EnhanceMySe7en - Tweak Windows 7 & Learn About Your PC

Personalizing Windows 7 with EnhanceMySe7ven

For those who prefer a meticulously configured computing experience, Windows 7 presents ample opportunities for customization. Prior to the release of Windows 7, many users, including myself, relied on tools like Litestep to achieve a desired level of personalization.

EnhanceMySe7ven is a complimentary application – with a professional version also available – designed to facilitate the tweaking of system settings and provide comprehensive system information. While the application’s name may not be the most captivating, its functionality and design are notably robust.

Exploring the User Interface

The application’s interface is structured around a Ribbon-based design, offering a wealth of system details. Information is organized logically within each section, ensuring clarity despite the substantial amount of data presented.

The layout avoids feeling cluttered or overwhelming, even with numerous details displayed simultaneously. Consider the presentation of mainboard and memory information:

This represents the Information tab within the Ribbon. Additional tabs include Tools, Most Used Tweaks, System, Optimizations, and Customizations, suggesting a broad range of capabilities.

Delving into the Tools Section

The Tools section begins with a Processes tab, displaying a hierarchical listing of currently running processes, reminiscent of Process Explorer. This provides a detailed view of system activity.

Other tools offered are fairly standard. It’s worth noting that the Disk Cleaner tool is exclusive to the Pro version; however, free alternatives like CCleaner provide similar functionality without additional cost.

Examining Commonly Used Tweaks

The Most Used Tweaks tab categorizes adjustments into three areas. The Performance category allows for actions such as disabling the print spooler (if a printer is not present) and disabling Automatic Folder View discovery to accelerate folder opening in Explorer.

A design choice worth mentioning is the use of extensive lists of radio buttons instead of listboxes in certain instances. For example, a selection of twenty radio buttons could be more efficiently presented using two listboxes.

Despite this minor point, the Performance category offers sensible adjustments. While it won’t dramatically transform system performance, optimizing menu animations can contribute to a more responsive feel. Users of Firefox might also consider adjusting the “Waiting time to kill non-responding applications.”

Exploring System Settings

The System tab provides access to various system configurations:

This includes options for configuring the Windows Firewall, Internet Explorer password settings, Windows Update, and even Outlook Express. Features like enabling the Popup Blocker for IE are beneficial, while others, such as disabling System Restore, should be approached with caution.

The ability to hide Control Panel applets is a noteworthy feature:

This can be useful for preventing unauthorized modifications to critical settings, but it can also be misused to restrict access to important tools.

Customization Options

Finally, the Customizations tab offers a range of personalization options:

The “Common customizations” section is particularly helpful, allowing users to hide infrequently used folders like Pictures or Documents, streamlining their desktop experience.

Concluding Remarks

EnhanceMySe7ven doesn't represent a groundbreaking innovation, however, it possesses practical utility. The application serves as a convenient compilation of numerous adjustments and personalization features. Individuals frequently sought for technical assistance by their network may find it beneficial to keep this tool readily available.

While the application incorporates features exclusive to its professional version, these are logically organized into dedicated panels. This design choice prevents the fragmentation of functionality, ensuring that premium options aren't interspersed with those available to all users.