Prepared by Neal Utting For use by Educational Institutions MyComputer With XP Page

Transcription

1 Prepared by Neal Utting For use by Educational Institutions MyComputer With XP Page

2 MY COMPUTER WITH XP (Version 11.2) This manual has been modified for Windows XP from Help and Support in Microsoft VISTA. Are you new to computers? Do you wonder what they do and why you would want to use one? Welcome you're in the right place. This course gives an overview of computers: what they are, the different types, and what you can do with them. What are computers? Computers are machines that perform tasks or calculations according to a set of instructions, or programs. The first fully electronic computers, introduced in the 1940s, were huge machines that required teams of people to operate. Compared to those early machines, today's computers are amazing. Not only are they thousands of times faster, they can fit on your desk, in your lap, or even in your pocket. Computers work through an interaction of hardware and software. Hardware refers to the parts of a computer that you can see and touch, including the case and everything inside it. The most important piece of hardware is a tiny rectangular chip inside your computer called the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor. It's the "brain" of your computer the part that translates instructions and performs calculations. Hardware items such as your monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other components are often called hardware devices, or devices. Software refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do. A word processing program that you can use to write letters on your computer is a type of software. The operating system (OS; e.g. Windows XP, Windows Vista) is software that manages your computer and the devices connected to it. Two well-known operating systems are Windows and Mac OS. Your computer uses the Windows operating system. Types of computers Computers range in size and capability. At one end of the scale are supercomputers, very large computers with thousands of linked microprocessors that perform extremely complex calculations. At the other end are tiny computers embedded in cars, TVs, stereo systems, calculators, and appliances. These computers are built to perform a limited number of tasks. The personal computer, or PC, is designed to be used by one person at a time. This section describes the various kinds of personal computers: desktops, laptops, handheld computers, and Tablet PCs. Desktop computers Desktop computers are designed for use at a desk or table. They are typically larger and more powerful than other types of personal computers. Desktop computers are made up of separate components. The main component, called the system unit, is usually a rectangular case that sits on or underneath a desk. Other components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard, connect to the system unit. My Computer With XP Page 2

3 Laptop (Notebook) and Netbook computers Laptop (and the smaller Netbook) computers are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. can operate on batteries, so you can take them anywhere. Unlike desktops, laptops combine the CPU, screen, and keyboard in a single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use. Handheld computers Handheld computers, also called personal digital assistants (PDAs), are battery-powered computers small enough to carry almost anywhere. Although not as powerful as desktops or laptops, handhelds are useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some (including Smartphones) have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet. Instead of keyboards, handhelds have touch screens that you use with your finger or a stylus (a pen-shaped pointing tool). Tablet PCs Tablet PCs are mobile PCs that combine features of laptops and handhelds. Like laptops, they're powerful and have a built-in screen. Like handhelds, they allow you to write notes or draw pictures on the screen, usually with a tablet pen instead of a stylus. They can also convert your handwriting into typed text. Some Tablet PCs are convertibles with a screen that swivels and unfolds to reveal a keyboard What can you do with computers? In the workplace, many people use computers to keep records, analyze data, do research, and manage projects. At home, you can use computers to find information, store pictures and music, track finances, play games, and communicate with others and those are just a few of the possibilities. You can also use your computer to connect to the Internet, a network that links computers around the world. Internet access is available for a monthly fee in most urban areas, and increasingly, in less populated areas. With Internet access, you can communicate with people all over the world and find a vast amount of information. Here are some of the most popular things to do with computers: The Web The World Wide Web (usually called the Web, or web) is a gigantic storehouse of information. The web is the most popular part of the Internet, partly because it displays most information in a visually appealing format. Headlines, text, and pictures can be combined on a single webpage much like a page in a magazine along with sounds and animation. A website is a collection of interconnected webpages. The web contains millions of websites and billions of webpages. MyComputer With XP Page 3

4 Surfing the web means exploring it. You can find information on the web about almost any topic imaginable. For example, you can read news stories and movie reviews, check airline schedules, see street maps, get the weather forecast for your city, or research a health condition. Most companies, government agencies, museums, and libraries have websites with information about their products, services, or collections. Reference sources, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias, are also widely available. The web is also a shopper's delight. You can browse and purchase products books, music, toys, clothing, electronics, and much more at the websites of major retailers. You can also buy and sell used items through websites that use auction-style bidding. E mail E mail (short for electronic mail) is a convenient way to communicate with others. When you send an e mail message, it arrives almost instantly in the recipient's e mail inbox. You can send e mail to many people simultaneously, and you can save, print, and forward e mail to others. You can send almost any type of file in an e mail message, including documents, pictures, and music files. And with e mail, you don't need a stamp! Instant messaging Instant messaging is like having a real-time conversation with another person or a group of people. When you type and send an instant message, the message is immediately visible to all participants. Unlike e mail, all participants have to be online (connected to the Internet) and in front of their computers at the same time. Communicating by means of instant messaging is called chatting. Pictures, music, and movies If you have a digital camera, you can move your pictures from the camera to your computer. Then you can print them, create slide shows, or share them with others by e mail or by posting them on a website. You can also listen to music on your computer, either by importing (transferring to your computer) music from audio CDs or by purchasing songs from a music website. Or, tune in to one of the thousands of radio stations that broadcast over the Internet. If your computer comes with a DVD player, you can watch movies. Talk and see friends using Skype. Read ebooks. Gaming Do you like to play games? Thousands of computer games in every conceivable category are available to entertain you. Get behind the wheel of a race car, battle frightening creatures in a dungeon, or control civilizations and empires! Many games allow you to compete with other players around the world through the Internet. Windows includes a variety of card games, puzzle games, and strategy games. Parts of a computer If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.) The illustration on the next page shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system may look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single notebook-sized package. My Computer With XP Page 4

