First Edition. seyaro The Learning Centre for Development. SCoPA SCoPA SCoPA. SCoPA. Robert YAWE S.

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1 SCoPA SCoPA SCoPA seyaro The Learning Centre for Development First Edition SCoPA Robert YAWE S.

2 Simplified computer programming And Application seyaro.com Experience with Hands-on Chapter Four First Edition Robert S. YAWE seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page ii

3 Preface Simplified Computer Programming and Application SCoPA has come out after a long period of research on the approach to teaching and learning Computing, the general use of computers as well as applying the knowledge acquired in computer studies. Teachers, learners, general users and the entire community have always held a mistaken belief that computing CIT as a discipline is difficult and is done by only the geniuses. Contrary to that view, research indicates that keen interest by the learner and the teacher, and the proper teaching methods and applications help in acquiring skills in computing and the theory in general. It is precisely because of this that the author has written this book to spur the interest of the learners of computing CIT and the entire community. Practical approach has been illustrated with brief explanations of the procedure, and the set objectives that the learners, teachers and the users ought to achieve have been given. The book also shows the procedures in their exact appearance (three dimensions - graphics) to enable learners, teachers and the users grasp them so that they appreciate the importance of practical SCoPA (and computing in general) in one s endeavor in life. The illustrations given in this book are easy to comprehend and this enables the learner teachers and the users to grasp the theory of the procedures and apply them properly. Acknowledgement The preparation of this book is a family effort and the dedication of all the family members is reflected in the quality of the final product. First, I would like to thank my own family, whose patience and support has made this project possible. Second, I would like to thank the scores of my fellow designers and developers; seyaro Graphic Ltd, seyaro Publishers Ltd, seyaro.com in general and all my users who have taught and advised me much in the past and continue to do so. I gratefully acknowledge the invaluable help for all dedicated reviewers, who provided expert suggestions and the needed encouragement to improve the text. My deepest thanks go to my Mother and my father for their support and care that has made me what I am. Finally, I express my love and thanks to my partner for her support and encouragement during the work on this project. Robert YAWE (seyaro) seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page i

4 Contents Preface... i Acknowledgement... i 8.0. Introduction Driver Device Printer Sound Card Hard Disk Drives Monitors Bluetooth Cameras Modems Keyboards Mice Scanners Speakers Sync and mobile devices Televisions... 2 seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page ii

5 Chapter Four: Hardware, Devices and Drivers 8.0. Introduction Typically, the first time you connect a device that plugs into a USB port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. Drivers allow your computer to communicate with hardware devices; without one, a USB device that you connect to your computer for example, a mouse or a webcam will not work properly. As a professional, you can change or upgrade hardware and devices for your computer. The overview on each hardware shows you nearly everything about how the hardware looks and works, and allows you to set up the hardware and devices so that they are just right for you to use. You can decide on which hardware and device to use because you are the architect, who knows what to do when your system collapses. Therefore, with SCoPA, the computer is yours. Aim To know the different types of hardware, devices and drivers and how to install them on computers Objectives By the end of the chapter, one should be able to; a) Differentiate between devices and drivers. b) Install printers and make them ready for use. c) Install and manage hard disk drives. d) Adjust monitor settings in all types. e) Install and configure Bluetooth devices, cameras and modems. f) Use the keyboard and the mouse. g) Adjust speaker settings. h) Configure and use sync and mobile devices. i) Use a computer as a TV. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 1

6 8.1 Driver A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without drivers, the hardware you connect to your computer for example, a video card or a printer will not work properly. In most cases, drivers come with Windows or you can find them by going to Windows Update in Control Panel and checking for updates. If Windows does not have the driver you need, you can usually find it on a disc that came with the hardware or device you want to use, or on the manufacturer's website Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your devices You can have Windows automatically download recommended drivers and detailed information for your devices. This is a good way to make sure all your hardware works properly. 1. Drivers and information Windows can find and download two kinds of updates for devices connected to your computer: a) Drivers A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware devices. Without drivers, the devices you connect to your computer for example, a mouse or external hard drive will not work properly. Windows can automatically check if there are drivers available for new devices that you connect to your computer. For hardware that you have connected to your computer in the past, updated drivers might become available at a later date; but those drivers aren't installed automatically. To install these optional updates, go to Windows Update in Control Panel, check for updates, and then view and install driver updates that are available for your computer. b) Information Windows can download high-resolution icons for many hardware devices that you connect to your computer, along with detailed information about them, such as product name, manufacturer, and model number even detailed information about the sync capabilities of a device. These details can make it easier for you to distinguish between similar devices that are connected to your computer, such as different mobile phones. Devices and Printers in Control Panel gives you a quick view of devices connected to your computer. 2. To have Windows automatically download recommended drivers and icons You can check Windows Update at any time to see if it found new drivers and icons for your hardware, especially if you recently installed a new device. If you want to have Windows Update automatically check for the latest drivers and icons, here is how: 1. Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 2

7 2. Right-click the name of your computer, and then click Device installation settings. 3. Click Yes, do this automatically (recommended), and then click Save changes. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. If Yes is already selected, click Cancel to close the dialog box. If you let Windows automatically download drivers and information about your devices, your hardware is more likely to work properly. 3. To install drivers and other optional updates from Windows Update Even if you have Windows Update set to automatically download and install all important and recommended updates, you still might not be getting all of the updated drivers available for your devices. For instance, optional updates might include updated drivers that become available for hardware or devices you have already installed. Windows does not automatically download and install optional updates, but you will be notified when optional updates are available. To get all the available updates for your devices, periodically check Windows Update for all available updates, including optional updates. You can review the available updates and then select them from the list of updates that Windows finds for your computer. Here is how to do this: 1. Open Windows Update in Control Panel. 2. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer. 3. If there are any available updates, click the link in the box under Windows Update to see more information about each update. Each type of update might include drivers. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 3

8 4. On the Select the updates you want to install page, look for updates for your hardware devices, select the check box for each driver that you want to install, and then click OK. There might not be any driver updates available. 5. On the Windows Update page, click Install updates. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Notes Windows Update tells you if an update is important, recommended, or optional. Some updates require you to restart your computer. Windows Update will tell you if the updates were successfully installed. 4. If Windows cannot find a driver for your device It is best to let Windows install drivers automatically. Occasionally, Windows might not be able to find a driver for your device. If this happens, you might want to check the manufacturer's website for a driver or update for the device, or try installing any software that came with the device. 5. If Windows cannot find information about your device in Device Stage Device Stage is a new feature in this version of Windows that displays details about a device and tasks you can perform with that device. When you connect a device that is compatible with Device Stage to your computer, Device Stage will automatically open. Occasionally, Device Stage might open but not display any or all tasks and information about the device. Here are some reasons why that might happen, and what to do if it does: i). Device Stage might need your permission to download information about your device. Check to see if there is a message in Device Stage telling you that updated information is available, and then follow the instructions. ii). Your computer might not be connected to the Internet. Device Stage cannot download information about your device if you are offline. Try connecting the device later when you are online. iii). Device Stage might be trying to download information about your device. Wait a few minutes and see if Device Stage is able to find the information, especially if this is the first time you have connected the device to your computer. Device Stage will keep trying to download information about your device, even if the location where that information is stored is busy. If you do not want to wait, try connecting the device again later. Note If you connect a device to your computer that reportedly supports Device Stage (but only AutoPlay opens), check with the manufacturer of the device. Find out if there are any software or firmware updates available that will make the device work with Device Stage, and confirm that the device actually supports Device Stage Restore a driver to its previous version seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 4

9 You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading its driver, you might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version. It is best to check Windows Update for an updated driver, if you have not already done so, before you restore a previous version. 1. Open Device Manager. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. Double-click the category containing your device driver, and then double-click the name of the device that you want to restore to a previous driver version. 3. Click the Driver tab, and then click Roll Back Driver. If you are logged on as a standard user, the button will be dimmed, which means it is unavailable. You must be logged on as an administrator to roll back a driver. Note If there is no previous version of the driver installed for the selected device, the Roll Back Driver button will be unavailable even if you are logged on as an administrator How can I decide which drivers are safe to install? When you connect a new hardware device to your computer, Windows tries to find and install a software driver for the device. Occasionally, you might see a notification that a driver is unsigned, has been altered since it was signed, or cannot be installed by Windows. You can always decide whether to install a driver that is unsigned or has been altered. A signed driver is a device driver that includes a digital signature. A digital signature is an electronic security mark that can indicate the publisher of the software, as well as whether someone has tampered with the driver since it was signed. If a driver has been signed by a publisher that has verified its identity with a certification authority, you can be confident that the driver comes from that publisher and hasn't been altered. Windows will alert you with one of the following messages if a driver is unsigned, was signed by a publisher that has not verified its identity with a certification authority, or has been altered since it was signed and released: a). Windows cannot verify the publisher of this driver software The driver either does not have a digital signature or has been signed with a digital signature that was not verified by a certification authority. You should only install this driver if you received it from an original manufacturer's disc or from your system administrator. b). This driver has not been signed The driver has not been digitally signed by a verified publisher. The driver might have been altered to include malicious software that could harm your computer or steal information. In rare cases, legitimate publishers do alter driver packages after they have been digitally seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 5

10 signed. You should only install a driver that has not been signed if you got it from an original manufacturer's disc. Unfortunately, there is no trustworthy source of information that indicates who has published an unsigned driver. Anyone can alter the contents of an unsigned driver. The original version of an unsigned driver might have actually come from the manufacturer of your device, but if the driver is unsigned, someone might have altered it. There is no way to know if it was altered for malicious purposes. Most manufacturers now digitally sign the drivers they create before releasing them to the public. c). Windows requires a digitally signed driver A driver that lacks a valid digital signature, or was altered after it was signed, cannot be installed on 64-bit editions of Windows. You will only see this message if you try to install such a driver on a 64-bit edition of Windows. If you see any of these messages when attempting to install a driver, you should visit your device manufacturer's website to get a digitally signed driver for your device Update driver for hardware that is not working properly If you have a hardware device that is not working properly with your computer, you probably need an updated driver. There are three ways to update a driver: a). Use Windows Update. You might need to set Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates. b). Install software from the device manufacturer. For example, if your device came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver for the device. c). Download and update the driver yourself. Use this method to install a driver that you download from the manufacturer's website. Do this if Windows Update cannot find a driver for your device and the device did not come with software that installs a driver. 1. To update drivers using Windows Update You can check Windows Update anytime to see if it has found updated drivers for your hardware, especially if you recently installed a new device. Then, you can install the updated drivers. Here is how: 1. Open Windows Update in Control Panel. 2. In the left pane, click Check for updates. If there are any available updates, click the links to see more information about each update. Windows Update tells you if an update is important, recommended, or optional. Each type of update might include drivers. 3. On the Select the updates you want to install page, look for updates for your hardware devices, select the check box for each driver that you want to install, and then click OK. There might not be any available driver updates. 4. On the Windows Update page, click Install updates If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 6

11 Notes Some updates require you to restart your computer. Windows Update will tell you if the updates were successfully installed. 2. To set Windows to install recommended updates To get all available driver updates for your hardware, set Windows to install recommended updates. You can set Windows to automatically install important and recommended updates or important updates only. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To get all available updates for your devices, periodically check Windows Update for optional updates. 1. Open Windows Update in Control Panel. 2. In the left pane, click Change settings. 3. Under Important updates, click an item in the list. You can decide which updates to automatically download and install. 4. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended update the same way I receive important updates check box, and click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. You can also allow anyone using your computer to install updates by selecting the Allow all users to install updates on this computer check box. 3. To download and update a driver yourself seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 7

12 It is best to let Windows install device drivers automatically. However, if Windows cannot find a driver for your device, and the device did not come with driver software, you can look for a driver on the device manufacturer's website. Driver updates are often available in the support section of such sites. Once you find the updated driver, follow the installation instructions on the website. Most drivers are self-installing after you download them, you usually just double-click the file to begin the installation, and then the driver installs itself on your computer. Some devices have drivers that you need to install yourself. If you download a driver that is not self-installing, follow these steps: You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. 1. Open Device Manager in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. In the list of hardware categories, find the device that you want to update, and then double-click the device name. 3. Click the Driver tab, click Update Driver, and then follow the instructions. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Notes Printer information is not included in Device Manager. To see if a printer is installed or to manually update printer drivers, open Devices and Printers. To find out if your hardware (or hardware you plan to buy) is compatible with this version of Windows, go to the Windows Compatibility Center website. This website contains a comprehensive list of devices that have been tested to work with this version of Windows. 8.2 Device You can install most hardware or mobile devices just by plugging them into your computer. Windows will automatically install the appropriate driver if it is available. If it is not, Windows will prompt you to insert a software disc that may have come with your hardware device. Install a USB device Typically, the first time you connect a device that plugs into a USB port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. Drivers allow your computer to communicate with hardware devices; without one, a USB device that you connect to your computer for example, a mouse or a webcam will not work properly Before installing a device seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 8

13 Check the instructions that came with the device to see if you need to install a driver before connecting the device. Although Windows usually does this automatically after you connect a new device, some devices require that you install drivers manually. In those cases, the device manufacturer includes a software disc and instructions on installing the driver before plugging in the device. If your USB device came with software from the manufacturer, check to see if it is compatible with this version of Windows. If it is not compatible, or does not say which versions of Windows it's designed for, try plugging the device in first to see if Windows can find a compatible driver. If the instructions that came with your device contradict the information in this topic, follow those instructions Plugging in and turning on a device Most USB devices that have power switches should be turned on before you connect them. If your device uses a power cord, connect the device to a power source. Then, turn it on before connecting it. Next, determine which USB port you want to connect your device to. If your computer has USB ports on the front, consider using one of those if you plan to frequently connect and disconnect the device. (You can use any port the next time you plug in the device.) A typical USB cable and port Plug the device into the USB port. If Windows can find and install the device driver automatically, you will be notified that the device is ready to use. Otherwise, you will be prompted to insert a disc containing the driver. Windows will notify you when it finishes successfully installing a device After installation is complete, check the information that came with your device to see if you need to install any additional software. Occasionally, a USB device is not recognized by Windows and does not come with a disc containing a driver. In that case, you can try to find a device driver online. Start by checking the website of the device manufacturer you can often download drivers from the "Support" section of such sites. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 9

14 Notes When connecting a device to a USB port on a USB hub, monitor, or other device that is plugged into your computer, make sure that the USB port has enough power to support your device. Smaller devices, such as USB flash drives and mice and devices with their own power cords, such as printers typically work properly when connected to an unpowered USB hub. Some devices that use more power, such as USB-powered scanners and web cameras, require a hub that has its own power cord to function properly. If a device does not work properly when connected to a hub, try connecting it directly to one of your computer's USB ports. Devices that transfer large amounts of information, such as external hard disks, scanners, and video cameras, function best when connected to high-speed USB 2.0 ports. Some older computers might include only USB 1.x ports, or a mix of USB 1.x and 2.0 ports. If your device requires a high-speed port to function properly, check the information that came with your computer to make sure that the port you are using supports USB 2.0. If your computer includes only USB 1.x ports, you can add USB 2.0 ports by installing a USB 2.0 card inside your computer Disconnecting a device Most USB devices can be removed and unplugged. When unplugging storage devices, such as USB flash drives, make sure that the computer has finished saving any information to the device before removing it. If the device has an activity light, wait for a few seconds after the light has finished flashing before unplugging it. If you see the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area on the right side of the taskbar, you can use this as an indication that devices have finished all operations in progress and are ready to be removed. Click the icon and you will see a list of devices. Click the device you want to remove. Windows will display a notification telling you it is safe to remove the device What to do when a device is not installed properly When you connect a new device to your computer, Windows automatically tries to install it for you and will notify you if a driver for the device cannot be found. There are several things you can try if this happens: 1. Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet and automatic updating is turned on Your computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows to be able to search online for a device driver. To see if your computer is connected to the Internet, open your web browser and try accessing a website. If you are temporarily disconnected, such as when you are traveling with a laptop, wait until you are online again, and then try reinstalling your device. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 10

15 Windows cannot check for the latest drivers unless automatic updating is turned on. Most people turn on automatic updating the first time they use Windows, but if you are not sure you did, you should check to make sure it's turned on. Be sure to select the option to include recommended updates, or Windows will install important updates only. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability, but recommended updates might include drivers for some of your devices. 2. Manually check for drivers on Windows Update If you did not have automatic updating turned on, or you were not connected to the Internet when you connected a new device to your computer, you should check to see if Windows can now find a driver for your device. Even if your computer is always connected to the Internet, you should still check Windows Updates for optional updates if some of your hardware is not working properly. Optional updates often contain new driver updates. Windows Update does not install optional updates automatically, but it will notify you when it finds some and let you choose whether to install them. To check Windows Update for drivers 1. Open Windows Update in Control Panel. 2. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer. 3. If there are any available updates, click the link in the box under Windows Update to see more information about each update. Each type of update might include drivers. 4. On the Select the updates you want to install page, look for updates for your hardware devices, select the check box for each driver that you want to install, and then click OK. There might not be any driver updates available. 5. On the Windows Update page, click Install updates. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Notes Windows Update tells you if an update is important, recommended, or optional. Some updates require you to restart your computer. Windows Update will tell you if the updates were successfully installed. 3. Install software for the device If Windows Update cannot find a driver for your device, try checking the manufacturer's website for a driver or other software for the device. If your device came with a software disc, that disc might contain software needed to make your device work properly, but first check the manufacturer's website for the latest software and drivers. If you do not find any new software or drivers for your device on the manufacturer's website, try inserting the disc that came with the device, and then follow the instructions for installing the software. Note seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 11

16 Many drivers come with software that installs the driver for you (often called a selfinstalling package), but you might have to install some drivers manually as well. If your device still does not work properly after trying these suggestions, a driver might not be available for your device. In this case, try contacting the device manufacturer Install, View and Mange your Devices When you want to see all the devices connected to your computer, use one of them, or troubleshoot one that is not working properly, open the Devices and Printers folder. To open the Devices and Printers folder Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. The Devices and Printers folder gives you a quick view of devices connected to your computer. 1. What is in the Devices and Printers folder Devices displayed in the Devices and Printers folder are typically external devices you can connect to or disconnect from your computer through a port or network connection. Your computer is also displayed. Devices listed include: a) Portable devices you carry with you and occasionally connect to your computer, such as mobile phones, portable music players, and digital cameras. b) All devices you plug into a USB port on your computer, including external USB hard drives, flash drives, webcams, keyboards, and mice. c) All printers connected to your computer, which include printers connected by USB cable, the network, or wirelessly. d) Wireless devices connected to your computer, including Bluetooth devices and Wireless USB devices. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 12

17 e) Your computer. f) Compatible network devices connected to your computer, such as network-enabled scanners, media extenders, or Network Attached Storage devices (NAS devices). Note The Devices and Printers folder can only display network devices that are able to connect to your computer. To check the compatibility of a network device, try adding it to your computer from the Devices and Printers folder. If it does not appear in the list of devices you can connect to, check the information that came with the device or go to the manufacturer's website. 2. What is not in the Devices and Printers Folder? The Devices and Printers folder does not display: a) Devices installed inside your computer case, such as internal hard drives, disc drives, sound cards, video cards (graphics cards), memory (RAM), processors, and other internal computer components. b) Speakers connected to your computer with conventional speaker wires. (USB and wireless speakers can be displayed). c) Certain older devices, such as keyboards and mice connected through a PS/2 or serial port. Note To find devices that are connected to your computer but are not listed in the Devices and Printers folder, look in Device Manager. Device Manager lists all the hardware installed inside your computer as well as devices connected externally. Device Manager is primarily for advanced computer users and does not display icons for your devices. You must be logged on as an administrator to make any changes to device settings in Device Manager. 3. What you can do with the Devices and Printers folder The Devices and Printers folder allows you to perform many tasks, which vary depending on the device. Here are the main tasks you can do: a) Add a new wireless or network device or printer to your computer. b) View all the external devices and printers connected to your computer. c) Check to see if a specific device is working properly. d) View information about your devices, such as make, model, and manufacturer, including detailed information about the sync capabilities of a mobile phone or other mobile device. e) Perform tasks with a device. When you right-click a device icon in the Devices and Printers folder, you can select from a list of tasks that vary depending on the capabilities of the device. For example, you might be able to see what is printing on a network printer, view files stored on a USB flash drive, or open a program from the device manufacturer. For mobile devices that support the new Device Stage feature in Windows, you can also open advanced, seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 13

18 device-specific features in Windows from the right-click menu, such as the ability to sync with a mobile phone or change ringtones. f) Take steps to fix devices that are not working properly. Troubleshoot a device with a problem Right-click a device or computer with the yellow warning icon, click Troubleshoot, wait while the troubleshooter tries to detect problems (this may take several minutes), and then follow the instructions Trusted and Untrusted Device Before you add a Bluetooth enabled device to your computer, make sure it's a trusted device. A trusted device is: A personal or private device a device that you own and control. For example, a mobile phone or smartphone that only you use. A device that is owned and controlled by the company you work for. For example, a shared device at work, such as a printer, is usually trustworthy. An untrusted device is: Any device that attempts to connect to your computer that you are not sure about. For example, if you see a notification that a Bluetooth enabled device is trying to connect to your computer, you should not accept the invitation unless you are sure you know who is controlling the device and you trust that person. A device that is available for public use in locations such as libraries and airports. For example, a publicly available printer in a library might not be trustworthy. For security reasons, always assume that a public device is not trustworthy. If you add a device located in a public place, a hacker could use the device to gain access to your computer and your files. For example, if you are in an airport and you use a public printer available through a service provider, a hacker could configure the computer to mimic the public printer. Then, when you think you are adding the printer, you are actually adding (connecting to) the hacker's computer. The hacker would then have control over your computer. To help protect your computer, we recommend that you do not add any public device you do not trust. Note A device in a different physical location from your computer (for example, a shared printer in another room) is not necessarily untrustworthy, especially if you are in a private place such as your office or home. You can usually trust a shared printer at work or home even if it is in another room, but it is best to be cautious Open Device Mnager Using Device Manager, you can view and update the device drivers installed on your computer, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 14

