1. Windows Basics
Computers 1

2. What is Windows?
An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.
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3. Windows Desktop What is the desktop?
The main screen area that you see after you turn on your computer and log on to Windows.
On-screen work area on which windows, icons, menus, and dialog boxes appear

4. Parts of the Desktop Icons
Individual images on the desktop that represent certain programs, files, or folders.
Taskbar
Entire bar at the bottom of the desktop; includes other parts of the desktop
Start Button
Allows access to all Windows functions and programs through a menu-based interface.
Quick Launch Toolbar
Allows you to access smaller icons that work as buttons to launch programs.
System Tray
Shows the status of certain devices, programs, and functions of the Windows operating system.
Shortcuts
Icons for programs; have an arrow symbol.
Open Program Window
Used to view a launched program.
Open Program Buttons
Used to access launched programs; contained on the taskbar.

5. Open Program Windows
Icons
Quick Launch Toolbar
Open Program Buttons
Start Button
System Tray
Taskbar

6. Program Windows Title Bar Tabs/Ribbons Control Buttons Status Bar
Tells the name of the program and may show the name of the open file
Tabs/Ribbons
Provide access to commands and options
Control Buttons
Controls size and look of program window (Minimize, Maximize, Restore, and Close)
Status Bar
Provides helpful messages
Quick Access Toolbar
Provides quick access to commonly used commands
Scroll Bars
Allows you to move other parts of the file into the viewing area
Working Area
Allows you to enter or change data
Resize Handle
Allows you to change the window size
Zoom Slider
Allows you to zoom the working area in and out

7. Title Bar
Control Buttons
Quick Access Toolbar
Tabs
Ribbon
Working Area
Scroll Bars
Status Bar
Resize Handle
Zoom Slider

8. Mouse Pointers
Tells you where the mouse is located as you hover across the screen.
Tells you when you’re hovering over a resizing handle or window border.
Appears in areas where you can enter words or numbers.
Appears where there is a link you can click.
Tells you to wait as Windows catches up and finishes following your instructions.
Used for handwriting recognition. When it appears, you can hand-type.
Lets you know when you’re hovering over an object that can be moved.

9. Control Buttons Minimize Maximize Restore Close
Moves program window off desktop to taskbar.
Maximize
Program window will be enlarged to occupy entire desktop
Restore
Returns a window to it’s previous size after being maximized
Close
Closes program window (exits program)

10. Control Buttons
Restore
Close
Minimize
Maximize