windows basic

Windows BasicWindows Basic

Windows XPWindows XP

Introduction to IconsIntroduction to Icons

Icons are small Icons are small graphical graphical images that images that can represent can represent your your computer's computer's programs, programs, files, folders files, folders and printers and printers amongst other amongst other things.things.

Renaming IconsRenaming Icons

Right clickRight click RenameRename

Keeping the Desktop Keeping the Desktop TidyTidy

Right click anywhere on the desktopRight click anywhere on the desktop Menu will appearMenu will appear Choose “Arrange Icons By…”Choose “Arrange Icons By…”

Start MenuStart Menu

Start MenuStart Menu Log offLog off - Log off the current user. - Log off the current user. Turn Off ComputerTurn Off Computer - shutdown, restart and - shutdown, restart and

standby.standby. RunRun - Used to manually start executable files - Used to manually start executable files

(programs).(programs). SearchSearch - Search your PC for pictures, music, - Search your PC for pictures, music,

documents, files and folders.documents, files and folders. Help and SupportHelp and Support - Opens the built-in Windows - Opens the built-in Windows

help including various help topics, windows help including various help topics, windows updates and also allows you to request remote updates and also allows you to request remote assistance from a friend/colleague via the internet assistance from a friend/colleague via the internet or network. or network.


Control PanelControl Panel - The control panel is - The control panel is used to configure various Windows XP used to configure various Windows XP settings.settings.

My ComputerMy Computer - Gives you access to - Gives you access to your computer's disk drives and files. your computer's disk drives and files.

My MusicMy Music - Links to a folder created - Links to a folder created by Windows XP which is used (by by Windows XP which is used (by default) to store any music files on default) to store any music files on your hard drive. your hard drive.


My PicturesMy Pictures - Links to a folder (again - Links to a folder (again created by Windows XP) used (by created by Windows XP) used (by default) to store any pictures/images default) to store any pictures/images on your hard drive.on your hard drive.

My DocumentsMy Documents - Gives access to a - Gives access to a folder created by Windows XP which folder created by Windows XP which is used (by default) to store any is used (by default) to store any documents on your hard drive.documents on your hard drive.

Outlook ExpressOutlook Express - Opens the - Opens the Outlook Express mail program.Outlook Express mail program.

All Programs MenuAll Programs Menu

From this menu you From this menu you can access the can access the programs currently programs currently installed on your PC. installed on your PC.

Windows TaskbarWindows Taskbar

Start ButtonStart Button - access the Windows XP - access the Windows XP start menu.start menu.

Window TabsWindow Tabs - switch between any - switch between any open windows (programs, folders, open windows (programs, folders, documents, etc).documents, etc).

Grouping Window TabsGrouping Window Tabs System Tray/Notification AreaSystem Tray/Notification Area

The Quick Launch BarThe Quick Launch Bar

Provides direct access to your Provides direct access to your programs, files or folders with just programs, files or folders with just one click and is visible (by default) one click and is visible (by default) even when you have a window open. even when you have a window open.

The Quick Launch BarThe Quick Launch Bar

Show Desktop IconShow Desktop Icon, this icon , this icon is used to minimise all open is used to minimise all open windows to show the windows windows to show the windows xp desktop, clicking again will xp desktop, clicking again will restore the windows to their restore the windows to their previous state previous state

Internet Explorer IconInternet Explorer Icon, this , this icon will open Microsoft's icon will open Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. Internet Explorer browser.

Notification AreaNotification Area

Contains icons that represent the Contains icons that represent the programs that start up automatically programs that start up automatically when the computer is turned on as when the computer is turned on as well as other information. In this well as other information. In this case about automatic updates and case about automatic updates and about the antivirus program about the antivirus program

Changing Date and Time Changing Date and Time

Double click the clock on the Double click the clock on the taskbar.taskbar.

The Windows The Windows A rectangular portion of the display A rectangular portion of the display

on a computer monitor screen that on a computer monitor screen that presents its contents (e.g., the presents its contents (e.g., the contents of a directory, a text file or contents of a directory, a text file or an image) seemingly independent of an image) seemingly independent of the rest of the screen.the rest of the screen.

Parts of a WindowParts of a Window

Title BarTitle Bar Minimize ButtonMinimize Button Maximize ButtonMaximize Button Restore ButtonRestore Button Close ButtonClose Button Menu BarMenu Bar

MenuMenu On a menuOn a menu an option appears with an option appears with

a a small arrow pointing to the small arrow pointing to the rightright means that that option means that that option contains other options. contains other options.

