A number of Control Panel utilities are unique to Windows 7, including the following:
- HomeGroup
- Action Center
- Windows Defender
- RemoteApp and Desktop Connections
- Troubleshooting
HomeGroup
A homegroup is a network setting that allows users to share files and folders easily on a home network. The HomeGroup utility, shown in Figure 1, is not available on a work network or a public network.
Action Center
Action Center replaces the Security Center that is found in XP and Vista. The Action Center is described in more detail on the page titled Action Center, found elsewhere in this course.
Windows Defender
Windows Defender is an antispyware program that scans the operating system for unwanted software that might pose a security threat. Windows Defender protects computers from harmful software, such as spyware, that is created to perform malicious attacks. If Windows Defender detects any unwanted software, users can delete or quarantine the harmful files. To access Windows Defender, use the following path:
Start > Control Panel > Windows Defender
Windows Defender is available on Windows 7 and Windows Vista by default and can be downloaded for Windows XP.
RemoteApp and Desktop Connections
The RemoteApp and Desktop Connections utility, shown in Figure 2, provides access to remote computers and programs from a single folder in Windows Explorer. To access the RemoteApp and Desktop Connections utility, use the following path:
Start > Control Panel > RemoteApp and Desktop Connections
Troubleshooting
The Troubleshooting utility, shown in Figure 3, allows you to troubleshoot problems within the following categories:
- Programs - Solve compatibility issues with programs made for prior versions of Windows.
- Hardware and Sound - Diagnose and solve device configuration problems and audio issues.
- Network and Internet - Solve problems with Internet connections, as well as shared files and folders.
- Appearance and Personalization - Solve problems associated with desktop appearance.
- System and Security - Perform maintenance tasks, check for performance issues, and improve power usage.
To access the Troubleshooting utility, use the following path:
Start > Control Panel > Troubleshooting