pc basics win 7 class guide 120410

8/8/2019 PC Basics Win 7 Class Guide 120410

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Developed by

Andrew Marsiglia, PhD, CCPDecember 2010www.andymars.com


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Lesson 1: Getting Started with Personal

Computers

Personal Computer Basics

Personal Computer Hardware

Personal Computer Functionality

Lesson 2: Exploring Windows 7

Lesson 3: Managing Folders and Files

Lesson 4: Using Common Tools & Programs

Lesson 5: Customizing the Windows Desktop

Lesson 6: Help Windows Work Reliably



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Personal Computer Basics 3


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A fast operating, versatile machine that consists of

electronic parts called

Hardware

Components

that follow a specific set of electronic instructions called

Software

Frequently called a PC, Workstation, or Microcomputer

Enable a person to quickly access, manipulate, and store information

Some common PC Uses

Budgeting & Performing Accounting Tasks

Analyzing numeric informationSearching through lists or reports for specific information

Scheduling & Planning Projects

Creating Illustrations

Communicating via Electronic Mail

Games


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Designed to be used in a specific

location

Most powerful of PCs

Easily upgradeable

Typical components - ExternalMonitor

Keyboard

Systems Unit

MouseSpeakers

Typical components - InternalModem

Network Connection

Hard Disk Drive

CD/DVD DriveSpeakers

SoftwareAll Windows Operating Systems

Unix & Linux Operating Systems

Runs majority of software available in the

world

Key Attributes

High Processing power

High performance

UpgradeableRelatively low cost
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Designed to be used in variouslocations

Operate on internal battery orConventional electrical connection

Not easily upgradeable

Less powerful than a desktop PC

More expensive than a desktop

Typical components - Internal

MonitorKeyboard

Systems Unit

Mouse

Speakers

Hard Disk Drive

Modem

Network Connector

CD/DVD Drive

External Printer & Monitor Connector

Software All Windows Operating System

Any software that can be used on a desktop

Key AttributesPortability

Small size
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Designed to be held in you hand

Very Portable

Lease powerful of PCs

Very limited upgradeability

Can be as expensive as a laptop PC

Typical components - InternalTouch Screen

Keyboard

Systems UnitStylus pen

Speakers

SD Memory card

Camera

Music Library

SoftwareWindows CE or equivalent

Portable version of MS Office

Mapping software

GPS

Key AttributesConvenience

Portability

Synchronize with a desktop orlaptop PC

Coupled with cell telephone

technology:

Blackberry

Treo

iPhone


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Server FarmA network of one to dozens of servers designed to provide large scale computing

(a monolithic computer resource) to several hundred to thousands of users

simultaneously.

Mainframe ComputerA single large-scale, high-speed computer that can run many programs

simultaneously while supporting thousands of users and electronic devices.

Efficient at processing very large volumes of transactions

Airline Reservations

Disney World

Banking

Hospitals

Air Traffic Control

Cable TV Operations

Super ComputerFastest computer classification. Used in research, simulation & modeling, mapping.Does one task at a time. Designed to handle extremely intense numeric

computations.


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Some Common PC Uses

Budgeting & Performing Accounting Tasks

Analyzing numeric information

Searching through lists or reports for specific information

Scheduling & Planning Projects

Creating Illustrations

Communicating via Electronic Mail

Games


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Whether you're writing a letter or entering numerical data, your

keyboard is the main way to enter information into your computer.

You can also use your keyboard to control your computer by issuing

keyboard commands.



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Also refer toP. 40-42


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Typing (alphanumeric) keys.

These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol

keys found on a traditional typewriter.

Control keys.

These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform

certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are CTRL, ALT, the

Windows logo key , and ESC.

Function keys.

The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled asF1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs

from program to program.

Navigation keys.

These keys are used for moving around in documents or web pages and

editing text. They include the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, PAGE

DOWN, DELETE, and INSERT.Numeric keypad.

The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are

grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding

machine.



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Whether you're writing a letter or entering numerical data, your

keyboard is the main way to enter information into your computer.