An An option that contains three option that contains three dots,dots, (for example (for example Sharing and Sharing and Security...Security...) it means that the ) it means that the option needs more information to option needs more information to be executed; a dialog box will open be executed; a dialog box will open in which you can enter info.in which you can enter info.

An An option that is grey or lighter option that is grey or lighter colored colored it means that it is not it means that it is not possible to select it at that moment.possible to select it at that moment.

Alt+Underlined Letter of the Menu Alt+Underlined Letter of the Menu

ToolbarsToolbars

Contains icons to immediately Contains icons to immediately execute some of the most often used execute some of the most often used commands. commands.

ScrollbarScrollbar

Allow us to move through out the Allow us to move through out the page in a quick and simple manner. page in a quick and simple manner.

Status BarStatus Bar

Used to give the user certain Used to give the user certain information.This information varies information.This information varies depending on the window that is depending on the window that is opened at the time.opened at the time.

Closing A WindowClosing A Window

With the mouse, click the With the mouse, click the buttonbutton

Through the menuThrough the menu. . File File CloseClose or or ExitExit. . CloseClose closes the active window, closes the active window,

whereas whereas ExitExit closes the entire closes the entire application. application.

Keyboard: ALT + F4Keyboard: ALT + F4

YesYes. Saves the changes and then . Saves the changes and then closes the application.closes the application.

NoNo. Closes the application without . Closes the application without saving the changes.saving the changes.

CancelCancel. Returns to the previous . Returns to the previous screen, does not save the changes screen, does not save the changes and does not close the application.and does not close the application.

Windows ExplorerWindows Explorer

Start Start All All Programs Programs Accessories Accessories Windows Windows ExplorerExplorer

Start Start Run Run type type ExplorerExplorer

Windows ExplorerWindows Explorer

A – folders listA – folders list B – Files and B – Files and

FoldersFolders

Standard ToolbarStandard Toolbar

Back Button – last pageBack Button – last page Up Button – up one levelUp Button – up one level Search Button – search for filesSearch Button – search for files Folders Button - folder's structure Folders Button - folder's structure

on the left side of the screenon the left side of the screen Views Button - change the views on Views Button - change the views on

the folders (view details, the folders (view details, Thumbnails,... )Thumbnails,... )

Windows Explorer ViewsWindows Explorer Views

Windows explorer allows us Windows explorer allows us to see the folder's to see the folder's information in different ways information in different ways or or viewsviews to facilitate specific to facilitate specific searching searching

TilesTiles. The files and folders . The files and folders are shown with large images are shown with large images with the name, file type and with the name, file type and size in KB; if it is a picture size in KB; if it is a picture file the size is shown in file the size is shown in pixels pixels


IconsIcons. The files are . The files are represented with an represented with an icon smaller than a icon smaller than a tile. The only tile. The only information shown is information shown is the name of the file. the name of the file.

ListList. Shows small . Shows small icons, one below the icons, one below the other, so it's easier other, so it's easier to search by name. to search by name.


DetailsDetails. Icons are shown one below . Icons are shown one below the other, with some of their the other, with some of their properties. properties.

Windows Explorer ViewsWindows Explorer Views Thumbnails Thumbnails . A small . A small

representation of the representation of the content will appear with content will appear with the format of the image, the format of the image, such as jpg., jpeg., bmp., such as jpg., jpeg., bmp., gif., etc.gif., etc.

FilmstripFilmstrip. This view is . This view is only available for images. only available for images. On the bottom part a strip On the bottom part a strip will appear with the images will appear with the images in thumbnail format and on in thumbnail format and on the top we will see a larger the top we will see a larger representation of the image representation of the image selected on the bottom.selected on the bottom.

Address BarAddress Bar

Address BarAddress Bar is well known for is well known for Internet because it shows the Internet because it shows the address of the web we are viewing. address of the web we are viewing. With Windows Explorer it functions With Windows Explorer it functions the same way, but it shows the name the same way, but it shows the name of the folder we are working with.of the folder we are working with.

Alert BoxAlert Box

A box that appears on the display A box that appears on the display screen to give you information or to screen to give you information or to warn you about a potentially warn you about a potentially operation or requires you to confirm operation or requires you to confirm an action such as deleting.an action such as deleting.

Dialog BoxDialog Box

A box on your screen that lets you A box on your screen that lets you communicate with your computer.communicate with your computer.

Enter information, set options or Enter information, set options or give commands to your computer.give commands to your computer.

Parts of a Dialog BoxParts of a Dialog Box

ItemItem DescriptionDescription

1. List Box1. List Box Make a choice from the Make a choice from the scrollable list. scrollable list.

2. Spin Box2. Spin Box Click up and down arrows to Click up and down arrows to the right of the box until the the right of the box until the number you want appears.number you want appears.

