You can run the majority of existing commercial applications under Windows 7. But finding free programs that work well with Microsoft’s newest OS is a bit more challenging. They’re out there, though — tools ranging from simple synchronization applications to full-fledged interface makeover kits. Read on to learn more.
Q: I like the Windows 7 interface better than Windows XP. But I still prefer the Mac. Is there an application out there that will make Windows 7 feel more Mac-like?
A: Yes. The free ObjectDock (http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock) will make your Windows 7 desktop feel more like a Mac, thanks to its animated object dock on which you can organize shortcuts, programs, and running applications. With ObjectDock, you can say good-bye to the Start menu altogether, if you wish. You can also determine how to display your running tasks — either as icons only, with thumbnails of the applications’ contents, or both.
There’s a feature called “mini applets” that allow you to place miniature applications on your desktop — much like the “widgets” that Microsoft introduced with Vista. ObjectDock’s applets can display the time, the weather, a Web search form, among other things. Animations in ObjectDock are smooth, and the application is easy on system resources, so you should not notice a performance hit when it’s installed.
While on the topic of alternate docks, the free CircleDock (http://circledock.wikidot.com) is worth mentioning as well. As its name implies, CircleDock puts all of your application shortcuts, files, and folders in a circular pattern on your desktop, arguably making them easier to see and access. It’s completely compatible with Windows 7.
Q: I appreciate the new backup tools in Windows 7, but I don’t see a way of easily synchronizing files between two computers. Is there some good freeware that will accomplish this?
A: Microsoft’s own SyncToy (http://bit.ly/17AYut) will do the…