You can also use your keyboard to control your computer by issuing

keyboard commands.


Creating a New File (Ctrl l+ N)

Opening an Existing File (Ctrl + O)

Saving Your Work (Ctrl + S)

Printing Your Work (Ctrl + P)

Cut (Ctrl + X)

Copy (Ctrl + C)

Paste (Ctrl + V)

Finding a Word or Phrase (Ctrl +F)

Check Spelling (F7)

Undo (Ctrl + Z)

Redo (Ctrl + Y)

For a full list of Keyboard shortcuts, go to

http://www.andymars.com/Papers_IT_Ed_Computers.htm

and select Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP.
http://www.andymars.com/Papers_IT_Ed_Computers.htmhttp://www.andymars.com/Papers_IT_Ed_Computers.htm


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A mouse functions as a pointing device by detecting two-dimensional

motion relative to its supporting surface.

Physically, a mouse consists of a small case, held under one of the

user's hands, with one or more buttons.

It sometimes features other elements, such as "wheels", which allow

the user to perform various system-dependent operations, such as

scrolling through documents

The mouse's motion typically translates into the motion of a pointer

on a display.


Left

Button

Scroll

Wheel

Right

Button

Front

Refer to Page

43 & 44
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/3-Tastenmaus_Microsoft.jpg


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Mouse pointer selection point (the hot spot) is tip of arrow


Correct Incorrect


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Right Mouse ButtonRight-click always display a menu


Left Mouse Button Left-Click always selects from a menu


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Common PC Connectors

USB Port USB Hub

Personal Computer Basics22
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USB_types_2.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Types-usb.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USB_TypeA_Plug.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USB_hub.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USB_Connector.jpg


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Device primarily used to view text and graphic data produced by a

computer program.

Primary features

Monitor sizeAnti-glare coatings

on viewing surface

Flat or Rounded

Monitor stand

Controls

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LG_L194WT-SF_LCD_monitor.jpg


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Device CardsVideo Card

Frequently called the graphics card

Interprets signals from the CPU then sendsit to the monitor

The higher the RAM on the video card thebetter the image on the monitor & the fasterand image is displayed.

Sound Card

Interprets signals from the CPU thenconverts the signal into sound

Plays audio directly from a CD without CPUintervention

Built into motherboard on contemporary PC

Game Port

Usually part of the sound card

Allows a game controller to be connected tothe computer

Network Card

Provides a connection to a network

Usually an RJ45 plug & Ethernet Protocol

Built into motherboard on contemporary PC

Modem

Short for modulator-demodulator

Usually an RJ11 plug

Enables the PC to transmit and receive data

over telephone connection

Internal View of Basic PC Systems Cabinet

Physical

Ports

Device

Card lots


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Printer is a peripheral which produces a hard copy (permanentreadable text and/or graphics) of documents stored in electronic

form, usually on physical print media such as paper or

transparencies.

Types of printers

Inkjet (water soluble)

Xerographic (Water resistant or waterproof)

Dot-Matrix (Water resistant or waterproof)Large Format (Plotters)

Printer Choice Criteria

Print Quality

Print Speed

Document Size

Document Handling Features

Type of paper

Cost of Consumables


Inkjet Printer

Xerographic Printer


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A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that modulates an

analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also

demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted

information.

Primarily used to connect the PC to a computer network

Common Types of Modems

Conventional Telephone (Dial-Up)

Cable Modem

Wireless Modem


Wireless Cable Dial-Up


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Good quality speakers are self-powered, relatively small in size to fit

on desks or on the side of monitors and contain magnetic shielding.

Available in :Monophonic

Stereophonic

Surround Sound

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Windows incorporates a wide variety of ways to store information and items such as

pictures, documents, music, video, and programs. Everything in the computer is stored

in a file or folder. The folders and files are stored on magnetic disks, CD, DVD, magnetic

tape, or memory cards.