19 Click Device Manager in Control Paanel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Note Here's another way to open Device Manager: Click the Start button. In the search box, type Device Manager, and then, in the list of results, click Device Manager Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter If your computer is having problems with a recently installed device or other hardware, try using the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to fix the problem. It checks for common issues and makes sure that any new device or hardware attached to your computer was installed correctly. Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation USB flash drive seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 15

20 A universal serial bus (USB) flash drive is a small, portable device that plugs into a computer's USB port. Like a hard disk, a USB flash drive stores information, but with a flash drive you can easily transfer that information from one computer to another. USB flash drives vary in size and shape and can hold gigabytes of information. USB flash drives are also called pen drives, key chain drives, key drives, and memory keys. USB flash drive 8.3 Printer You can print almost anything with Windows: documents, pictures, webpages, or . In this section, we shall look at the common printers and how to connect them. For the case of printing, refer to printing in Chapter one; getting started. DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of a printer's resolution. DPI determines how crisp and detailed your document or picture will appear. It is an important consideration when buying a new printer Buying a Printer Printers you encounter on store shelves are usually grouped into three categories. These are the most common types of printers sold for home or office. Each technology has pros and cons. 1. Inkjet Printers Inkjet printers squirt small dots of ink onto the page to reproduce text and images. Inkjets are popular because they are often relatively inexpensive. There are also many models to choose from, including ones designed specifically for printing color photos. The downside? Inkjet printers are often slower (measured in pages-per-minute) than laser printers and require regular ink cartridge changes. 2. Laser Printers Laser printers use toner a fine, powdery substance to reproduce text and graphics. They can print in black and white or color, although color models are usually pricier. A laser printer that prints only in black and white is sometimes called a monochrome printer. Laser printers typically have high-capacity paper trays, so you do not need to add paper as often as you would for an inkjet seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 16

21 model. They also can print more pages per minute than most inkjets. In addition, a laser printer's toner cartridge generally lasts longer. Depending on how much printing you do, a laser printer might be cheaper over time than an inkjet. 3. All-In-One Printers One of the fastest-growing categories of printers is all-in-one (AIO) printers, also sometimes called multifunction (MFP) printers. As the name implies, these are devices that do everything: they can print, scan photos, make photocopies, and even send faxes. What is the difference between AIOs and MFPs? Often nothing, although some devices sold as multifunction printers are larger and designed more for office use. Either way, the main selling point of all-in-one and multifunction models is convenience. What used to take three machines now requires one. Another bonus: Some features photocopying, for example do not require a connection to a computer Connecting Your Printer Printers are designed to connect to a Windows-based PC in different ways, depending on the model and whether you are using it at home or work. Here are the most common connections you will encounter: 2.1. Wired Printers These devices connect using a cable and a port on the computer. Most printers aimed at the home have a universal serial bus (USB) connector, although some older models might connect to the parallel or serial ports. On a typical PC, the parallel port is often marked "LPT1" or by a tiny printer-shaped icon. When you plug in a USB printer, Windows automatically attempts to identify it and install the software (called a driver) needed to make it work with your PC. Windows is designed to automatically recognize hundreds of printers. However, you should always consult the instructions that came with your model, as some require you to install the manufacturer's software before you plug it in. If your printer is older or does not use USB, you might have to install it manually Wireless Printers A wireless printer connects to a PC via radio waves using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 17

22 To connect a Bluetooth printer, you might need to need to add a Bluetooth adapter to your computer. Most Bluetooth adapters plug into a USB port. When you plug in the adapter and turn on the Bluetooth printer, Windows will try to install it automatically, or prompt you to install it. If Windows cannot detect the printer, you can add it manually. A Wi-Fi printer typically connects directly to a wireless network as a stand-alone device Local vs. Network Printers A printer that connects directly to a PC is called a local printer. One that connects directly to a network as a stand-alone device is called, perhaps not surprisingly, a network printer. Network printers are most often found at the office although that is quickly changing. A growing number of printer companies now make models with networking capability for the home. These printers typically connect to a network via an Ethernet cable or wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Install a Printer There are several ways to connect a printer to your PC. Which option you choose depends on the device itself, and whether you are at home or at the office. A printer is ready for printing only after installing a driver or drivers on your computer. Always consult the information that came with your model for specific instructions. 1. Local printers The most common way to install a printer is to connect it directly to your computer. This is known as a local printer. If your printer is a universal serial bus (USB) model, Windows should automatically detect and install it when you plug it in. If it is an older model that connects using the serial or parallel port, you might have to install it manually. To install (add) a local printer 1. Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. 2. Click Add a printer. 3. In the Add Printer wizard, click Add a local printer. 4. On the Choose a printer port page, make sure that the Use an existing port button and the recommended printer port are selected, and then click Next. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 18

23 5. On the Install the printer driver page, select the printer manufacturer and model, and then click Next. If your printer is not listed, click Windows Update, and then wait while Windows checks for additional drivers. If none are available and you have the installation CD, click Have Disk, and then browse to the folder where the printer driver is located. (For additional help, consult the printer manual.) 6. Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish. Tips You can print a test page to make sure the printer is working correctly. If you have installed the printer but it does not work, check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting information or driver updates. 2. Network printers In the workplace, many printers are network printers. These connect directly to a network as a stand-alone device. Inexpensive network printers are also made for the home. To install a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer If you are trying to add a network printer at the office, you will usually need the name of the printer. If you cannot find it, contact your network administrator. 1. Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. 2. Click Add a printer. 3. In the Add Printer wizard, click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 19

24 4. In the list of available printers, select the one you want to use, and then click Next. 5. If prompted, install the printer driver on your computer by clicking Install driver. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 6. Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish. Tips Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers. You can confirm the printer is working by printing a test page Remove a Printer If you will no longer be using a printer, you can remove it from the Devices and Printers folder. To delete a printer 1. Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. 2. Right-click the printer that you want to remove, click Remove device, and then click Yes. If you cannot delete the printer, right-click it again, click Run as administrator, click Remove device, and then click Yes. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Notes If you have a multi-function or all-in-one printer, you can often remove the printer from Devices and Printers without affecting other device functions. So, for example, you might continue to see a scanner or fax icon for the device. You cannot uninstall a printer if you have unfinished jobs in your print queue. Either delete the jobs, or wait until Windows has finished printing them. Once the queue is clear, Windows will remove the printer. 8.4 Sound Card Most new desktop computers come with a built-in sound card that you can replace. If your computer does not have a sound card installed or you want to upgrade the sound playback or recording capabilities of your computer, you can install a sound card. Notes The instructions here apply to desktop computers. Most laptops have built-in sound processing chips (also called sound processors) but not internal sound cards. You can upgrade the sound on a laptop by plugging an external sound device into a USB port or external card slot, but this is rarely done. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 20

25 Sound processors can also be built into desktop computers. You cannot remove them, but to upgrade your sound, you can usually install an internal sound card and turn off the sound processor. Before installing a sound card, check the information that came with it. The guidelines shown here are general, and the sound card documentation might contain important information specific to installing that card. Also, be sure to check the information that came with your computer to see if opening your computer affects the computer's warranty coverage. Before installing a sound card, you will need the following: The sound card you want to install A Phillips screwdriver to open your computer, if needed An empty PCI slot inside your computer, unless you plan to replace an existing sound card (in which case you can put the new card into that slot) If your sound card came with a CD, DVD, or other removable media, it might contain a driver for your sound card. Hold on to that until Windows has finished looking for and installing a driver. Windows does this automatically after you install the sound card in your computer and turn the computer back on. If Windows cannot find a good driver for your sound card, then try installing the driver that came with the sound card. Software from the manufacturer might also include other programs for your sound card. Most sound cards have at least one line-out jack to connect speakers and a line-in jack to connect an audio input device To open your computer case 1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from its power source. This is very important. Installing a card in a computer that is plugged in could shock you or damage the card and computer. 2. Open the computer case. Look on the computer cover (usually on the back) for screws or clasps to undo the case. Computer documentation typically includes instructions on how to open the case. 3. After opening the case, ground yourself by touching the metal casing that surrounds the jack where the power cord plugs in. This can help protect you from an electric shock and can help protect the new card and existing computer components from static electricity To remove an existing sound card seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 21

26 If you have an existing internal sound card, you should remove it before installing the new card. If your computer has a built-in sound processor, you can proceed to the "To install your new sound card" section of this topic. 1. Locate your sound card. If you are not certain which card is your sound card, follow the wires from your speakers to the back of the card, and then note which slot that card is in. 2. Unplug any speaker and microphone cables from the back of the sound card. 3. If there is a cable inside your computer connecting the sound card to your CD drive, disconnect it. Many newer computers do not have this cable, so if it is not there, you can skip this step. 4. Remove any screw or hook holding your sound card in place. 5. Carefully pull the sound card straight out of the slot. Be careful not to twist or bend the card as you remove it. Note The card might need one or two gentle up-and-down nudges to come loose. Even if you are throwing away the old sound card, use caution when removing it to avoid damaging the motherboard. If it seems stuck, it is better to spend a few extra minutes tugging gently than to rip the card out too quickly. 6. If you are not installing a new sound card, install a slot cover if you have one, and replace the screw. Then, close the computer case and replace any screws you removed when opening the case To install your new sound card 1. Locate an empty expansion slot in the computer that will accept your new sound card. If your computer does not have an empty slot, you will have to remove another card before you can install the new one. If you removed an existing sound card, you can use the same slot if your new card uses the same type of expansion slot. Check your computer's documentation if you need to determine the types of expansion slots it has available. 2. Gently place the sound card on top of the slot. Line up the pins on the sound card with the slot and push the card gently down so that it sits in the slot. Be sure that the card is pushed all the way in and that it is secure. If the pins on the card are not perfectly aligned with the pins in the expansion slot, the card will not work properly. 3. If your computer has an audio cable that connects the CD drive directly to the sound card, plug it into the card. Check the information that came with your sound card to determine the location of the CD audio connector on the card. This cable is rarely necessary with current audio hardware, and in most cases, plugging it in is optional. 4. Screw the sound card to the frame. Do not bend the sound card or the frame while tightening the screw. It might be best to tighten the screw barely more than you can tighten it with your fingers. 5. Close the computer case and replace any screws you removed when opening the case. Plug your speakers into your new sound card and, if applicable, plug your microphone in too. 6. Plug your computer back into its power source and then turn it on. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 22

27 Windows will install the necessary drivers for your new sound card. If your sound card came with a disc containing software, install that now. Check the information that came with your sound card for the installation steps. If your card is not working properly, check Windows Update for a newer driver for the sound card Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Here are answers to some common questions about sound cards, sound processors, testing speakers, and general problems with sound. Note Laptops do not usually have sound cards. Instead, they have integrated sound processors. However, many of the questions and answers in this topic apply to laptops. 1. What is a sound card? 2. What should I do if I cannot hear sound coming from my computer? 3. How do I turn a sound card on or off? 4. How do I test my sound card? 5. How do I test my speaker configuration? 6. Can I upgrade the sound in my laptop? 1. What is a sound card? A sound card is hardware installed on a computer that lets your hear, record, and play back sounds. A sound card might improve a computer's sound quality, even when the computer has sound capabilities built into it with an integrated sound processor. 2. What should I do if I cannot hear sound coming from my computer? Here are some things to check: If you have external speakers, make sure that they are plugged into a working power source and that they are turned on. Make sure your speakers are correctly connected to the computer. On your speakers, make sure that the cable that plugs into your computer is plugged into both the speakers and the correct jack on your computer (the jack that goes to your sound card). Most sound cards have at least three jacks. Plug the speaker cable into the line-out jack. This jack often has a symbol showing an arrow pointing away from the jack. If the jacks are not labeled, check the information that came with your computer to see what each jack does. Most sound cards have at least one line-out jack to connect speakers and a line-in jack to connect an audio input device. Make sure the speaker volume is not turned down too low or muted. This is particularly important for laptops, which often have small speakers that can be hard to hear. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 23

28 1. Click the Volume icon in the notification area to open Volume. 2. Move the slider up to increase the volume. Make sure the Mute button is not turned on. If the button looks like this:, muting is turned off. If the button looks like this:, click it to turn off muting. Note Some laptops have an external volume control on the outside of the case. If you are using a laptop, check the external volume control to make sure it is not turned all the way down. Make sure your headphones are not plugged into the line-out (headphone) jack of your sound card or computer (unless you want to listen with headphones rather than speakers). When you plug in headphones, most computers automatically cut the sound to the speakers. If your computer is supposed to have a sound card, make sure that the sound card is installed and that it is working properly. You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. a) To make sure that your computer has a sound card 3. Open Device Manager in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 4. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers to expand that category. If a sound card is listed, you have one installed. If no sound card is listed, check the information that came with your computer to see if there has supposed to be a sound card installed. If there should be a sound card installed, you will need to install one. Note If you think you have a sound card installed but you do not see it under Sound, video and game controllers, double-click Other devices to check for any audio devices listed there. b) To make sure that your sound card is working properly seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 24

29 If there is a yellow question mark next to the name of the sound card, there might be a problem. 1. Open Device Manager in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers to expand that category, right-click the name of the sound card, and then click Properties. 3. Click the General tab, and then check the Device status box to identify problems with the sound card. If there is a problem, you might need a new driver for your sound card. If these actions do not solve the problem, there might be a problem with the hardware for your sound card, although in most cases sound problems are caused by missing or out-of-date drivers, or a problem with your speakers. If you suspect you have a hardware problem, contact the manufacturer of your computer or sound card. 3. How do I turn a sound card on or off? You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. 1. Open Device Manager in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. Double-click Sound, video, and game controllers to expand that category. 3. Right-click the sound card or sound processor that you want to turn on or off, and then click Enable or Disable. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 4. How do I test my sound card? Many sound cards or sound processors come with software that you can use to configure and test sound card settings. Check the information that came with your sound card or computer. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 25

30 5. How do I test my speaker configuration? To test your speaker configuration and make sure that you are getting the best sound from your computer, follow these steps: 1. Open Sound in Control Panel. 2. Click the Playback tab, select your speakers, and then click Configure. 3. Select your speaker configuration, and then click Test. You should hear a tone coming through each speaker. To perform more speaker tests, click Next, and then follow the steps in the wizard. The Speaker Setup wizard can help you get the best sound from your computer Note Your sound card or sound processor determines the options you see during the speaker configuration process. You might see different options when configuring speakers on different computers. 6. Can I upgrade the sound in my laptop? Yes, although it is relatively uncommon to do this. You cannot remove and replace the sound processor in a laptop the way you can remove and replace the sound card in a desktop PC. To upgrade the sound on a laptop, you have to plug an external sound device into a USB port or external card slot on the laptop. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 26

31 8.5 Hard Disk Drives In this article A hard disk is a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit. Installing a new hard disk is one of the most common upgrade tasks. It is an easy way to extend the life of a computer that is running out of storage space. When you install a new internal or external hard disk, you can boost your total disk space several times over because hard disks are much bigger today than just two or three years ago External hard disks The simplest way to add more hard disk space is to plug in an external hard disk. If you add an external hard disk, it cannot function as your primary hard disk where you install Windows, but you can use it as a secondary disk to store programs and files. Adding an external hard disk is a good way to create plenty of extra space to store digital photos, videos, music, and other files that require a large amount of disk space. To install an external hard disk, all you have to do is plug it into your computer and connect the power cord. Most of these hard disks plug into a USB port, but some plug into a Firewire (also known as IEEE 1394) or external Serial ATA (esata) port. For additional instructions, check the information that came with your external hard disk. You might also need to install any software that came with the hard disk. You can install most external hard drives just by plugging them into a USB port Internal hard disks Internal hard disks connect to your computer's motherboard using an IDE interface or SATA interface. Most new hard drives come with either an IDE or SATA connection cable, depending on the type of drive. Installing an internal hard disk takes a bit more work, especially if you plan to make the new disk your primary hard disk where you install Windows. To install an internal hard disk, you should be comfortable with opening your computer case and connecting cables. Most desktop computers have room for at least two internal hard disks. Laptops have room for only one hard disk. If you are replacing the primary hard disk rather than adding a secondary disk, you will have to install Windows after you connect the disk. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 27

32 Note Many internal hard disks contain jumper pins that you must set to designate a hard disk as a primary (master) disk where you install Windows or as a secondary (subordinate) disk where you store programs and files. These jumpers are small plastic sleeves that you must place on the correct metal jumper pins. For additional instructions, check the information that came with the internal hard disk. a) To remove and replace an internal hard disk 1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer s cover. If you have a laptop, check the information from the manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk. 2. Unplug all cables connected to the hard disk, and then remove the hard disk. Pay attention to which cables you unplug, since you will plug the same cables into the new hard disk. If there are any screws holding in the hard disk, you will need a small screwdriver to unscrew them. Many hard disks slide in and out of the case on rails. If you have questions, check the information that came with your computer. 3. Insert the new hard disk and connect it to the same cables that are in the same places as the hard disk you removed. One cable connects the disk to the computer s power supply, and the other cable connects the disk to the computer s motherboard. b) To add a new internal hard disk (without removing an existing disk) 1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer s cover. If you have a laptop, check the information from the manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk. 2. Insert the new hard disk into an empty hard disk bay in your computer case. You might need a small screwdriver to screw the disk into your case. Different cases have different ways of holding hard disks. Many slide in and out of the case on rails. 3. Connect one cable from the computer s power supply to the power connector on the back of the hard disk. 4. Depending on what type of hard disk you have, connect the IDE cable or SATA cable from the back of the disk to the IDE or SATA connector on the computer s motherboard. IDE cables are wide and flat with large connectors, while SATA cables are thin with small connectors. For more information, check the information that came with the hard disk Preparing to use a new hard disk If you have installed your new hard disk correctly, your computer should recognize it. When you turn on your computer, the basic input/output system (BIOS) should automatically detect the new hard disk. If you plan to use the new hard disk as the primary partition that contains Windows, then you will have to install Windows on the disk before you can use your computer. You will need a Windows installation disc to do this. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 28

33 If you plan to use the new hard disk as a secondary disk (one that does not contain Windows), you should be able to see the new hard disk drive the next time you start your computer and log on to Windows. After Windows starts, click the Start button, click Computer (or My Computer), and then look for your new drive. The letter assigned to the drive will depend on your computer s configuration. If you do not see the new hard disk drive, try looking for it in Computer Management. 1. Open Computer Management. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. In the left pane, under Storage, click Disk Management, and then look for the new drive. You will probably have to format the hard disk before you can use it. Follow these same instructions to format an old hard disk that contains data you want to erase. If your computer does not recognize the new hard disk, double-check the installation instructions that came with the hard disk. If you have additional questions, go to the manufacturer's website. Note You can divide a new hard disk into more than one partition. Each partition on the hard disk can be formatted and assigned a drive letter. Disk Management Managing hard disks Hard disks store information on your computer, including Windows, your programs, and your personal files. Managing a hard disk is different from managing the programs and data that are stored on it. Managing a hard disk involves changing the hard disk itself, such as formatting or repartitioning it. Managing the data on your hard disk involves organizing files and folders, or using properties to better access information. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 29

34 To quickly see your computer's available hard disks, including the available space on each disk, click the Start button, and then click Computer. Hard disk drives and partitions 1. Formatting disks and drives Hard disks, the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. When you format a disk, you configure it with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you buy an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Storage devices such as USB flash drives and flash memory cards usually come preformatted by the manufacturer, so you probably will not need to format them. CDs and DVDs, on the other hand, use different formats from hard disks and removable storage devices. Warning Formatting erases any existing files on a hard disk. If you format a hard disk that has files on it, the files will be deleted. 2. Create and format a hard disk partition To create a partition or volume (the two terms are often used interchangeably) on a hard disk, you must be logged in as an administrator, and there must be either unallocated disk space or free space within an extended partition on the hard disk. If there is no unallocated disk space, you can create some by shrinking an existing partition, deleting a partition, or by using a third-party partitioning program. To create and format a new partition (volume) 1. Open Computer Management in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 30

35 2. In the left pane, under Storage, click Disk Management. 3. Right-click an unallocated region on your hard disk, and then click New Simple Volume. 4. In the New Simple Volume Wizard, click Next. 5. Type the size of the volume you want to create in megabytes (MB) or accept the maximum default size, and then click Next. 6. Accept the default drive letter or choose a different drive letter to identify the partition, and then click Next. 7. In the Format Partition dialog box, do one of the following: If you do not want to format the volume right now, click Do not format this volume, and then click Next. To format the volume with the default settings, click Next. 8. Review your choices, and then click Finish. Note When you create new partitions on a basic disk, the first three will be formatted as primary partitions. Beginning with the fourth, each one will be configured as a logical drive within an extended partition. To format an existing partition (volume) Warning: Formatting a volume will destroy any data on the partition. Be sure to back up any data you want to save before you begin. 1. Open Computer Management in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. In the left pane, under Storage, click Disk Management. 3. Right-click the volume that you want to format, and then click Format. 4. To format the volume with the default settings, in the Format dialog box, click OK, and then click OK again. Notes You cannot format a disk or partition t hat is currently in use, including the partition that contains Windows. The Perform a quick format option will create a new file table, but will not fully overwrite or erase the volume. A quick format is much faster than a normal format, which fully erases any existing data on the volume. 3. Repartition a hard disk If you are logged in as an administrator, you can repartition your hard disk by using the Shrink feature in Disk Management. You can shrink an existing partition or volume to create seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 31

