Working with Windows 7's Libraries

Like many others, reader Al Gingrich is learning the ins and outs of Win7's new features, including Libraries.

"I recently upgraded to Windows 7 and found that in the Pictures folder I could no longer arrange or sort the files by Type.

"I currently shoot my photos with a DSLR in raw + jpg. To browse the photos, it is much easier if they are arranged by file type, as this allows me to browse the jpg files and then edit the raw versions, if I choose. I was able to accomplish this by right-clicking the Library window, going to Sort by, clicking More, and then scrolling down and checking Type. I then clicked OK, returned to Sort by, and selected Type. There seemed to be no way to apply the change permanently."

Viewing files through a Win7 Library is an indirect way of getting to them. A Library is a kind of alias or false-front folder that lets you aggregate folders (and their files) from many places into one virtual folder. Files placed in a Library aren't actually moved from their real locations. You can even have the same file appear in several Libraries without duplicating or altering the original file.

As such, Win7's Libraries are a powerful organizing tool, but they're not always the best option for accessing your files. For some kinds of file management, the old way — using Windows Explorer and working within the files' true folder — is still the best way.

The top item in my WindowsSecrets columns this week will help you know when to use which tool, and why!

Although Libraries are great at collecting and organizing files on a large scale, they're not always great for small-scale file management — such as changing file attributes. If you run into trouble accessing a file or its attributes via a Library, you might do better going back to Windows Explorer — all of the classic Explorer functions will work the way they always have.

Other topics I cover this week:

• Network connections lost after security upgrade
• Make apps remember window size and location
• Add a reminder to Windows' shutdown sequence

The complete issue:

Free content posted on March 25, 2010:

TOP STORY By Susan Bradley Many browsers patched prior to hacking event Zero-day threat in Firefox is now fixed Safari browser gets fixes before its big test Google's Chrome gets a bit more privacy LOUNGE LIFE By Tracey Capen Running a virtual XP machine in Windows 7 WACKY WEB WEEK By Stephanie Small The sincerest form of feathery flattery

 
Paid content:

LANGALIST PLUS By Fred Langa Tips on working within Windows 7's Libraries Working around a Library's file-type actions Network connections lost after security upgrade Make apps remember window size and location Add a reminder to Windows' shutdown sequence

BEST SOFTWARE By Ian "Gizmo" Richards Tools for removing blur from digital photos When a photo is more than just a photo Deblurring photos is not the same as sharpening The best results require experimentation

PATCH WATCH By Susan Bradley Support clock ticking on XP and Vista versions Time running out for Windows 2000 users, too Chinese script obscures spreadsheet patch title An application-patching tool in the making Flash endangers Facebook and other social sites Exchange 2007 gets another updates rollup Cleaning up the side effects of Office patches

A portion of your support helps children in developing countries Each month, we send a full year of sponsorship to a different child. Your contributions in March are helping us to sponsor Cristian, an 8-year-old boy from Mexico. Children International channels development aid from donors to Cristian and his community. We also sponsor kids through Save the Children and Plan USA. More info

Complete issue: http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/100325

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