Computer Basics - Introduction to Windows and Windows concepts
Introduction to Windows and Windows concepts:
What is an Operating System and basics of window
An operating system, or "OS," is software that communicates with the hardware and allows other
programs to run. It is comprised of system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to
boot up and function. Every desktop computer, tablet, and Smartphone includes an operating system
that provides basic functionality for the device.
Introduction to Windows
The Desktop
The desktop is the first thing you see when you log in- it is the “launch pad”
Icons, or pictures, represent programs that are available on the computer.
Notice the gray/blue task bar at the bottom of the screen.
Windows XP
Starts when computer is turned on
Elements of the desktop
Icon
Pointer
Desktop
Date/Time control
Taskbar
Start button
Notification area
Windows XP desktop uses a graphical user interface
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Displays icons to represent items stored on the computer
Icons: Pictures of familiar objects
Desktop
Area that appears on the screen when Windows XP starts
A workspace for projects and tools
Uses default settings when the computer is first started
Default settings: settings preset by the operating system
Appearance can be changed by the user
A pointing device
Helps the user interact with objects on the computer screen
Comes in many shapes and sizes
Mouse
Most common pointing device
ScreenTips
Appear when the mouse pointer is positioned over certain objects
Display the purpose or function of the object
Figure 1-3 shows a ScreenTip
Clicking
Pressing a mouse button and immediately releasing it
Menu
A list of options which can be used to perform tasks
Submenus
Start menu
Appears when the Start button is clicked
Provides access to programs, documents, etc.
Selecting
Selecting a menu command
Two possible ways of selecting objects in Windows XP
Pointing to an object
Pointing to and then clicking an object
A selected object is highlighted
Viewing the contents of the Recycle Bin
Click the desktop, and then point to the Recycle Bin icon. After a few moments, a ScreenTip appears
that describes the Recycle Bin
Click the left mouse button twice quickly to double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The Recycle Bin opens
Right-clicking
Clicking an object with the right button of the mouse
Selects an object and opens its shortcut menu
Shortcut menu: a list of options directly related to the object
Exploring the Start menu
Starting and Closing a program
Starting a program
A program must be started before it can be used
To start a program
Click the Start button
Locate and click the program’s name in the submenus
An open or running program
A program which has been started
Program button
Appears on the taskbar for each open program
Click to switch between open programs
Close button
Located in the upper-right corner of the program window
Click to close the program
Running Multiple Programs
Multitasking
Ability to run multiple programs on Windows XP at the same time
Allows the user to work on more than one project at a time
The active program is the one you are currently using
Program buttons
Located on the taskbar
Offer the easiest way to switch between programs
Closing Inactive Programs from the Taskbar
Options for closing a program
Use the Close button on the title bar of the program window
Use the shortcut menu associated with the program button on the taskbar
Using Help
Windows XP Help
Provides on-screen information about programs
Available by
Clicking the Start button and selecting Help and Support from the Start menu
Windows Help and Support Center window
Provides access to
Help files stored on the computer
Help information stored on Microsoft’s Web site
Using help (continued)
Shutting Down Windows XP
Turn Off Computer option
Located on the Start menu
Turns off the computer
Log Off option
Located on the Start menu
Logs off Windows XP but leaves the computer on
The user interface
Using Mouse and moving icons on the screen
Connect the mouse.
Using Mouse and moving icons on the screen (Continued)
Hold the mouse correctly. For Windows or PC users, place your pointer finger on the left button,
and your ring finger on the right button. If your mouse has a button or 'wheel' in the middle, your
middle finger can operate this. For Mac users, the mouse usually has only one button. Use any of
your three center fingers to press the button.
To click, press the button (usually the left one, when there are two) and promptly release it. It
should be a firm, quick tap, and the mouse should be still when you do it.
Using Mouse and moving icons on the screen (Continued)
To double click (for opening applications, documents or folders), you must click (the left button)
twice in rapid succession. If you have physical trouble with the required double click speed, your
computer can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Using Mouse and moving icons on the screen (Continued)
Moving Icons on the screen
To drag files, press and hold the (left) button, then move the mouse without letting the button go until
the file is where you want it to be.
Using Mouse and moving icons on the screen (Continued)
Hold the mouse correctly. For Windows or PC users, place your pointer finger on the left button,
and your ring finger on the right button. If your mouse has a button or 'wheel' in the middle, your
middle finger can operate this. For Mac users, the mouse usually has only one button. Use any of
your three center fingers to press the button.
In addition to the above section, let’s explore these Features of Windows:
Windows Search: We can have numerous files and contents located on our system and sometimes we may run out of memory about the exact location of our file. Windows Search is a search function included with Windows that allows the user to search their entire computer
Windows File Transfer: We may have the need to transfer in or transfer out the files and contents from our machine to other devices such as other computers or mobiles and tablets. We can do this by using an Easy Transfer Cable, CDs or DVDs, a USB flash drive, wireless Bluetooth, a network folder, or an external hard disk.
Windows Updates: Windows includes an automatic update feature with the intended purpose of keeping its operating system safe and up-to-date.
Windows taskbar: At the bottom most part of your windows, you will see a row which is known as the taskbar. It has the currently running applications, you can also pin applications that you frequently use by using an option Pin to Taskbar”. The taskbar is the main navigation tool for Windows
Remote Desktop Connection: This feature of windows allows you to connect to another system and work remotely on another system.
In addition to its use on personal computers, Windows is also used in some servers and for devices such as tablets and 2-in-1 laptops. With its wide range of features and compatibility with a large number of software applications, Microsoft Windows continues to be a popular choice for many users.
