WINDOWS INTRODUCTION I

WHAT IS WINDOWS?

A window is a (usually) rectangular portion of the display on a computer monitor that presents its contents (e.g., the contents of a directory, a text file or an image) seemingly independently of the rest of the screen. Windows are one of the elements that comprise a graphical user interface (GUI).

What is a desktop?

When you start your computer, after the boo-up, the next thing you see is the desktop; it announces to you that the computer is on stand-by..

FEATURES OF THE DESKTOP

1. My Documents:         This is the default ‘Save to’ Folder that contains all the files you create on your computer.
2. My Computer:           The My Computer icon provides access to the resources on your computer. You can access your drives and other peripherals by clicking on the My Computer icon.
3. The Recycle Bin:       When you delete an object, Windows XP sends it to the Recycle Bin. You can restore objects that are located in the Recycle Bin or you can permanently delete them.
4. Internet Explorer:     The Internet Explorer icon launches the Internet Explorer browser.
5. Program, folder, and document icons: Program, folder, and document icons do not have an arrow in the lower left corner. They represent the actual object and provide direct access to the object.
6. Shortcut icon:                        Icons with an arrow in the lower left corner are shortcut icons. Click the icon for quick access to the object they represent (program, document, printer, and so on).
7. Taskbar:        By default, the taskbar is located on the bottom edge of the desktop. You can click the taskbar and drag it to other locations. The Start button, active program buttons, icons for quick access to programs, and the current time are located on the taskbar.

OPERATION IN WINDOWS

Please note here that windows supports GUI – Graphical User Interface {A graphical user interface  is a human-computer interface (i.e., a way for humans to interact with computers) that uses windows, icons and menus and which can be manipulated by a mouse (and often to a limited extent by a keyboard as well). Which implies that except for when we shall be using Windows shortcuts, our main tool of operation shall be the Mouse.

Remember from the introduction of our PowerPoint Class when we discussed about how to use the mouse –the mouse must rest on a surface (refer to PowerPoint Class I…).

How do I:

* Shut down my computer?

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.
2. Click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box will appear.
3. Click the Turn Off icon. Your computer will shut down.

* Restart my computer?

You may need to shut down and restart your computer after installing a new program or if your system becomes unstable. To shut down and immediately restart your computer:

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.
2. Click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box will appear.
3. Click the Restart icon. Your computer will restart.

What is Standby mode?

When your computer is in the Standby mode, your computer consumes less electricity, but is ready for immediate use. However, if the computer loses electrical power while in the standby mode, any information you have not saved will be lost.

How do I put my computer in Standby mode?

To put your computer in Standby mode:

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.
2. Click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box will appear.
3. Click the Stand By icon.

How do I start a program?

To start a program:

1. Click the Start button, located in the lower left corner of your screen.
2. Highlight Programs. The Program menu will appear.
3. Move to the Program menu and highlight the program you want to start. If you see a right pointer next to your selection, a submenu will appear. Refine your choice by highlighting the appropriate selection on the submenu. Continue until you get to the final submenu.`
4. Click the program name to start the program.

Note: A chevron  button at the bottom of the list of options means that there are additional options. To view the additional options, click the chevron.

How do I add an item located on my desktop to the Start or to a Program menu?

To add an item on the desktop to the Start or to a Program menu:

1. Click and drag the item on top of the Start button.
2. Release the mouse button when the Start menu appears.
3. The item will appear on the Start menu.
4. If you would prefer to have the item on a Program menu or submenu of the Start menu, drag the item from the Start menu to the Program menu or submenu.

What is Windows Explorer?

Windows Explorer is a place where you can view the drives on your computer and manipulate the folders and files. Using Windows Explorer, you can cut, copy, paste, rename, and delete folders and files.

How do I Open Windows Explorer?

To open Windows Explorer:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Highlight programs.
3. Highlight Accessories.
4. Click Windows Explorer.

Alternatively, you can open Windows Explorer by holding down the Windows key and typing e (Windows-e) as displayed in the image below

Windows Key

How do I rename an item on the Start menu or on a Program menu?

To rename an item on the Start menu or on a Program menu:

1. Highlight the item.
2. Right-click the item.
3. Click Rename. The Rename dialog box will appear.
4. Type the new name in the New Name field.
5. Click OK.

How do I re-sort the Start or a Program menu?

To resort a menu:

1. Go to the menu.
2. Right-click.

Click Sort By Name.

Note: Some menus cannot be re-sorted.

How do I quickly find files and folders?

Windows XP enables you to quickly locate files and folders on your drives. The search option provides you with four search options: Pictures, music, or video; Documents; All files and folders; and Computers and people. To quickly find a file or folder:

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.
2. Highlight Search.
3. Click Files or Folders. The Search Results dialog box will open.

           4.   Choose an option.

           5.   Enter your search criteria. Use the table that follows to help you.

           6.   Click search. The results of your search will appear in the right pane.

What is the Most Recently Used Document list?
As you work, Windows XP tracks the last 15 files you used. It lists these files on the Most Recently Used Document list. To view the Most Recently Used Document list:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Highlight Documents. The most recently used documents will display.

To open a file listed on the Most Recently Used Document list, click the file name.

How do I clear my Most Recently Used Document list?

1. To clear the Most Recently Used Document list:
2. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.
3. Highlight Settings.
4. Click Taskbar and Start menu. A dialog box will appear.
5. Click the Start Menu tab.
6. Click Customize.
7. Click Clear.
8. Click OK.
9. Click OK again.