1. Computing Fundamentals Module Lesson 2 — The Windows Operating System
Computer Literacy BASICS

2. Computer Literacy BASICS
Objectives
Describe the general features of Windows XP.
Use a mouse to move around the desktop.
Identify the parts of the window and what each one does.
Work with menus and menu elements.
Computer Literacy BASICS

3. Computer Literacy BASICS
Objectives (cont.)
Work with dialog boxes.
Manipulate multiple windows.
Access the Windows Help feature.
Shut down Windows.
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4. Computer Literacy BASICS
Vocabulary
Active window
Address Bar
Clicking
Command buttons
Commands
Default
Dialog box
Double-click
Dragging
Linking
Log off
Log on
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5. Computer Literacy BASICS
Vocabulary (cont.)
Mouse buttons
Option buttons
Radio buttons
Right-click
Select (highlight)
Shortcut keys
Shortcut menu
Shortcut menu button
Standard desktop
Standard toolbar
Start button
Status bar
Submenu
Computer Literacy BASICS

6. The Windows Environment
Provides an electronic version of your desktop, with electronic tools that allow you to interact with the computer by manipulating graphic icons
Runs multiple applications at the same time because Windows is capable of multitasking
Transfers data easily among programs and updates data automatically using linking features
Computer Literacy BASICS

7. Computer Literacy BASICS
Windows XP Features
Easier, faster, and more powerful ways to work with applications
Greater reliability
Enhanced versions of desktop tools
Upgraded support for multimedia
Computer Literacy BASICS

8. Windows XP Features (cont.)
Easy, automated access to information
Scheduled delivery of information to the World Wide Web
Advanced capabilities for Internet Explorer
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9. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
Why is Windows XP called a graphical user interface?
You can use it to access the Internet and move around to different Web sites.
It lets you draw pictures and illustrations.
It contains visual components, such as the desktop, plus items, such as windows and icons, that can be manipulated by using the mouse rather than keying commands.
You can interact with other users by sending them and instant messages.
Answer: C
Computer Literacy BASICS

10. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
True or False?
Windows XP is designed to ease the transition for users accustomed to an older version of the Windows operating system.
Answer: True
Computer Literacy BASICS

11. Computer Literacy BASICS
Starting Windows
Windows XP automatically starts when you turn on your computer.
If you are the only person using your computer, Windows XP displays your desktop, ready for you to begin your work.
If Windows XP is installed for more than one user, you may need to log on.
Computer Literacy BASICS

12. Computer Literacy BASICS
Logging On
Windows may ask you to click a user name before you can access the computer.
Windows XP lets many different users create their own accounts with personalized settings.
When you log on, you may be prompted to enter a password.
You may not be able to use the computer if you do not log on correctly.
Computer Literacy BASICS

13. Computer Literacy BASICS
The Welcome Screen
User names
Computer Literacy BASICS

14. Warning Signs of an Unstable Operating System
Windows XP is made up of many specialized computer files that can become damaged or corrupted over time.
Viruses, power surges, and out-of-date coding can all compromise your computer’s operating system.
You may need to reinstall or update your computer’s operating system if the computer frequently locks up and must be rebooted.
Computer Literacy BASICS

15. The Windows Opening Screen
The components of the opening screen are
The desktop
The taskbar
The Start button (which gives you access to the Start menu)
The Quick Launch bar
Icons representing programs and files
Computer Literacy BASICS

16. Windows XP Standard Desktop
Icons
Desktop
Recycle Bin icon
Taskbar
Start button
Quick Launch bar
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17. Computer Literacy BASICS
The Taskbar
The taskbar displays at the bottom of the screen in the Windows XP default desktop.
You use the taskbar for two important tasks:
To display the Start button
To switch among currently running programs
Computer Literacy BASICS

18. Computer Literacy BASICS
The Start Menu
Click the Start button to open the Start menu.
Use the Start menu to
Launch programs
Open recently used files
Change your system’s settings
Find files and folders
Access Help
Shut down Windows
Computer Literacy BASICS