Magnetic Hard Disk Drives (HDD):These are non-removable storage devices that consist of a hermetically sealed metal case that encloses two ormore 2 in diameter metal disks coated with a magnetic slurry, similar to the coating on magnetic tape. The diskdrives can spin the disks up to 7,200 rpm and have extremely high data retrieval (access) speed. They can storein excess of 250 gigabytes of data. The computer may have up to two HDD in the systems cabinet. They have theidentification letters of C:, D:, F:, or G:. The C: drive is always the main system disk drive and is the residenceof Windows .

Magnetic Diskette Drive (FDD):These are removable storage devices, also called floppy disk drives, that consist of a plastic case that encloses a2 in diameter Mylar disk coated with a magnetic slurry, similar to the coating on magnetic tape. The disk spins atabout 100 rpm and has slow data retrieval speed. It stores up to 250 megabytes of data. The computer may haveup to two FDD in the systems cabinet. They have the identification letters of A: or B:.The A: drive is always themain system diskette drive.

Compact Disk (CD):These are removable disks are identical to the CDs you use to play music in a home or car entertainment center.They consist a piece of metal foil sealed between two pieces of hard, clear plastic. A laser makes indentations inthe foil to store data. CDs spin at several hundred rpm and store up to 784 megabytes of data. They may have adisk ID of D:, E:, or F: .


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Digital Video Disk (DVD):These are removable disks are identical to the DVDs you use to play movies in a home or car entertainmentcenter. They consist a piece of metal foil sealed between two pieces of hard, clear plastic. A laser makesindentations in the foil to store data. There are ruby laser and blue-ray DVD. They are not inter-changeable.

DVDs spin at several hundred rpm . Ruby-Laser store up to 1 Gigabyte (GB) of data. Blue-Ray DVD store up to 5GB of data. They may have a disk ID of D:, E:, or F: .

Solid State Memory Devices:These are removable storage devices that are literally a memory chip housed in a protective case. They can be aUSB connective memory card or an SD memorycard like those used in a digital camera. These devicespresently store up to a gigabyte of data and can fit into a space as small as the end of an ink pen. Also calledthumb drive, jumpdrive, or memory stick.

External HDD:These are similar to the enclosed HDD used by your computer but is housed in a hard plastic or metal enclosurethat attaches to your computer via a USB connection. These disk units have very high capacity, up to an Exabyte,and have very high access speed. Great for storing music, pictures, or backup copies of important items.

Data Storage Range:

Term Meaning Numeric QuantityByte One Character 1Kilobyte (KB) One Thousand Bytes 1,000Megabyte (MB) One Million Bytes 1,000,000Gigabyte (GB) One Billion Bytes 1,000,000,000Terabyte (TB) One Million-Million Bytes 1,000,000,000,000Exabyte (EB) One Million-Billion Bytes 1,000,000,000,000,000


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DiskDriveLetter Type of Disk Primary Use Comments

A Internal Diskette Primary Bootable on Old PCs Obsolete

B Diskette DataObsolete

C Internal Hard Disk Programs & Data 1 Max. in Laptop PC,2 Max. in Desktop PC

D Internal CD or DVD Primary Bootable on Modern PCsRuby Laser Common.

Some Blu-Ray

E

External Data

Disk drive, memory card,

USB memory stick,

digital camera

F

G

X

External Mapped to Disk Drive on a NetworkNot a physical disk drive

on the local PC.Y

Z

Disk drives have alphabetic designations that may range from A to Z.

These are common designations.


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MotherboardThe central circuit board into which theCPU and all related components must

connect.Operates at a speed separate from allother components. Usually referred to asbus speed

Central Processing Unit - CPUGenerates signals that control all devicesconnected to the PC

Designed in conjunction with operatingsystem developers like MicrosoftWindows .

Contains a proprietary set of instructionscalled the instruction set

Operates at a speed separate from allother components.

Usually referred to as clock or cyclespeed.

The speed advertised by manufacturers &resellers.

It is an industry-standard relative measure ofspeed.

It is not the speed the PC operates in total.