5 Let's take a look at each of these parts. System unit The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off. Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables, although some (mouse, keyboard) may be wireless. The cables plug into specific ports (sockets), typically on the back of the system unit. Your computer has one or more disk drives devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off. Hard disk drive Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. 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. CD/DVD drives (Optical drives) Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit (side of a laptop). External CD drives are available for netbooks. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer. DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs. Some CDs and DVDs are rewritable (RW) If you have an external hard drive or recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data. MyComputer With XP Page 5

6 Floppy disk drive Earlier computers also had floppy disk drives to store information on floppy disks (also called floppies or diskettes). Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks stored only a small amount of data. They are no longer used. Flash Drive Instead, flash drives (also known as pen drives, thumb drives, memory sticks, USB memory, etc.) are now commonly used (a 1GB flash drive holds as much as 700 floppy disks). The flash drive plugs into a USB port. Mouse A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless. A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button (usually the right button). The left button is the one you will use 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. Using your mouse 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, and perform other actions, all by pointing and clicking with your 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 left button and your thumb resting on the side. To move the mouse, slide it slowly in any direction. Don't twist it keep the front of the mouse aimed away from you. As you move the mouse, a pointer (see picture) 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. Hold the mouse lightly, keeping your wrist straight. Mouse pointers When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the left button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. My Computer With XP Page 6

7 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." Pointing to an object often reveals a descriptive message about it. 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, double-clicking, right-clicking, and dragging. Clicking (single-clicking) To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the left button. Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called single-clicking or left-clicking. 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. Right-clicking To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the right button. 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're ever unsure of what to do with something, right-click it. Right-clicking the Recycle Bin opens a menu of related commands. Clicking the Application key (below Shift at the right of the keyboard) is the same as clicking the right button. 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 left button, move the object to a new location, and then release the left 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). MyComputer With XP Page 7

8 Tip If you have trouble double-clicking, you can adjust the double-click speed (the amount of time acceptable between clicks). Follow these steps: Click on Start > Control Panel; double-click on Mouse (the window at right opens) Note: If the Control Panel screen has Pick a Category, click on Swiutch to Classic View in the left panel Click the Buttons tab, and then, under Double-click speed, move the slider to increase or decrease the speed. Note for left-handed users: to change the Left/Right buttons: click on the box by Switch primary and secondary buttons but DO NOT do this on SeniorNet computers). If it has been changed (there is a tick in the box), you must click on the box with the RIGHT button Customizing your mouse You can change your mouse settings (AT HOME! look, but don t change anything on Senior- Net computers) to suit your personal preferences: To switch the Left/Right buttons: see the Tips box above. To change how the mouse pointer looks: click the Pointers tab, and then do one of the following: To give all of your pointers a new look: click the Scheme list, and then click a new mouse pointer scheme. To change an individual pointer: click the pointer you want to change in the Custom -ize list, click Browse, click the pointer you want to use, and then click Open. To change how the mouse pointer works: click the Pointer Options tab, and then do any of the following: To change the speed at which the mouse pointer moves: move the Select a pointer speed slider towards Slow or Fast. To make the pointer work more accurately when you're moving the mouse slowly: select the Enhance pointer precision check box. To speed the process of selecting a choice when a dialog box appears: 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: select the Display pointer trails check box, and then move the slider towards Short or Long to decrease or increase the length of the pointer trail. To ensure that the pointer doesn't block your view of the text you're typing: select the Hide pointer while typing check box. To find a misplaced pointer by pressing the CTRL key: select the Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key check box. My Computer With XP Page 8

9 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: Place your mouse at elbow level. Your upper arms should fall relaxed at your sides. Don't squeeze or grip your mouse tightly. Hold it lightly. Move the mouse by pivoting your arm at your elbow. Avoid bending your wrist up, down, or to the sides. Use a light touch when clicking a mouse button. Keep your fingers relaxed. Don't allow them to hover just above the buttons. When you don't need to use the mouse, don't hold it. Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes. Keyboard Note: these notes apply to full-size keyboards. Laptops have fewer keys, with different arrangements. A full-size keyboard with USB cable can be attached to a laptop. A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys Whether you're writing a letter or entering numerical data, your keyboard is the main way to enter information into your computer. But did you know you can 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. How the keys are organized The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function: Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter. 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. Control Keys Function Keys Numeric Keypad Indicator Lights Typing (alphanumeric) Keys Space Bar Navigation Keys MyComputer With XP Page 9

10 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. 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. Numeric keypad (not on laptops). 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 illustration above right shows how these keys are arranged on a typical keyboard. Your keyboard layout may differ and keyboards of laptops are quite different (not illustrated). Typing text Whenever you need to type something in a program, e mail message, or text box, you'll see a blinking vertical line ( ). That's 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 (see the "Using navigation keys" section of this manual). In addition to letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and symbols, the typing keys also include SHIFT, CAPS LOCK, the TAB key, ENTER, the SPACEBAR, DELETEand BACKSPACE. Using keyboard shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are ways to perform actions by using your keyboard. They're 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. Key name SHIFT CAPS LOCK TAB ENTER SPACEBAR DELETE BACKSPACE How to use it Press SHIFT in combination with a letter to type an uppercase letter. Press SHIFT in combination with another key to type the symbol shown on the upper part of that key. Press CAPS LOCK once to type all letters as uppercase. Press CAPS LOCK again to turn this function off. Your keyboard may have a light indicating when CAPS LOCK is on. Press the TAB key to move the cursor several spaces forward. You can also press the TAB key to 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 box, press ENTER to select the highlighted button. Press the SPACEBAR to add one space. Press DELETE to delete the character or selected text after the cursor. Press BACKSPACE to delete the character or selected text before the cursor 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 together and then press A. My Computer With XP Page 10

