Windows Basics for beginners

To define an Operating System To operate in a Windows environment To understand a Windows desktop To run software from the Windows desktop Objectives

Left Mouse button - used to execute commands Right mouse button - used to activate shortcut menus Scroll Wheel - used to move up and down in the screens Mouse Review

Microsoft WindowsOperative System Microsoft Windows is an Operative System that graphically controls all activities of your computer: Manages your computers memory and storage Provides a standard way to run and use software programs Controls computer hardware Lesson 1: Lesson 1: What is Microsoft Windows

Lesson 2: Lesson 2: Anatomy of a Window Scroll Bars Title Bar Drop Down MenusSizing buttons

Title Bar The blue Title Bar across the top of a window tells you which program is being used and which document is open. You can move a program around the desktop by left- clicking on the title bar and dragging. Title Bar If the Title Bar is gray instead of blue, then that window is not in use. Title Bar

Title Bar Located in the left-hand corner of the Title Bar Title Bar To access the menu, left- click on the program icon in the Title Bar Title Bar These options are also provided on the right-hand side of the Title Bar Control Menu

You can resize or close a window by clicking one of the buttons found on the right- hand side of the title bar. Minimize Maximize/Restore Close Sizing a Windows

Drop-down Menus allow access to options available in a software program. Left click on the command you want executed. The options that are grayed- out cannot be chosen. Drop Down Menus

Scroll bars allow you to move either vertically or horizontally in a document, spread sheet, or web page. To move, you can: Left click on the arrows; Left click and drag the bar; or Left click on the space in the track above or below the bar. Scroll Bars

1. Open NotePad and practice sizing the Window. 2. Use the Title Bar to click and drag the Window around the desktop. 3. Close Window. Exercise

On the desktop, you will find: Icons Folders Task Bar Start Button Program Buttons Systems Tray Lesson 3: Lesson 3: The Desktop

Start Button Task Bar Icons Systems Tray Program Button Windows Desktop

Start Task Bar Start Menu The Start Button on the Task Bar accesses the Start Menu. From here, you open programs and documents, find help and files, and shut down the computer. Task Bar: Task Bar: Start Button

The Task Bar allows access to all active programs. When multitasking, a button for each application running is displayed on the task bar, along with the Start Button and the clock in the systems tray. The Task Bar is usually located at the bottom of the desktop. Task Bar: Task Bar: Program Buttons

Most of the icons on the desktop are shortcuts to programs you use the most. You can make shortcut icons to folders or files. By double-clicking with the left mouse button directly on the icon, you instruct Windows to run that application. Icons: Icons: Shortcuts

Starting a program in Windows is as easy as a click. If the program is one with an icon on the desktop, a double click starts it. Without an icon, use the program menu from the Start button. Opening a Program

There are two ways to switch between programs when multi-tasking: Click on the program button on the task bar Use the Alt + Tab Switching Software Programs

There are 4 ways to exit a Windows program: Choose Exit under the File drop-down menu; Click the X on the Title Bar; Choose Close from the control menu; or Use the keyboard shortcut Alt + F4 Closing a Program

Open four different applications (e.g., Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Power Point) and practice shifting between programs using the program buttons on the task bar. Try using the keyboard shortcut Alt + Tab to alternate between programs. Exercise

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