codza

One of the coolest features of Vista is the ability to search right from the start menu. You can quickly find programs and documents (similar to the spotlight search on the mac).

For example to find OpenOffice Writer, just hit the Windows button and type “writer” (you don’t need to click on the field, it’s selected by default). As soon as it appears, hit Return to start it:

vista start search writer

You can also search for documents. For example I was looking for my class syllbus:

vista start search syllabus

You can open the document by hitting Return. To select from multiple results, use the arrow keys.

More information from Vista’s help:

A new, expanded search

The Search box is one of the most convenient ways to find things on your computer. The exact location of the items doesn’t matter—the Search box will scour your programs and all of the folders in your personal folder (which includes Documents, Pictures, Music, Desktop, and other common locations). It will also search your e‑mail messages, saved instant messages, appointments, and contacts.

As you type, the Start menu changes to show the best possible results, with priority given to the programs you open most frequently. As you type more letters, the results narrow until there are only a couple of items left in the list.

Filed under:
pc, vista, vista64 by lajos