36 unallocated disk space, from which you can create a new partition or volume. (Note that the terms partition and volume are often used interchangeably.) 1. Open Computer Management in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. In the left pane, under Storage, click Disk Management. 3. Right-click the volume you want to shrink, and then click Shrink Volume. 4. Follow the instructions. Notes There are some things that might prevent you from shrinking a volume. For more information, on the Help menu in Computer Manager, click Help Topics, click the Search tab, type Shrink a Basic Volume, and then click List Topics. If you have multiple partitions on your hard disk, you can delete and create partitions from the resulting unallocated space. When you delete a partition, all data on the partition is erased. You can also repartition hard disks with another partitioning program. Several third-party software providers offer programs that allow you to repartition your hard disk without erasing data. 4. Delete a hard disk partition You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. When you delete a hard disk partition or volume (the terms partition and volume are often used interchangeably), you create empty space that you can use to create new partitions. If your hard disk is currently set up as a single partition, then you cannot delete it. You also cannot delete the system partition, boot partition, or any partition that contains the virtual memory paging file, because Windows needs this information to start correctly. Warning All data on a partition will be lost when you delete it. Be sure to back up any files that you want to save to a different location before you begin. 1. Open Computer Management in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. In the left pane, under Storage, click Disk Management. 3. Right-click the volume, such as a partition or logical drive that you want to delete, and then click Delete Volume. 4. Click Yes to delete the volume. If you delete a primary partition, the resulting empty space is called unallocated disk space. If you delete a logical drive within an extended partition, the resulting empty space is called free space. You can now use the empty space to create additional volumes. 5. Convert a hard disk or partition to FAT32 format FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32) is a system used to store files on a computer drive. It is based on the File Allocation Table (FAT) file system, but it uses 32-bit values for storing files instead of seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 32

37 the 16-bit values used by original FAT file system. FAT32 uses drive space more efficiently than FAT and supports volumes of up to 2 terabytes (TB equivalent to bytes) in size. You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Before you begin, note that the FAT32 file system has size limitations. You cannot create a FAT32 partition greater than 32 gigabytes (GB). In addition, you cannot store a file larger than 4 GB on a FAT32 partition. If the partition you want to format is larger than 32 GB, the NTFS format might be a better option. Warning Converting a hard disk partition or volume from NTFS to FAT32 requires that you reformat the partition, which deletes any data on it. Be sure to back up any data you want to keep before you begin. To determine what type of file system a partition is using 1. Click the Start button and then click Computer (or My Computer). 2. Under Hard Disk Drives, right-click a drive, and then click Properties. 3. The file system the drive uses is listed on the General tab under File system. To format a hard disk partition with FAT32 1. Open Computer Management in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. In the left pane, under Storage, click Disk Management. 3. Right-click the partition you want to format, and then click Format. 4. In the Format dialog box, under File System, click FAT32, click OK, and then click OK again. Note If the partition you want to format is larger the 32 GB, the FAT32 option will not be visible. 6. Convert a hard disk or partition to NTFS format NTFS file system is a file system for formatting hard disks so that they can store information. NTFS provides several improvements over the earlier File Allocation Table (FAT) file systems, including file and folder permissions, encryption, and file compression. The NTFS file system provides better performance and security for data on hard disks and partitions or volumes than the FAT file system used in some earlier versions of Windows. If you have a partition that uses the earlier FAT16 or FAT32 file system, you can convert it to NTFS by using the convert command. Converting to NTFS does not affect the data on the partition. Notes seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 33

38 After you convert a partition to NTFS, you cannot convert it back. If you want to use the FAT file system on the partition again, you will need to reformat the partition, which erases all data on it. Some earlier versions of Windows cannot read data on local NTFS partitions. If you need to use an earlier version of Windows to access a partition on the computer, do not convert it to NTFS. Although the chance of corruption or data loss during a conversion is minimal, you should back up all data on the partition before you begin. To convert a hard disk or partition to NTFS format 1. Close any open programs running on the partition or logical drive to be converted. 2. Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 3. At the command prompt, type convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs, where drive_letter is the letter of the drive you want to convert, and then press Enter. For example, convert E: /fs:ntfs would convert drive E to the NTFS format. 4. Type the name of the volume you want to convert, and then press Enter. You must use the existing name of the volume or the conversion will be canceled. You can view all available volumes in the Computer (or My Computer) folder under Hard Disk Drives. Click Start button and then open Computer (or My Computer). If the partition you are converting contains system files which would be the case if you are converting the hard disk that the operating system was installed on you will need to restart your computer for the conversion to take place. If your disk is almost full, the conversion process might not succeed. If you receive an error, try deleting unnecessary files, or back up files to another location, to free up disk space Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Here are answers to some common questions about formatting disks and drives. 1. When do I need to format a disk or drive? 2. What do I need to do to format a hard disk? 3. What file system should I use? 4. What is a quick format? 5. What are partitions and volumes? 6. How do I create more partitions? 7. How do I add a new hard disk? seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 34

39 8. What does reformatting my hard disk do? 9. Why do I get an error when I try to reformat my hard disk? 1. When do I need to format a disk or drive? Usually, only when adding additional storage to your computer. If you install a new hard disk on your computer, it must be formatted with a file system, such as NTFS, before Windows can store files on it. 2. What do I need to do to format a hard disk? Before formatting a hard disk, you must first create one or more partitions on it. After you have partitioned the hard disk, you can format each partition. (The terms volume and partition are often used interchangeably.) You can partition the hard disk so it contains a single volume or several volumes. Each volume is assigned its own drive letter. 3. What file system should I use? For this version of Windows, the best choice for hard disks is NTFS. Some previous versions of Windows required FAT32, so there are a few circumstances, such as a multiboot computer, where FAT32 might be required. 4. What is a quick format? Quick format is a formatting option that creates a new file table on a hard disk but does not fully overwrite or erase the disk. A quick format is much faster than a normal format, which fully erases any existing data on the hard disk. 5. What are partitions and volumes? A partition is an area of a hard disk that can be formatted and assigned a drive letter. On a basic disk (the most common type of disk) a volume is a formatted primary partition or logical drive. (The terms volume and partition are often used interchangeably.) Your system partition is typically labeled with the letter C. Letters A and B are reserved for removable drives or floppy disk drives. Some computers have hard disks that are partitioned as a single partition, so your whole hard disk is represented by the letter C. Other computers might have an additional partition that contains recovery tools, in case the information on your C partition becomes damaged or unusable. 6. How do I create more partitions? You can create more partitions or volumes only if the hard disk contains unallocated space (unformatted space that is not part of an existing partition or volume). To create unallocated space, you can shrink a volume, or use a third-party partitioning tool. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 35

40 7. How do I add a new hard disk? If you are adding an internal hard disk, refer to the information that came with the new hard disk. If you are installing an external hard disk that is connected by a USB cable, Windows should recognize the hard disk. 8. What does reformatting my hard disk do? Reformatting refers to formatting a hard disk or partition that already has been formatted or that contains data. Reformatting a disk deletes all data on the disk. In some older versions of Windows, reformatting a hard disk and then reinstalling Windows was sometimes recommended as a method for fixing a serious computer problem. Reformatting would fix the problem at the expense of deleting everything on the computer. You would then have to reinstall your programs by using the original installation files or discs, and then restore all of your personal files, such as documents, music, and pictures, from backups that you had made beforehand. This version of Windows offers a number of recovery options that are less drastic and provide a better place to start fixing your computer problems. Reformatting and reinstalling should be considered as a last resort that is only performed after all other recovery or diagnostic options have failed. 9. Why do I get an error when I try to reformat my hard disk? You cannot reformat a disk or partition that is currently in use, including the partition that contains Windows. This is a safety feature so that you cannot delete Windows by accident. To reformat your computer's hard disk and reinstall Windows, restart your computer using the Windows installation disc (this is commonly known as booting from the installation disc). During the Setup process, you can repartition and reformat your hard disk and then reinstall Windows. The process will erase your files and programs, so be sure to back up your data and program files before you begin. 8.6 Monitors A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures. There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and the newer LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter. LCD monitors, also called flat-panel displays, have largely replaced CRT monitors. They are far lighter and thinner than bulky CRT monitors, which contain heavy glass tubes. LCD monitors also come in a wider range of shapes and sizes, which include widescreen screens and standard-width screens, with seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 36

41 ratios of 16:9 or 16:10 width-to-height for widescreen models and 4:3 for standard-width models. Laptops also use flat-panel displays. LCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right) Adjust your monitor's brightness and contrast For external displays, brightness and contrast are set on the monitor controls, not from within Windows. Most CRT and LCD monitors have buttons or other controls on the front where you can control brightness and contrast. Some open an on-screen menu where you can make these adjustments. If you are unsure of how to adjust these controls, check the manual for your monitor or the manufacturer's website. You can adjust the brightness and contrast of your monitor to improve the readability of text and to make digital pictures appear more like they'll look when printed. To improve the results when adjusting the brightness and contrast settings for your display, use Display Color Calibration. (Display Color Calibration helps you adjust these color settings and others.) The way you adjust brightness and contrast varies and depends on your specific display. a) Brightness and contrast buttons on the front of the monitor. Some monitors have brightness and contrast controls on the front and use the standard symbols shown in the following image. Brightness and contrast symbols b) On-screen menu. You can change the brightness and contrast settings for some displays by using an on-screen menu, and then setting the brightness and contrast in the resulting menu. Many times, you can view the on-screen menu by pressing a button possibly labeled Menu on the front of the monitor. c) Laptop display. Laptop displays do not have brightness or contrast buttons on the front. For a majority of laptops, there is not a control for setting the contrast. However, you can set the brightness of many laptops by pressing and holding the Fn key, and then pressing a function key to decrease brightness ( ) or increase brightness ( ). When using Display Color Calibration on a laptop, set the display to the maximum brightness setting. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 37

42 For more information about setting the brightness and contrast for your display, check the information that came with it or go to the manufacturer's website. Adjusting brightness automatically using adaptive brightness Adaptive brightness is a feature in Windows that uses a light sensor to automatically adjust the display brightness to match the lighting conditions in your computer's surroundings. To use adaptive brightness, you must have light sensors installed and enabled on your computer. To determine if your laptop or computer monitor supports adaptive brightness, look for the Enable adaptive brightness setting in Power Options (mentioned in the following procedure) or check the information that came with your computer. To turn adaptive brightness on or off 1. Open Power Options in Control Panel. 2. Under any plan, click Change plan settings. 3. Click Change advanced power settings. 4. In the list, expand Display, and then expand Enable adaptive brightness. 5. To turn adaptive brightness on or off when your computer is running on battery power, click On battery, and then, in the list, click On or Off. 6. To turn adaptive brightness on or off when your computer is plugged into an outlet, click Plugged in, and then, in the list, click On or Off. 7. Click Apply. Click OK. Note Adaptive brightness is not available in all editions of Windows Correct monitor flicker (refresh rate) Flicker can be a problem on CRT monitors. LCD monitors (also called flat-panel displays) do not create flicker. A flickering CRT monitor can contribute to eyestrain and headaches. You can reduce or eliminate flicker by increasing the screen refresh rate. A refresh rate of at least 75 hertz generally produces less flicker. (Because LCD monitors do not create flicker, they do not need to be set at high refresh rates.) To correct flicker: 1. Open Screen Resolution in Control Panel. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 38

43 2. Click Advanced settings. 3. Click the Monitor tab, and then, under Screen refresh rate, click the screen refresh rate you want. The monitor will take a moment to adjust. If you want to keep the changes, click Apply. If you do not apply the changes within 15 seconds, the refresh rate will revert back to your original setting. Notes If you notice flicker on a CRT monitor, you might need to change your screen resolution before changing the refresh rate. The higher the resolution, the higher your refresh rate should be but not every screen resolution is compatible with every refresh rate. Changes to the refresh rate affect all users who log on to the computer Ways to improve display quality The appearance of your computer's display can be influenced by several factors. The monitor you use and its settings, how Windows is configured, and how you use your computer can all have an effect on display quality. To ensure that your monitor is calibrated correctly, check the instructions that came with your monitor. Trying to run too many programs at the same time can cause display problems such as jittery or choppy video. If you notice erratic or reduced visual performance on your computer, try one or more of the actions described below. 1. Reduce the number of open programs or windows The more programs you have open, the more system resources Windows needs. Try closing programs that you are not currently using, or reducing the window size. 2. Avoid running too many graphics-intensive programs at the same time Even if you have only a few programs running, some programs (such as video-editing programs) and features (such as high-definition television) use a lot of system resources. Running too many of these programs at the same time puts a strain on system resources and might degrade display quality or make video appear jittery or disconnected. 3. Reduce your monitor's resolution On some computers, very high resolutions require a lot of system resources to display properly. If you notice problems at high resolutions, try lowering the resolution until the problems disappear. 1. Open Display in Control Panel. 2. In the left pane, click Adjust resolution. 3. In the Resolution list, click the resolution you want, and then click Apply. 4. Turn off automatic resizing in programs that are not designed for high DPI display seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 39

44 If you set the dots per inch (DPI) higher than 96, and you're running the Aero desktop experience, the text and other items on the screen might appear blurry in some programs that aren't designed for high DPI display. To avoid this problem, follow these steps: To make text and on-screen items clearer in programs that are not designed for high DPI 1. Open Display in Control Panel. 2. In the left pane, click Set custom text size (DPI). If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 3. In the Custom DPI Setting dialog box, select the Use Windows XP style DPI scaling check box, and then click OK. 5. Upgrade to a more powerful video card A computer's video card contains dedicated memory that it uses to display graphics. The more memory the card has, the better the quality. If your computer's display is not as good as you want it to be, consider upgrading to a faster video card Change screen resolution Screen resolution refers to the clarity of the text and images displayed on your screen. At higher resolutions, such as 1600 x 1200 pixels, items appear sharper. They also appear smaller so more items can fit on the screen. At lower resolutions, such as 800 x 600 pixels, fewer items fit on the screen, but they appear larger. The resolution you can use depends on the resolutions your monitor supports. CRT monitors generally display a resolution of or pixels. LCD monitors, also called flatpanel displays, and laptop screens often support higher resolutions. The larger the monitor, usually the higher the resolution it supports. Whether you can increase your screen resolution depends on the size and capability of your monitor and the type of video card you have. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 40

45 Text and images are sharper but smaller at higher screen resolutions. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 41

46 Text and images are larger but often less sharp at lower screen resolutions. To change your screen resolution 1. Open the Control Panel and then click Display. On the left pane, click Adjust Resolution to open Screen Resolution. 2. Click the drop-down list next to Resolution, move the slider to the resolution you want, and then click Apply. 3. Click Keep to use the new resolution, or click Revert to go back to the previous resolution. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 42

47 Screen Resolution in Control Panel shows the recommended resolution for your monitor. Native resolution LCD monitors, including laptop screens, typically run best at their native resolution. You do not have to set your monitor to run at this resolution, but it is usually recommended in order to ensure you see the sharpest text and images possible. LCD monitors generally come in two shapes: a standard proportion of width to height of 4:3, or a widescreen ratio of 16:9 or 16:10. A widescreen monitor has both a wider shape and resolution than a standard ratio monitor. If you are unsure of your monitor's native resolution, check the product manual or go to the manufacturer's website. Here are typical resolutions for some popular screen sizes: 19-inch screen (standard ratio): 1280 x 1024 pixels 20-inch screen (standard ratio): 1600 x 1200 pixels 22-inch screen (widescreen): 1680 x 1050 pixels 24-inch screen (widescreen): 1900 x 1200 pixels Notes When you change the screen resolution, it affects all users who log on to the computer. When you set your monitor to a screen resolution that it will not support, the screen will go black for a few seconds while the monitor reverts back to the original resolution Make the text on your screen larger or smaller seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 43

48 You can make the text and other items, such as icons, on your screen easier to see by making them larger. You can do this without changing the screen resolution of your monitor or laptop screen. This allows you to increase or decrease the size of text and other items on your screen while keeping your monitor or laptop set to its optimal resolution. 1. Open Display in Control Panel. 2. Choose one of the following: Smaller - 100% (default). This keeps text and other items at normal size. Medium - 125%. This sets text and other items to 125% of normal size. Larger - 150%. This sets text and other items to 150% of normal size. This option appears only if your monitor supports a resolution of at least 1200 x 900 pixels. 3. Click Apply. To see the change, close all of your programs and then log off of Windows. This change will take effect the next time you log on. You can also make text appear larger or smaller by changing your screen resolution, but if you are using an LCD monitor or laptop, we recommend that you set your screen to its native resolution to avoid blurry text. This is the optimal resolution an LCD monitor or laptop screen was designed to display based on its size. Display lets you change the size of text and other items on your screen without changing your screen resolution. 1. Create a custom DPI scale Windows gives you three preset choices (100%, 125%, or 150%) for making text, icons, and other items on your screen larger than normal size. This is the quickest and simplest way to seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 44

49 change their size. However, if you prefer you can change their size to any number between 100% and 500% of normal size using the custom dots per inch (DPI) scale. 1. Open Display in Control Panel. 2. Click Set custom text size (DPI) in the left pane. 3. Click the scale (ruler), drag the setting to whatever percentage size increase you want (100%-500%), and then click OK. (If you prefer, you can type a n umber between 100 and 500 in the box next to Scale to this percentage of normal size, and then click OK.) 4. On the Display screen, click Apply. To see the change, close all of your programs and then log off of Windows. This change will take effect the next time you log on. Customize the size of the text that displays on your screen. Note If you set the DPI too high for your display, it can increase the size of some items by so much that they no longer fit on your screen. 2. Make text and on-screen items clearer in programs that aren't designed for high DPI If you set the dots per inch (DPI) higher than 144 while you are running Aero (the premium visual experience of Windows), text and other items on the screen might appear blurry in some programs that are not designed for high DPI display in Windows 7. You can avoid this issue by using Windows XP style DPI scaling for these programs. 1. Open Display in Control Panel. 2. Click Set custom text size (DPI) in the left pane. 3. Select the Use Windows XP style DPI scaling check box at the bottom of the dialogue box, and then click OK. To see the change, close all of your programs and then log off of Windows. This change will take effect the next time you log on Getting the best display on your monitor Windows chooses the best display settings, including screen resolution, refresh rate, and color, based on your monitor. These settings differ depending on whether you have a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor. If you want to adjust your display settings, or if these settings were changed and you want to restore default settings, use the following recommendations. For both LCD and CRT monitors, it is typical that the higher the dots per inch (DPI) you set to display on your screen, the better the fonts will look. When you increase the DPI, you are increasing the screen resolution. The resolution you use depends on the resolutions your seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 45

50 monitor supports. At higher resolutions, such as 1900 x 1200 pixels, items appear sharper. They also appear smaller, so more items fit on the screen. At lower resolutions, such as 800 x 600 pixels, fewer items fit on the screen, but they are larger. Windows allows you to increase or decrease the size of text and other items on your screen while keeping your monitor set to its optimal resolution. 1. The best display settings for an LCD monitor If you have an LCD monitor, check your screen resolution. This helps to determine the clarity of on-screen images. It is a good practice to set an LCD monitor to its native resolution the resolution a monitor was designed to display based on its size. To see your monitor's native resolution, check the display settings in Control Panel. 1. Open Screen Resolution in Control Panel. 2. Click the drop-down list next to Resolution. Check for the resolution marked (recommended). This is your LCD monitor's native resolution usually the highest resolution your monitor can support. The monitor's manufacturer or reseller should also be able to tell you the native resolution for your LCD monitor. (CRT monitors do not have a native resolution.) Screen Resolution in Control Panel shows the recommended resolution for your monitor. An LCD monitor running at its native resolution usually displays text better than a CRT monitor. LCD monitors can technically support lower resolutions than their native resolution, but text will not look as sharp and the image might be small, centered on the screen, edged with black, or look stretched. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 46

51 Because stand-alone monitors are usually larger than laptop screens, they typically support higher resolutions than laptops. Resolution based on LCD monitor size Monitor size Recommended resolution (in pixels) 19-inch standard ratio LCD monitor inch standard ratio LCD monitor and 22-inch widescreen LCD monitors inch widescreen LCD monitor Laptop screen size Recommended resolution (in pixels) 13- to 15-inch standard ratio laptop screen to 15-inch widescreen laptop screen inch widescreen laptop screen Set the color for an LCD monitor To get the best color displayed on your LCD monitor, make sure to set it to 32-bit color. This measurement refers to color depth, which is the number of color values that can be assigned to a single pixel in an image. Color depth can range from 1 bit (black-and-white) to 32 bits (over 16.7 million colors). 1. Open the Control Panel and then click Display. On the left pane, click Adjust Resolution to open Screen Resolution. 2. Click Advanced settings, and then click the Monitor tab. 3. Under Colors, select True Color (32 bit), and then click OK. 3. The best display settings for a CRT monitor seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 47

