WordPad and Paint are often overlooked accessories included in all versions of Windows since 95. They are still included in Windows 7 and now have a new look with some enhanced features. Here we will take a look at some of the new improvements. Classic WordPad WordPad has always come in very handy as a quick and easy to use text editor for documents. Rather than opening up a new Word session to make simple adjustments, WordPad can save a lot of time. In fact it is all some users need to create basic letters and and other simple documents. WordPad 6.1 w/ Ribbon UI The new WordPad in Windows 7 includes the nicely laid out Ribbon interface which has been a feature in Office 2007 and in the forthcoming 2010. If you are new to the Ribbon, it does take getting used to, but once you do, you'll wonder how you did without it before.

  To access commonly used commands easier, just Right-click the button and choose "Add to Quick Access Toolbar".

What may be considered the coolest new feature, it includes the ability to read and write documents to Office Open XML format, which supports Open Office (.odt) and IBM Lotus Symphony suites.

  Like in pervious versions you can insert a Paint drawing.

Paint Of course we would be remiss if we didn't show the new Ribbon UI included in the new version of Paint.

  Easier to access options for editing projects.

The main menu offers more choices for saving, printing images etc.

  It looks like the Ribbon is around to stay and it's nice to get uniformity between Windows applications. Paint and WordPad may seem like forgotten accessories, but the new look and improvements might warrant a second look. How about you? We are curious how many of you still use WordPad or Paint and what you think about the new interface. Just leave us a comment and let us know.