19. Some Start Menu Options
All Programs
My Documents
My Recent Documents
My Pictures
My Music
My Computer
Control Panel
Connection Options
Printers and Faxes
Help and Support
Search
Run
Log Off
Turn Off Computer
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20. Computer Literacy BASICS
The Quick Launch Bar
The Quick Launch bar on the taskbar displays icons for frequently used programs that are always visible on your desktop.
Click a Quick Launch icon to open a window or dialog box.
To find out what each icon on the Quick Launch bar does, rest the mouse pointer on the icon to display a description.
Computer Literacy BASICS

21. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
The _______________ option on the Start menu contains a complete list of the software applications installed on the computer.
A. My Documents
B. All Programs
C. My Computer
D. Control Panel
Answer: B
Computer Literacy BASICS

22. Moving Around the Desktop
The desktop provides the work area on the screen.
You use the mouse to move the mouse pointer around the desktop.
The mouse pointer allows you to select and move items on your desktop.
Some notebook computers have an integrated trackball or touchpad that works like a mouse but does not require a desk to move the device around on.
Computer Literacy BASICS

23. Computer Literacy BASICS
The Mouse Pointer
When working with text, the mouse pointer looks like an I-beam.
When Windows is performing a task and cannot accept new input or commands, the pointer will appear as an hourglass or some other “time” icon.
If an arrow is attached to the hourglass, you can still select and move objects while Windows works on another task.
If the pointer turns into a circle with an arrow through it, you have attempted an action that is not allowed.
Computer Literacy BASICS

24. Computer Literacy BASICS
Mouse Buttons
The mouse buttons allow you to move windows, select options, and run various programs
Primary button: This is used for clicking objects, selecting objects, and dragging objects.
Shortcut menu button: This is usually the right mouse button, but settings can be changed for left-handed people to make it the left button.
Fast Wheel: Located between the primary and secondary buttons or on the side so you can operate it with your thumb, this wheel lets you move through documents quickly by allowing you to roll to scroll.
Computer Literacy BASICS

25. Computer Literacy BASICS
Operating the Mouse
To click, press and then release the primary mouse button.
To double-click, press and release the primary mouse button twice in quick succession.
To right-click, press and release the secondary mouse button.
Computer Literacy BASICS

26. Operating the Mouse (cont.)
To select (or highlight) an item on the screen, point to it and press and then release the left (or primary) mouse button.
To drag, place the mouse pointer on the object you want to move and then press and hold down the primary mouse button while moving the object. When the pointer is at the right location, release the mouse button.
Computer Literacy BASICS

27. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
For each of the following types of mouse pointers, explain when the pointer will take on that specific shape.
A. circle with a slash through it
B. I-beam
C. hourglass
Indicates that this action is not allowed
Appears when working with text
Tells you to wait because Windows is busy working
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28. Computer Literacy BASICS
The Parts of a Window
Maximize button
Minimize button
Menu bar
Close button
Title bar
Standard toolbar
Address Bar
Scroll bar
Resize edge
Status bar
Borders
Computer Literacy BASICS

29. Identifying the Parts of a Window
The title bar displays the name of the program running in a window.
The menu bar lists available menus (the specific choices depend on the program you are running).
The Standard toolbar contains buttons that permit you to access various functions and to issue commands.
Computer Literacy BASICS

30. Identifying the Parts of a Window (cont.)
The Address Bar displays the name of the open folder or object.
The Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons appear at the upper-right corner of the window.
The scroll bars allow you to scroll through a window that is bigger than the screen.
Computer Literacy BASICS

31. Identifying the Parts of a Window (cont.)
The borders are the four lines that define the limits of the window.
The status bar provides information on the currently selected object or the task you are performing.
The resize edge provides a large spot to grab when you want to resize a window without moving the upper-left corner.
Computer Literacy BASICS

