With the new Windows 7 taskbar, we see that all our icons and open programs stack on top of each other. Many users prefer to have the separate icon with the text. It can make things easier to access and easier to read.

To change these settings, right click anywhere in the start menu–> go to Properties–>click on the taskbar tab–>under the taskbar buttons you will see options–> click never combine

Another feature that is available on Windows 7 but does not automatically run is Quicklaunch. This helps those that are used to the format on XP or Vista, and just provides a quicker way to access programs. The Windows 7 taskbar was designed to get rid of the Quicklaunch bar, but many users still miss it.

In order to use Quicklaunch toolbar, you must first hide your hidden folders (revert to Find Hidden Files and Customize the Send To Option in Windows 7 Video). Once you have done this, right click on the tool bar–> scroll over ‘Toobars’–> click New Toolbar–> Go to your user folder–> ‘App Data’–> ‘Roaming’–>’Microsoft’–> ‘Internet Explorer’–> ‘Quick Launch’

Now you will see the Quicklaunch bar at the bottom of your task bar. Make sure that you unlock your taskbar to drag the Quicklaunch bar to the left. If you right click on your Quicklaunch bar and remove text and the show title options, your toolbar will look more like the Quicklaunch bar you are familiar with.

You can drag and drop more programs in the Quicklaunch bar very easily as well.
Be sure to save your theme by right clicking and going to personalize–> go to Desktop Background–> click on Save Theme and name it whatever you want. This will save your Quicklaunch bar so it will show up every time you log on.