Computing Fundamentals ModuleLesson 7 — The Windows

Operating System

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Objectives

Describe the general features of Windows XP.

Use a mouse to move around the desktop. Identify the parts of the window and what

each one does. Work with menus and menu elements.

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Objectives (cont.)

Work with dialog boxes. Manipulate multiple windows. Access the Windows Help feature. Shut down Windows.

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Vocabulary

Active window Address Bar Clicking Command buttons Commands Default

Dialog box Double-click Dragging Linking Log off Log on

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Vocabulary (cont.)

Mouse buttons Option buttons Radio buttons Right-click Select (highlight) Shortcut keys Shortcut menu

Shortcut menu button

Standard desktop Standard toolbar Start button Status bar Submenu

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The Windows Environment

Provides an electronic version of your desktop, with electronic tools that allow you to interact with the computer by manipulating graphic icons

Runs multiple applications at the same time because Windows is capable of multitasking

Transfers data easily among programs and updates data automatically using linking features

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Windows XP Features

Easier, faster, and more powerful ways to work with applications

Greater reliability Enhanced versions of desktop tools Upgraded support for multimedia

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Windows XP Features (cont.)

Easy, automated access to information Scheduled delivery of information to the

World Wide Web Advanced capabilities for Internet Explorer

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Starting Windows

Windows XP automatically starts when you turn on your computer.

If you are the only person using your computer, Windows XP displays your desktop, ready for you to begin your work.

If Windows XP is installed for more than one user, you may need to log on.

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Logging On

Windows may ask you to click a user name before you can access the computer.

Windows XP lets many different users create their own accounts with personalized settings.

When you log on, you may be prompted to enter a password.

You may not be able to use the computer if you do not log on correctly.

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The Welcome Screen

User names

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Warning Signs of anUnstable Operating System

Windows XP is made up of many specialized computer files that can become damaged or corrupted over time.

Viruses, power surges, and out-of-date coding can all compromise your computer’s operating system.

You may need to reinstall or update your computer’s operating system if the computer frequently locks up and must be rebooted.

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The Windows Opening Screen

The components of the opening screen are The desktop The taskbar The Start button (which gives you access to the

Start menu) The Quick Launch bar Icons representing programs and files

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Windows XP Standard Desktop

Icons

Recycle Bin icon

Quick Launch bar

Start button

Desktop

Taskbar

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The Taskbar

The taskbar displays at the bottom of the screen in the Windows XP default desktop.

You use the taskbar for two important tasks:– To display the Start button– To switch among currently running programs

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The Start Menu

Click the Start button to open the Start menu.

Use the Start menu to– Launch programs– Open recently used files– Change your system’s

settings– Find files and folders– Access Help– Shut down Windows

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Some Start Menu Options

All Programs My Documents My Recent

Documents My Pictures My Music My Computer Control Panel

Connection Options Printers and Faxes Help and Support Search Run Log Off Turn Off Computer

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The Quick Launch Bar

The Quick Launch bar on the taskbar displays icons for frequently used programs that are always visible on your desktop.

Click a Quick Launch icon to open a window or dialog box.

To find out what each icon on the Quick Launch bar does, rest the mouse pointer on the icon to display a description.

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Moving Around the Desktop

The desktop provides the work area on the screen. You use the mouse to move the mouse pointer

around the desktop. The mouse pointer allows you to select and move

items on your desktop. Some notebook computers have an integrated

trackball or touchpad that works like a mouse but does not require a desk to move the device around on.

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The Mouse Pointer

When working with text, the mouse pointer looks like an I-beam.

When Windows is performing a task and cannot accept new input or commands, the pointer will appear as an hourglass or some other “time” icon.

If an arrow is attached to the hourglass, you can still select and move objects while Windows works on another task.

If the pointer turns into a circle with an arrow through it, you have attempted an action that is not allowed.