52 For a CRT monitor, it is important to change the screen resolution to the highest resolution available that provides 32-bit color and at least a 72-Hertz refresh rate. If the screen is flickering, or viewing the screen is uncomfortable, increase the refresh rate until you are comfortable with it. The higher the refresh rate, the less likely there will be any noticeable flicker. (Because LCD monitors do not create flicker, they do not need to be set at high refresh rates.) Resolution based on CRT monitor size Monitor size Recommended resolution (in pixels) 15-inch CRT monitor to 19-inch CRT monitor inch and larger CRT monitor Note Unlike LCD monitors, CRT monitors generally do not come in widescreen sizes. Almost all have a standard 4:3 screen ratio, with resolutions in the same 4:3 ratio of width to height. 4. Set the color for a CRT monitor Windows colors and themes work best when you have your monitor set to 32-bit color. You can set your monitor to 24-bit color, but you will not see all the visual effects. If you set your monitor to 16-bit color, images that should be smooth might not appear correctly. 1. Open the Control Panel and then click Display. On the left pane, click Adjust Resolution to open Screen Resolution. 2. Click Advanced settings, and then click the Monitor tab. 3. Under Colors, select True Color (32 bit), and then click OK. (If you cannot select 32-bit color, check that your resolution is as high as possible, and then try again.) Change color management settings Color management systems ensure that color content is rendered everywhere as accurately as possible including on devices, such as your monitor display and your printer. Color management systems help to ensure that colors appear the same on different devices Different types of devices have different color characteristics and capabilities. For example, your monitor display cannot show the same set of colors that a printer can reproduce. This is because each device uses a different process to produce color content. Scanners and digital cameras have different color characteristics as well. Even different programs will occasionally interpret and process colors differently. Without a consistent color management system, the same picture can look different on each of these devices. How color content appears also depends on the viewing conditions (such as ambient lighting) because the human eye adapts to different lighting conditions, even when viewing the same seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 48

53 picture. Color management systems maintain an acceptable appearance of color on devices with different color capabilities and across different viewing conditions. 1. When to change color management settings You do not have to change your color management settings very often. Usually, the default color management settings will be fine. Only change these settings if you have specific color management requirements that are not being met by your current color settings. These options are generally meant for use by color professionals. Consider changing your color management settings if you want to do one or more of the following: Add or remove a color profile. Associate one or more different color profiles with one of your devices. Change the default color profile for one of your devices. Change the system default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer. Change your default rendering intent or color space default. 2. What is a color profile? A color profile is a file that describes the color characteristics of a specific device while it is in a particular state. A profile can also contain additional information defining viewing conditions or gamut-mapping methods. Working with your computer's color management system, color profiles help ensure that color content is acceptably rendered, regardless of the device or viewing condition. In a color management system, color profiles are used to create color transforms which programs use to convert color from one device s color space to another. (A color space is a three-dimensional model in which the hue, lightness, and chroma of colors are graphed to represent the rendering capabilities of a device.) When a new device is added to your computer, a color profile for that device might be installed automatically. There are two main types of color profiles that Windows continues to support: Windows Color System (WCS) and International Color Consortium (ICC) color profiles. This provides you with the greatest variety of choices for customizing color management options and color workflows. WCS is an advanced color management system found in recent versions of Windows. While supporting ICC profile based color management, WCS provides advanced capabilities not found in existing ICC color management systems. To add a color profile for a device Color profiles are usually added automatically when new color devices are installed. Color profiles might also be added by color management tools, such as calibration devices for monitors. It is likely that color profiles for your devices are already installed on your computer. However, if you need to install a new color profile, follow these steps: seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 49

54 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the All Profiles tab, and then click Add. 3. Locate and select the new color profile, and then click Add. 4. Click Close. 3. Associate color profiles with a device A device might have more than one color profile. This is because a color profile represents the color characteristics of a specific device in a particular state. Any change that results in a change to the color behavior of a device might require a separate profile. In addition, profiles can be optimized for different kinds of projects. For example, a printer might come with several profiles, each designed for a different kind of paper or ink. If you have more than one profile for a device installed, you can specify which profile to use for a specific project. a) To associate multiple color profiles to one device 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the Devices tab. 3. From the Device list, select the color device that you want to associate with one or more color profiles. 4. Select the Use my settings for this device check box and then click Add. 5. In the Associate Color Profile dialog box, do one or both of the following: If you want to use a color profile that is already installed on your computer, click the color profile in the list, and then click OK. If you want to use a custom color profile that is not installed on your computer, click Browse, locate the custom color profile that you want to use, and then click Add. The selected color profile (or profiles) is now associated with the device and can be used by programs that use Windows Color Management to describe the color characteristics of that device. To use the newly associated color profile as the default color profile for the selected device, click Set as Default Profile. 6. Click Close. Note Your picture or graphics editing program might also let you choose color profiles. When you make changes to the color settings in those programs, the settings are usually only used in that program. b) To disassociate a color profile from a device 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the Devices tab. 3. From the Device list, select the color device you want to disassociate from one or more color profiles. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 50

55 4. Select the Use my settings for this device check box, click the color profile that you want to disassociate from the selected device, and then click Remove. The selected color profile (or profiles) is no longer associated with the device and will not be used by programs that use Windows Color Management to describe the color characteristics of that device. 5. Click Close. Note Your picture or graphics editing program might also let you choose color profiles. When you make changes to the color settings in those programs, the settings are usually only used in that program. c) To save and use a device association After associating a color profile (or profiles) with a device, you can save and use the new color device association in a few different ways. Any changes you make affect the color settings for the current user account and the selected device only. 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the Devices tab. 3. Do one or more of the following: To merge the current system default color settings that the device uses with the current set of profiles that you associated with the device, click Profiles, and then click Combine my settings with system defaults. If you decide that you don not want to use the color profiles that you associated with the device and want to use the system default color settings instead, click Profiles, and then click Reset my settings to the system defaults, or clear the Use my settings for this device check box. To save the association between the selected device and the current set of profiles that it uses, click Profiles, and then click Save associations. In the File name box, type a name for the device association, and then click Save. After saving the device association file, you can later load it to go back to those color settings for the selected device. For example, you might have saved different device association files for multiple projects and want to quickly switch color settings by loading a different device association file. Each device association file contains information about which color profile was the default when the file was saved. To load a device association file so that the selected device uses the color settings specified in the association file, click Profiles, and then click Load associations. Locate and select the saved association file, and then click Open. 4. Click Close. 4. Change color settings for a device for all users on the computer seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 51

56 Any color setting changes that are made only affect the current user. However, you can change the system default color settings for a specific device so that the color settings are used by all users on the computer (who haven't selected the Use my settings for this device check box in Color Management for that device). To change the system default color settings, you must be logged on with a user account that has administrative privileges. To change color settings for all users 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Change system defaults. 3. From the Device list in the Color Management - System Defaults dialog box, select the color device that you want to associate with one or more color profiles for all users on the computer that are using the default color settings for that device. 4. Do one or more of the following: If you want to add a new color profile for the selected device, click Add, and then go to step 5. If you do not want a color profile to be associated with the selected device, click the color profile, click Remove, and then click Yes to disassociate the profile from the device. To continue, go to step 6. If more than one color profile is selected for a device, click the color profile that you want to set as the default for that device, and then click Set as Default Profile. To continue, go to step In the Associate Color Profile dialog box, do one or both of the following: If you want to specify a color profile that is already installed on the computer, click the color profile in the list, and then click OK. If you want to specify a custom color profile that is not already installed on the computer, click Browse, locate the custom color profile, and then click Add. The selected color profile (or profiles) is now associated with the device and will be used to describe the color characteristics of that device. 6. (Optional) Do one of the following: To save the association between the selected device and the current set of profiles that it uses, click Profiles, and then click Save associations. In the File name box, type a name for the device association, and then click Save. To load a device association file so that the selected device uses the color settings that are specified in the association file, click the Profiles button, and then click Load associations. Locate and select the saved association file, and then click Open. 7. In the Color Management System Defaults dialog box, click Close. 8. In the Color Management dialog box, click Close. If the default color settings are not already being used (in which case, the Use my settings for this device check box is selected), you will be notified when you open Windows Color Management that the system default color settings have been changed. At that time, you can choose to merge those changes with your own settings or reset seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 52

57 your color settings to match the new system default color settings for the selected device. 5. What is the default rendering intent? A rendering intent determines how colors are represented when changing from one device (and, consequently, color space) to another. You can think of rendering intent as a style of rendering colors; it is the approach that Windows uses to choose the right colors when translating colors from one device to another. The Advanced tab in Windows Color Management lets you specify a mapping between WCS gamut-mapping model profiles and the four common ICC rendering intents. In general, you should only change these rendering intent mappings if you have installed third-party WCS plug-in gamut-mapping models and you want to use those instead of the default WCS gamut mapping. Most users will never need to change these settings. Most graphics editing programs let you specify a rendering intent for a picture. If your program does not, you can specify the default rendering intent that is used. There are four common rendering intents that cover the most common uses. Depending upon the rendering intent, the appearance of a picture will be different, since Windows will use a different range of available colors to render it. These are the four rendering intents in common use: Rendering intent Common use Best for photographic images. When colors are converted from one device's color space to another, Perceptual (photo images) the relationship between colors is maintained. This is the initial default rendering intent setting for Windows. Best when a few specific colors must be matched exactly, such as when rendering logo graphics. This is also the best choice for the last transformation stage in print previews. The colors that fall within the allowable color space of both devices are left Relative colorimetric (line art) unchanged, but other colors may change, resulting in compressed color tone. The relative colorimetric rendering intent will map white from the source device color space to white in the destination device color space. Best for use in the last transformation stage when making page proofs where you want to represent Absolute colorimetric (simulate the paper color in the output. Absolute colorimetric paper) intent differs from relative colorimetric intent in that white in the source color space is not mapped seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 53

58 Saturation (charts and graphs) to white in the destination color space. Best for business graphics in which vividness is more important than realistic color, such as with business charts and graphs. When colors are converted from one device's color space to another, the relative hue is maintained, but colors may shift. To change the default rendering intent 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the Advanced tab. 3. In the ICC Rendering intent to WCS Gamut Mapping area, change one or more of the settings. 6. Display calibration Display calibration is part of color management and helps to make sure that colors appear accurately on your display by adjusting it to a known state. You can use Display Color Calibration in Windows to go through a series of steps to create a calibration for your display and improve how colors are displayed on it. If you already have display calibration software from another software provider installed on your computer, you can use that software to calibrate your display instead. Many times, a display calibration device is packaged with calibration software. Using the calibration device with the accompanying calibration software that often comes with it can help you get the best color on your display. In general, using a color measurement instrument to calibrate your display will result in a better calibration compared to the results of doing a visual calibration. After calibrating your display, a new calibrated color profile is created and associated with your display. The calibration information needs to be loaded from the color profile into the display system. The calibration can be loaded by Windows or by calibration software from a third-party software provider (if it is installed on your computer). If you are using third-party display calibration software, especially software that uses a color measurement instrument, you should use the display calibration loader that is often installed with the third-party calibration software. That software might automatically disable the display calibration loader in Windows 7, so the third-party software will be used to load the calibration instead. However, you can manually enable or disable the display calibration loader in Windows. If you are using a third-party display calibration tool, you should ensure that the display calibration loader in Windows is disabled. To enable or disable calibration loading by Windows To enable or disable calibration loading by Windows, you must be logged on with a user account that has administrative privileges. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 54

59 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the Advanced tab, and click Change system defaults. 3. Click the Advanced tab in the Color Management - System Defaults dialog box, and do one of the following: To enable Windows to load display calibrations, select the Use Windows display calibration check box. To prevent Windows from loading display calibrations, clear the Use Windows display calibration check box. 4. Click Close in the Color Management - System Defaults dialog box. 5. Click Close in the Color Management dialog box Move windows between multiple monitors You can easily extend your Windows desktop across more than one monitor by plugging two or more monitors into a desktop computer or one or more monitors into a laptop. Most laptops allow you to connect one external monitor. A desktop that spans two or more monitors significantly increases your desktop area so that you can drag windows, program icons, and other items to any location on the extended desktop. By default, when you connect an external monitor to a laptop, the same image (mirror image) of your desktop appears on the external monitor. Before you can drag a window from your laptop screen to the external screen, you must extend your display by changing your display settings. By contrast, when you connect another monitor to a desktop PC, the display is set to "extended" by default, and you should be able to drag a window from one screen to the other without changing any settings. To change your display settings to extended 1. Open Color Management in Control Panel. 2. Click the drop-down list next to Multiple Displays, click Extend these displays, and then click OK. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 55

60 The Multiple Displays option appears only when Windows detects more than one monitor connected to your PC. Note If you do not see an option named Multiple Displays in your display settings, then Windows is not detecting a second monitor plugged into your desktop computer. Or, it is not detecting an external monitor plugged into your laptop. When Windows detects this monitor, it will appear in the drop-down list next to Display. If you do not see it listed there, try clicking Detect. Also, make sure the monitor you want to extend your desktop to is turned on and plugged into the correct video port on your computer. You might also need to select the correct source labeled on your monitor's controls to ensure the monitor is using the correct video port. For more information, check the manual for your monitor or go to the manufacturer's website. To move a window from one display to another Click the title bar of the window, and then drag the window to a new location Correct monitor flicker (refresh rate) Flicker can be a problem on CRT monitors. LCD monitors (also called flat-panel displays) do not create flicker. A flickering CRT monitor can contribute to eyestrain and headaches. You can reduce or eliminate flicker by increasing the screen refresh rate. A refresh rate of at least 75 hertz generally produces less flicker. (Because LCD monitors do not create flicker, they do not need to be set at high refresh rates.) To correct flicker: 1. Open the Control Panel and then click Display. On the left pane, click Adjust Resolution to open Screen Resolution. 2. Click Advanced settings. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 56

61 3. Click the Monitor tab, and then, under Screen refresh rate, click the screen refresh rate you want. The monitor will take a moment to adjust. If you want to keep the changes, click Apply. If you do not apply the changes within 15 seconds, the refresh rate will revert back to your original setting. Notes If you notice flicker on a CRT monitor, you might need to change your screen resolution before changing the refresh rate. The higher the resolution, the higher your refresh rate should be but not every screen resolution is compatible with every refresh rate. Changes to the refresh rate affect all users who log on to the computer Ways to improve display quality The appearance of your computer's display can be influenced by several factors. The monitor you use and its settings, how Windows is configured, and how you use your computer can all have an effect on display quality. To ensure that your monitor is calibrated correctly, check the instructions that came with your monitor. Trying to run too many programs at the same time can cause display problems such as jittery or choppy video. If you notice erratic or reduced visual performance on your computer, try one or more of the actions described below. 1. Reduce the number of open programs or windows The more programs you have open, the more system resources Windows needs. Try closing programs that you are not currently using, or reducing the window size. 2. Avoid running too many graphics-intensive programs at the same time Even if you have only a few programs running, some programs (such as video-editing programs) and features (such as high-definition television) use a lot of system resources. Running too many of these programs at the same time puts a strain on system resources and might degrade display quality or make video appear jittery or disconnected. 3. Reduce your monitor's resolution On some computers, very high resolutions require a lot of system resources to display properly. If you notice problems at high resolutions, try lowering the resolution until the problems disappear. 1. Open Display in Control Panel. 2. In the left pane, click Adjust resolution. 3. In the Resolution list, click the resolution you want, and then click Apply. 4. Turn off automatic resizing in programs that aren't designed for high DPI display seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 57

62 If you set the dots per inch (DPI) higher than 96, and you're running the Aero desktop experience, the text and other items on the screen might appear blurry in some programs that aren't designed for high DPI display. To avoid this problem, follow these steps: To make text and on-screen items clearer in programs that aren't designed for high DPI 1. Open Display. 2. In the left pane, click Set custom text size (DPI). If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 3. In the Custom DPI Setting dialog box, select the Use Windows XP style DPI scaling check box, and then click OK. 5. Upgrade to a more powerful video card A computer's video card contains dedicated memory that it uses to display graphics. The more memory the card has, the better the quality. If your computer's display is not as good as you want it to be, consider upgrading to a faster video card Improve the appearance of text Windows includes a technology called ClearType that is turned on by default. ClearType allows your monitor to display computer fonts as clear and smooth as possible. This can help make text easier to read over long periods of time without causing eyestrain. It works especially well with LCD devices, including flat-panel displays, laptops, and smaller handheld devices. It is a good idea to make sure ClearType was not turned off for some reason, especially if the text on your monitor looks fuzzy. You can also set up ClearType to work best with your particular monitor. ClearType font technology makes the text on your screen almost as sharp and clear as text that is printed on paper. To get the full benefit of ClearType, you will need a high-quality, flatpanel monitor, such as LCD or plasma. Even on a CRT monitor, you might get some improvement in readability with ClearType. The ClearType Text Tuner is a program that helps make the text on your screen easier to read over long periods of time. After you choose the text samples that look best to you, the tuner will adjust the text on your screen to match your visual preferences. Note If you have multiple monitors plugged into your computer, some of the settings you adjust in the ClearType Text Tuner might not apply to all of the programs on all of your monitors. 1. To turn on ClearType 1. Click the Start button, Control Panel and then click Display. In the left pane, click Adjust ClearType Text to open the ClearType Text Tuner. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 58

63 2. On the first page of the tuner, select the check box next to Turn on ClearType and click Next to continue using the ClearType Text Tuner. 3. On the last screen of the tuner, click Finish to turn on ClearType and save your settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Note For ClearType to be effective, you should have a video card and monitor that support a color setting of at least 256 colors. You will get the best results with High color (24- bit) or Highest color (32-bit) support. 2. To tune ClearType You can use the ClearType Text Tuner to adjust the legibility of the text on your screen to your visual preference. 1. Open the ClearType Text Tuner. 2. Make sure the check box next to Turn on ClearType is selected and click Next. On each screen, click the text sample that looks best to you. 3. On the last screen of the tuner, click Finish to save your settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 3. Frequently asked questions Here are answers to some common questions about ClearType. 1. What is ClearType? 2. How do I get ClearType? seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 59

64 3. How does it work? 4. Do I need an LCD or CRT monitor to use ClearType? 5. Can I tune ClearType? 6. Are some fonts optimized for ClearType? 1. What is ClearType? ClearType is a technology for displaying computer fonts so that they appear clear and smooth. ClearType makes on-screen text more detailed and, therefore, easier to read over long periods of time without experiencing eye strain or mental fatigue. It works especially well with LCD devices, including flat-panel monitors, laptops, and smaller hand-held devices. 2. How do I get ClearType? ClearType is turned on by default in Windows. If it is turned off for any reason, you can turn it back on. Open the ClearType Text Tuner, select the Turn on ClearType check box, click Next, and then follow the steps to tune your text. 3. How does it work? To understand how ClearType works, you should first understand a little bit about onscreen graphics. Screen displays consist of pixels. Pixels also make up the different letter styles in each font. Every pixel has three parts: Red, blue, and green. ClearType improves resolution by turning on and off each of the colors in the pixel. Before ClearType, the entire pixel was turned on and off. This tighter control over the red, blue, and green parts of a pixel can increase the clarity on an LCD monitor by up to 300 percent. 4. Do I need an LCD or CRT monitor to use ClearType? You can use either type of monitor. You will get the most benefit from an LCD monitor because ClearType was made to work with LCD technology, which keeps specific pixels in specific places. ClearType takes advantage of pixels being in a fixed place by turning fractions of the pixel on and off. A CRT monitor does not work in the same way with ClearType because it uses an electron beam to excite, or move around, pixels, instead of keeping them stationary. Still, you might experience some improvement in clarity when you use ClearType on a CRT monitor because ClearType smooths jagged font edges. This is called antialiasing. 5. Can I tune ClearType? Yes. You can use the ClearType Text Tuner to adjust the legibility of on-screen text. 6. Are some fonts optimized for ClearType? Yes. This version of Windows features new fonts designed to work with ClearType, including Constantia, Cambria, Corbel, Candara, Calibri, and Consolas. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 60

65 These fonts are located in Fonts in Control Panel. 8.7 Bluetooth There are many different types of Bluetooth enabled devices you can add to your computer, such as mobile phones, wireless headsets, and wireless mouse devices and keyboards. To add a Bluetooth enabled device to your computer, you must do three things: 1. Add a Bluetooth adapter to your computer if it does not already have one. You can do this by plugging the adapter into a USB port. Some computers come with a built-in Bluetooth adapter, especially laptops. You might have to turn on the adapter, or use a switch on your laptop to turn it on if your laptop has one. This might not be called a Bluetooth switch. It might be called a wireless switch, or something similar. If you are unsure about how to turn on the Bluetooth adapter or whether your computer has a built-in Bluetooth adapter, check the manual for your computer or the manufacturer's website. 2. Set up the Bluetooth enabled device so that your computer can find it. To do this, you must first: Turn the device on. Make it discoverable. When a Bluetooth enabled device is in discovery mode, it broadcasts a wireless signal that allows it to be detected by other devices or computers. This is sometimes called pairing mode. When most devices are discoverable, they are also in pairing mode, ready to be paired with your computer. To learn how to make a device discoverable, check the information that came with your device or go to the manufacturer s website. Methods for making a device discoverable can vary widely from one type of device to the next. Some Bluetooth enabled devices are always in discovery mode. Others, such as most mobile phones, need to be placed in discovery mode by selecting discovery from a software menu or pressing a button on the device. Discovery buttons can be very small and hard to spot, often placed on the bottom of a mouse, keyboard, or similar device. The button may be labeled with the word "connect," or another similar term; a Bluetooth logo; or it may not be labeled at all. 3. Add the Bluetooth enabled device. Once you have verified that a Bluetooth adapter is installed on your computer and turned on, you can add most Bluetooth enabled devices to your computer. Follow the instructions below. To add a Bluetooth enabled device 1. Click to open Devices and Printers. 2. Click Add a device, and then follow the instructions. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 61