11 Find program shortcuts You can do things in most programs by using the keyboard. To see which commands have keyboard shortcuts: Open WordPad; type a few letters; select these Click on the File menu The shortcuts available are shown next to the menu items. Keyboard shortcuts appear next to menu items. Choose menus, commands, and options You can open menus and choose commands and other options using your keyboard. Press ALT (the File menu is highlighted, and one letter of each of the other menu headings is highlighted) Use the keyboard Left/Right cursor keys to move to other menus OR: press the underlined letter of another menu to move to that menu (e.g. press I to move to the Insert menu) Use the keyboard Down cursor key to open the menu, and the Up/ Down keys to move between menu items OR: press the underlined letter of the menu to open that tem (e.g. press P in the File menu to print. That is, press ALT+F to open the File menu, 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. Useful shortcuts The following table lists some of the more useful keyboard shortcuts. Press this Windows logo key ALT+TAB ALT+F4 CTRL+S CTRL+C CTRL+X CTRL+V CTRL+Z CTRL+A CTRL+P F1 Windows logo key To do this Open the Start menu Switch between open programs or windows Close the active item, or exit the active program Save the current file or document (works in most programs) Copy the selected item Cut the selected item Paste the selected item Undo an action Select all items in a document or window Print Display Help for a program or Windows Start button menu MyComputer With XP Page 11

12 Press this To do this ESC Application key Cancel the current task Open a menu of commands related to a selection in a program. Equivalent to right-clicking the selection. Using navigation keys The navigation keys allow you to move the cursor, move around in documents and webpages, and edit text. The table (below) lists some common functions of these keys. Key name LEFT ARROW, RIGHT ARROW, UP ARROW, or DOWN ARROW HOME END CTRL+HOME CTRL+END PAGE UP PAGE DOWN INSERT (don t use this) How to use it Move the cursor or selection one space or line in the direction of the arrow, or scroll a webpage in the direction of the arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of a line or move to the top of a webpage Move the cursor to the end of a line or move to the bottom of a webpage Move to the top of a document Move to the bottom of a document Move the cursor or page up one screen Move the cursor or page down one screen Turn Insert mode off or on. When Insert mode is on, text that you type is inserted at the cursor. When Insert mode is off, text that you type replaces existing characters Using the numeric keypad (usually not present on Laptops, Netbooks) 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 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 Start > All Programs > Accessories > Calculator 2. Check your keyboard light to see if NUM LOCK is on. If it isn't, 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. My Computer With XP Page 12

13 Three odd keys So far, we've discussed almost every key you're likely to use. But for the truly inquisitive, let's explore the three most mysterious keys on the keyboard: PRINT SCREEN, SCROLL LOCK, and PAUSE/BREAK. Print Screen (or Prt Scn) A long time ago, this key actually did what it says it sent the current screen of text to your printer. Nowadays, pressing PRINT SCREEN 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 SYS RQ, which shares the key with PRINT SCREEN on some keyboards. Historically, SYS RQ was designed to be a "system request," but this command is not enabled in Windows. Scroll Lock(or Scr Lk) 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. 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: Place your keyboard at elbow level. Your upper arms should be relaxed at your sides. Center your keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, you can use the spacebar as the centering point. 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. 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. While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight. When you're not typing, relax your arms and hands. Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes. MyComputer With XP Page 13

14 Turning off your computer properly To turn off your computer, click the Start button, and then click the Turn Off Computer button menu. The Turn Off Computer window appears in the centre of the screen, with three buttons: Stand by: When you click this button, your computer goes to sleep. Windows automatically saves your work, the display turns off, and any noise from the computer's fan stops. Usually, a light on the outside of your computer case blinks or turns yellow to indicate that the computer is sleeping. The whole process takes only a few seconds. Because Windows saves your work, there's no need to close your programs and files before putting your computer to sleep. The next time you turn on your computer (and enter your password, if required), the screen will look exactly as it did when you turned off your computer. Note: While your computer is sleeping, it uses a very small amount of power to maintain your work in its memory. If you're using a mobile PC, don't worry the battery won't be drained. After the computer has been sleeping for several hours, or if the battery is running low, your work is saved to the hard disk, and then your computer turns off completely, drawing no power. To wake your computer, press the power button on your computer case. Because you don't have to wait for Windows to start, your computer wakes within seconds and you can resume work almost immediately. Standby is a state in which your monitor and hard disks turn off, so that your computer uses less power. When you want to use the computer again, it comes out of standby quickly, and your desktop is restored exactly as you left it. Use standby to save power when you will be away from the computer for a short time while working. Because Standby does not save your desktop state to disk, a power failure while on Standby can cause you to lose unsaved information. Turn Off: Shuts down the computer and turns off the power. Restart: Shuts down the computer, then starts it again; this can cure some problems. The Power settings can be changed: 1. Click on Start > Control Panel; double-click on Power Options Note: If the Control Panel has Pick a Category in the right panel, click on Switch to Classic View in the left panel 2. If you are using a laptop, click on the reveal button at the right of the top bar; select Portable/Laptop My Computer With XP Page 14