Operated at very high temperature

Mother

Board

Internal View of Basic Desktop PC

SystemsCabinet

CPU


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Megahertz (MHz)Millions of cycles per second

Reference: Electricity in our homes alternates at 60 MHz

Gigahertz (GHz)Billions of cycles per second

Methods of PC Speed measurement

CPU speed

Also referred to as Clock speed Number of cycles per second that a Central Processing Unit can perform

RAM Speed

Speed at which electronic signals are transferred into and out of randomaccess memory

Bus Speed Measurement of how fast signals travel through the mother board

Refer to Supplemental Articles:http://www.andymars.com/Papers_IT_Ed_Computers.htm

Scientists Develop Fastest Computer

Multi-Core CPU
http://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/Scientists%20develop%20fastest%20computer.pdfhttp://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/Scientists%20develop%20fastest%20computer.pdf


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PowerSwitch

PS2

Sockets

USB

Sockets

Serial

Sockets

Audio

Sockets

Ethernet

Socket

Power

Connector

Power Supply

Fan

Printer

Socket

Game Port

Modem

Socket

Video Port

(Monitor)

Ethernet

Card

AudioCard

Internal

Physical Ports

External

Physical Ports

Common Configuration


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Keep the PC in a cool, well ventilated area

Away from moisture

Do not place in direct sunlight

Connect to a stable power outlet with a good groundNever connect to a non-grounded outlet

Use electric power protection

UPS or surge protector power strip

During thunderstorms, power off the PC & disconnect it from the main electricsource

Uninterrupted power supply (UPS)

Not a substitute for a grounded outlet

Excellent PC protection

Do not use for heaters, coffee pots, or other high amperage appliances

Regularly clean the PC and its peripheral devicesNever use concentrated detergents such as 409 or Fantastic

Windex or similar cleaner

Always power off the PC & its peripheral devices before cleaning, especially themonitor.

Clean mouse ball and internal roller contacts

Use alcohol


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Windows 7 is an operating system (OS), the software that manages the

sharing of the resources of a computer.

An OS processes raw system data and user input, and responds by:

allocating and managing tasks and internal system resources

as a service to users and programs of the system

The OS is the foundation of all system software and performs basic tasks:

controlling and allocating memory

prioritizing system requestscontrolling input and output devices

facilitating networking

managing file systems

Most OS come with an application that provides a user interface for

communicating with the operating system,command line interpreter

graphical user interface(What Windows 7 really is.)

The OS provides a platform for other system software and for application

software.


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Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Typically the primary computer memory

Dynamic Characteristics

Volatile

Non-Permanent (Temporary)

Delivers data & instructions to CPU

Fastest type of memory

The more RAM the better the

computers performanceOperates at a speed different than CPU

Primary Buffer Space

Read Only Memory

Pre-recorded memory stored on anintegrated circuit chip

Dynamic Characteristics

Non- Volatile

Permanent

Virtual Memory

Hard Disk Drive acts like RAM


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Turn Power on to the PC

The computer performs a series of self-tests and diagnostic routines

Power On Self Test - POST

Will make 1 or 2 audio beeps

Any more or none at all means the computer in inoperable

The PC starts a software loader program called the bootstraploader

The bootstrap loader loads the operating system from the hard disk

drive

The PC loads other software to prepare itself for human interaction


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In computing, a buffer is a region of memory used to temporarily holddata while it is being moved from one place to another.

Buffers are typically used when there is a difference between therate at which data is received and the rate at which it can beprocessed, or in the case that these rates are variable.

Buffers are often used in conjunction with input or output to

hardware:

Slow devices

Printers

Sound System

Internet (Video, Music, Pictures, Large Documents)

Optical Disk DrivesBig Screen Monitors


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A line to a rollercoaster in an amusement park is like computer

buffer.

People who ride the coaster come in at an unknown and often variablepace but the roller coaster will be able to load people in bursts (as a

coaster arrives and is loaded).

The line to the ride acts as a buffer. It a temporary space where those

wishing to ride wait until the ride is available.


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A buffer overflow or buffer overrun is a condition where a process

attempts to store data beyond the boundaries of memory allocated to

the buffer. The result is that the extra data overwrites adjacent

memory locations.Causes erratic program behavior

Some programs stop working

Computer may temporarily stop working.