66 3. Click the Bluetooth enabled device you want to add to your computer, and then click Next. If you do not see the device you want to add, make sure the device is turned on and discoverable. If you just turned on the device, it may take Windows several seconds to detect it. Windows might ask you to enter a pairing code (sometimes called a PIN or passcode). Most Bluetooth enabled devices need to be paired with your computer before they can exchange information with each other. To do this, they must exchange protected pairing codes. This means that only the wireless devices you authorize can connect with your computer. To add a Bluetooth enabled printer 1. Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. 2. Click Add a printer, and then follow the instructions. Note Encryption features and a passkey can help to secure your data. However, these and other security measures can be compromised or fail and, if that happens, your data could be visible to or accessible by other devices or computers within range. Therefore, Bluetooth wireless technology should not be considered completely secure Change settings for a Bluetooth enabled device After you have paired (connected) a Bluetooth enabled device with a Bluetooth enabled computer, you can change the name of the device or enable or disable services for it. You can also control how your computer pairs with this and with other Bluetooth enabled devices. You must have Bluetooth wireless technology installed on your computer to complete these steps. To enable or disable services or change the name of a device The types of services you can enable or disable vary from one device to the next with a device such as a mobile phone typically having more services than a Bluetooth enabled mouse or keyboard. Examples of some services you can enable or disable on a Bluetooth enabled device are dial-up networking, file transfer, and stereo audio. 1. Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. 2. Right-click the Bluetooth enabled device you want to change, and then click Properties. If the device is connected properly, it should appear in the Devices and Printers folder. It might be listed under a different (and sometimes not obviously related) name than the make and model of the device. If you have not changed the name of a device in Windows, the Devices and Printers folder will display whatever name the manufacturer gave the device. 3. Do any of the following: To change the name of the device as it appears on your computer, click the Bluetooth tab, type a new name, and then click OK. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 62

67 To enable a service, click the Services tab, select the check box next to the service, and then click OK. If you do not understand some of the services listed, check the device manual or manufacturer's website. To disable a service, click the Services tab, clear the check box next to the service, and then click OK. If you do not understand some of the services listed, check the device manual or manufacturer's website. To control how your computer pairs with Bluetooth enabled devices You can set several options for how your computer finds (or is found by) Bluetooth enabled devices. 1. Open Control Panel in Control Panel. 2. In the Control Panel search box, type Bluetooth, and then click Change Bluetooth settings. 3. In the Bluetooth Settings dialog box, click the Options tab and do any of the following: To make your computer discoverable to Bluetooth enabled devices, select the check box for Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer. When a Bluetooth enabled computer is in discovery mode, it broadcasts a wireless signal that allows it to be detected by other computers or devices. This is sometimes called pairing mode. If you check this box, your computer will still be able to detect Bluetooth enabled devices that are in discovery mode, but they will not be able to detect your computer. Warning To help protect your computer, only make your computer discoverable when you want a Bluetooth enabled device to find your computer. To allow you to add Bluetooth enabled devices to your computer, select the check box for Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer. To be notified when a Bluetooth enabled device is trying to connect to your computer, select the check box for Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect Choose a COM port for a Bluetooth enabled device Some computer programs require a COM port (also called a serial port) to communicate with a Bluetooth enabled device. This might include: A program that synchronizes contacts with a mobile phone. A program that extracts Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates from a GPS receiver. When you add a Bluetooth enabled device to your computer, this often creates an incoming COM port and an outgoing COM port. The incoming COM port permits your device to connect to a program on your computer, while the outgoing COM port permits a program on your computer to connect to your device. Usually, you only need to use one of these COM ports. To decide which COM port to use, you can check the information that came with the program or your Bluetooth enabled device, or you can go to the manufacturer s website. Most Bluetooth enabled devices select a COM port to use, so you do not have to do this. You can check to see if seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 63

68 a device is already using a COM port on the COM Ports tab of your Bluetooth settings. For instructions about opening this tab, see below. If you need to select a COM port and are unsure of which one to use, try each COM port one at a time and use the one that successfully allows the program and your device to communicate. To change which COM port your computer uses to communicate with Bluetooth enabled devices 1. Open Control Panel. 2. In the Control Panel search box, type Bluetooth, and then click Change Bluetooth settings. 3. In the Bluetooth Settings dialog box, click the COM Ports tab, select a port, and then click OK. If no COM port is listed, then your Bluetooth enabled device does not use a COM port. Click Add if you want to add a COM port for your device to use. 8.8 Cameras Here is one common way to copy pictures and video clips from your digital camera to your computer: 1. Connect the camera to your computer by using the camera's USB cable. 2. Turn on the camera. 3. In the AutoPlay dialog box that appears, click Import pictures and videos using Windows. 4. (Optional) To tag the pictures, type a tag name in the Tag these pictures (optional) box. By default, the folder name includes the date the pictures and videos are imported and the tag name. 5. Click Import. A new window opens and shows the imported pictures and videos. Notes Connecting a camera to a computer with a USB cable You can add descriptive tags to your pictures when you import them by typing them in the Tag these pictures (optional) box. You can also tag pictures or add additional tags after the pictures are imported to your computer. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 64

69 You can change the settings that are used when importing pictures and videos, so your pictures and videos are named and organized in a way that works for you. Some devices are compatible with Device Stage. For compatible devices, Device Stage will open instead of AutoPlay when you connect the device to your computer and turn on the device. To import pictures or videos from the device, click the import link in Device Stage. To import pictures from a device in Device Stage, the device must be compatible with Device Stage. This new feature allows you to import pictures and videos from some devices, as well as perform other device-related tasks What if the AutoPlay dialog box does not appear? If the AutoPlay dialog box prompting you to import your pictures and videos does not appear when you connect the camera to your computer, AutoPlay might be turned off. If this happens, you can import your pictures and videos to your computer through Windows Explorer instead. Here is how: 1. Open Computer (or My Computer) in the Start menu. 2. In the navigation pane on the left side of the window, under Computer, right-click your digital camera, and then click Import pictures and videos. 3. (Optional) To tag the pictures, type a tag name in the Tag these pictures (optional) box. By default, the folder name includes the date the pictures and videos are imported and the tag name. 4. Click Import. A new window opens and shows the imported pictures and videos. Tip If you prefer, you can turn on AutoPlay or set AutoPlay to automatically import pictures and videos from a digital camera Change AutoPlay settings AutoPlay lets you choose which program to use for different kinds of digital media, such as music CDs or pictures from your digital camera. 1. To turn AutoPlay on or off When you turn AutoPlay on, you can choose what should happen when you insert different types of digital media into your computer. For example, you can choose which digital media player is used to play CDs. When AutoPlay is turned off, you are prompted to choose what you want to do when you insert digital media into your computer. 1. Open AutoPlay in Control Panel. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 65

70 2. Do one of the following: To turn AutoPlay on, select the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices check box. To turn AutoPlay off, clear the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices check box. 3. Click Save. 2. To change AutoPlay settings Follow these steps to specify what should happen when you insert different types of digital media into your computer. 1. Open AutoPlay in Control Panel. 2. Under Media, find the type of media that you want to change the AutoPlay setting for. 3. Click the action that you want AutoPlay to take when you insert that type of media into your computer. 4. Click Save What about flash memory cards? If your camera uses a removable flash memory card such as Secure Digital (SD) or CompactFlash, consider plugging a memory card reader into your computer. When you insert your memory card into the reader, you can copy your pictures from the memory card to your computer without draining your camera s battery, dealing with connection cables, or installing additional software. Some computers and laptops have a built-in memory card reader. Check the documentation for your computer to determine if your computer has one Why can't I choose which pictures or videos to import? Windows detects your newest pictures and videos and does not import duplicate versions of older pictures or videos that you have already copied to your computer, so you can import your pictures and videos in a single step. You can then review and organize your pictures in the Pictures library. You can also review your imported pictures in Windows Photo Viewer, where the large preview format makes it easier to decide which newly imported pictures to delete from your computer. To organize your videos, you can use the Videos library Change settings for importing pictures seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 66

71 You can change the settings Windows uses when importing pictures and videos from cameras, portable devices, scanners, or data CDs or DVDs. These import settings determine how pictures and videos are named and organized when you import them to your computer. 1. Do one of the following: Connect a camera to your computer by using the camera's USB cable, and then turn on the camera. Connect a portable device that contains pictures or videos to your computer by using the device's USB cable, and then turn on the device. Insert a removable flash memory card, such as a Secure Digital (SD) or CompactFlash memory card into a memory card reader. Connect a scanner to your computer by using a USB cable, and then turn on the scanner. Insert a data CD or DVD that contains pictures or videos into your CD/DVD drive. 2. In the AutoPlay dialog box that appears, click Import pictures and videos using Windows. 3. To change the settings that are used when importing pictures and videos, click Import settings in the Import Pictures and Videos dialog box. 4. Change one or more settings in the Import Settings dialog box, and then click OK. 5. Click OK to restart Import Pictures and Videos. Type a tag in the Tag these pictures (optional) box, and then click Import to import your pictures and videos using the new settings. Note Some devices are compatible with Device Stage. For compatible devices, Device Stage will open instead of AutoPlay when you connect the device to your computer and turn on the device. To import pictures from the device, click the import link in Device Stage. To import pictures from a device in Device Stage, the device must be compatible with Device Stage. This new feature allows you to import pictures and videos from some devices, as well as perform other device-related tasks View import settings The following table describes the different settings for importing pictures and videos. 1. To Choose the import settings for the current device or media In the Settings for list, verify that the current device or media containing pictures and videos is selected. You can change the settings for importing pictures (and in some cases videos, too) from cameras, portable devices, directly from flash memory cards, scanners, or data CDs or DVDs. You might choose to use the same settings, or you might use different settings for the different devices and media. The device you connected (or media you inserted for data CDs or DVDs) is selected by default. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 67

72 2. To Choose the imported pictures folder Click the Browse button next to Import images to, choose the main folder for your imported pictures, and then click OK. This lets you choose a folder that works best for you to keep your pictures organized. You might choose to store imported pictures in the My Pictures folder (the default), in another folder on your computer, or on an external hard disk drive (if you have one attached to your computer). 3. Choose the imported videos folder Click the Browse button next to Import videos to, choose the main folder for your imported videos, and then click OK. This lets you choose a folder to store video files that you import from a camera, flash memory card, or data CD or DVD that has video files. You might choose to store imported videos in the My Pictures folder (the default), in another folder on your computer, or on an external hard drive. 3. Determine how folders are named for imported pictures and videos Click the Folder name list, and then click one of the folder naming conventions. You can specify how the folder will be named using a combination of date and/or tag information. This lets you determine how you want your folders to be named and organized. 4. Specify the file naming convention for imported pictures and videos Click the File name list, and then click one of the file naming conventions. You might want your imported pictures and videos to keep their current file names. However, it can be difficult to find a picture or video by just looking at the file name. Therefore, you might choose to have each group of new pictures and videos renamed, so each file is named with the tag you enter followed by a number. 5. Be prompted to enter a tag when importing pictures and videos Verify that the Prompt for a tag on import check box is selected. If this check box is cleared, you will not be prompted for a tag when you are importing pictures and videos. Pictures and videos are then imported without any tags. However, you can add tags after the pictures are imported. 6. Have pictures and videos erased from the device automatically after they are imported Select the Always erase from device after importing check box. After the pictures and videos are successfully imported, they are erased automatically. This can be helpful to free space on your flash memory card, so you can take more pictures or record more videos. However, it also means that your pictures and videos are erased from the memory card after import. If the pictures and videos are not successfully imported, they will not be erased from the memory card. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 68

73 7. Rotate pictures automatically on your computer Leave the Rotate pictures on import check box selected. If you had the camera turned sideways when taking a picture, the picture will be rotated automatically so it appears correctly when you view it on your PC. 8. View the pictures and videos in Windows Explorer after they are imported Leave the Open Windows Explorer after import check box selected. Windows Explorer will open automatically and show the pictures and videos that were just imported. 9. Change the default AutoPlay settings Click Change default AutoPlay options, and then change the AutoPlay settings for a device, such as a camera, scanner, or media such as data CDs or DVDs. 10. Go back to the default import settings Click Restore defaults. All the import settings that you selected will be reset to the default settings. This includes import settings that you changed for any device, such as a camera, scanner, or data CD or DVD Working with the Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard The Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard is primarily designed to install drivers for older scanners and cameras and some networked scanners that aren't automatically recognized by Windows. Before using the wizard, connect your scanner or camera and turn it on. If Windows recognizes the device and installs the appropriate driver, you are all set. There is no need to run the wizard. To start the Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard 1. Open Scanners and Cameras in Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. If you do not see your device listed, make sure it has turned on and connected to your computer. Then click Refresh. 3. If your scanner or camera still does not appear, click Add Device to launch the wizard. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Note The wizard will prompt you to select your scanner or camera from a list. If your scanner or camera is not listed, you will need to obtain drivers for it, either from the manufacturer's seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 69

74 website or the installation disc that came with the device. Click Have Disk when asked to choose your scanner or camera. 8.9 Modems Usually, Windows will find, and then automatically install, the necessary drivers when you install a modem. However, if Windows cannot find or install the correct driver, you might need to install the modem manually. There are two common kinds of modems: 1. Broadband modems. Broadband modems connect to either a cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and they provide high-speed Internet access. 2. Dial-up modems. Dial-up modems connect to the Internet by dialing a telephone number over a telephone line. Dial-up modems usually provide Internet access at a much slower speed than broadband modems To manually install a modem 1. Open Phone and Modem in Control Panel. Note You might need to provide information, such as your country or region and any special phone dialing rules, in the Location Information dialog box before you can access the Phone and Modem dialog box. 2. Click the Modems tab. 3. Click Add, and then follow the instructions in the Add Hardware Wizard. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation To remove a modem If Windows automatically installs the wrong driver, or if you have problems with your modem, you can remove it. 1. Open Phone and Modem in Control Panel. Note You might need to provide information, such as your country or region and any special phone dialing rules, in the Location Information dialog box before you can access the Phone and Modem dialog box. 2. Click the Modems tab. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 70

75 3. Select the modem you want to remove, and then click Remove Change modem settings You can change modem settings, such as the speaker volume. 1. Open Phone and Modem in Control Panel. Note You might need to provide information, such as your country or region and any special phone dialing rules, in the Location Information dialog box before you can access the Phone and Modem dialog box. 2. Click the Modems tab. 3. Select the modem you want to change the settings for, and then click Properties. 4. Change the settings you want, and then click OK Phone and Modem 1. Using the Dialing Rules, Modems, and Advanced settings The following are descriptions of the settings on the Dialing Rules, Modems, and Advanced tabs in Phone and Modem. i). Open Phone and Modem in Control Panel. If you have not opened Phone and Modem before, a dialog box will be displayed, prompting you to type your area code and access codes. ii). Click New, click the Calling Card tab, and then click New. a) Dialing Rules tab The Dialing Rules tab lists all currently defined dialing locations (sets of rules applied to outgoing phone calls from your computer's modem). Use this tab to add, delete, or configure dialing locations. When you specify the destination phone number, the rules associated with the dialing location determine whether the area code must be included, such as whether a calling card should be used. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 71

76 The Dialing Rules tab in the Phone and Modem dialog box The following table describes the options on the Dialing Rules tab. Control Description Lists all of the currently defined locations on your computer. The currently selected location appears in bold text, and its rules apply to Locations any phone calls made from your computer. Double-clicking a location opens the Edit dialog box, where you can make changes to the rules associated with that location. Allows you to create a new location and specify the rules associated New with that location. Edit Allows you to edit the rules for the currently selected location. Removes the currently selected location and all rules associated with Delete it. It does not remove any existing calling card definitions. b) Modems tab The Modems tab lists all modems currently installed on your computer. Use this tab to add, remove, and configure modems. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 72

77 The Modems tab in the Phone and Modem dialog box The following table describes the options on the Modems tab. Control The following modems are installed Add Remove Properties Description Lists the modems currently installed on your computer, and the communications port your computer uses to communicate with each modem. Allows you to install a new modem on your computer. If the drivers for your new modem are not already installed on your computer, you will be asked to install the drivers provided by the modem manufacturer. Uninstalls the currently selected modem from your computer. You should unplug or remove the modem from your computer after uninstalling it, or it could be detected and reinstalled the next time you start your computer. Allows you to view or change the configuration of the currently selected modem. The options available depend on the make and model of the modem. c) Advanced tab The Advanced tab lists the telephony providers (software used to communicate with telephony hardware, such as modems) currently installed on your computer. Use this tab to add, remove, and configure providers. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 73

78 The Advanced tab in the Phone and Modem dialog box The following table describes the options on the Advanced tab. Control Providers Add Remove Configure Description Lists the telephony providers currently installed on your computer. Allows you to add a Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) service provider to the list and make it available to telephony programs. To do this, you must have the drivers for the TAPIsupported telephony hardware already installed on your computer. Removes the selected TAPI service provider from the list. Removing a TAPI service provider makes it unavailable to telephony programs. It does not delete any files from your computer. Allows you to view or change the properties of the selected TAPI service provider. If this is unavailable, there are no configurable properties for the service provider. 2. Setting up dialing locations The following sections provide descriptions of the New Location and Edit Location settings in Phone and Modem. 1. Open Phone and Modem in Control Panel. If you have not opened Phone and Modem before, a dialog box will be displayed, prompting you to type your area code and access codes. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 74

79 2. Click New. a) General tab Use the General tab in the New Location dialog box to set up the basic properties of your dialing location, such as the name and the area code associated with this location. This information will be displayed in the list on the General tab. The General tab in the New Location dialog box The following table describes the options on the General tab in the New Location dialog box. Control Description Type a name for a new location (or change the name of an Location name existing location). Country/region Select the country or region in which this location exists. Identify the area code for the phone line that calls from this Area code location will be made from. If you need to type certain numbers to access an outside line, enter the numbers here. If you need to have a carrier code Dialing rules for long-distance or international calls, enter those numbers also. If you have call waiting and want to disable it when the modem dials, select the To disable call waiting, dial: check box, and then enter the code your phone provider requires to Call waiting disable call waiting. Commonly used codes are listed, but you can also type your own. If your phone provider supports disabling call waiting, it is a good idea to do this because call seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 75

80 Dial using waiting can disconnect a call. If you have only pulse-style dialing, select Pulse. Otherwise, select Tone. b) Area Code Rules tab In some places, some prefixes within an area code are considered local calls, and other prefixes within the same area code are considered long distance. Use this tab to specify those relationships and the rules for dialing those numbers. The Area Code Rules tab in the New Location dialog box The following table describes the options on the Area Code Rules tab in the New Location dialog box. Control Description Lists the area code rules that you have already created, Area code rules showing the area code, prefixes, and how numbers matching each rule are dialed. Allows you to create a new area code rule. (See "To define New an area code rule" later in this topic.) Allows you to edit an existing area code rule. (See "To Edit define an area code rule" later in this topic.) Delete Deletes the currently selected area code rule. c) To define an area code rule In the New Area Code Rule dialog box, specify how certain phone numbers in the same or other area codes need to be dialed. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 76

81 The New Area Code Rule dialog box The following table describes the options in the New Area Code Rule dialog box (or the Edit Area Code Rule dialog box). Control Area code Prefixes Rules Description Enter the area code that requires special dialing. It can be the same area code that you are dialing from. If all of the prefixes in an area code are dialed the same way from your location, select the first option. If certain prefixes in the destination area code need to be dialed differently from the others, select the second option, and then click Add to specify each prefix. If you need to dial numbers to access phone numbers in the defined area code and prefixes, select the Dial check box, and then type the numbers in the box provided. If the area code is required to dial numbers in the specified prefixes, select the Include the area code check box. d) Calling Card tab The Calling Card tab lists different calling-card dialing rules. When you use a calling card, you usually have to dial an access number, your account number, a PIN, and the phone number that you want to dial. Every card could require different combinations of these elements, and could require them in a different order than cards from other providers. Use this tab to specify which calling card to use for each seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 77

82 type of call. If a specific card is not in the list, you can create a new definition and specify its rules. The Calling Card tab in the New Location dialog box The following table describes the options on the Calling Card tab in the New Location dialog box. Control Card types New Edit Delete Account number Personal ID number (PIN) Access phone numbers for Description Lists the calling cards currently defined on your computer. Select the one you want to use from the list. Allows you to create a new calling card definition. Allows you to edit the currently selected calling card definition. Removes the selected calling card definition from the list. Requires you to enter the account number from your calling card provider. Requires you to enter the PIN number from your calling card provider. Displays the access numbers to be used for each type of call made with this card. To change the access numbers, click the calling card definition, and then click Edit. 3. Setting up calling card information The following are descriptions of the New Calling Card and Edit Calling Card settings in Phone and Modem. Open Phone and Modem in Control Panel. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 78

83 Note If you have not opened Phone and Modem before, a dialog box will be displayed, prompting you to type your area code and access codes. To choose calling card settings, click the Calling Card tab. Select a common, predefined calling card from the Card Types list, or create a custom calling card by clicking New. If you click New, you will see the additional tabs described below. a) General tab Use this tab to specify the basic properties of your calling card. The General tab in the New Calling Card dialog box The following table describes the options on the General tab in the New Calling Card dialog box. Control Calling card name Account number Personal Identification Number (PIN) Description Provides space to type a unique name that you will recognize in the calling card list. The name can be as descriptive as you like, up to 127 characters. (This name will appear in the list on the Calling Card tab of the New or Edit Location page.) Provides space to type the account number you got from your calling card provider. Provides space to type the PIN you got from your calling card provider. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 79