15 2. Make changes to power-saving Turn off monitor, etc. if desired; click on Apply 3. Click on the Advanced tab. When you put your computer into hibernation, everything in computer memory is saved on your hard disk, and your computer is switched off. When you turn the computer back on, all programs and documents that were open when you turned the computer off are restored on the desktop. To put your computer into hibernation, you must have a computer that is set up by the manufacturer to support this option. The illustrations show the options available in the Advanced tab (at right), and the options available when the Power button is pressed Note: Starting your computer after it has been shut down takes longer than waking your computer from sleep typically 30 seconds or more, depending on the speed of your computer. Also note that windows can be closed by pressing the Esc key on the keyboard. Tip (Laptop): To save battery power and quickly resume working, select Sleep for When I close the lid. When you wake your mobile PC, Windows restores your work session within seconds. When to shut down Even though putting your computer to sleep is the fastest way to turn it off, and the best option for resuming work quickly, there are certain times when you should shut down instead: When you are adding or upgrading the hardware inside your computer such as installing memory, a disk drive, a sound card, or a video card. Shut down the computer, and then disconnect it from its power source before proceeding with the upgrade. When you are adding a printer, monitor, external drive, or other hardware device that does not connect to a universal serial bus (USB) or IEEE 1394 port on your computer. Shut down the computer before connecting the device. Note: When adding hardware that uses a USB cable, you don't need to turn off the computer first. Most newer devices use USB cables. The Desktop The desktop is the main screen area that you see after you turn on your computer and log on to Windows. Like the top of an actual desk, it serves as a surface for your work. When you open programs or folders, they appear on the desktop. You can also put things on the desktop, such as files and folders, and arrange them however you want. The desktop is sometimes defined more broadly to include the taskbar. The taskbar sits at the bottom of your screen. It shows you which programs are running and allows you to switch between them. It also contains the Start button, which you can use to access programs, folders, and computer settings. MyComputer With XP Page 15

16 Where did my desktop go? Because programs run on top of the desktop, the desktop itself is often partially or completely hidden. But it's still there, underneath everything. To see the whole desktop without closing any of your open programs or windows, click on the Show Desktop icon located in the Quick Start menu beside the Start button (however, it might not present). Click the icon again to restore all of your windows to the way they were. Working with desktop icons Icons are small pictures that represent files, folders, programs, and other items. When you first start Windows, you'll see at least one icon on your desktop: the Recycle Bin (more on that later). Your computer manufacturer might have added other icons to the desktop. Some examples of desktop icons are shown. Double-clicking a desktop icon starts or opens the item it represents. For example, double-clicking the Internet Explorer icon starts Internet Explorer. Adding and removing icons from the desktop You can choose which icons appear on the desktop you can add or remove an icon at any time. Some people like a clean, uncluttered desktop with few or no icons. Others place dozens of icons on their desktop to give them quick access to frequently used programs, files, and folders. If you want easy access from the desktop to your favorite files or programs, create shortcuts to them. A shortcut is an icon that represents a link to an item, rather than the item itself. When you double-click a shortcut, the item opens. If you delete a shortcut, only the shortcut is removed, not the original item. You can identify shortcuts by the arrow on their icon. To add a shortcut to the Desktop 1. Locate the item (program, file or folder) that you want to create a shortcut for. If it is a program, the file will have the filename extension.exe. (For help with finding a file or folder, see the section Search, p20.) 2. Right-click on the item; click on Send To; then click Desktop (create shortcut). The shortcut icon appears on your desktop. 3. With windows minimized or restored down (centre button at top right), right-click on the item and drag onto a part of the Desktop showing; release the button; click on Copy here To remove an icon from the Desktop Drag the file onto the Recycle Bin icon and release the button OR: Right-click the icon, and then click Delete. If the icon is a shortcut, only the shortcut is removed; the original item is not deleted. My Computer With XP Page 16 A file icon (top) and a shortcut icon (below)

17 Moving icons around Windows stacks icons in columns on the left side of the desktop. But you're not stuck with that arrangement. You can move an icon by dragging it to a new place on the desktop. You can also have Windows automatically arrange your icons Right-click an empty area of the desktop, click View, and then click Auto Arrange. Windows stacks your icons in the upper-left corner and locks them in place. To unlock the icons so that you can move them again, click Auto Arrange again, clearing the check mark next to it. Note: By default, Windows spaces icons evenly on an invisible grid. To place icons closer together or with more precision, turn off the grid: Right-click an empty area of the desktop, click View, and then click Align to Grid to clear the check mark. Repeat these steps to turn the grid back on. Selecting multiple icons To move or delete a bunch of icons at once, you must first select all of them. Click an empty area of the desktop and drag the mouse. Surround the icons that Select multiple desktop you want to select with the rectangle that appears. Then release the mouse button. Now you can drag the icons as a group or delete icons by them. Caution: Don t move the mouse while you click; this may dragging a result in copies of the files being made. rectangle The Recycle Bin around them When you delete a file or folder, it doesn't actually get deleted right away it goes to the Recycle Bin. That's a good thing, because if you ever change your mind and decide you need a deleted file, you can get it back: When you delete a file from your computer, it's temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin. This gives you an opportunity to recover accidentally deleted files from the Recycle Bin and restore them to your computer: 1. On the desktop, double-click on Recycle Bin. 2. Do one of the following: To restore a file, right-click it, and then click Restore. To restore all of the files, on the toolbar, click Restore all items. The files will be restored to their original location on your computer. If you're sure that you won't need the deleted items again, you can empty the Recycle Bin. This will permanently delete the items and reclaim any disk space they were using: Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop. Then do one of the following: To delete one file, click it, and then press Delete. To delete all of the files, on the toolbar, click Empty the Recycle Bin. Tips To empty the Recycle Bin without opening it, right-click the Recycle Bin, and then click Empty Recycle Bin. To permanently delete a file from your computer without first sending it to the Recycle Bin, click the file, and then press SHIFT+DELETE. MyComputer With XP Page 17

