Windows 7: My first time using Windows, need help running applications! Help!

I've been using the KLite Codec pack (link) for the last few years on Windows 98, Windows XP and now Windows 7 with no problems at all... It also installs Media Player Classic, which I've come to like more than any of the standard Windows Media Players. It doesn't have a media library (like WMP does), it's just a player, but it doesn't overwrite WMP so you'll still have both available.

I'd suggest you download the 'Mega' codec pack and install with the default options, you hardly ever need to go into the advanced configurations anyway.



Why don't you try looking at AlternativeTo (link) and searching for programs you used to use on Linux, from there you should get a couple alternative programs and be able to find a Windows equivelent for programs you're used to.

Cool- thanks, it works now. You're a lifesaver. It's an AS7540-1734 I ordered to the store with an online discount. I customized it to have a webcam included and some accessories like bluetooth.

have you edited your startup programs? (start button>type msconfig>go to startup) what programs do you have listed?

That alternatives site seems pretty cool, but a lot of the stuff it's suggesting is Linux stuff. For both Rhythmbox and Tomboy it just gives me a bunch of GTK stuff, which I believe is Gnome based. I'm no expert, but the themes for Gnome say GTK in the name, so I think they're related somehow.

But yeah, I'll keep looking. I searched around, and I found this program called iTunes that has a store, kinda' like Rhythmbox. It looks a bit more familiar, too, so I might use it. But Windows Media Player is shiny, and Winamp seems to have some cool themes going for it.

Oh, that reminds me- are there any ways to change the glass theme to something else? I mean, it looks nice mostly, but the window buttons look a little old school. I'm just wondering, since it's only letting me change the colors. Again, sorry for barraging you with questions, I'm really curious to this new world of Windows.

you can change the theme by right clicking on the desktop, then clicking personalize, then theme. you can fiddle with the themes to find one you like

I can't seem to find a Startup Programs menu entry for some reason.

EDIT: I pressed enter and it opened a box and in Startup it says Microsoft Corporation Explorer, NvCplDaemon, AcrSynptc, and nwiz. It doesn't seem to be a lot, I think it's just stuff for my NVIDIA card. I'm not sure what the Microsoft Corporation thing is supposed to be, I didn't buy any Microsoft Explorer software online?

i think you misunderstood.
Go to start, then in the search box, type "msconfig".
No quotes.

Huh, the themes don't seem to be anything too special. They just change the texture and colors of the border, I wonder if you can download more online from a central website? Something like gnome-look.org, but for Windows Aero?

you can get more themes online, i think by clicking get more themes. That might not be accurate because i am not at my windows 7 machine, it's down for maintenance.

Oh, alright- there are many more entries, now!

There's Logitec SetPoint, Microsoft Security Essentials, Java(TM), HD Audio Control, Windows Live, and something from NVidia. Is that too much stuff? I usually never start things up with my computer, so I might want to disable all of these.