84 Calling card details Lists the types of calls supported by this calling card. You can change them by providing information on the Long Distance, International, or Local Calls tabs. Until you provide the information for a certain call type, that call type will not appear in this list. b) Long Distance, International, and Local Calls tabs These tabs allow you to specify the way each type of call is dialed. The Long Distance tab in the New Calling Card dialog box The following table describes the options on the Long Distance, International, and Local Calls tabs in the New Calling Card dialog box. Control Access number for long distance, international, or local) calls Calling card dialing steps Description Provides space to enter the access number (the phone number you must dial to access the calling card provider s network). In some cases, it's a short sequence of numbers; in other cases, it's a full phone number. Displays the steps to take when someone makes a call using this calling card. To provide the information, select each step of the call from the buttons below the list. To reorder the list, select a step in the list, and then click the Move Up or Move Down button. To remove a step, select it, and then click Delete. Move Up Moves the selected step up one position toward the top of seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 80

85 Move Down Delete Access Number Account Number PIN Destination Number Wait for Prompt Specify Digits the list. Moves the selected step down one position toward the bottom of the list. Removes the selected step from the list. Inserts the access number into the dialing steps list. The access number is displayed in the text box at the top of the screen. Inserts the account number into the dialing steps list. The account number is displayed on the General tab. Inserts the PIN into the dialing steps list. The PIN is displayed on the General tab. Inserts the number you are dialing into the dialing steps list. This number is supplied by the program you use to dial the modem. For example, you can use Network and Sharing Center to create remote network connections using a dialup modem. The phone number of the remote network is supplied as part of the definition of that network connection. This button tells the dialing process where that number should be used. You can choose one of the following options: Wait for a dial tone. The modem continues dialing as soon as it detects the tone on the phone line. Wait for a voice message to complete. The modem continues dialing after the phone line goes quiet for a short period. Wait for a specific length of time. Specifies the number of seconds that dialing must pause. If your calling card provider requires you to enter any other digits (including the * and # keys) during the dialing process, you can create a step and specify those digits Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Here are answers to some common questions about modems. 1. What are the different kinds of modems? 2. How do I tell what kind of modem my computer uses? 3. How do I change the modem settings? 4. How do I install a modem? 5. What is TAPI? 6. What is Modem on Hold (MOH) and how do I determine if my modem has it? seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 81

86 1. What are the different kinds of modems? There are two common kinds of modems: a) Broadband modems. Broadband modems connect to either a cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and they provide high-speed Internet access. b) Dial-up modems. Dial-up modems connect to the Internet by dialing a telephone number over a telephone line. Dial-up modems usually provide Internet access at a much slower speed than broadband modems. 2. How do I tell what kind of modem my computer uses? If you have broadband Internet access through an Internet service provider (ISP), you most likely have a broadband modem. The modem is usually connected to a cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and is then connected to your computer through an Ethernet cable and network adapter. Most newer computers no longer come with a dial-up modem. Many older computers have dial-up modems, which connect to the Internet by dialing a telephone number over a telephone line. 3. How do I change the modem settings? 1. Open Phone and Modem in Control Panel. Note You might need to provide information, such as your country or region, and any special phone dialing rules in the Location Information dialog box before you can access the Phone and Modem dialog box. 2. Click the Modems tab. 3. Select the modem you want to change settings for, and then click Properties. 4. Change the settings you want, and then click OK. 4. How do I install a modem? Most broadband modems are external devices. You install one by plugging it into a network port on your computer. Many dial-up modems are internal and come pre-installed on computers. If you are installing an internal dial-up modem on a desktop computer, you will need to open your computer case and plug the card into an empty slot. To install an external dial-up modem, plug it into a modem port on your computer. All dial-up modems plug into a telephone line. Windows will find and automatically install the necessary drivers when it detects that you are installing a new modem. If Windows cannot find or install the right driver for your modem, you might need to install the modem manually. 5. What is TAPI? The Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) is a standard protocol in Windows that allows your computer to use telephone lines for communication services. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 82

87 6. What is Modem on Hold (MOH) and how do I determine if my modem has it? Modem on Hold is a feature that allows your dial-up modem to work with call waiting. If you have Modem On Hold running and receive a call on the line that the modem is using, the modem can go into a hold state and pick up where you left off after you complete the call. Modem on Hold requires that your modem supports it (as well as your Internet service provider (ISP)). Contact your ISP and check your modem settings to determine if you can use Modem on Hold Keyboards Whether you are writing a letter or calculating numerical data, your keyboard is the main way to enter information into your computer. However, did you know you could also use your keyboard to control your computer? Learning just a few simple keyboard commands (instructions to your computer) can help you work more efficiently. This section covers the basics of keyboard operation and gets you started with keyboard commands How the Keys are Organized The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function: a) Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter. b) Control keys. These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo key, and Esc. c) Function keys. The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program. d) Navigation keys. These keys are used for moving around in documents or webpages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert. e) Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding machine. The following illustration shows how these keys are arranged on a typical keyboard. Your keyboard layout might be different. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 83

88 Typing Text Whenever you need to type something in a program, message, or text box, you will see a blinking vertical line ( ). That is the cursor, also called the insertion point. It shows where the text that you type will begin. You can move the cursor by clicking in the desired location with the mouse, or by using the navigation keys. In addition to letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and symbols, the typing keys also include Shift, Caps Lock, Tab, Enter, the Spacebar, and Backspace. Key name How to use it Press Shift in combination with a letter to type an uppercase letter. Press Shift Shift in combination with another key to type the symbol shown on the upper part of that key.for example, Shift+2 Press Caps Lock once to type all letters as uppercase. Press Caps Lock again to Caps Lock turn this function off. Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether Caps Lock is on. Press Tab to move the cursor several spaces forward. You can also press Tab to Tab move to the next text box on a form. Press Enter to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. In a dialog Enter box, press Enter to select the highlighted button. Spacebar Press the Spacebar to move the cursor one space forward. Backspace Press Backspace to delete the character before the cursor, or the selected text Using Keyboard Shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are ways to perform actions by using your keyboard. They are called shortcuts because they help you work faster. In fact, almost any action or command you can perform with a mouse can be performed faster using one or more keys on your keyboard. A plus sign (+) between two or more keys indicates that those keys should be pressed in combination. For example, Ctrl+A means to press and hold Ctrl and then press A. Ctrl+Shift+A means to press and hold Ctrl and Shift and then press A. 1. Find Program Shortcuts seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 84

89 You can do things in most programs by using the keyboard. To see which commands have keyboard shortcuts, open a menu. The shortcuts (if available) are shown next to the menu items. Keyboard shortcuts appear next to menu items. 2. Choose Menus, Commands, and Options You can open menus and choose commands and other options using your keyboard. In a program that has menus with underlined letters, press Alt and an underlined letter to open the corresponding menu. Press the underlined letter in a menu item to choose that command. For programs that use the Ribbon, such as Paint and WordPad, pressing Alt overlays (rather than underlines) a letter that can be pressed. Press Alt+F to open the File menu, and then press P to choose the Print command. This trick works in dialog boxes too. Whenever you see an underlined letter attached to an option in a dialog box, it means you can press Alt plus that letter to choose that option Using Navigation Keys The navigation keys allow you to move the cursor, move around in documents and webpages, and edit text. The following table lists some common functions of these keys Using the Numeric Keypad The numeric keypad arranges the numerals 0 though 9, the arithmetic operators + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication), and / (division), and the decimal point as they would appear on a calculator or adding machine. These characters are duplicated elsewhere on the seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 85

90 keyboard, of course, but the keypad arrangement allows you to rapidly enter numerical data or mathematical operations with one hand. To use the numeric keypad to enter numbers, press Num Lock. Most keyboards have a light that indicates whether Num Lock is on or off. When Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad functions as a second set of navigation keys (these functions are printed on the keys next to the numerals or symbols). You can use your numeric keypad to perform simple calculations with Calculator. 1. Click the Start Button, All Programs, Accessories and then click Calculator to the open the Calculator. 2. Check your keyboard light to see if Num Lock is on. If it is not, press Num Lock. 3. Using the numeric keypad, type the first number in the calculation. 4. On the keypad, type + to add, - to subtract, * to multiply, or / to divide. 5. Type the next number in the calculation. 6. Press Enter to complete the calculation Three Odd Keys So far, we have discussed almost every key you are likely to use. However, for the truly inquisitive, let us explore the three most mysterious keys on the keyboard: PrtScn, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break. 1. PrtScn (or Print Screen) A long time ago, this key actually did what it says it sent the current screen of text to your printer. Nowadays, pressing PrtScn captures an image of your entire screen (a "screen shot") and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer's memory. From there you can paste it (Ctrl+V) into Microsoft Paint or another program and, if you want, print it from that program. More obscure is SysRq, which shares the key with PrtScn on some keyboards. Historically, SysRq was designed to be a "system request," but this command is not enabled in Windows. Tip Press Alt+PrtScn to capture an image of just the active window, instead of the entire screen. 2. ScrLk (or Scroll Lock) seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 86

91 In most programs, pressing Scroll Lock has no effect. In a few programs, pressing Scroll Lock changes the behavior of the arrow keys and the Page Up and Page Down keys; pressing these keys causes the document to scroll without changing the position of the cursor or selection. Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether Scroll Lock is on. 3. Pause/Break This key is rarely used. In some older programs, pressing this key pauses the program or, in combination with Ctrl, stops it from running Other Keys Some modern keyboards come with "hot keys" or buttons that give you quick, one-press access to programs, files, or commands. Other models have volume controls, scroll wheels, zoom wheels, and other gadgets. For details about these features, check the information that came with your keyboard or computer, or go to the manufacturer's website Tips for Using Your Keyboard Safely Using your keyboard properly can help avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you use your computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems: i). Place your keyboard at elbow level. Your upper arms should be relaxed at your sides. ii). Center your keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, you can use the spacebar as the centering point. iii). Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard, so that you can use your whole arm to reach for distant keys instead of stretching your fingers. iv). Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any type of surface while typing. If your keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during breaks from typing. v). While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight. vi). When you are not typing, relax your arms and hands. vii). Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes Keyboard Shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys that, when pressed, can be used to perform a task that would typically require a mouse or other pointing device. Keyboard shortcuts can make it easier to interact with your computer, saving you time and effort as you work with Windows and other programs. Most programs also provide accelerator keys that can make it easier to work with menus and other commands. Check the menus of programs for accelerator keys. If a letter is underlined in a menu, that usually means that pressing the Alt key in combination with the underlined key will have the same effect as clicking that menu item. Pressing the Alt key in some programs, such as Paint and WordPad, shows commands that are labeled with additional keys that you can press to use them. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 87

92 You can also create new keyboard shortcuts to open programs. 1. Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that can help make your computer easier to use. Press To Right Shift for eight seconds Turn Filter Keys on and off Left Alt+Left Shift+PrtScn (or PrtScn) Turn High Contrast on or off Left Alt+Left Shift+Num Lock Turn Mouse Keys on or off Shift five times Turn Sticky Keys on or off Num Lock for five seconds Turn Toggle Keys on or off Windows logo key + U Open the Ease of Access Center 2. General keyboard shortcuts The following table contains general keyboard shortcuts. F1 Ctrl+C Ctrl+X Ctrl+V Ctrl+Z Ctrl+Y Delete Press Shift+Delete F2 Ctrl+Right Arrow Ctrl+Left Arrow Ctrl+Down Arrow Ctrl+Up Arrow Ctrl+Shift with an arrow key Shift with any arrow key Ctrl with any arrow key+spacebar Ctrl+A F3 Alt+Enter Alt+F4 To Display Help Copy the selected item Cut the selected item Paste the selected item Undo an action Redo an action Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first Rename the selected item Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph Select a block of text Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop Select all items in a document or window Search for a file or folder Display properties for the selected item Close the active item, or exit the active program seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 88

93 Alt+Spacebar Ctrl+F4 Alt+Tab Ctrl+Alt+Tab Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Windows logo key +Tab Ctrl+Windows logo key +Tab Alt+Esc F6 F4 Shift+F10 Ctrl+Esc Alt+underlined letter Alt+underlined letter F10 Right Arrow Left Arrow F5 Alt+Up Arrow Esc Ctrl+Shift+Esc Shift when you insert a CD Open the shortcut menu for the active window Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously) Switch between open items Use the arrow keys to switch between open items Change the size of icons on the desktop Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3- D Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer Display the shortcut menu for the selected item Open the Start menu Display the corresponding menu Perform the menu command (or other underlined command) Activate the menu bar in the active program Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu Refresh the active window View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer Cancel the current task Open Task Manager Prevent the CD from automatically playing 3. Dialog box keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for use in dialog boxes. Press Ctrl+Tab Ctrl+Shift+Tab Tab Shift+Tab Alt+underlined letter To Move forward through tabs Move back through tabs Move forward through options Move back through options Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 89

94 Enter Spacebar Arrow keys F1 F4 Backspace Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons Display Help Display the items in the active list Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box 4. Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows logo key. Press Windows logo key Windows logo key +Pause Windows logo key +D Windows logo key +M Windows logo key +Shift+M Windows logo key +E Windows logo key +F Ctrl+Windows logo key +F Windows logo key +L Windows logo key +R Windows logo key +T Windows logo key +number Shift+Windows logo key +number Ctrl+Windows logo key +number Alt+Windows logo key +number Windows logo key +Tab Ctrl+Windows logo key +Tab Ctrl+Windows logo key +B To Open or close the Start menu. Display the System Properties dialog box. Display the desktop. Minimize all windows. Restore minimized windows to the desktop. Open Computer. Search for a file or folder. Search for computers (if you are on a network). Lock your computer or switch users. Open the Run dialog box. Cycle through programs on the taskbar. Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program. Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D. Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D. Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 90

95 Windows logo key +Spacebar Windows logo key +Up Arrow Windows logo key +Left Arrow Windows logo key +Right Arrow Windows logo key +Down Arrow Windows logo key +Home Windows logo key +Shift+Up Arrow Windows logo key +Shift+Left Arrow or Right Arrow Windows logo key +P Windows logo key +G Windows logo key +U Windows logo key +X Preview the desktop. Maximize the window. Maximize the window to the left side of the screen. Maximize the window to the right side of the screen. Minimize the window. Minimize all but the active window. Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen. Move a window from one monitor to another. Choose a presentation display mode. Cycle through gadgets. Open Ease of Access Center. Open Windows Mobility Center. 5. Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Explorer windows or folders. Press To Ctrl+N Open a new window Ctrl+Shift+N Create a new folder End Display the bottom of the active window Home Display the top of the active window F11 Maximize or minimize the active window Num Lock+Asterisk (*) on numeric keypad Display all subfolders under the selected folder Num Lock+Plus Sign (+) on numeric keypad Display the contents of the selected folder Num Lock+Minus Sign (-) on numeric keypad Collapse the selected folder Left Arrow Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the parent folder Alt+Enter Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item Alt+P Display the preview pane Alt+Left Arrow View the previous folder Right Arrow Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder Alt+Right Arrow View the next folder seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 91

96 Alt+Up Arrow Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Alt+D Ctrl+E View the parent folder Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons Select the address bar Select the search box 6. Magnifier keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Magnifier. Press To Windows logo key + Plus Sign or Minus Sign Zoom in or out Ctrl+Alt+Spacebar Show the mouse pointer Ctrl+Alt+F Switch to full-screen mode Ctrl+Alt+L Switch to lens mode Ctrl+Alt+D Switch to docked mode Ctrl+Alt+I Invert colors Ctrl+Alt+arrow keys Pan in the direction of the arrow keys Ctrl+Alt+R Resize the lens Windows logo key + Esc Exit Magnifier 7. Remote Desktop Connection keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Remote Desktop Connection. Press To Alt+Page Up Move between programs from left to right. Alt+Page Down Move between programs from right to left. Alt+Insert Cycle through programs in the order that they were started in. Alt+Home Display the Start menu. Ctrl+Alt+Break Switch between a window and full screen. Ctrl+Alt+End Display the Windows Security dialog box. Alt+Delete Display the system menu. Ctrl+Alt+Minus Sign (-) on the numeric keypad Ctrl+Alt+Plus Sign (+) on the numeric keypad Ctrl+Alt+Right Arrow Place a copy of the active window, within the client, on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing Alt+PrtScn on a local computer). Place a copy of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing PrtScn on a local computer). Tab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 92

97 Ctrl+Alt+Left Arrow Tab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program. Note Ctrl+Alt+Break and Ctrl+Alt+End are available in all Remote Desktop sessions, even when you have set up the remote computer to recognize Windows keyboard shortcuts. 8. Paint keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Paint. Press To Ctrl+N Create a new picture Ctrl+O Open an existing picture Ctrl+S Save changes to a picture F12 Save the picture as a new file Ctrl+P Print a picture Alt+F4 Close a picture and its Paint window Ctrl+Z Undo a change Ctrl+Y Redo a change Ctrl+A Select the entire picture Ctrl+X Cut a selection Ctrl+C Copy a selection to the Clipboard Ctrl+V Paste a selection from the Clipboard Right Arrow Move the selection or active shape right by one pixel Left Arrow Move the selection or active shape left by one pixel Down Arrow Move the selection or active shape down by one pixel Up Arrow Move the selection or active shape up by one pixel Esc Cancel a selection Delete Delete a selection Ctrl+B Bold selected text Ctrl++ Increase the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel Ctrl+- Decrease the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel Ctrl+I Italicize selected text Ctrl+U Underline selected text Ctrl+E Open the Properties dialog box Ctrl+W Open the Resize and Skew dialog box Ctrl+Page Up Zoom in Ctrl+Page Down Zoom out F11 View a picture in full-screen mode seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 93

98 Ctrl+R Ctrl+G F10 or Alt Shift+F10 F1 Show or hide the ruler Show or hide gridlines Display keytips Show the current shortcut menu Open Paint Help 9. WordPad keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with WordPad. Press To Ctrl+N Create a new document Ctrl+O Open an existing document Ctrl+S Save changes to a document F12 Save the document as a new file Ctrl+P Print a document Alt+F4 Close WordPad Ctrl+Z Undo a change Ctrl+Y Redo a change Ctrl+A Select the entire document Ctrl+X Cut a selection Ctrl+C Copy a selection to the Clipboard Ctrl+V Paste a selection from the Clipboard Ctrl+B Make selected text bold Ctrl+I Italicize selected text Ctrl+U Underline selected text Ctrl+= Make selected text subscript Ctrl+Shift+= Make selected text superscript Ctrl+L Align text left Ctrl+E Align text center Ctrl+R Align text right Ctrl+J Justify text Ctrl+1 Set single line spacing Ctrl+2 Set double line spacing Ctrl+5 Set line spacing to 1.5 Ctrl+Shift+> Increase the font size Ctrl+Shift+< Decrease the font size Ctrl+Shift+A Change characters to all capitals Ctrl+Shift+L Change the bullet style Ctrl+D Insert a Microsoft Paint drawing Ctrl+F Find text in a document F3 Find the next instance of the text in the Find dialog box seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 94

99 Ctrl+H Ctrl+Left Arrow Ctrl+Right Arrow Ctrl+Up Arrow Ctrl+Down Arrow Ctrl+Home Ctrl+End Ctrl+Page Up Ctrl+Page Down Ctrl+Delete F10 Shift+F10 F1 Replace text in a document Move the cursor one word to the left Move the cursor one word to the right Move the cursor to the line above Move the cursor to the line below Move to the beginning of the document Move to the end of the document Move up one page Move down one page Delete the next word Display keytips Show the current shortcut menu Open WordPad Help 10. Calculator keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Calculator. Press To Atl+1 Switch to Standard mode Alt+2 Switch to Scientific mode Alt+3 Switch to Programmer mode Alt+4 Switch to Statistics mode Ctrl+E Open date calculations Ctrl+H Turn calculation history on or off Ctrl+U Open unit conversion Alt+C Calculate or solve date calculations and worksheets F1 Open Calculator Help Ctrl+Q Press the M- button Ctrl+P Press the M+ button Ctrl+M Press the MS button Ctrl+R Press the MR button Ctrl+L Press the MC button % Press the % button F9 Press the +/ button / Press the / button * Press the * button + Press the + button - Press the button R Press the 1/ Press the square root button 0-9 Press the number buttons (0-9) = Press the = button seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 95

100 . Press the. (decimal point) button Backspace Press the backspace button Esc Press the C button Del Press the CE button Ctrl+Shift+D Clear the calculation history F2 Edit the calculation history Up Arrow key Navigate up in the calculation history Down Arrow key Navigate down in the calculation history Esc Cancel editing the calculation history Enter Recalculate the calculation history after editing F3 Select Degrees in Scientific mode F4 Select Radians in Scientific mode F5 Select Grads in Scientific mode I Press the Inv button in Scientific mode D Press the Mod button in Scientific mode Ctrl+S Press the sinh button in Scientific mode Ctrl+O Press the cosh button in Scientific mode Ctrl+T Press the tanh button in Scientific mode ( Press the ( button in Scientific mode ) Press the ) button in Scientific mode N Press the ln button in Scientific mode ; Press the Int button in Scientific mode S Press the sin button in Scientific mode O Press the cos button in Scientific mode T Press the tan button in Scientific mode M Press the dms button in Scientific mode P Press the pi button in Scientific mode V Press the F-E button in Scientific mode X Press the Exp button in Scientific mode Q Press the x^2 button in Scientific mode Y Press the x^y button in Scientific mode # Press the x^3 button in Scientific mode L Press the log button in Scientific mode! Press the n! button in Scientific mode Ctrl+Y Press the y x button in Scientific mode Ctrl+B Press the 3 x button in Scientific mode Ctrl+G Press the 10x button in Scientific mode F5 Select Hex in Programmer mode F6 Select Dec in Programmer mode F7 Select Oct in Programmer mode F8 Select Bin in Programmer mode seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 96

