after clicking
* Show shadows under menus
* Slide open combo boxes
* Slide Taskbar buttons
* Use a background image for each folder type

To finally apply the settings click “OK” on the Performance Options and System Properties windows. In this way you can create some extra memory space for your applications, so that they can run smoothly.
Appearance

Let’s focus on most buzzing feature of windows 7, the Aero feature. This feature although gives a brilliant look to your Desktop, but you can customize it or even turn on/turn off as per your requirement. If you believe in performance the most, you can turn off the feature to save your computer’s resource.

1. Manually Enable/Disable Aero Transparency
This is the conventional method. Right-click on the Desktop and choose Personalize followed by “Window Color and Appearance”.

You have the privilege to change color of your Windows desktop, Start menu and the Task bar. You can opt for desired color from the available chart, but if you are not interested in them you can create your own, with the help of Mixer option.

Next, you have to click on “Enable transparency”.

2. Create Shortcut for Aero Transparency
You can create shortcut to enable or disable the aero feature in a simple way.
Right-click on the desktop, select “NewShortcut”. There comes a Windows, which gives you the option to create your own shortcut. Enter the below information and follow the prompts of the Windows to get the desired result.

Turn Aero Transparency Off-rundll32.exe dwmApi #104
Turn Aero Transparency On-rundll32.exe dwmApi #102

Hope, that the above Windows 7 tips will help you to work smoothly