Its like the CPU is at the top of a funnel & the output device is at thebottom of the funnel. If the CPU pours all data too rapidly, the funnel

would overflow.



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Type of

ConnectionCharacteristics Accessibility

Internet Access

Equipment

Required PC

EquipmentSecurity

Transmission

Speed

Telephone Uses conventional voice telephonenetwork.

Existing copper telephoneline.

None Required TelephoneCable

Public

Access,Medium

to High

Very Slow

DSL

Digital Subscriber Line. Uses

existing telephone network with

special line conditioning. Separate

channel from voice.

Existing copper telephone

line.

DSL Modem from

telephone

company.

Ethernet Cable

or Inbuilt PC

Wireless

Transceiver or

External Card

Public

Access,

Medium

to High

Very High

CableUses ground-based cable television

network. Separate channel from TV.

Connection to existing cable

TV system; satellite or direct

copper line.

Cable Modem from

cable TV provider.

Ethernet Cable

or Inbuilt PC

Wireless

Transceiver or

External Card

Public

Access,

Medium

to High

Very High

Wireless

Radio transmission & reception using

Wi-Fi, Inbuilt PC Wireless, or

Broadband.

Internal PC transceiver or

external PCMCIA card or USB

device,

None or broadband

card.

Inbuilt PC

Wireless

Transceiver orExternal Card

Public

Access,

Low toMedium

Medium

Satellite

Wireless connection typically used

where DSL or Cable Internet service

is unavailable.

External earth-base-station

with outside dish antenna.

Cable Modem From

satellite service

provider.

Ethernet Cable

or Inbuilt PC

Wireless

Transceiver or

External Card

Public

Access,

Low to

Medium

Varies from

very slow to

medium.


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Type of

WirelessDefined Accessibility

Required PC

EquipmentRelative Distances

Primary

Devices

Served

Security

Wi-Fi

"Wi-Fi" means "wireless fidelity".

The term "wi-fi" refers to certain

kinds of wireless local area

networks, or WLAN (as opposed to

LAN, or computers that are

networked together with wires).

Wi-Fi hotspots are places

where you can find wi-fi,

free or paid. internet cafes

are likely wi-fi hotspots, and

many airports, hotels and

bars have wifi hotspots.

Uses transmitter-

receiver built in to

most laptop PC

and smartphones.

May use external

PCMCIA card.

Mediun Range:

50 ft. to 30 miles.PCs, printers

Public

Access,

Low to

Medium

Broadband

Wireless

Broadband is often called "high-

speed" Internet, because it usually

has a high rate of data transmission.

Connection via the cellphone

network.

Anywhere there is access to

the cellular telephone

network.

Broadband card

from cellphone

provider. PCMCIA

or USB.

Long Range:

limited by

cellphone

network

access.

Laptop

&desktop PCs,

Smartphones

Public

Access,

Medium

to High

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an open wireless

protocol for exchanging data over

short distances (using short length

radio waves) from fixed and mobile

devices, creating personal area

networks (PANs).

Connects two or more

specific devices. Devices

must be paired.

Uses transmitter-

receiver built in to

most laptop PC and

smartphones.

Short Range:

3 ft to 300 ft

Smartphones,

telephone

headsets,

laptop PCs,

printers,

Private

Acccess,

Low to

Medium


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Windows XP and XP are operating systems (OS), the software that manages

the sharing of the resources of a computer.

An OS processes raw system data and user input, and responds by:

allocating and managing tasks and internal system resourcesas a service to users and programs of the system

The OS is the foundation of all system software and performs basic tasks:

controlling and allocating memory

prioritizing system requests

controlling input and output devices

facilitating networking

managing file systems

Most OS come with an application that provides a user interface for

communicating with the operating system,command line interpreter

graphical user interface(What Windows XP really is.)

The OS provides a platform for other system software and for application

software.


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A service pack (SP) is a collection of software consisting of

updates

fixes

enhancements to a software program

delivered in the form of a single installable package.