32. Computer Literacy BASICS
Menus
A menu is a list of options or choices.
Windows’ menus organize the choices so they are out of sight until you need them.
When you click a menu name, such as File, Edit, or View, the menu drops down with options and commands you can select by clicking or issuing keyboard shortcuts.
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33. Computer Literacy BASICS
Working with Menus
Light or gray lettering: Options not available.
Shortcut keys: Issue command from the keyboard.
Ellipsis (…): A dialog box will display requesting more information.
The Select All option is highlighted, which means it is currently selected.
Dark lettering: Option is available.
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34. Working with Menus (cont.)
In some applications, each menu option has an underscored letter that you can use to issue the command using the Alt key and the letter key.
The Format menu’s Font command in Office applications indicates that Alt + F is a shortcut for the command.
A right-pointing arrow next to a menu option indicates that, if you point to that option, another menu will appear with more options.
This second menu is called a submenu.
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35. Computer Literacy BASICS
Dialog Boxes
Some menu options need more information before they can be executed.
You provide the information in a dialog box.
A dialog box is a window and has some of the same features as a window, such as a title bar.
Dialog boxes contain a number of other elements, categorized as buttons and boxes, that help you give information to your computer.
Computer Literacy BASICS

36. Buttons and Boxes in a Dialog Box
Drop-down
list boxes
Text boxes
Radio
buttons
Command buttons
Computer Literacy BASICS

37. Buttons and Boxes in a Dialog Box (cont.)
Combo box
Scroll box
Check boxes
List box
Drop-down list (closed)
Drop-down list box (open)
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38. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
Briefly describe how to use each of the following parts of a dialog box.
A. text box
B. command button
C. list box
D. option button
You key information in a text
You click a command button to carry out an instruction
You can choose one option from a list in a list box
You choose one option from a group of choices by selecting an option button
Computer Literacy BASICS

39. Arranging Windows on the Desktop
The Cascade Windows option cascades the open windows into a stack with title bars showing. The active window is always at the front of the stack.
The Tile Windows Horizontally option tiles the open windows across the desktop from top to bottom, without overlapping any portion of any window.
The Tile Windows Vertically option divides the desktop evenly among the open windows and aligns the windows across the screen, left to right, without overlapping any window.
Computer Literacy BASICS

40. Switching Between Windows
If any portion of the window you want to work with is visible, click it. It will come to the front and become the active window.
Or press and hold down the Alt key and then press Tab. A small window in the center of the screen displays icons for all windows currently open. This is called the fast Alt + Tab method for switching windows.
Computer Literacy BASICS

41. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
True or False?
The fast Alt + Tab key lets you switch between open windows.
Answer: True
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42. Computer Literacy BASICS
Getting Help
Windows provides a Help and Support feature on the Start menu.
There are four categories of assistance:
Pick a Help topic
Ask for assistance
Pick a task
Did you know?
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43. Getting Assistance Online
The Ask for assistance section’s Remote Assistance option allows someone you know to connect to your computer from another computer running Windows XP to observe your computer screen as you work.
You can also receive the remote user’s keystrokes to watch the remote user demonstrate the solution to your problem.
The second option in this section allows you to get support online from a technician who can answer your questions in or an online session.
Computer Literacy BASICS

44. The Windows XP Application Help Feature
Select the Help option in a Windows XP application and then click the Help Topics menu item to display the Help Viewer for that program.
In some programs, the Help Viewer may appear in a narrow pane at the right of the document window.
Computer Literacy BASICS

45. Windows XP Application Help
The Help Viewer pane displays infor-mation on the topic selected in the Help topics.
Three tabs in the left pane help you locate Help topics.
Computer Literacy BASICS

46. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
In the Windows XP Help and Support Center, how is the Pick a Help topic option different from the Did you know? option?
Answer: In the Pick a Help topic option, you choose the topic that you want to learn more about.
The Did you know? option displays a random tip each time you access the Help and Support Center (if you are connected to the Internet), but you have no control over which tip appears.
Computer Literacy BASICS

47. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
You are left-handed and want to know how to switch the primary mouse button from the left button to the right button. Which of the following would probably be the fastest way to find out this information?
Help and Support Center search
Did you know? option
Ask for assistance option
Fixing a Problem option in the Pick a Help topic menu. Answer: A
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48. Computer Literacy BASICS
Shutting Down Windows
Use the Start button to shut down Windows with one of two choices at the bottom of the Start menu:
Log Off
This keeps the computer running, but logs you off so another user can log on.
You may be asked whether you want to Switch Users or Log Off.
Turn Off Computer (Shut Down)
There are three options: Stand By, Turn Off, or Restart.
Computer Literacy BASICS

49. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
True or False?
You click the Start button to begin the process of shutting down Windows properly.
Answer: True
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50. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary
Most Windows activity takes place on the desktop.
The Windows opening screen has the following basic components: the desktop, the taskbar, the Quick Launch bar, the Start button, the mouse pointer, and one or more desktop icons.
Computer Literacy BASICS

51. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
You use the taskbar to open programs and documents and to switch back and forth between running programs.
The Start menu options let you launch programs, open recently used files, change your system’s settings, find files or folders, access Help topics, and close and shut down Windows.
Computer Literacy BASICS

52. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
The Quick Launch icons let you open a window or dialog box with a click.
The mouse controls an on-screen pointer. The shape of the pointer will change depending on where you are on-screen and what you are doing.
Computer Literacy BASICS

53. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
Mouse buttons let you make selections by clicking, right-clicking, and double-clicking. The primary button is used most frequently. The secondary button is used for shortcuts.
The mouse lets you move (drag) objects.
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54. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
A menu is a list of options or choices. You make selections from a menu by pointing at and clicking an option or using the up or down arrow keys.
On a menu, a highlighted option (white letters within a dark box) indicates that this option is currently selected, and light or grayed letters (as opposed to black or dark) mean that an option is not available.
Computer Literacy BASICS

55. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
A right-pointing arrow next to a menu option indicates that the option has a submenu with more options.
A series of three periods (...), called an ellipsis, following a command tells you that if you choose this option, a dialog box will open to request more information.
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56. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
A dialog box is a window. In it, you will find command buttons and option buttons. Command buttons are rectangular, and you click the button to execute a command. Option buttons (also known as radio buttons) let you choose one option from a group of options.
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57. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
A dialog box may also have check boxes, list boxes, text boxes, and drop-down list boxes, each of which allows you to make selections or key information.
Computer Literacy BASICS

58. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
Windows’ multitasking capability means that more than one window can be open at a time. The windows can be arranged on the desktop in a cascade, horizontally tiled, or vertically tiled format. Click any window or use Alt + Tab to bring a desired window to the front and make it the active window.
You can access the Windows Help feature by clicking Help and Support on the Start menu.
Computer Literacy BASICS

59. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
The Ask for assistance option in the Help and Support Center offers a variety of ways to get help, including online help. With Remote Assistance, you can allow someone you know to connect to your computer and demonstrate the answer to a question. The Support page also gives you access to Windows XP newsgroups where you may be able to find an answer to your questions.
Computer Literacy BASICS

60. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
Every Windows XP application has a Help menu that opens the application’s Help Viewer. The left pane of the Help Viewer contains three tabs that provide different options for searching the Help system. When you select an entry on one of the tabs, the right pane displays detailed information about the topic.
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61. Computer Literacy BASICS
Summary (cont.)
When you want to shut down Windows, you select either the Log Off or the Turn Off Computer option (or the Shut Down option) from the Start menu.
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62. Computer Literacy BASICS
Quick Quiz
1) Active window
2) Address Bar
3) Clicking
4) Command buttons
5) Commands 5
: Instructions to perform an operation or execute a program.
: The space in some application windows that displays the name of the open folder or object.
: Rectangular buttons in a dialog box that execute an instruction.
: Window currently in use. The title bar of the active window is always darker
: Pressing and releasing the left (primary) mouse button. 2 4 1 3
Computer Literacy BASICS