In our first look at Windows 7, we took a peek at the main desktop changes. Now, we see what the Properties feature has to offer.
With the new beta installed, we're taking another look around the system for those not too keen on installing test software on their valuable machines.
Right-click on the desktop and you see some obvious changes in the Properties menu. For a start, Gadgets is now available as an option, highlighting the fact they can now reside anywhere on the screen - gone is Vista's intrusive Sidebar. Currently, the list of gadgets is the same as in Vista, with the addition of a Media Center gadget but it would be good if Microsoft added a couple of extras to make things more interesting.
Personalize has seen the addition of a couple of features -- localized desktop backgrounds and themes. Windows 7 lets you have a range of images that will rotate in the background over time, from seconds to days, no third-party add-ons required. If you get bored of one particular desktop, just right-click and you can go to the next one in the sequence.
Another addition in the Sound Schemes menu is a host of new collections of effects to liven up the audio side of the desktop. From blues guitars to synths and a range of dings, pings and tings, there is a lot more than in previous versions of Windows, a small touch but another indication that Microsoft is trying to boost every area of the OS.