101 F12 Select Qword in Programmer mode F2 Select Dword in Programmer mode F3 Select Word in Programmer mode F4 Select Byte in Programmer mode K Press the RoR button in Programmer mode J Press the RoL button in Programmer mode < Press the Lsh button in Programmer mode > Press the Rsh button in Programmer mode % Press the Mod button in Programmer mode ( Press the ( button in Programmer mode ) Press the ) button in Programmer mode Press the Or button in Programmer mode ^ Press the Xor button in Programmer mode ~ Press the Not button in Programmer mode & Press the And button in Programmer mode A-F Press the A-F buttons in Programmer mode Spacebar Toggles the bit value in Programmer mode A Press the Average button in Statistics mode Ctrl+A Press the Average Sq button in Statistics mode S Press the Sum button in Statistics mode Ctrl+S Press the Sum Sq button in Statistics mode T Press the S.D. button in Statistics mode Ctrl+T Press the Inv S.D. button in Statistics mode D Press the CAD button in Statistics mode 11. Windows Journal keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Journal. Press Ctrl+N Ctrl+O Ctrl+S Ctrl+Shift+V Ctrl+P Alt+F4 Ctrl+Z Ctrl+Y Ctrl+A Ctrl+X Ctrl+C Ctrl+V To Start a new note Open a recently used note Save changes to a note Move a note to a specific folder Print a note Close a note and its Journal window Undo a change Redo a change Select all items on a page Cut a selection Copy a selection to the Clipboard Paste a selection from the Clipboard seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 97

102 Esc Delete Ctrl+F Ctrl+G F5 F5 F6 Ctrl+Shift+C F11 F1 Cancel a selection Delete a selection Start a basic find Go to a page Refresh find results Refresh the note list Toggle between a note list and a note Display a shortcut menu for column headings in a note list View a note in full-screen mode Open Journal Help 12. Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcuts The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with the Help viewer. Press Alt+C Alt+N F10 Alt+Left Arrow Alt+Right Arrow Alt+A Alt+Home Home End Ctrl+F Ctrl+P F3 To Display the Table of Contents Display the Connection Settings menu Display the Options menu Move back to the previously viewed topic Move forward to the next (previously viewed) topic Display the customer support page Display the Help and Support home page Move to the beginning of a topic Move to the end of a topic Search the current topic Print a topic Move the cursor to the search box Create Keyboard Shortcuts to open programs You can create keyboard shortcuts to open programs. Opening programs this way is often simpler than opening them using your mouse or other pointing device. Before you get started, you need to create a shortcut for the program to which you want to assign a keyboard shortcut. To do this, open the folder that contains the program, right-click the program's executable file, and then click Create Shortcut. 1. Locate the shortcut to the program that you want to create a keyboard shortcut for. 2. Right-click the shortcut and then click Properties. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 98

103 3. In the Shortcut Properties dialog box, click the Shortcut tab. 4. Click in the Shortcut key box, press the key on your keyboard that you want to use in combination with Ctrl+Alt (keyboard shortcuts automatically start with Ctrl+Alt), and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. You can now use this keyboard shortcut to open the program. Notes The word None appears in the Shortcut key box until you press a key; then it is replaced with Ctrl+Alt+the key that you pressed. The new shortcut might not work for programs that have their own keyboard shortcuts. You cannot use the Esc, Enter, Tab, Spacebar, PrtScn, Shift, or Backspace keys to create a keyboard shortcut. You can also create keyboard shortcuts to open files and folders Make the keyboard easier to use You can use your keyboard to control the mouse and make it easier to type certain key combinations. You can adjust these settings on the Make the keyboard easier to use page in the Ease of Access Center. 1. Click the Start button, click the Control Panel, Ease of Access Center and then click Make the keyboard easier to use. 2. Select the options that you want to use: a) Turn on Mouse Keys. This option sets Mouse Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Instead of using the mouse, you can use the arrow keys on your seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 99

104 keyboard or the numeric keypad to move the pointer. b) Turn on Sticky Keys. This option sets Sticky Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Instead of having to press three keys at once (such as when you must press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys together to log on to Windows), you can use one key by turning on Sticky Keys and adjusting the settings. This way, you can press a modifier key and have it remain active until another key is pressed. c) Turn on Toggle Keys. This option sets Toggle Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Toggle Keys can play an alert each time you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys. These alerts can help prevent the frustration of inadvertently pressing a key and not realizing it. d) Turn on Filter Keys. This option sets Filter Keys to run when you log on to Windows. You can set Windows to ignore keystrokes that occur in rapid succession, or keystrokes that are held down for several seconds unintentionally. e) Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys. This option makes keyboard access in dialog boxes easier by highlighting access keys for the controls in them. f) Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen. This option prevents windows from automatically resizing and docking along the sides of your screen when you move them there Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts You can use the Internet Explorer shortcut keys to perform lots of different tasks quickly or to work without a mouse. 1. Viewing and exploring webpages The following table describes shortcuts used to view and explore webpages. To Display Help Toggle between full-screen and regular views of the browser window Move forward through the items on a webpage, the Address bar, or the Favorites bar Move back through the items on a webpage, the Address bar, or the Favorites bar Start Caret Browsing Go to your home page Go to the next page Go to the previous page Display a shortcut menu for a link Move forward through frames and browser elements (only Press F1 F11 Tab Shift+Tab F7 Alt+Home Alt+Right Arrow Alt+Left Arrow or Backspace Shift+F10 Ctrl+Tab or F6 seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 100

105 works if tabbed browsing is disabled) Move backward between frames (only works if tabbed browsing is disabled) Scroll toward the beginning of a document Scroll toward the end of a document Scroll toward the beginning of a document in larger increments Scroll toward the end of a document in larger increments Move to the beginning of a document Move to the end of a document Find on this page Refresh the current webpage Refresh the current webpage, even if the time stamp for the web version and your locally stored version are the same Stop downloading a page Open a new website or page Open a new window Open a new InPrivate Browsing window Duplicate tab (open current tab in a new tab) Close the current window (if you only have one tab open) Save the current page Print the current page or active frame Activate a selected link Open Favorites Open History Open Feeds Open the Page menu Open the Tools menu Open the Help menu Ctrl+Shift+Tab Up Arrow Down Arrow Page Up Page Down Home End Ctrl+F F5 Ctrl+F5 Esc Ctrl+O Ctrl+N Ctrl+Alt+P Ctrl+K Ctrl+W Ctrl+S Ctrl+P Enter Ctrl+I Ctrl+H Ctrl+J Alt+P Alt+T Alt+H 2. Working with tabs The following table describes shortcuts used when working with tabs. To Open links in a new tab in the background Open links in a new tab in the foreground Open a new tab in the foreground Switch between tabs Close current tab (or the current window if tabbed browsing is Ctrl+click Ctrl+Shift+click Press Ctrl+T Ctrl+Tab or Ctrl+Shift+Tab Ctrl+W seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 101

106 disabled) Open a new tab in the foreground from the Address bar Switch to a specific tab number Switch to the last tab Close other tabs Toggle Quick Tabs (thumbnail view) on or off Alt+Enter Ctrl+n (where n is a number between 1 and 8) Ctrl+9 Ctrl+Alt+F4 Ctrl+Q 3. Using zoom The following table describes shortcuts used for zooming. To Increase zoom (+ 10%) Decrease zoom (- 10%) Zoom to 100% Ctrl+Plus Sign Ctrl+Minus Sign Ctrl+0 4. Using search The following table describes shortcuts used for search. Press To Go to the search box Open your search query in a new tab Open the search provider menu Ctrl+E Alt+Enter Ctrl+Down Arrow Press 5. Using Print Preview The following table describes shortcuts used to preview and print webpages. To Set printing options and print the page Change paper, headers and footers, orientation, and margins for this page Display the first page to be printed Display the previous page to be printed Type the number of the page you want displayed Display the next page to be printed Display the last page to be printed Specify how you want frames to print (this option is available only if you are printing a webpage that uses frames) Press Alt+P Alt+U Alt+Home Alt+Left Arrow Alt+A Alt+Right Arrow Alt+End Alt+F seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 102

107 Close Print Preview 6. Using the Address bar The following table describes shortcuts used on the Address bar. To Select the text in the Address bar Display a list of addresses you've typed When in the Address bar, move the cursor left to the next logical break in the address (period or slash) When in the Address bar, move the cursor right to the next logical break in the address (period or slash) Add " to the beginning and ".com" to the end of the text typed in the Address bar Move forward through the list of AutoComplete matches Move back through the list of AutoComplete matches Alt+C Press Alt+D F4 Ctrl+Left Arrow Ctrl+Right Arrow Ctrl+Enter Up Arrow Down Arrow 7. Opening Internet Explorer toolbar menus The following table describes shortcuts used to open Internet Explorer toolbar and Command bar menus. Open the Home menu Open the Print menu Open the RSS menu Open the Tools menu Open the Safety menu Open the Help menu To Press Alt+M Alt+R Alt+J Alt+O Alt+S Alt+L 8. Working with feeds, history, and favorites The following table describes shortcuts used when working with feeds, history, and favorites. To Add the current page to your favorites (or subscribe to the feed when in feed preview) Delete browsing history Open an InPrivate Browsing window Open the Organize Favorites dialog box Move selected item up in the Favorites list in the Organize Favorites dialog box Move selected item down in the Favorites list in the Organize Favorites dialog box Press Ctrl+D Ctrl+Shift+Del Ctrl+Shift+P Ctrl+B Alt+Up Arrow Alt+Down Arrow seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 103

108 Open Favorites Center and display your favorites Open Favorites Center and display your history Open Favorites Center and display your feeds Open and dock the Favorites Center and display your feeds Open the Add to Favorites menu (or open Subscribe to feed when in feed preview) Open the Favorites menu from the menu bar Display all feeds (when in feed view) Mark a feed as read (when in feed view) Put the cursor in search box in feed view Alt+C Ctrl+H Ctrl+J Ctrl+Shift+J Alt+Z Alt+A Alt+I Alt+M Alt+S 9. Editing The following table describes shortcuts used when editing webpages. To Remove the selected items and copy them to the Clipboard Copy the selected items to the Clipboard Insert the contents of the Clipboard at the selected location Select all items on the current webpage Open Internet Explorer Developer Tools Press Ctrl+X Ctrl+C Ctrl+V Ctrl+A F Using the Information bar The following table describes shortcuts used when working with the Information bar. To Move focus to the Information bar Click the Information bar Press Alt+N Spacebar Change your keyboard layout You can customize your keyboard for a specific language or format by changing the keyboard layout. The layout controls which characters appear on the screen when you press the keys on your keyboard. Some input languages have several keyboard layouts; others have only one. For example, you can change your keyboard layout from the English QWERTY format to the English Dvorak format. After you change the layout, the characters on your screen might not correspond to the characters on your keyboard keys. Before you can change the keyboard layout, you must add the input language and keyboard layout that you want to Windows. To change the keyboard layout seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 104

109 1. On the Language bar, click the Input language button, and then select an input language. 2. Click the Keyboard layout button, and then select a keyboard layout. Language bar Note If you do not see the Language bar, right-click the taskbar, point to Toolbars, and then click Language bar. To change the keyboard layout on the Welcome screen On the Welcome screen, click the Keyboard layout button, and then select a keyboard layout. Note If you do not see the Keyboard layout button, you might not have more than one input language, or your regional and language settings might not be applied to reserved accounts. Add or change an input language You can make it easier to enter text or edit documents in multiple languages by changing the input language. Input languages are included with Windows, but you need to add them to your list of languages before you can use them. To add an input language 1. Open Region and Language in Control Panel. 2. Click the Keyboards and Languages tab, and then click Change keyboards. 3. Under Installed services, click Add. 4. Double-click the language you want to add, double-click Keyboard, select the text services options you want to add, and then click OK. To change the input language Before you can change the input language that you want to use, you need to make sure that the input language has been added. Click the Input language button on the Language bar, and then click the input language you want to use. Notes If you do not see the Language bar, right-click the taskbar, point to Toolbars, and then click Language bar. In addition to changing the input language, you can also customize your keyboard for a specific language or format. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 105

110 When you choose regional and language settings for your computer, such as your default input language or keyboard layout, you can apply those settings to special accounts in Windows called reserved accounts. Reserved accounts include the default user account and the system accounts. These accounts are described below. 1. Open Region and Language in Control Panel. 2. Click the Administrative tab, and then click Copy settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 3. Do one of the following: To copy the current settings to the default user account, select the New user accounts check box. The default account is used as a template for creating new user accounts. This setting allows administrators to set the default format, keyboard layout, and display language for new users. Any user account created on the computer after the settings have been copied to the default user account will have these settings applied. Existing user accounts are not affected. To copy the current settings to the Welcome screen and other system accounts (local system, local service, and network service), select the Welcome screen and system accounts check box. The system accounts are special accounts used by Windows services. This setting allows administrators to specify a display language and keyboard layout for the Welcome screen. It also sets the display language for users who have not specified a display language Change keyboard settings Customizing your keyboard settings helps you work better and more efficiently. By customizing the settings, you can determine how long you must press a key before the keyboard character starts repeating, the speed at which keyboard characters repeat, and the rate at which the cursor blinks. 1. To change the delay before keyboard characters repeat 1. Click Keyboard in Control Panel to open Keyboard Properties. 2. Under Character repeat, move the Repeat delay slider to the left or right to increase or decrease how long you must hold down a key before the keyboard character repeats, and then click OK. 2. To change the speed at which keyboard characters repeat 1. Click Keyboard in Control Panel to open Keyboard Properties. 2. Under Character repeat, move the Repeat rate slider to the left to make keyboard characters repeat more slowly, or move it to the right to make them repeat more quickly, and then click OK. 3. To change the cursor blink rate 1. Click Keyboard in Control Panel to open Keyboard Properties. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 106

111 2. Move the Cursor blink rate slider to the right or left to increase or decrease the cursor blink speed, and then click OK. If you move the slider all the way to the left, the cursor will stop blinking. Keyboard Properties Type without using the keyboard (On-Screen Keyboard) Instead of relying on the physical keyboard to type and enter data, you can use On-Screen Keyboard. On-Screen Keyboard displays a visual keyboard with all the standard keys. You can select keys using the mouse or another pointing device, or you can use a single key or group of keys to cycle through the keys on the screen. To open the On-Screen Keyboard, click the Start button, All programs, Accessories, Easy of Access and then click the On-Screen Keyboard. On-Screen Keyboard seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 107

112 1. Change how information is entered into On-Screen Keyboard 1. Open On-Screen Keyboard. 2. Click Options, and then, under To use the On-Screen Keyboard, select the mode you want: Typing mode Description Click on keys In clicking mode, you click the on-screen keys to type text. Hover over keys Scan through keys In hovering mode, you use a mouse or joystick to point to a key for a predefined period of time, and the selected character is typed automatically. In scanning mode, On-Screen Keyboard continually scans the keyboard and highlights areas where you can type keyboard characters by pressing a keyboard shortcut, using a switch input device, or using a device that simulates a mouse click. Notes If you are using either hovering mode or scanning mode and accidently minimize On-Screen Keyboard, you can restore it by pointing to it in the taskbar (for hovering mode) or by pressing the scan key (for scanning mode). If you are using a mouse click to select a key in the Scan through keys mode, the mouse pointer must be located over On-Screen Keyboard. The keyboard layout changes in On-Screen Keyboard depending on the language displayed in the active program. 2. Set On-Screen Keyboard to use audible clicks You can have On-Screen Keyboard make an audible click when a key is pressed. 1. Open On-Screen Keyboard. 2. Click Options, select the Use click sound check box, and then click OK. 3. Use a numeric key pad in On-Screen Keyboard You can use a numeric key pad to enter numbers with On-Screen Keyboard. 1. Open On-Screen Keyboard. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 108

113 2. Click Options, select the Turn on numeric keypad check box, and then click OK. 4. Enable text prediction in On-Screen Keyboard When text prediction is enabled, as you type, On-Screen Keyboard displays a list of words that you might be typing. 1. Open On-Screen Keyboard. 2. Click Options, select the Use Text Prediction check box, and then click OK. If you do not want to automatically add a space after you insert a word using text prediction, clear the Insert space after predicted words check box, and then click OK. Notes Text prediction is only available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. To enable text prediction in a specific language, you must first install additional language files for that language. Text prediction is not included in Windows 7 Home Basic Mice Just as you would use your hands to interact with objects in the physical world, you can use your mouse to interact with items on your computer screen. You can move objects, open them, change them, throw them away, and perform other actions, all by pointing and clicking with your mouse Basic Parts A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button (usually the right button). You will use the primary button most often. Most mice also include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help you scroll through documents and webpages more easily. On some mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button. Advanced mice might have additional buttons that can perform other functions Holding and Moving the Mouse Place your mouse beside your keyboard on a clean, smooth surface, such as a mouse pad. Hold the mouse gently, with your index finger resting on the primary button and your thumb resting on the side. To move the mouse, slide it slowly in any direction. Do not twist it keep the front of the seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 109

114 mouse aimed away from you. As you move the mouse, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. If you run out of room to move your mouse on your desk or mouse pad, just pick up the mouse and bring it back closer to you Pointing, Clicking, and Dragging Pointing to an item on the screen means moving your mouse so the pointer appears to be touching the item. When you point to something, a small box often appears that describes the item. For example, when you point to the Recycle Bin on the desktop, a box appears with this information: "Contains the files and folders that you have deleted." The pointer can change depending on what you're pointing to. For example, when you point to a link in your web browser, the pointer changes from an arrow to a hand with a pointing finger. Most mouse actions combine pointing with pressing one of the mouse buttons. There are four basic ways to use your mouse buttons: clicking (single clicking), double clicking, right clicking, and dragging. 1. Single-Clicking To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the primary button (usually the left button). Single Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called clicking or left-clicking. 2. Double-Clicking To double-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then click twice quickly. If the two clicks are spaced too far apart, they might be interpreted as two individual clicks rather than as one double-click. Double-clicking is most often used to open items on your desktop. For example, you can start a program or open a folder by double-clicking its icon on the desktop. Tip If you have trouble double-clicking, you can adjust the double-click speed (the amount of time acceptable between clicks). Follow these steps: 1. Click the Start button, Control Panel, and then click Mouse to open Mouse Properties. 2. Click the Buttons tab, and then, under Double-click speed, move the slider to increase or decrease the speed. 3. Right-Clicking To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the secondary button (usually the right button). seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 110

115 Right-clicking an item usually displays a list of things you can do with the item. For example, when you right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop, Windows displays a menu allowing you to open it, empty it, delete it, or see its properties. If you are ever unsure of what to do with something, right-click it. 4. Dragging You can move items around your screen by dragging them. To drag an object, point to the object on the screen, press and hold the primary button, move the object to a new location, and then release the primary button. Dragging (sometimes called dragging and dropping) is most often used to move files and folders to a different location and to move windows and icons around on your screen Using the Scroll Wheel If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use it to scroll through documents and webpages. To scroll down, roll the wheel backward (toward you). To scroll up, roll the wheel forward (away from you) Tips for Using Your Mouse Safely Holding and moving your mouse properly can help you avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you use your computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems: i). Place your mouse at elbow level. Your upper arms should fall relaxed at your sides. ii). Do not squeeze or grip your mouse tightly. Hold it lightly. iii). Move the mouse by pivoting your arm at your elbow. Avoid bending your wrist up, down, or to the sides. iv). Use a light touch when clicking a mouse button. v). Keep your fingers relaxed. Do not allow them to hover above the buttons. vi). When you do not need to use the mouse, do not hold it. vii). Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 111

116 Change mouse settings You can change your mouse settings to suit your personal preferences in a variety of ways. For example, you can change how fast your mouse pointer moves around the screen, change the pointer's appearance make the mouse pointer more visible, or alter the scroll speed of the mouse wheel. If you are left-handed, you can switch the primary button to be the right button using the mouse settings. 1. To change how the mouse buttons work 1. Click the Start button, Control Panel and then click Mouse to open Mouse Properties. 2. Click the Buttons tab, and then do any of the following: To swap the functions of the right and left mouse buttons, under Button configuration, select the Switch primary and secondary buttons check box. To change how quickly you must click the buttons to perform a double-click, under Double-click speed, move the Speed slider toward Slow or Fast. To turn on ClickLock, which enables you to highlight or drag items without holding down the mouse button, under ClickLock, select the Turn on ClickLock check box. 3. Click OK. 2. To change how the mouse pointer looks 1. Click the Start button, Control Panel and then click Mouse to open Mouse Properties. 2. Click the Pointers tab, and then do one of the following: To give all of your pointers a new look, click the Scheme drop-down list, and then click a new mouse pointer scheme. To change an individual pointer, under Customize, click the pointer you want to change in the list, click seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 112

117 Browse, click the pointer you want to use, and then click Open. 3. Click OK. 3. To change how the mouse pointer works 1. Click the Start button, Control Panel and then click Mouse to open Mouse Properties. 2. Click the Pointer Options tab, and then do any of the following: To change the speed at which the mouse pointer moves, under Motion, move the Select a pointer speed slider toward Slow or Fast. To make the pointer work more accurately when you are moving the mouse slowly, under Motion, select the Enhance pointer precision check box. To speed up the process of selecting a choice when a dialog box appears, under Snap To, select the Automatically move pointer to the default button in a dialog box check box. To make the pointer easier to find when you move it, under Visibility, select the Display pointer trails check box, and then move the slider toward Short or Long to decrease or increase the length of the pointer trail. To ensure that the pointer does not block your view of the text you are typing, under Visibility, select the Hide pointer while typing check box. To find a misplaced pointer by pressing the Ctrl key, under Visibility, select the Show location of pointer when I press the Ctrl key check box. 3. Click OK. 4. To change how the mouse wheel works 1. Click the Start button, Control Panel and then click Mouse to open Mouse Properties. 2. Click the Wheel tab, and then do one of the following: To set the number of lines the screen will scroll for each notch of mouse wheel movement, under Vertical Scrolling, select The following number of lines at a time, and then seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 113