3. Slide Box3. Slide Box Drag the slider bar to make a Drag the slider bar to make a selection.selection.

4. Drop-4. Drop-Down List Down List BoxBox

Make a choice from the list Make a choice from the list that appears when you click that appears when you click the down arrow next to the the down arrow next to the box.box.

Parts of a Dialog BoxParts of a Dialog BoxItemItem DescriptionDescription

5. Option 5. Option or Radio or Radio ButtonButton

Select one of several choices Select one of several choices (only one at a time)(only one at a time)

6. Check 6. Check BoxBox

You turn a feature on or off. You turn a feature on or off. You can select more than one You can select more than one choices.choices.

7. Text Box7. Text Box Click inside and type the Click inside and type the desired information.desired information.

8. Tabs8. Tabs Used to group identical Used to group identical settings on a specific window.settings on a specific window.

9. 9. Command Command ButtonButton

Execute an action.Execute an action.

Creating a new folder or Creating a new folder or folders folders

Right clickRight click anywhere in the white anywhere in the white space and hover the mouse over space and hover the mouse over newnew

Click on Click on folderfolder from the sub-menu from the sub-menu that appears.that appears.

Creating a new folder or Creating a new folder or folders folders

You will then be prompted to name You will then be prompted to name the folder, simply type in the name the folder, simply type in the name and then press the enter (return) and then press the enter (return) key.key.

Copying, Deleting, and Copying, Deleting, and Renaming Files and Folders Renaming Files and Folders

Navigate to the Navigate to the folder where the file folder where the file or folder is stored, or folder is stored, then right click on then right click on the file/folder of the file/folder of interest.interest.

CopyCopy DeleteDelete RenameRename

Shortcut KeysShortcut Keys

Ctrl + CCtrl + C -- CopyCopy Ctrl + XCtrl + X -- CutCut Ctrl + VCtrl + V -- PastePaste Drag and DropDrag and Drop

Selecting Files Selecting Files

To select consecutive elements - To select consecutive elements - Click on the first element and then Click on the first element and then click on the last element click on the last element while while keeping Shift key pressedkeeping Shift key pressed..

To select several elements that are To select several elements that are not consecutive - Select the first not consecutive - Select the first element and continue to select the element and continue to select the desired elements while desired elements while keeping the keeping the Ctrl key pressedCtrl key pressed..

File and Folder File and Folder PropertiesProperties

Select the Select the file/folder and file/folder and choose choose PropertiesProperties option from option from FileFile menu.menu.

Right click on the Right click on the file/folder and file/folder and select select Properties.Properties.

General TabGeneral Tab Type:Type: Describes which type of element we are dealing Describes which type of element we are dealing

with. with. Location:Location: Where it is kept. Where it is kept. Size:Size: The The size both in Megabytes and in bytes;size both in Megabytes and in bytes; Contains:Contains: If it is a folder it indicates the If it is a folder it indicates the number of number of

files within it.files within it. Created:Created: date date in which in which the folder or file was created.the folder or file was created. Modified and Last Access:Modified and Last Access: modified saves the date the modified saves the date the

file was last modified and last access the file was last modified and last access the last time the last time the file was opened file was opened regardless of whether changes were regardless of whether changes were made or not.made or not.

Attributes:Attributes: attributes that have been assigned to the attributes that have been assigned to the file or folder. The attribute file or folder. The attribute Read-only Read-only allows to only allows to only readread but not to edit. The attribute but not to edit. The attribute hidden hidden makes the file makes the file or folder or folder invisible.invisible.

Sharing TabSharing Tab Sharing a folderSharing a folder means means

allowingallowing the users of the users of other computers to other computers to access determined access determined information within a information within a network.network. Sharing Sharing applies to folders and not applies to folders and not to files.to files.

Right click on the folder Right click on the folder Properties Properties Sharing Sharing Tab Tab Check “Share this Check “Share this folder on to the network”folder on to the network”

Allow network users to Allow network users to change my filechange my file

Network Setup WizardNetwork Setup Wizard

If your system is If your system is configured with a configured with a firewallfirewall that keeps that keeps you from sharing you from sharing resources a screen resources a screen will appear that will appear that allows you to start allows you to start the the Network Setup Network Setup Wizard Wizard allowing allowing the sharing of the sharing of resources.resources.

Showing Hidden Showing Hidden Files/FoldersFiles/Folders

Select the Select the Tools Tools menu and the option menu and the option Folder options...Folder options.....