18 Desktop Properties When you right-click on the desktop the Display Properties window appears, with the Themes tab open. Themes tab: Click on the beside the Theme bar to see (and try) further options. Click on OK to close this tab. Desktop tab: This shows the current background. Click on the options listed under Background and click on OK to select these. To put your own pictures on the desktop: click on Browse ; locate and select a possible picture in the My Pictures folder; click on Open (the picture is now listed under Background, and can be selected). Screen Saver tab: Click on the beside the Screen Saver bar to see (and try) the options. To adjust the settings of the Screen Saver: Click on Settings ; make changes in the window which appears ( Bezier is shown far right) The time after the last computer activity when the Screen Saver appears can be adjusted. Click Apply if you make changes. The Power Options : Click on the Power button (the Power Options Properties window opens). Changes to settings may be made: Turn off monitor (screen saver begins) Turn off hard disks System standby System hibernate My Computer With XP Page 18

19 Appearance tab: This allows changes to the colours and layout of Windows and Buttons, the Color Scheme, and the Font Size. Further changes can be made using the Effects and Advanced buttons. Settings tab: This has a slider for selecting the Screen Resolution, according to the settings available for the monitor (number of pixels across and down). Smaller numbers of pixels have larger toolbars, icons, etc., (and leave smaller working areas). Select the size which allows you to view these comfortably. MyComputer With XP Page 19

20 The Start menu (overview) The Start menu is the main gateway to your computer's programs, folders, and settings. It's called a menu because it provides a list of choices, just as a restaurant menu does. And as "Start" implies, it's often the place that you'll go to start or open things. Use the Start menu to do these common activities: Start programs Open commonly used folders Search for files, folders, and programs Adjust computer settings Get help with the Windows operating system Turn off the computer Log off from Windows or switch to a different user account Getting started with the Start menu To open the Start menu, click the Start button screen. Or, press the Windows logo key The Start menu is divided into four basic parts: My Computer With XP Page 20 in the lower-left corner of your on your keyboard. The Start menu appears. The left panel shows a short list of programs on your computer. Your computer manufacturer can customize this list, so its exact appearance will vary. Clicking All Programs displays a complete list of programs (more on this later). The right panel provides access to commonly used folders, files, settings, and features. The bottom is where you go to log off from Windows or turn off your computer. Opening programs from the Start menu One of the most common uses of the Start menu is opening programs installed on your computer. To open a program shown in the left panel of the Start menu, click it. The program opens and the Start menu closes. If you don't see the program you want to open, click All Programs at the bottom of the left pane. A list of programs opens. Some of these have a beside them So what's inside the folders with? More programs. Click Accessories, for example, and a list of programs that are stored in that folder appears (and some of these also have a ). Clicking one of the program icons launches the program, and the Start menu closes.

21 Note: when you move from an item to one to the right, you must keep the cursor in the boxes. You might notice that over time, the lists of programs in your Start menu change. This happens for two reasons. First, when you install new programs, they get added to the All Programs list. Second, the Start menu detects which programs you use the most, and it places them in the bottom section of the left panel for quick access. The right panel The right panel of the Start menu contains links to parts of Windows that you're likely to use frequently. Here they are, from top to bottom: My Documents. Opens Windows Explorer showing the contents of My Documents folder, where you can store and open text files, spreadsheets, presentations, and other kinds of documents. My Recent Documents. Opens a list of files you've opened recently. Click one of the files in the list to open it. My Pictures. Opens Windows Explorer showing the contents of My Pictures folder, where you can store and view digital pictures and graphics files. My Music. Opens Windows Explorer showing the contents of My Music folder, where you can store and play music and other audio files. My Computer. Opens Windows Explorer showing the contents of My Computer folder, where you can access disk drives, cameras, printers, scanners, and other hardware connected to your computer. My Network Places. Opens a window where you can set up a home or small office network, view existing connections, and add further places. Control Panel. Opens Control Panel, where you can customise the appearance and functionality of your computer, add or remove programs, set up network connections, and manage user accounts. Set Program Access and Defaults. Opens a window where you can choose which program you want Windows to use for activities like web browsing, editing pictures, sending , and playing music and videos. Connect To. To open your internet connection, or show connections in a network. Printers and Faxes. Shows installed printers, and helps you add further ones. Help and Support. Opens Windows Help and Support, where you can browse and search Help topics about using Windows and your computer. Search. Find files and folders on your computer Run. Open files if you know the filepath. Add items to the right panel (if not already there) Some of the items above may not be on your computer. You can add more: 1. Right-click on the Start button; click on Properties 2. In the window which opens, click on the Customize button 3. In the window which opens, click on the Advanced tab MyComputer With XP Page 21

22 4. Scroll down the list; to add on item (e.g. if Printers and Faxes is not ticked, click on the box 5. If My Recent Documents is to be added, tick on the box under Recent Documents near the bottom of the window Search Search is one of the most convenient ways to find things on your computer. The exact location of the items doesn't matter Search will scour your programs and all of the folders in your personal folder (which includes Documents, Pictures, Music, Desktop, and other common locations). It will also search your e mail messages, saved instant messages, appointments, and contacts. To use Search, click on the start button, then on Search in the right panel. Windows Explorer will open, with What do you want to search for in the left panel. Or you can search any time from Windows Explorer by clicking on the Search button in the toolbar at the top, beside Folders. The choices for searching are: Pictures, music, or video Documents (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) All files and folders Computers or people (if on a network or multi-user computer) 1. Type part or all of the name of the file or folder that you are looking for; e.g. net will locate files such as net.doc, net.jpg, network.doc, seniornet.doc, etc. 2. You can use * to stand for a number of characters; net* will find files such as net.doc, net.jpg, seniornet.doc, etc, but not network.doc. 3. Or use? for a single character; e.g. n?t will find files with net, not, nut, etc To shorten the time taken for the search, use the reveal button at the right of the Look in bar and select the folder where you think the file might be. The search can be stopped at any point by clicking on the Stop button. My Computer With XP Page 22