118 enter the number of lines you want to scroll in the box. To scroll an entire screen of text for each notch of the mouse wheel, under Vertical Scrolling, select One screen at a time. If your mouse has a wheel that supports horizontal scrolling, under Horizontal Scrolling, in the Tilt the wheel to scroll the following number of characters at a time box, enter the number of characters you want to scroll horizontally when you tilt the wheel to the left or right. 3. Click OK Make the mouse easier to use You can change how the mouse pointer looks, and turn on other features that can help make it easier to use your mouse. You can adjust these settings on the Make the mouse easier to use page in the Ease of Access Center. 1. Click the Start button, Control Panel, Ease of Access Center and then click Make the mouse easier to use. 2. Select the options that you want to use: Change the color and size of mouse pointers. You can use these options to make the mouse pointer larger, or change the color to make it easier to see. Turn on Mouse Keys. You can use this option to control the movement of the mouse pointer by using the numeric keypad. Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse. This option makes it easier to select and activate a window by pointing at it with the mouse rather than by clicking it. Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen. This option prevents windows from automatically resizing and docking along the sides of your screen when you move them there. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 114

119 8.12 Scanners There are two ways to install a scanner in Windows. The method you choose depends on whether you want to connect the scanner directly to your computer (called a local scanner), or use a scanner that is shared on a network Install a scanner 1. Installing a local scanner Most scanners sold today connect to your computer via a universal serial bus (USB) cable. Do not plug it in yet! Some scanners require you to install driver software before connecting the USB cable, so always follow the setup instructions that came with your device. If your USB scanner did not come with specific setup instructions, plug it in to your computer and Windows should automatically install it. If it is an older model, you might have to install it manually using the Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard. 2. Installing a network scanner Network scanners are typically found in the workplace. Before you begin, it is helpful to know the scanner model and manufacturer name. 1. To open Network, click the Start button, Control Panel and search for Network in the search box. Under Network and Sharing Centre, click View Network computers and devices to open Network. 2. Locate the scanner, right-click it, and then click Install. 3. Follow the instructions to finish adding the scanner. Note This procedure only works with network scanners that support the Microsoft Scan Service (WS-Scan) protocol. For more information, check the information that came with the device or contact your system administrator for help Working with the Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard The Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard is primarily designed to install drivers for older scanners and cameras and some networked scanners that are not automatically recognized by Windows. Before using the wizard, connect your scanner or camera and turn it on. If Windows recognizes the device and installs the appropriate driver, you are all set. There is no need to run the wizard. To start the Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard 1. To open Scanners and Cameras, open the Control Panel, type scanners in the search box and under Devices and Printers, click View Scanners and Cameras. If you are prompted seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 115

120 for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. If you do not see your device listed, make sure it has turned on and connected to your computer. Then click Refresh. 3. If your scanner or camera still does not appear, click Add Device to launch the wizard. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Note The wizard will prompt you to select your scanner or camera from a list. If your scanner or camera is not listed, you will need to obtain drivers for it, either from the manufacturer's website or the installation disc that came with the device. Click Have Disk when asked to choose your scanner or camera. Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard Scan a document or photo with Windows Fax and Scan Windows Fax and Scan can scan documents or photos. All you need to do is attach a scanner to your PC. 1. To scan documents with Windows Fax and Scan Before you begin, make sure your scanner is properly installed and turned on. 1. Click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Fax and Scan. 2. Click Scan at the bottom of the left pane. 3. On the toolbar, click New Scan. 4. In the New Scan dialog box, click the Profile list, and then choose Documents. The default settings for scanning a document, which you can use or change, are automatically displayed. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 116

121 Windows Fax and Scan 5. To see how your document will appear when scanned, click Preview. 6. Click Scan. Scan a document in Windows Fax and Scan seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 117

122 Notes You can crop a document before scanning it by clicking Preview in the New Scan dialog box. In the preview area, drag the handles of the cropping tool to resize. Some scanners can save individual pages in a scanned document as separate files. If your scanner has that capability, you can select the Preview or scan images as separate files check box. If not, this option will be unavailable. To change the default file name for a scanned document or photo, right-click the file name in the Scan view, and then click Rename. To organize your scanned documents or images, right-click the Scan folder in the left pane, and then click New Folder. To move a scanned image or document to a folder, right-click the document, click Move to Folder, and then select the destination. Scanned documents are stored in the Documents folder under Scanned Documents. If you create a new folder in Scanned Documents, it will not appear in the Scan view until you close and reopen Windows Fax and Scan, or collapse and then expand the list of folders. You can automatically forward scanned documents to an address or a network folder. To choose a forwarding option, click Tools, and then click Scan Routing. Select your preferred option, enter the details, and then click Save. 2. To scan pictures with Windows Fax and Scan Before you begin, make sure your scanner is properly installed and turned on. 1. Click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Fax and Scan. 2. Click Scan in the bottom of the left pane. 3. On the toolbar, click New Scan. 4. In the New Scan dialog box, click the Profile list, and then click Photo. The default settings for scanning a photo, which you can use or change, are automatically displayed. 5. To see how the photo will appear when scanned, click Preview. If needed, change your scan settings, and then preview the image again. 6. Click Scan. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 118

123 Notes Scan a picture in Windows Fax and Scan You can crop an image before scanning it by clicking Preview in the New Scan dialog box. In the preview area, drag the handles of the cropping tool to resize. Some scanners can save individual pictures placed on the scanner bed as separate files. If your scanner has that capability, you can select the Preview or scan images as separate files check box. If not, this option will be unavailable. To change the default file name for a scanned document or photo, right-click the file name in the Scan view, and then click Rename. To organize your scanned documents or images, right-click the Scan folder in the left pane, and then click New Folder. To move a scanned image or document to a folder, right-click the document, click Move to Folder, and then select the destination. Scanned documents are stored in the Documents folder under Scanned Documents. If you create a new folder in the Scanned Documents folder, it will not appear in the Scan view until you close and reopen Windows Fax and Scan, or collapse and then expand the list of folders. You can automatically forward scanned documents to an address or a network folder. To choose a forwarding option, click the Tools menu, and then click Scan Routing. Select your preferred option, enter the details, and then click Save. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 119

124 8.13 Speakers Most speakers have a volume control, but you can also control the overall level of sound on your PC Adjust the sound level on your computer 1. Right click the speaker\ volume icon in the notification area and then click Open Volume Mixer to open Volume Mixer. 2. Move the sliders up or down to raise or lower the volume of your speakers, Windows sounds, or other sound devices or programs listed in the Volume Mixer. Move the slider up or down to change the volume. Tip To mute the volume, click the Mute button Change computer sounds You can have your computer play a sound when certain events occur on your computer. (An event can be an action that you perform, such as logging on to your computer, or an action that your computer performs, such as alerting you when you receive new .) Windows comes with several sound schemes (a collection of related sounds) for common events. Additionally, some desktop themes have their own sound schemes. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 120

125 1. To change a sound scheme 1. Open Sound in Control Panel. 2. Click the Sounds tab. 3. In the Sound Scheme list, click the sound scheme that you want to use, and then click OK. Tip To get a sense of what a sound scheme is like, click a scheme. In the Program Events list, click different events, and then click Test to hear how each one sounds in that scheme. 2. To change one or more sounds 1. Open Sound in Control Panel. 2. To change one sound, click the Sounds tab, and then, in the Program Events list, click the event that you want to assign a new sound for. 3. In the Sounds list, click the sound that you want to associate with the event, and then click OK. If the sound you want to use is not listed, click Browse to locate it. 4. To change more than one sound, follow the steps above, but click Apply after clicking each sound, until you have made all the changes you want, and then click OK. Notes To preview any sound in the Program Events list, click the sound, and then click Test. When you change one or more event sounds, a new sound scheme is automatically created, and is given the same name as the current scheme, but with "(modified)" added. For example, if the current scheme is Sonata, and you change one or more sounds, the new scheme is called Sonata (modified). The original sound scheme is preserved with its original name. 3. To rename a sound scheme When you make changes to one or more individual sounds, you create a new sound scheme, which is automatically saved with a new name: the name of the current scheme with "(modified)" added. For example, if the current scheme is Sonata, and you change one or more sounds, the new scheme is called Sonata (modified). But you can give your new sound scheme (or an existing scheme) a new name. 1. Open Sound in Control Panel. 2. Click the Sounds tab. 3. In the Sound Scheme list, click the scheme that you want to rename, click Save As, type a name for the new sound scheme, and then click OK. (If the sound you want to use is not listed, click Browse to locate it.) seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 121

126 8.14 Sync and mobile devices Sync is the process of recording the differences between a file stored in one location and a copy of the same file stored in another location Sync music, pictures, contacts, and calendars with a mobile device There are two ways to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer. You can install the sync software that many manufacturers include with their devices, or you can use the new Device Stage feature in this version of Windows if your device supports this feature. Device Stage lets you sync music, contacts, calendars, and other files and information with a compatible mobile device. It also allows you to perform other device-related tasks that vary depending on the device, such as creating ringtones for a mobile phone. What files and information you can sync depends on the type of device you have and what it supports. For example, you may be able to sync contacts and calendars with a smartphone, but not with a portable music player. To see which types of files and information you can sync with your device, connect the device to your computer. If your device is compatible with Device Stage, this feature will open automatically. (If you have already set up your device to sync, Device Stage will open, but it will appear minimized on your Windows taskbar.) Device Stage will list various tasks you can perform with your device, including sync setup. The Device Stage sync setup page seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 122

127 Notes Device Stage is customized for each device by the manufacturer of that device, and displays different options for different devices. If you have more than one device connected to your computer, you can have more than one instance of Device Stage open at the same time. To find out if a device will work with Device Stage, you can also check with the manufacturer or look at the device specifications. For a mobile phone, music player, digital camera, or other mobile device to work with Device Stage, the manufacturer must add compatible software (also called firmware) to the device To set up your computer to sync contacts, calendars, tasks, or notes with a mobile device Device Stage has different options for syncing contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes than it does for syncing music, pictures, and videos. 1. Turn on a compatible Smartphone or other mobile device that has the ability to work with contacts, calendars, tasks, or notes. Connect it to your computer using a USB or other connection cable; or, if it is a wireless device, connect wirelessly. If Device Stage does not open, your device either does not support this feature of Windows or it isn't properly connected to your computer. 2. In Device Stage, double-click Set up sync. 3. Select the check box for each type of file or information you want to sync (contacts, calendars, notes, or tasks). 4. For each type of content you selected, click the drop-down list and select what program to use as the source for your contacts, calendars, notes, or tasks. If you do not see the program you want listed, click Get more sync plug-ins. This will take you to a page where you can download sync plugs-ins for other programs. Note In order for Device Stage to sync contacts, calendars, notes, or tasks with your device, it must have a source for those files and information. Device Stage can use as its source an program or similar program where you keep your contacts, calendars, notes, or tasks. However, for a program to work with Device Stage, it must have a sync plug-in that allows Device Stage to interact with the program. If you do not see a sync plug-in for the program, it might not be compatible with Device Stage. Check with the program's manufacturer. 5. To sync all your contacts, calendars, notes, or tasks to your device, click Sync now. They will all sync immediately, and again automatically in the future, when your device is connected to your computer. To save these changes and sync automatically in the future (but not now), click Save changes. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 123

128 6. If you want, you can determine how Windows syncs your contacts, calendars, notes, or tasks. Click Settings and then follow the instructions. When you are done changing these settings, click OK to return to the sync settings page and then click Save changes or Sync now To set up your computer to sync music, pictures, or videos with a mobile device Device Stage has different options for syncing music, pictures, and videos than it does for syncing contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes. 1. Turn on a compatible music player or other mobile device that is able to store music, pictures, or videos. Connect it to your computer using a USB or other cable connection; or, if it is a wireless device, connect wirelessly. 2. In Device Stage, double-click Set up sync. 3. Select the check box for each type of file or information you want to sync (music, photos, or videos). 4. To sync all the music, pictures, or videos in your Windows libraries, select Sync now. This will begin syncing them immediately and also sync them automatically in the future, when your device is connected to your computer. To save these changes and sync automatically in the future (but not now), click Save changes. 5. If you want, you can choose what music, pictures, or videos to sync to your device. Click Settings and then follow the instructions. The information at the bottom of the sync settings page shows how much space you have used on your device, how much free (available) space is left on the device, and how much space is required to sync all the music, photos, or videos you've selected. Because music, photos, and videos can take up large amounts of space, it is a good idea to check how much available space is on your device when deciding what to sync. 6. After you is done selecting what music, photos, and videos to sync, click OK to return to the sync settings page and then click Save changes or Sync now To check if your mobile device is connected to your computer Any mobile device successfully connected to your computer should appear in Devices and Printers in Control Panel, whether the device is connected with a cable or wirelessly. The device should appear here even if it is not compatible with Device Stage. 1. Open Devices and Printers in Control Panel. 2. Look for your device. If the device is connected properly, its name should appear in Devices and Printers. It might be listed under a different (and sometimes not obviously related) name than the make and model of the device. If you have not changed the name seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 124

129 of a device in Windows, Devices and Printers will display whatever name the manufacturer gave the device. Notes If you do not see your device in Devices and Printers, and you are sure you connected it correctly to your computer, make sure the device is turned on and has fresh batteries or is fully charged. If you see your device in Devices and Printers, but it does not automatically open Device Stage when you connect it to your computer, then the device is not compatible with Device Stage. It should automatically open AutoPlay instead. After you have set up your device to sync with Device Stage, the next time you connect the device to your computer, Device Stage will open automatically, but it will be collapsed on the Windows taskbar. To change your sync settings, click the device icon on the taskbar to open Device Stage How sync works After you have set up your device to sync, Windows automatically syncs files with the device any time you connect it to your computer. If you leave the device connected for a long time, Windows checks for new contacts, calendars, and similar types of files to sync approximately every 30 minutes. Windows also checks for new music, pictures, and videos that you have set up to sync, but only when you connect the device or click Sync Now in Device Stage. If your device is set up to sync automatically, this can drain the battery quicker than if sync is turned off. If it seems like Windows is taking a long time to sync some files, it might be due to the types of files it's syncing. For example, video files can be quite large and take much longer to sync than music or photos. If you are about to sync many files such as your entire music collection with a new device, it might take a long time. After you have finished syncing the files once, however, Windows will only sync new files next time, which should be a lot quicker. Note Device Stage allows you to sync as many folders on your computer as you want with a device. However, you can only sync up to 50 folders that aren't in your Windows libraries, such as your Music Library or Photo Library. If you have more than 50 folders you want to sync a device with, make sure they are in your libraries Sync with a wireless device Windows can sync with compatible mobile devices that you connect wirelessly to your computer. Many mobile phones connect using Bluetooth wireless technology. Syncing a Bluetooth enabled device wirelessly can be much slower than syncing a device connected by a cable. If syncing is taking too long, try connecting the device to your computer using a USB cable or whatever wired connection the device supports, if any. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 125

130 Some wireless devices use Wireless USB or Wi-Fi connections. These are typically faster than Bluetooth connections Stop syncing with a mobile device If your mobile device is set up to sync using a program from the device manufacturer, open that program to stop the device from syncing. If you have a mobile device that is set up to sync using the new Device Stage feature in this version of Windows, here's how to stop it from syncing. 1. Turn on your mobile device and connect it to your computer, either with a cable or through a wireless connection. If it is a wireless device, place your device within range of the computer. 2. Wait for Device Stage to open automatically. If you have already set up your device to sync, Device Stage will open, but it will appear minimized on your Windows taskbar. If Device Stage does not open, then you are either syncing your device using a different program or Windows is unable to detect your device. Make sure your device is turned on and properly connected to your computer. 3. In Device Stage, double-click Set up sync. 4. On the Set up sync page, uncheck each type of file or information you previously selected to sync. When no items are checked, click Save changes. Windows will no longer sync with your device. Note Windows gives you two options for syncing a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer. You can install the sync software that many manufacturers include with their devices, or you can use Device Stage, if your device supports this feature Televisions TV and your computer Did you know that almost any computer can be transformed into a hub for your home entertainment? By connecting your computer to a television, the media that you store on your computer such as digital pictures and videos can be displayed on a large screen. It is even possible to use your computer as a digital video recorder (DVR) to watch and record TV. seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 126

131 An example of a computer connected to a TV and an optional remote control Connect your computer to a TV To connect your computer to a TV, your computer needs to have an output port that matches one of the input ports on your TV. After you have the right cable, follow these steps to connect your computer to your TV: 1. Turn off your computer and position it within easy reach of your TV. Disconnect the monitor, but leave the mouse and keyboard connected. 2. Connect the appropriate video cable from your computer's output to your TV. 3. Turn on your TV and set it to the input that matches the output on your computer. You might need to refer to the user's guide included with your TV for instructions on how to do this. 4. Turn on your computer. You should see Windows displayed on your TV. If the screen looks stretched, or part of the screen seems cut off, you probably need to adjust the screen resolution in Windows. If you cannot see Windows on your TV, you might need to reconnect the computer to your monitor and adjust the screen resolution before you connect to your TV. Notes Cables for VGA, DVI, and component video do not support audio signals. However, HDMI cables do support audio signals, but not all HDMI-enabled video cards support audio. If seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 127

132 your HDTV has an audio input, you might be able to connect a separate audio cable from your computer sound card directly to the TV. Otherwise, you will need to connect the audio signal to a different device, such as external computer speakers or your home stereo system. If your computer does not support the type of video connection you need, then you might be able to install a new video card that has the right connection What you will need if you have an HDTV Because almost every computer has an output port, you can use a cable to connect your computer to your high-definition television (HDTV). Most computers have a VGA output port (so using VGA cables is very common). Others have Digital Visual Interface (DVI), highdefinition multimedia interface (HDMI), or component video output ports, which all require different kinds of cables. The following scenarios show you how you can connect a computer to an HDTV: If your computer has this type of output port It should work with this type of TV input port Using this type of cable HDMI HDMI HDMI to HDMI DVI DVI or HDMI DVI to DVI or DVI to HDMI VGA VGA VGA to VGA What you will need if you have a standard-definition TV Most standard-definition TVs support only composite video or S-Video connections. If your computer supports one of these, you might be able to connect it to your TV. However, both of these connection types will result in displays that are not as sharp as the results you get with an HDTV or with a standard computer monitor. The following scenarios show you how you can connect a computer to a standard-definition TV: If your computer has this type of output port It should work with this type of TV input port Using this type of cable Composite video Composite video Composite video to composite video S-Video S-Video S-Video to S-Video HDTV: Frequently Asked Questions FAQ If you have a high-definition television (HDTV), you can connect your computer to it for better monitor display quality. 1. What do I need to connect my computer to an HDTV? seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 128

133 That depends on your television and the types of video cables that can be connected to it. Just about every computer has a VGA output. If your HDTV has a VGA input, you can use a VGA cable to connect the computer to the TV. If your HDTV does not have a VGA input, you might be able to use a different kind of cable to connect your computer to your HDTV. For example, if your computer has an HDMI, DVI, or component video output and your HDTV has a corresponding input, you will probably be able to connect the two. If your computer does not have any of these video outputs, you might be able to replace the video card in your computer with a newer, HDTV-compatible video card. 2. Why can't I hear audio when I connect my computer to an HDTV? VGA, DVI, and component video cables do not support audio signals. HDMI cables do support audio signals, but not all HDMI-enabled video cards support audio. If your HDTV has an audio input, you might be able to connect a separate audio cable from your computer's sound card directly to the TV. Otherwise, you will need to connect the audio signal to a different output device, such as external computer speakers or your home stereo system. 3. After connecting my computer to an HDTV, the picture on my TV is stretched. How can I fix it? You need to change the screen resolution settings in Windows. 1. Open Screen Resolution in Control Panel. 2. Click the Resolution drop-down menu, and move the slider to choose a different resolution. Keep an eye on the picture above the menu as you move the slider. Most HDTV sets use the 16:9 widescreen format, so you need want to choose a screen resolution where the shape of the picture matches the wide format of your HDTV. 3. When you find a screen resolution that looks right, click Apply. 4. If the new screen resolution looks correct, click Keep changes, and then click OK. Note If your computer's video card has been designed to work well with HDTV, it might come with its own software for setting screen resolution to match the 16:9 format. 4. Can I connect a computer to both a monitor and an HDTV at the same time? Yes. If your computer's video card is HDTV-compatible, it will probably have two or more video outputs. Connect one to your computer monitor and another to your HDTV. Both of them should automatically display what is on your computer. 5. After connecting my computer to an HDTV, why can't I see certain windows on my computer monitor anymore? This is normal. Certain kinds of computer information, such as games and video, will only appear on the HDTV. You will see a blank screen or a blank window on the computer seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 129

134 TV tuner monitor. To see this information on the computer monitor, you must temporarily disconnect the HDTV. A TV tuner is a device that allows you to watch and record TV on your computer. A typical TV tuner card If you have problems with your TV tuner, the manufacturer's website is the best place to go for software updates and technical support. If your TV tuner came pre-installed inside your computer, contact your computer manufacturer How do I watch or record TV on my computer? To watch or record TV on your computer, you need three things: 1. A TV tuner There are many types of TV tuners, from internal expansion cards, known as TV tuner cards, to external TV tuners that connect to your computer through a USB port or IEEE 1394 port. Some computers come with TV tuners. If your computer does not have a TV tuner, you might be able to add one. A typical external TV tuner seyaro.com Simplified Computer Programming and Application Page 130