Select the tab Select the tab ViewView.. On the window the On the window the

option option Show Show hidden files and hidden files and folders folders must be must be checked, if not click checked, if not click on it.on it.

Click Click OKOK. .

Arranging Folders Arranging Folders

View View menu and select the option menu and select the option Arrange icons by.Arrange icons by.

When the menu is displayed, the When the menu is displayed, the different ways you can arrange will different ways you can arrange will appear. appear.

Searching Files Searching Files

Click Click StartStart Select on the Select on the

menu menu SearchSearch

Recycle BinRecycle Bin When you delete a file, Windows XP will place When you delete a file, Windows XP will place

the file into the recycle bin instead of deleting the file into the recycle bin instead of deleting it altogether, this allows you to restore the file it altogether, this allows you to restore the file in case you deleted it by mistake. in case you deleted it by mistake.

Some files may be too big to be stored in the Some files may be too big to be stored in the recycle bin, but Windows XP should warn you recycle bin, but Windows XP should warn you if you delete a file that cannot be restored. if you delete a file that cannot be restored.

Restoring FilesRestoring Files

Click on the Click on the elements to be elements to be restored.restored.

Once selected, a dialog box will Once selected, a dialog box will appear on the green arrow on the appear on the green arrow on the left that will say left that will say Restore this itemRestore this item or or Restore the selected items.Restore the selected items.

The selected files will return to The selected files will return to where they were located before where they were located before deletion.deletion.

Deleting Files or Folders Deleting Files or Folders from Recycle Binfrom Recycle Bin

Select the Select the Elements to be deleted.Elements to be deleted.. . Right click and select Right click and select DeleteDelete.. The selected files will disappear and The selected files will disappear and

cannot be restored.cannot be restored. If a window appears asking if you are If a window appears asking if you are

sure that you want to delete the sure that you want to delete the selected file or folder click selected file or folder click Yes Yes if you if you are sure you want it deletedare sure you want it deleted

Emptying the Recycle Emptying the Recycle BinBin

Clicking on the icon located on the left Clicking on the icon located on the left labeled labeled Empty the Recycle Bin. Empty the Recycle Bin.

A window will appear asking A window will appear asking Confirm Confirm you want to delete these X elements?you want to delete these X elements? wherewhere X X is the number of elements is the number of elements currently in the Recycle Bin . Clickcurrently in the Recycle Bin . Click Yes Yes to to empty it.empty it.

You can also empty the Recycle Bin from You can also empty the Recycle Bin from the the FileFile menu and select menu and select Empty the Empty the Recycle Bin .Recycle Bin .

Configuring the ScreenConfiguring the Screen

Click with the right mouse button Click with the right mouse button somewhere that has no icons on the somewhere that has no icons on the desktop and select the option desktop and select the option PropertiesProperties from the shortcut menu from the shortcut menu that is displayed. The that is displayed. The Display Display propertiesproperties window will appear window will appear where we can change the where we can change the configuration parameters.configuration parameters.

Background or Background or WallpaperWallpaper

Click on the tab labeled Click on the tab labeled DesktopDesktop and choose a new background or and choose a new background or wallpaper from the list that wallpaper from the list that appears at the bottom left corner.appears at the bottom left corner.

Once the background has been Once the background has been selected you can choose how it selected you can choose how it will appear by clicking on will appear by clicking on Position:Position: Centered:Centered: the image will the image will

appear in the center of the appear in the center of the screen with its real size.screen with its real size.TileTile: the image will appear : the image will appear with as many images as with as many images as necessary to fill the screen.necessary to fill the screen.Strech:Strech: the image will appear the image will appear once taking up the entire once taking up the entire screen.screen.

Load an image from Load an image from another locationanother location

Click on Click on Browse...Browse... and look for the and look for the image you want as long as the image you want as long as the format is compatible. For format is compatible. For example example .bmp.bmp, , .jpg.jpg, , .gif.gif..

Once the image and type of view Once the image and type of view have been selected Click have been selected Click OKOK..

ScreensaverScreensaver PreviewPreview - you can see how - you can see how

it will look once in place.it will look once in place. WaitWait - modify the time it - modify the time it

takes for the screensaver takes for the screensaver to appear.to appear.

SettingsSettings - allows us to - allows us to customize the image that is customize the image that is used as the screensaver. used as the screensaver.

On resume, password On resume, password protectprotect you can place a you can place a password protection to password protection to keep someone else from keep someone else from working on your account.working on your account.

Screen AppearanceScreen Appearance Click with the right mouse Click with the right mouse

button somewhere that has button somewhere that has no icons on the desktop and no icons on the desktop and select the option select the option PropertiesProperties from the from the shortcut menu that is shortcut menu that is displayed. displayed.