23 If the search is unsuccessful, the search can be refined by clicking on one of the alternatives Change file name of keywords, etc. Other alternatives will appear, including being able to specify dates when you think the file was saved. Double-click on a file listed in Search Result to open it. Click the Clear button X to clear the search results and return to the main programs list. Click on Change Preferences for more advanced options. Or Search the Internet to open your web browser and search the Internet for your term. For more information about file properties: 1. Open the folder that contains the file whose properties you want to see. 2. Right-click the file whose properties you want to see, and then click Properties. 3. Click the Details tab to see all the properties associated with this file. Getting help At some point, you're likely to run into a computer problem or task that's confusing. To figure it out, you need to know how to get the right help. This section provides an overview of the best techniques. Using Windows Help and Support Windows Help and Support is the built-in help system for Windows. It's a place to get quick answers to common questions, suggestions for troubleshooting, and instructions for how to do things. Note, however, that it won't help you with a program that is not part of Windows for that, you'll need to consult the program's Help (see "Getting help with a program" below). To open Windows Help and Support, click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. When this opens a number of topics are listed. MyComputer With XP Page 23

24 Search Help The fastest way to get help is to type a word or two in the search box. For example, to get information about wireless networking, type wireless network, and then click on the search arrow or press Enter. A list of results appears, with the most useful results shown at the top. Click one of the results to read the topic. If you're connected to the Internet, your searches can include new Help topics and the latest versions of existing topics from the Windows Online Help and Support website. Pick a Help topic There is a very large amount of information available under Pick a Help topic. 1. Click on Windows basics 2. Click on Core Windows tasks 3. Click on Working with Files and Folders 4. Click on Open a File or Folder Information about this task is displayed at the right. Items in blue will open further windows (e.g. clicking on My Documents opens Windows Explorer with My Documents folder You can print the information in a panel by right-clicking in the panel you want to print, then clicking on Print. Note: Printing the information in the right panel prints what you can see; printing the left panel, with Core Windows tasks sub-tasks showing, will print all the information in those sub-tasks a total of 57 files (a useful reference, but rather wasteful of paper as each is printed ion a new sheet, and may be only a few lines). The Help Index You can search Help topics using the Index. Click the Index button in the toolbar, and then type in a keyword (e.g. search. A list of items appears; if you click on an item (not the heading), then click the Display button (double-click on the item), three things can happen: Information appears in the right panel A further box of Topics Found appears, with a list of these items appears (select an item and click on Display, or double-click on it) My Computer With XP Page 24

25 A box ( No topic is associated with this index entry ) appears; double-click on one of the indented subentries. Information in the right panel may have links: Terms in green: these turn red when the cursor points at them; clicking opens a definition Terms in bold: these open the information for that term Related Topics (blue): a box with further topics opens; double-click on these to open information about them Use the Back button to return to earlier parts Getting help with a program Almost every program comes with its own built-in Help system. To open a program's Help system: 1. Open WordPad (e.g. click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > Word- Pad) 2. Click on Help > Help Topics (a window with three tabs (Contents, Index, Search) opens) With the Contents tab open, click on Common Tasks in the left panel (a list appears in the right panel) Click on Create, open or save a WordPad document (a further list appears in the right panel) Clicking on items in this list will open further information, including Step by step procedure. Printing out the items in the Contents tab will often provide a full manual for the program 6. The Index tab provides an alphabetical list of topics; a topic may be found quickly by typing a keyword in the bar at the top and pressing Enter. Clicking on the Display button may give information in the right panel, or may open a box to give a further choice of topic. 7. In the Search tab, type in a keyword in the bar at the top; click on the List Topics button; click on one of the topics listed in the box below; click on the Display button. Getting help with dialog boxes and windows In addition to program-specific help, some dialog boxes and windows contain links to Help topics about their specific functions. If you see a question mark inside a circle or square, or a colored and underlined text link, click it to open the Help topic. MyComputer With XP Page 25

26 The Taskbar (overview) The taskbar is the long horizontal bar at the bottom of your screen. Unlike the desktop, which can get obscured by the windows on top of it, the taskbar is visible almost all the time. It has four main sections: The Start button, which opens the Start menu. The Quick Launch toolbar, which lets you start programs with one click. The middle section, which shows you which programs and documents you have open and allows you to quickly switch between them. The notification area (also known as the System Tray) which includes a clock and icons (small pictures) that communicate the status of certain programs and computer settings. To lock or unlock the taskbar You can keep the taskbar in one place by locking it, which can prevent accidental moving or resizing. Right-click an empty space on the taskbar, then click on Lock the Taskbar so that it has a check mark next to it. To unlock the taskbar, click Lock the Taskbar to clear the check mark. If the taskbar has been moved or changed You may accidentally move the taskbar to any edge of your screen. This can happen only if the taskbar is unlocked. You can move it back again. 1. With the taskbar unlocked, click an empty space on it, and then hold down the mouse button as you drag the taskbar back to the bottom of the desktop. When the taskbar is where you want it, release the mouse button. 2. If it has become wider than normal, move the cursor to the top edge (it becomes a double ended arrow ) and drag downwards. 3. Lock the taskbar again The middle section of the Taskbar The taskbar provides a way to organize all of your windows. Each window has a corresponding button on the taskbar. To switch to another window, just click its taskbar button. The window appears in front of all other windows, becoming the active window the one you're currently working in. If you open more than one program or document at a time, you can quickly start piling up windows on your desktop. Because windows often cover each other or take up the whole screen, it's sometimes hard to see what else is underneath or remember what you've already opened. That's where the taskbar comes in handy. Whenever you open a program, folder, or document, Windows creates a button on the taskbar corresponding to that item. The button shows the icon and name of the item. In the picture, two programs are open Calculator and Minesweeper and each has its own button on the taskbar. To open Calculator: click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > Calculator My Computer With XP Page 26