Many companies, such as Microsoft, typically release a service packwhen the number of individual patches to a given program reaches a

certain limit.

Installing a service pack is easier and less error-prone than installinga high number of patches individually.

Service packs are usually numbered, and thus referred to as SP1,

SP2, etc.

Besides bug fixes, SPs may provide entirely new features, as is thecase with SP2 of Windows XP.

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The Ease OfAccessbutton

Shut Down Options

The Password Text Box

The Shut Down Button

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The StartButton The Taskbar

Notification AreaThe Quick Launch Toolbar

Located at the bottom of the Windows Desktop

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Pinned Items List

Default Programs

The Profile Folder

Recent Programs

The All Programs Menu

Shut DownOptions

Common Items

The Start Search Text Box

Shut down Hibernate


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Activity :Exploring Desktop Elements


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The Control

Menu Icon

The Menu Bar The Title Bar The Minimize Button

The Toolbar

The Status Bar

The Maximize /Restore Button

The Close Button


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Removes the

window from the

viewing area

Window

becomes a button

on the Task Bar

Window stays

active

Restores a small

window to the full

size of the viewing

area

Reduces a full-

size window back

to its smaller size

Closes the

window

Frequently exits

the program

Only one of these buttons

will be displayed at one time


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63Personal Computer Basics

Resizing arrows appear when the mouse cursor is placed

over the border or anchor of an object.

The arrows indicate that the objects size or location can bechanged.

An object may be a text box, picture, clipart, drawing, etc

Moves the entire object without resizing.

Expands or contracts the object horizontally

Expands or contracts the object vertically

Expands or contracts the object diagonally.

Keeps the object in proportion.

Place anywhere on a border or marquee

Place on an anchor

Place on an anchor

Place on an anchor


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At the Start Menu selectHelp and Support

Centralized location for all Windows XP Help and Support Functions

System RestoreThe most important function!



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Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your hard disk drive.

Disk Cleanup searches your drive, and then shows you temporary

files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that you

can safely delete.



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Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and folders on your

computer's hard disk.

Each file occupies a single, contiguous space on the volume.



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The Backup utility helps you create a copy of the information on your

hard disk.

You can use the copy to restore your lost or damaged data.



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Shut DownOptions

Shut down Hibernate

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Shut Down

Turns off your computer in an orderly fashion

Switch UserAllows multiple users to user use the PC at the same time

Log Off

Enables you to end your session without turning off your PC

Lock

Enables you to secure your PC if you need to leave for a short

time.

Restart

Powers off the PC then immediately restarts it and loads the

operating system

Refer to Website Article:

Turning Off Your Computer Properly


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http://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/Turning%20off%20your%20computer%20properly.pdfhttp://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/Turning%20off%20your%20computer%20properly.pdf


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Files

A file is an object that contains user data for documents, pictures, music,

video, etc.

Can contain program code for applications.File Extension

File extensions refer to the format of a file and its type.

Refer to Website document, file Format Extensions at

www.andymars.com.

Folders

A container that stores files in an organized manner

Subfolder

A folder within another folder

Libraries

Special folder that is a repository for similar types of data

My Documents My Pictures

My Music


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Windows stores items on disk drivesmuch like people store documents in a file

cabinet.

The storage scheme is hierarchal orTree Structure.

Typically, folders are stored in a disk

drive and files are stored in folders.

Some items are stored on the disk drivewithout being in a folder.

Frequently, a master folder may have

several folders within it much like having aexpandable paper folder that containsseveral manila folders each of whichcontain various documents.

HDD1 (C:)

DocumentsandSettings

AndyM

My Documents

My Music

Allison Krauss

Live Disc 1Song 1. . .Song 2. . .Song 3. . .

1

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4

5

Cabinet

Drawer

Folder 1

File

Cabinet

Folder 2

Folder 3Folder 4Folder 5

Folder Tree from Windows Explorer

File Cabinet Structure


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DiskDriveLetter Type of Disk Primary Use Comments

A Internal Diskette Primary Bootable on Old PCs Obsolete

B Diskette DataObsolete

C Internal Hard Disk Programs & Data 1 Max. in Laptop PC,2 Max. in Desktop PC

D Internal CD or DVD Primary Bootable on Modern PCsRuby Laser Common.

