BASICS 1 Windows XP

INTRODUCTION Windows XP is the most recent operating system created by the Microsoft Corporation. An operating system is a program that allows the user to manage the resources of his or her own computer, and the network resources which that individual computer has access to. The operating system makes communication between applications, as well as between internal (the motherboard, graphics card, hard drive) and external pieces of hardware (printer, flash drive, etc.) possible.

Accessing applications Applications such as Word and Internet Explorer can be accessed by utilizing one of two methods: Method #1 Click on the appropriate desktop icon to open the application.

Accessing applications Method #2 1. Select “Start”.

Accessing applications Method #2 2. Select “Programs”.

Accessing applications Method #2 3. Select the desired application.

The taskbar Selecting the arrow on the right side of each item will allow you to switch to, maximize, or close, one of the opened windows. In Windows XP, when multiple windows from the same application are opened but minimized, the number of those minimized windows will be displayed on the Taskbar.

Where are my folders and files ? As with previous versions of Windows, in Windows XP, folders and files can be stored on any of a number of different drives. Drives are distinguishable by different letter designations. Some of these drives are within your computer. Others are located on the different servers which are part of the network. Some drives allow you to insert and remove media. CD’s DVD’s Floppy Disks Zip Drives Additional drives can be plugged into the various external ports of your computer. Flash Drives Portable Hard Drives

Where are my folders and files ? Any computer which utilizes Windows XP as it’s operating system, will have a file structure which looks similar to what you see below. This provides access to all of the icons which appear on your computer’s desktop.

Where are my folders and files ? Unless you specify otherwise, most documents will be saved here by default.

Where are my folders and files ? All internal, external, and network drives can be found within.

Where are my folders and files ? Internal Floppy Disk Drive.

Where are my folders and files ? Your computer’s internal hard drive. Accessible only from your computer. Not accessible via Citrix.

Where are my folders and files ? Contains most of the settings relating to your individual computer.

Where are my folders and files ? Contains the programs which allow the internal and external hardware to communicate with your computer and each other, and therefore function.

Where are my folders and files ? Contains all of the applications which are loaded on your individual computer.

Where are my folders and files ? Contains all of the files which relate to your Windows XP operating system.

Where are my folders and files ? Provides access to CD’s or DVD’s which are in this optical drive, and allows files to be burned to recordable or rewritable CD’s.

Where are my folders and files ? Indicates that a flash drive or external hard drive is currently connected. Usually this connection would be to a USB or Fire wire port.

Where are my folders and files ? Network drives. Your personal network drive is usually identified as your “F” drive. This and other network drives are accessible via Citrix.

Where are my folders and files ? Allows you to add and remove printers, remove or add hardware or software, and adjust various other settings on your computer.

Where are my folders and files ? When you delete a file, this is generally where it goes before it is permanently deleted from your computer. How long a file lingers before permanent deletion is dependent on your settings.

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Folders and files can opened by using either one of three methods: Method #1 1. Select the “My Computer” icon from your desktop.

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Method #1 2. Select the appropriate drive.

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Method #1 3. Select the appropriate folder, subfolder, and or file by clicking on it.

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Method #2 1. Open an application using any of the methods previously described. or

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Method #2 2. Once in the application, Select “File”, and then “Open”.

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Method #2 3. Double click on the file that you would like to open.

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Method #3 1. Select “Start”. This method applies to very recently opened documents only.

Opening files or folders Accessing applications Method #3 2. Select “Documents”, followed by the document that you would like to open.

Using Windows XP To Create Shortcuts Creating A Shortcut to an application In A Few Easy Steps 1. Select “Start”.

Using Windows XP To Create Shortcuts 2. Right mouse click on an application, and select “Create Shortcut”.

Using Windows XP To Create Shortcuts Creating A Shortcut to a folder or file In A Few Easy Steps 1. Right mouse click on any empty space on the desktop.

Using Windows XP To Create Shortcuts 2. Under “New”, select “Shortcut”.

Using Windows XP To Create Shortcuts Next to the “Type the location of the item field”, select “Browse”, the appropriate file or folder, and then select “OK”.

Using Windows XP To Create Shortcuts 4. Select “Next”.

Using Windows XP To Create Shortcuts 5. Select “Finish”.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer Adding a network printer In A Few Easy Steps 1. Select “Start”, “Settings”, and then “Printers and Faxes”.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer 2. Select “ Add a printer”.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer 4. Select “ Next”. 3. Select “ Next”.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer 5. Select “ Find a printer in the directory”, and select “Next”.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer 6. Enter the name or a portion of the name of the printer in the “Name” field. The printer name can be found on a sticker on the front of the printer. Then select “Find Now”.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer 7. Double click on the appropriate printer from the generated list.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer 8. Select “Yes”, and then “Next”.

Using Windows XP To add a network printer 9. Select “Finish”.

SUMMARY Windows XP is an operating system. It allows the user to manage the: Resources of his or her own computer. Accessible network resources. The operating system: Makes communication between applications possible. Allows communication with internal hardware. Allows communication with external hardware. Folders and files can be stored and found on the following types of drives, distinguishable by different letter designations: Internal Drives. Network Drives. Drives with removable media. External drives. There are two methods that can be used to open applications. There are three methods that can be used to open files and folders. Users can create shortcuts to folders, files, application, and URL’ s. Users can install multiple network printers.