27 To open Solitaire: click on Start > All Programs > Games > Solitaire Notice how the taskbar button for one of these appears darker and pressed in. That indicates that this is the active window, meaning that it's in front of any other open windows and is ready for you to interact with. Clicking one of the items in the menu activates its window so you can see it. To switch to another window, click its taskbar button: clicking the taskbar button for Calculator brings its window to the front and changes the appearance of the taskbar buttons. (Clicking taskbar buttons is only one of several ways to switch between windows. We ll look at other ways later). If the taskbar becomes too crowded with buttons, then if you are working with programs with several documents open, the buttons for the same program may become grouped into a single button. You then have to click the button on the taskbar to see a menu of the items in the group, then select an item to make it the active window. To stop grouping similar taskbar buttons on the taskbar 1. Open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window (right-click on the Start button, click on Properties) 2. Click on the Taskbar tab. If the Group similar taskbar buttons check box has a tick, the buttons will automatically stack on top of each other. To turn off grouping, clear the Group similar taskbar buttons check box. The Quick Launch toolbar To the immediate right of the Start button is the Quick Launch toolbar. As its name implies, it lets you launch (start) programs with a single click. For example, click the Internet Explorer icon (if it is present) to start Internet Explorer. You can customize the Quick Launch toolbar by adding programs to it. If you don't see icons that are on the Quick Launch toolbar, and you see double chevrons instead, it means that the icons won't fit in the toolbar. Click the double chevrons to access the hidden toolbar icons. Add icons to the Quick Launch toolbar To show the Quick Launch toolbar If you don't see the taskbar on the screen, it might be hidden Right-click an empty space on the taskbar, click on Toolbars, then click on Quick Launch Method 1: Click on the Start button; drag an application listed in the left panel onto the Quick Launch toolbar; release the button MyComputer With XP Page 27

28 Note: If you drag with the Left button, the icon will be placed when you release the button; but when you drag using the right button, a window appears when you release the button; click on either Copy Here or Create Shortcuts Here Method 2: Click on Start > All Programs (you may have to locate some programs further (e.g. for WordPad, point to Accessories, then WordPad) drag the icon onto the left of the Quick Launch toolbar (left of right button). Method 3: Drag an icon from the Desktop onto the Quick Launch toolbar Method 4: Use Search to look for the application you want; drag its icon onto the Quick Launch toolbar Rename icons on the Quick Launch toolbar When you point to an icon, its name appears. If you want to change the name (e.g. Shortcut to Wordpad to WordPad : right-click on the icon; click on Rename; type (without deleting) the name you want. Remove an icon from the Quick Launch toolbar Right-click on the icon; click on Delete, and then click Yes. Resize the Quick Launch toolbar 1. Unlock the taskbar (see previous page) 2. Move the cursor to the toolbar resizing area at the right of the Quick Launch area, so that it turns to a double-ended arrow. 3. Drag the handle to resize the Quick Launch toolbar. 4. Lock the toolbar afterwards. Move icons on the Quick Launch toolbar Drag icons (left or right button) to a different place (the new position is shown by a double-ended bar before you release the button) Removing a shortcut from the taskbar won't uninstall the program from your computer. Minimise all open windows and show just the Desktop The Quick Launch toolbar often contains the Show Desktop button. Clicking this temporarily hides all open windows and shows the desktop; click the button again to show all windows again. The notification area The notification area, on the far right side of the taskbar, includes a clock and a group of icons. My Computer With XP Page 28

29 Not all of the icons may be visible, to reduce clutter. To see them all, click on the button at the left of the area. These icons communicate the status of something on your computer or provide access to certain settings. The set of icons you see depends on which programs or services you have installed and how your computer manufacturer set up your computer. When you move your pointer to a particular icon, you will see that icon's name or the status of a setting. For example, point to the volume icon ; this shows the current volume level of your computer. If you have a flash drive inserted, click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon to allow you to safely remove it. What happens when you double-click on it? (Doubleclicking on some icons in the notification area opens the program or setting associated with it.) The Clock Point to the clock on the notification area to show the date. Click on the clock icon to show a clock and calendar. Click on Time Zone tab; this opens the Date and Time Properties window. The time (including changes for Daylight Saving) and date are automatically adjusted when online, so you normally won t need to change these. The Time Zone setting should be (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington. If the time zone setting needs to be changed, click on Change time zone to do this. Occasionally, an icon in the notification area will display a small pop-up window (called a notification) to notify you about something Working with windows Whenever you open a program, file, or folder, it appears on your screen in a box or frame called a window (that's where the Windows operating system gets its name). Because windows are everywhere in Windows, it's important to understand how to move them, change their size, or just make them go away. Parts of a window Although the contents of every window are different, all windows share some things in common. For one thing, windows always appear on the desktop the main work area of your screen. In addition, most windows have the same basic parts. MyComputer With XP Page 29