Some Blu-Ray

E

External Data

Disk drive, memory card,

USB memory stick,

digital cameraF

G

X

External Mapped to Disk Drive on a NetworkNot a physical disk drive

on the local PC.Y

Z

Disk drives have alphabetic designations that may range from A to Z.

These are common designations.


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Another way to look into disks and folders is to click on the Startbutton then select Computer. TheComputerWindow will display listing the major document files, all hard disk drives and solid statestorage devices, and all removable storage.

Click on a documents folder to reveal its contents. Likewise, click on a disk drive to reveal itscontents. The folders and files will be listed in the same tree structure as an inquiry made viaWindows Explorer.


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1. Go to the Start Menu and select My Computer to list the disk drives or

select Documents

2. Right-click the desired file or folder and choose Desktop (Createshortcut)

3. The Folder or File will be placed on the Windows Desktop.

2

1

3

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The Recycle bin is the repository of almost all of the computers deleted items. Its icon is show in figure 1.

When a folder, file, document, picture, music, or video is deleted it always is placed in the Recycle bin. Becausedeleted items are placed in the recycle bin, they may be restored to the computer.

To view items in the recycle bin, left-click on the bin icon. Right-click on the item you desire to restore then

select Restore.

When the Recycle bin is emptied, all items contained within it are permanently deleted from the computer andcannot be restored.

To empty the bin, right-click on the recycle bin icon to view the box shown in figure 2.

Click on Empty Recycle Binand answer Yes.

The recycle bin size is normally 10% of the computers space on disk drive C:. When the recycle bin is full, awarning is displayed. Consequently, the recycle bin must be emptied before more deleted items may be added toit.

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Activity 2-3:Using the Recycle Bin


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At the Start menu enter a search keyword and press Enteror right-click on the Start

Buttonto display the search dialog box

Search Criteria Box


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Programs may be generally saved in two different ways

1.Save

2.Save As

The Saveoption saves a document in

Its default save location

Retains the document name

Retains the document file type &extension

To invoke the SaveFunction

SelectFilefrom the Menu Bar

then selectSave

Select the Saveicon

Depress the Ctrland Skeys



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1. Save

2. Save As

The SaveAsoption saves a documentwith these available options

Any location you select

Can change the documents name

Can change the document file type &extension

To invoke the Save AsFunction

Select Filefrom the Menu Bar then

select Save As

Save AsDialog Box

Enter new location inSave infield

Enter new document name inFile

namefield

Enter new file type inSave as type

field

Refer to Website Article: File Formats

1

2

3

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A text-editing application that has remedial formatting tools.

To launch Notepad: Left-click the Start Button, All Programs, Accessories,

Notepad

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A simple word processing application that has basic formatting tools

To launch Wordpad: Left-click the Start Button, All Programs, Accessories,

Wordpad


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Similar to a standard hand-held calculator


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Use Viewsoption to make the default calculator convert to views of

application-specific calculators

To launch the Calculator: Left-click the Start Button, All Programs,

Accessories, Calculator

Standard Calculator

Statistics View Calculator

Programmer View Calculator


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A Windows 7 accessory that allows you to capture a snip or screen shot of

any object displayed on your video monitor.

To launch the Snipping Tool: Left-click the Start Button, All Programs,

Accessories, Snipping Tool

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A Windows accessory that provides a variety of options for creating and

modifying pictures and images.

To launch the Calculator: Left-click the Start Button, All Programs,

Accessories, Calculator

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The options will lock the taskbar, allow display of the Quick Launch bar, as well as

other cosmetic options.

When you right-click on the Startbutton the Taskbar and Start Menu Propertieswindow

will be displayed.

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will be displayed.

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will be displayed.

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Right click anywhere on the Windows desktop, except on an icon, to display the

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g y p, p , p y

selection box #1 shown below.

Select the Personalizeoption to display the Personalization Options window #2.

