Chapter 2Looking at Windows

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Getting Started

• In this Chapter, you will learn:− Which version of Windows you own− About the Windows desktop− How to use the Start menu− How to use the Sidebar and gadgets− What Windows includes− About Input devices

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Which version of Windows do I have?

• An operating system is the core piece of software on your PC

• The latest Windows version is Windows Vista– Home Basic is adequate for everyday tasks– Home Premium includes an enhanced interface, media

center, meeting space, and mobility center– Vista Business offers upgraded backup and networking– Vista Ultimate includes all of the above plus advanced

encryption

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Which version of Windows do I have?

• Past Windows versions include:– Windows 3.1 and Windows 95– Windows 98– Windows ME (Millennium Edition)– Windows NT/2000– Windows XP

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What is the Windows desktop?

• Windows desktop is your gateway to all the tasks you want to perform

• The taskbar includes:– Start button which is the main control– Quick Launch toolbar contains icons to frequently

used programs– Notification area displays the time and icons such

as volume controls and computer settings

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What is the Windows desktop?

Windows Desktop

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How do I use the Start menu?

• Click the Start button to access the Start menu– Frequently-used programs are displayed on the

left– All Programs option gives you access to more

programs– Search box can help you quickly find programs – Search box can also be used to find e-mail

messages and files

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How do I use the Start menu?

Start Menu

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How do I use the Sidebar and gadgets?

• Windows Sidebar– Appears on right side of the desktop– Displays handy tools called gadgets

• Gadgets – Mini-applications designed to display

information that is constantly changing– Examples of gadget topics include weather,

news, reminders, and contacts lists

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How do I use the Sidebar and gadgets?

Windows Sidebar

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What does Windows include?

• Several accessory programs and tools are included with Vista– Mini-applications are typically accessed

through the Windows Accessory folder– Settings are accessed through the Control

Panel

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What does Windows include?

• Accessories folder includes:– Welcome Center to help you get started– Windows Explorer displays your folders– Ease of Access allows you to configure your

computer for adaptive use– Internet Explorer provides Internet browsing– Other applications include Paint, Snipping Tool,

Calculator, WordPad, and Notepad

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What does Windows include?

• An Accessories subfolder called System Tools helps you keep your computer running smoothly– Schedule automatic file backups– Restore your system to a restore point– Use Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter– Use the Task Scheduler to schedule programs

to run at certain times

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What does Windows include?

• Control Panel contains important tools for configuring Windows Vista including:– Date and time– Hardware devices– Network connections– Security controls– Desktop Appearance

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What does Windows include?

Control Panel

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Input Devices

• User Interface is the combination of hardware and software that manages the way humans and computers interact

• Windows offers a graphical user interface (GUI), which includes icons, menus, dialog boxes, and toolbars, that provides:– An input method allowing you to communicate to

the computer– An output method allowing the computer to

communicate with you

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Input Devices• Keyboards and mice are the most popular input

devices– Mechanical mouse has a ball that rolls over the mouse

pad, while an optical mouse contains a chip that tracks a light beam

– A wired mouse uses a cable to connect to the computer, while a wireless mouse operates without a cord

• Other input devices include:– Touch sensitive LCD and stylus to use with pocket-sized,

ultra-mobile computers– Feedback devices such as joysticks

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Input Devices

Tablet PC and Stylus

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Monopoly is not just a game

• What do you think?– If you purchase a new computer, would you prefer

to use preinstalled Internet software instead of obtaining and installing the software of your choice?

– Do you think Microsoft has used its operating-system monopoly to illegally force people to use its Internet Explorer software?

– Did you try to find additional information on this issue?

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Chapter Summary

• You should now know:− Which version of Windows you own− How to use the Windows desktop− How to use the Start menu− How to use the Sidebar and gadgets− What Windows includes− About Input devices