Practical PC, 7th Edition Chapter 2: Working with Windows

Working with Windows FAQs Technology How do I use the Start Screen? What is the Windows desktop? How do I use the desktop taskbar? How do I access the PC Settings panel? What is the Control Panel? Does it matter if I’m using a touchscreen? How do I access Windows Help? Technology Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I use the Start Screen? Once logged in, the Windows 8 Start screen is displayed Start screen displays an array of colorful tiles Tiles represent applications, storage areas, and links to social media sites Tiles can be dragged or selected using a mouse, your finger, or a stylus. Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I use the Start Screen? Figure 2-1 Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I use the Start Screen? Press the to return to the Start screen from any application Live tiles pull content from applications or storage areas and display it within the tile Figure 2-2 Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I use the Start Screen? Start screen contains a built-in search function Search function can be used to find: Apps Preset search best used for apps for which there is no tile Settings Files Listed Applications Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I use the Start Screen? Figure 2-3 Practical PC, 7th Edition

What is the Windows desktop? Windows desktop is the gateway for many of the tasks performed with the computer Select the Desktop tile from the Start screen to begin Desktop can display application windows, message windows called dialog boxes, and icons Desktop icons can be arranged in numerous ways New folder and file icons can also be created for quick access to used frequently documents Practical PC, 7th Edition

What is the Windows desktop? Figure 2-4 Practical PC, 7th Edition

What is the Windows desktop? Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

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 Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

How do I use the Start menu? Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

How do I use the desktop taskbar? Taskbar is located at the bottom of the Windows desktop It holds a variety of controls Figure 2-5 Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I use the desktop taskbar? Point to each taskbar button to see a ScreenTip, which pops up to identify unlabeled buttons Application buttons represent open or “running” applications Notification area displays icons that provide status information and shortcuts to utilities Current date and time Internet access Hidden icons Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I use the desktop taskbar? Figure 2-6 Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I access the PC Settings panel? PC Settings is a panel of options used to modify and customize the way Windows looks and works Accessed from the Charms menu that appears when pointer is moved to one of the corners of the screen, or when user swipes in from the right edge of a touchscreen Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I access the PC Settings panel? Figure 2-7 Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I access the PC Settings panel? Options on PC Setting panel are most relevant for tablet users, for customizing the Start screen, and for changing the password Figure 2-8 Practical PC, 7th Edition

What are gadgets? Gadgets are mini-applications designed to display information that is constantly changing Examples of gadget topics include the time of day, local weather, headline news, photo slide shows, or statistics about how hard your computer’s microprocessor is working Several gadgets are included with Windows 7 Gadgets work best if your computer has a widescreen display device Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

What are gadgets? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

What’s in the Accessories folder? Accessories folder includes: Windows Explorer Paint Notepad and WordPad Snipping Tool Calculator Sound Recorder Subfolders include System Tools and Ease of Access Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

What’s in the Accessories folder? Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

What is the Control Panel? Control Panel contains important tools for configuring and customizing Windows including: Date and time Default programs Device and Printers Display Internet Options Practical PC, 7th Edition

What is the Control Panel? Figure 2-9 Practical PC, 7th Edition

Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen? Windows 8 has a dual personality Offers a flexible desktop designed to be used with keyboard and mouse Inherited from earlier versions of Windows Useful on large screen devices Can display multiple windows at one time Practical PC, 7th Edition

Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen? Figure 2-11 Practical PC, 7th Edition

Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen? Tips for using Windows 8 with a large display device Figure 2-12 Practical PC, 7th Edition

Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen? Also contains elements designed for touchscreen devices Useful on small screen devices Sometimes referred to as RT or Metro Elements feature large icons, well-spaced menus, and applications that are used one at a time Practical PC, 7th Edition

Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen? Figure 2-13 Practical PC, 7th Edition

Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen? Tips for using Windows 8 with a touchscreen Figure 2-14 Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I access Windows Help? The Windows Help and Support Center is the gateway to Windows manuals, FAQs and troubleshooting wizards Type Help at the Start screen If more information is needed, use a search engine to search for user groups, online forums, or articles. Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I access Windows Help? Figure 2-15 Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology System Software Is dedicated to the internal operation of the computer Divided into two categories: operating systems and system utilities Operating systems Are vital pieces of software Set standards for the on-screen controls displayed by all application software Detect equipment failure Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology Operating systems con’t Maintain security Manage storage space Communicate with all devices connected to the computer Available operating systems include Windows, OS X (Apple computers), and Linux (primarily on servers that handle network communications, e-mail systems, and Web sites). Windows RT, iOS, and Android are used on tablet computers and smart phones Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology System utilities Add functionality to the operating system Enable customization of the screen-based work environment Set up communication between computer and peripheral devices Enhance computer’s security When adjusting from the Control Panel or PC Settings panel, systems utilities are being used Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology Figure 2-16 Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology Windows operating system One of today’s most popular operating systems Evolved through several generations Figure 2-17 Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology Windows 8 is available in several editions Standard and Pro, which are designed for individuals and small businesses using desktop and laptop computers Enterprise, which is designed for businesses that have in-house and remote workers RT, which is for tablet computers Windows is available in 32 bit and 64 bit editions Type System in the Start menu’s Search box and select Settings to determine which edition is being used Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology Device Drivers Software that help peripheral devices establish communication with a computer Used by printer, monitors, wired networks, modems, storage devices, mice, videogame controllers, and scanners Usually run in the background Type device driver at the Start screen and select Settings; select Device Manager to check status of a device, change its settings, or check for updated drivers Practical PC, 7th Edition

Technology Figure 2-19 Practical PC, 7th Edition

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 7 Starter Home Premium Professional Ultimate To discover which version and edition of Windows you’re using, enter System in the Start menu’s Search box and then click the System option Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

Which version of Windows do I have? Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2

Which version of Windows do I have? Past Windows versions include: Windows 3.1 Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows Me (Millennium Edition) Windows XP Windows Vista Practical PC 6th Edition Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 2