These selections enable you to arrange the desktop display in various ways as well as

selecting the desktop background picture.

1

2

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Set the desiredcolor for your

desktop

Set the desired picture

for your desktop


Set the desiredscreensaver foryour desktop

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A screen saver consistsof either graphics or text

Screen Saver Type

Screen Saver Wait Time


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Gadgetsprovidingspecific

informationat a glance

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Keep the PC in a cool well ventilated area


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Keep the PC in a cool, well ventilated area

Away from moisture

Do not place in direct sunlight

Connect to a stable power outlet with a good groundAvoid connecting to a non-grounded outlet

Use electric power protection

UPS or surge protector power strip

During thunderstorms, power off the PC & disconnect it from the main electricsource

Uninterrupted power supply (UPS)

Not a substitute for a grounded outlet

Excellent PC protection

Do not use for heaters, coffee pots, or other high amperage appliances

Refer to Website Article: Introduction to UPS Technology

Regularly clean the PC and its peripheral devices

Never use concentrated detergents such as 409 or Fantastic

Windex or similar cleaner

Always power off the PC & its peripheral devices before cleaning, especially themonitor.

http://supplemental%20material/Uninterruptable%20Power%20Supply/Intro%20to%20Uninterruptible%20Power%20Supply%20Technology.pdfhttp://supplemental%20material/Uninterruptable%20Power%20Supply/Intro%20to%20Uninterruptible%20Power%20Supply%20Technology.pdf


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Use alcohol

Perform Maintenance Tasks to Improve PerformanceRemove Unused ProgramsInstall and run anti-spyware software Trend Micro

Symantec Anti-Virus

McAfee Anti-Virus

Free up wasted space Disk Cleanup

Disk Defragmenter

Disconnect unused network connections

Disconnect unused hardware devices

Refer to Website Articles: 5 Ways to Speed Up Your PC

Maintenance Tasks That Improve Performance

Install and Regularly RunSpyware/Malware Protection Software Adware or AdwareAlert from www.lavasoft.com

Registry Maintenance Software RegistrySmart from www.registrysmart.com
http://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/5%20ways%20to%20speed%20up%20your%20PC.pdfhttp://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/Maintenance%20tasks%20that%20improve%20performance.pdfhttp://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/Maintenance%20tasks%20that%20improve%20performance.pdfhttp://supplemental%20material/Computer%20Articles/5%20ways%20to%20speed%20up%20your%20PC.pdf


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Creating a New File (Ctrl l+ N)

Opening an Existing File (Ctrl + O)

Saving Your Work (Ctrl + S)

Printing Your Work (Ctrl + P)

Cut (Ctrl + X)

Copy (Ctrl + C)

Paste (Ctrl + V)

Finding a Word or Phrase (Ctrl +F)

Check Spelling (F7)

Undo (Ctrl + Z)

Redo (Ctrl + Y)


For a full list of Keyboard shortcuts, go to

http://www.andymars.com/Papers_IT_Ed_Computers.htm

and select Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP.
http://www.andymars.com/Papers_IT_Ed_Computers.htmhttp://www.andymars.com/Papers_IT_Ed_Computers.htm


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COMPUTER ARTICLES

5 Ways to Speed Up Your PCEliminate Left Turns

Getting Started With Email

How to Troubleshoot Hardware

Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

Maintenance Tasks that Improve Performance

Turning Off Your Computer Properly

Scientist Develop Fastest Computer

EMAIL & PHISHING ARTICLES

5 Tips from the Hotmail Team to Help Protect Yourself from Email Scams

A Day in the Life of a Phisher

How to Handle Suspicious Email

Phishing Scam Example

5 Common Email Scams

MISCELLANEOUS

Healthy Computing Guide

Importance Of Ergonomic Input Devices

Computer File Extension List


SELECTING A PERSONAL COMPUTER
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Selecting a PC

Top 10 Desktop PCs

Top 10 Laptop PCs

UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLIES

10 Best UPS Devices for PCs

What is a UPS?

Introduction to UPS Technology

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