Display propertiesDisplay properties - - change the configuration change the configuration parameters.parameters.

Select the tab labeled Select the tab labeled AppearanceAppearance on the on the Display Display properties properties window.window.

Windows and buttons - Windows and buttons - select which style you want.select which style you want.

Color schemeColor scheme Font size - Font size - size of letterssize of letters

ThemesThemes A way to group the A way to group the

different different characteristics that characteristics that affect the appearance affect the appearance of WindowsXP by of WindowsXP by giving it a name. giving it a name.

Select the tab labeled Select the tab labeled AppearanceAppearance on the on the Display PropertiesDisplay Properties window.window.

From the From the Theme:Theme: list list choose the theme you choose the theme you prefer. prefer.

Resolution and ColorsResolution and Colors

ColorsColors with which our monitor will with which our monitor will work with.work with.

Color qualityColor quality Screen resolutionScreen resolution

Configuring the MouseConfiguring the Mouse

Start Start Control Control Panel Panel Printers Printers and Other and Other Hardware/MouseHardware/Mouse

Switch Primary Switch Primary and Secondary and Secondary ButtonsButtons

Double-click speedDouble-click speed Turn on ClickLockTurn on ClickLock

PointersPointers

Pointer OptionsPointer Options

MotionMotion Snap ToSnap To VisibilityVisibility

WheelWheel

Used for a mouse Used for a mouse that has a small that has a small wheel in between wheel in between the two buttons the two buttons and is used to and is used to move up and move up and down a page. down a page.

ScrollingScrolling One screen at a One screen at a

timetime Number of linesNumber of lines

HardwareHardware

Information Information related to the related to the hardware hardware configuration configuration of the mouse, of the mouse, the name and the name and type of drivers type of drivers installed.installed.

Adding New ProgramsAdding New Programs Start Start Control Panel Control Panel Add or Add or

Remove Programs Remove Programs Add New Add New ProgramsPrograms

Modifying/Removing Modifying/Removing ProgramsPrograms

Start Start Control Panel Control Panel Add or Add or Remove Programs Remove Programs Change or Change or Remove ProgramsRemove Programs

Automatic UpdateAutomatic Update

Start Start Control Control Panel Panel Automatic Automatic UpdatesUpdates

Start Start All Programs All Programs Windows Update Windows Update

Right click on My Right click on My Computer Computer Properties Properties Automatic Updates Automatic Updates tab.tab.

Adding New HardwareAdding New Hardware Plug and Play technologyPlug and Play technology

A term used to describe an accessory A term used to describe an accessory device that works immediately when device that works immediately when connected to a computer, without the need connected to a computer, without the need for installation procedures, reconfiguration, for installation procedures, reconfiguration, or restarting the computer. or restarting the computer.

Online to search for driver updates through Online to search for driver updates through Windows Update. Windows Update.

OS recognizes the new hardware elementOS recognizes the new hardware element OS does not recognize the new hardwareOS does not recognize the new hardware

Find the driver (CD or diskette)Find the driver (CD or diskette) Online searchOnline search

System ToolsSystem Tools

Designed to optimize the behavior of Designed to optimize the behavior of the computer. the computer.

ScandiskScandisk

Search Search errors in the errors in the system´s system´s units and to units and to repair those repair those errors.errors.

Open My Open My Computer Computer right click on right click on the drive the drive PropertiesProperties

Disk DefragmenterDisk Defragmenter In charge of In charge of

reorganizing the reorganizing the information that is information that is stored in the disk.stored in the disk.

Formatting a DiskFormatting a Disk

My Computer My Computer

Right click on the Right click on the drive drive Format Format

Freeing Disk SpaceFreeing Disk Space

Allows us to Allows us to empty the disk empty the disk of information of information that we do not that we do not useuse

Start Start menu menu All programs All programs AccessoriesAccessories System tools System tools Disk cleanupDisk cleanup

Windows Media PlayerWindows Media Player Allows us to Allows us to listen to musiclisten to music from a from a

CD, CD, tunetune radio stationsradio stations, , play a play a videovideo, etc. , etc.

Turn Off ComputerTurn Off Computer

StandbyStandby - This will put your computer - This will put your computer into standby mode, basically it will power into standby mode, basically it will power down components like the monitor and down components like the monitor and hard drive to preserve energy.hard drive to preserve energy.

Turn OffTurn Off - Shuts down the PC, always use - Shuts down the PC, always use this option to turn off your PC.this option to turn off your PC.

RestartRestart - this will restart the computer. - this will restart the computer.

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