Course :: Certificate in Basic Computers Applications for End Users Introducing Window 7

OBJECTIVES Understand the new and improved features of windows 7 Explore the windows 7 editions Understand the various aspects of desktop Explore the use of start menu

INTRODUCTION Several versions of the Windows operating system have been launched. The most recent addition to the Windows operating systems is Windows 7. Windows 7 provides some of the most compelling and fascinating features and functionalities that an operating system could offer. It has a visually engaging user interface and a set of contemporary features, such as Windows Sidebar. Here we will discuss about the new and improved features of Windows 7 and the different editions of Windows 7. We will also discuss about the procedure to install Windows 7, upgrading of Windows 7 from previous versions, windows 7 desktop and start menu. Towards the end, we will learn about the logging off, restarting, and shutting down of the computer.

New and Improved Features of Windows 7 The new features of Windows 7 as follows: The Getting Started menu: Consists of the list of tasks that you want to perform when you setup your computer, such as transferring files from another computer HomeGroup: Helps in sharing files, pictures, music, videos, and documents on a home network Jump List: Refers to a list of recently opened items, such as files, folders, or websites Aero Peek, Aero Snap, and Aero Shake: Consists of Aero Peek which allows you to preview the content of the window before opening it, Aero Snap which helps you to resize opened windows by dragging them to the edges of the Desktop and Aero Shake which helps in minimizing all the opened windows on the Desktop Windows Search: Helps in quickly searching the files and folders that are saved at any location in the computer

Contd… Windows Taskbar: refers to the area on a desktop which consists of the Start button and the icons for all the opened programs Performance Improvements: Indicates the performance and overall capability of the computer hardware Play To: Helps you to play the music on your home entertainment system using the PC Ribbon: Helps the users in locating various functions and options, which were previously included in the application submenus Remote Media Screaming: Helps you in streaming music and videos from your computer to a remote computer Windows Touch: Helps you to free yourself from mouse and keyboard, and work directly on the screen

Contd… Libraries: Consists of links to the existing folders Window Live Essentials: Refers to a collection of programs and services, which are specifically designed to enhance the user’s experience of using Windows Device Management: Includes the following two features: –Device Stage: Helps in managing any external device connected to your computer, such as printer, cell phone, and megapixel 3 (MP3) players –Devices and Printers folder: Consists of the following tasks: Adding any new external device, such as printer to the computer Viewing all the external devices connected to the computer Checking if a device is working properly Viewing detailed information, such as make, model, and manufacturer of the device Fixing the device, if not working properly

Various Windows 7 Editions The description of Windows 7 editions are as follows: Windows 7 Starters: Refers to the edition that consists of the least features. The features, such as Windows Aero theme, Digital Video Disc (DVD) playback Windows 7 Home Basic: Refers to the edition that is available only with new computers in the emerging markets or in the nations that are in the process of rapid growth Windows 7 Home Premium: Refers to the edition that is aimed for personal use Windows 7 Enterprise: Refers to the edition that is available only to Microsoft Volume Licensing customers Windows 7 Professional: Refers to the edition that is targeted towards the small business users Windows 7 Ultimate: Refers to the edition that is available to the home users on an individual license basis

The desktop of Windows 7 is the fundamental area where you can perform several operations and tasks, such as opening an existing file and creating a new file It consists of the following visual elements: –Desktop Icon: Refers to small images that signify various items, such as programs, folders, or files, on the desktop. –Taskbar: Refers to the long horizontal bar at the bottom of the desktop –Windows Gadgets: Refers to the gadgets such as Clock and Calendar that are displayed on the desktop Getting Familiar with the Desktop

Using the Start Menu The Start menu allows you to view all the programs, folders, and other items of your computer. It provides a convenient location from where the programs and other items can be accessed. You can select and open any program of your choice from the Start menu. The Start menu can be accessed by clicking the Start button which is a part of the Windows 7 taskbar. The Start button appears at the extreme left of the taskbar in the form of a small circle with the Microsoft logo. When you place the mouse pointer over this button, the name of the button, that is, Start is displayed.

SUMMARY Learnt about the new and improved features that have been introduced in Windows 7 Understood about the different editions of Windows 7 Learnt about the Windows desktop and use of start menu feature in Windows 7