Basic Windows Operating

INTRODUCTION:

Windows  is a graphical user interface (GUI) designed to make operating your computer intuitive & easy.  Programs, files, & other resources are represented graphically in windows are generally accessed by using a mouse & clicking (or double clicking) the item.  Most resources in Window  are accessed by the “desktop” i.e. the items that appear on your computer screen when we first start your computer.

WORKING WITH THE WINDOWS  DESKTOP:

The most prominent feature of the Windows  desktop is folders, task bar, & shortcuts.  On the desktop, we will notice that windows  organizes information about resources on the computer into folders.  In the desktop the object labeled My Computer, My Briefcase, & Network Neighborhood are all examples of folders.

USING FOLDERS:

Windows  folder concept is similar to the directory; sub directory structure used in DOS based systems.  However, in Windows , the individual files, & “folders within folders” are represented graphically.  These graphical representations can be very helpful in that not only provide the name of the file or sub-folder, but in most cases graphically demonstrate the type of file.  In addition, these folders, which are essentially container objects for other items, may hold objects other than files.

USING MY COMPUTER FOLDER:

The my computer folder is a special type of folder & one that is an integral part of the windows  system.  All of the main resources of computer are shown when we open my computer folder.

WORKING WITH FOLDERS:

To open a folder or launch an application, simply double click on that object.  To work with a file within a folder, simply double click on that object, for instance a word for windows document.

We can also work with multiple items at the same time.  To select several items, place a mouse pointer in a blank area at a folder’s background (i.e. not directly on any object), then, holding the left mouse button, drag the pointer.  This will create a dash line, which we can size to include the desired object.

We can also copy & move objects in windows .  To move an object from one folder to another, simply open the folder containing the document we want to move & the folder into which we want to place the object.  Next, drag the object using the mouse.

USING THE TASK BAR:

At the bottom of the windows , desktop we find the task bar, which, among other things contains the much touted start button.  The task bar is used to switch between applications on your screen.  To move the task bar, simply click on the bar & drag it toward the edge on which we want it to appear. To hide the task bar & make other changes to its configuration, right click on the task bar & select properties.  From this panel, we can make several settings to your task bar.

Windows includes useful letter accessory called “what’s this?”  In most places where we have options (such as task bar, properties, options) we can right click on the option & a small box labeled “what’s this? Appears.  We can then click on this box to obtain a quick description of the item.

USING SEARCH COMMAND:

Using the windows start button, select find to search your system for files & other resources.  We can even use this option to search for information on Ms-Network.

CREATING A NEW FOLDER:

When we need to create a new folder follow these steps: -

1. Select the parent folder that will contain the folder we are creating.

2. From the file menu select New, then folder.

3. Windows will create a folder in the folder that we selected in step 1.

Now we are able to name the folder.

RESTORING FROM THE RECYCLE BIN:

By default every time we delete a file or folder in Windows we are actually placing it in Recycle Bin.  It enables we to retrieve deleted files.  To restore a file that is in the Recycle Bin, follow these steps: -

1. Select the Recycle Bin in the left side pane of the explorer.

2. Select the file that we are planning to restore in the right side pane.

3. From the File menu, select Restore.

EMPTYING RECYCLE BIN:

Files that have been placed in the Recycle Bin continue to effectively take up space on your hard drive until we empty the bin.  Thus, from time to time (& especially, if disk space is short) we should check your Recycle Bin & see if it can be emptied.

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