30 Title bar Displays the name of the document and program (or the folder name if you're working in a folder). Menu bar Contains items that you can click to make choices in a program. Tool bar Contains icons for carrying out different tasks Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons These buttons hide the window, enlarge it to fill the whole screen, and close it, respectively (more details on these shortly). Scroll bar Lets you scroll the contents of the window to see information that is currently out of view. Borders and corners (only if the window is restored down) You can drag these with your mouse pointer to change the size of the window. Other windows might have additional buttons, boxes, or bars. But they'll usually have the basic parts, too. Move a window To move a window, point to its title bar with the mouse pointer. Then drag the window to the location that you want. (Dragging means pointing to an item, holding down the mouse button, moving the item with the pointer, and then releasing the mouse button.) Change the size of a window To reduce a window filling the entire screen to a smaller window, click the middle ( Restore Down ) button or double-click the window's title bar. To return a maximized window to its former size, click the button again (it is now the Maximise button) or double-click the window's title bar. To resize a window (make it smaller or bigger), point to any of the window's borders or corners. When the mouse pointer changes to a twoheaded arrow, drag the border or corner to shrink or enlarge the window. A window that is maximized cannot be resized. You must reduce it to the restored-down size first. Note: Although most windows can be maximized and resized, there are some windows that are fixed in size, such as dialog boxes. My Computer With XP Page 30

31 Hide a window Hiding a window is called minimizing it. If you want to get a window out of the way temporarily without closing it, minimize it. To minimize a window, click its Minimize button (top right of screen), or click on its button on the taskbar. The window disappears from the desktop and is visible only as a button on the taskbar. To make a minimized window appear again on the desktop, click its taskbar button. The window appears exactly as it did before you minimized it. Close a window Closing a window removes it from the desktop and taskbar. If you're done with a program or document and don't need to return to it right away, close it. To close a window, click its Close button. A shortcut is hold down Alt and press F4 (Alt + F4). Note: If you close a document without saving any changes you made, a message appears that gives you the option to save your changes. Switch between windows With more than one program or document open your desktop can quickly become cluttered with windows. Keeping track of which windows you have open isn't always easy, because some windows might partially or completely cover others. To bring a window to the froint, click on its button in the middle part of the notification area. Another way is to hold down Alt and press Tab (keep holding these down. This shows icons for programs which are open. Continuing to press Alt + Tab until you get to the program you want, then release the buttons. Press Alt + Tab quickly to open the last program you were working in. The Task Manager Sometimes a program locks up or crashes nothing you can do will get it working again, and you want to close it. You may be able to close it using Task Manager: 1. Click on a blank part of the Taskbar; click on Task Manager (the Task Manager window opens this also opens if you hold down Ctrl and Alt and press Del) 2. With the Applications tab open, click on the application listed that you want to close (especially if its status is not Running ); then click the End Task button 3. Further messages may appear; keep clicking End Task buttons MyComputer With XP Page 31

32 4. Click on the Processes tab to see the list of programs which are running on your computer, and the amount of memory ( Mem Usage ) each is using (most of these applications are opened when you start your computer which is one reason why your computer takes so long to open). 5. Click on the Performance tab to see a lot of information about what is happening in your computer. 6. Close the Task Manager Using menus, buttons, bars, and boxes Menus, buttons, scroll bars, and check boxes are examples of controls that you operate with your mouse or keyboard. These controls allow you to select commands, change settings, or work with windows. This section describes how to recognize and use controls that you'll encounter frequently while using Windows. Using menus Most programs contain dozens or even hundreds of commands (actions) that you use to work the program. Many of these commands are organised under menus. Like a restaurant menu, a program menu shows you a list of choices. To keep the screen uncluttered, menus are hidden until you click their titles in the menu bar, located just underneath the title bar. 1. Open WordPad; type a few words; click Edit in the menu bar The Edit menu, with Undo, Cut, etc., is displayed. Notice that some of the items are dimmed, as they cannot be used at this time. 2. Select some or all of the words you have typed; click Edit again. Notice that more items can now be used. Note also that there are Shortcuts beside many of the items. 3. Click on a blank part of the document (to unselect the selected part); hold down Ctrl and press A (i.e. Ctrl + A; this selects all of the text.) From the menu we can see that to cut you can use Ctrl + X; to copy use Ctrl + C ; to paste use Ctrl +V, etc. Some menu items have dots after them for example, Page Setup in the File menu. Clicking on this opens the Page Setup window, which shows a thumbnail of a page, and allows you to select the Page Size, Paper Source (ignore this), Portrait or Landscape Orientation, set the Margins, and select the printer to be used (if not the computer s default printer). If you don't see the command you want, try looking at another menu. Move your mouse pointer along the menu bar and its menus open automatically; you don't need to click the menu bar again. To close a menu without selecting any commands, click the menu bar or any other part of the window. Some menu items are not commands at all. Instead, they open other menus. These have beside them. My Computer With XP Page 32

33 Tips If a keyboard shortcut is available for a command, it is shown next to the command. You can operate menus using your keyboard instead of your mouse. 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 Pressing ENTER does the same thing as clicking a command button that is selected (outlined). Click on Start; point to All Programs (notice the number of ) in the window which opens, point to Accessories The Accessories menu has items such as WordPad and Paint. It also has items which open further menus ( Accessibility, Communications, etc.) Recognising menus isn t always easy, because not all menu controls look alike, or even appear on a menu bar. In the box below, clicking on a down arrow rather than the icon it is next to will open a menu box. Scroll bars When a document, webpage, or picture exceeds the size of its window, scroll bars appear to allow you to see the information that is currently out of view. The picture shows the parts of a scroll bar. To operate a scroll bar: 1. Click the up or down scroll arrows to scroll the window's contents up or down in small steps. 2. Hold down the mouse button to scroll continuously. 3. Click an empty area of a scroll bar above or below the scroll box to scroll (slider) up or down one page. 4. Drag a scroll box (slider) up or down (or left or right) to scroll the contents of the window in that direction. Your mouse might have a scroll wheel, which scrolls the window up or down. Command buttons A command button performs a command (makes something happen) when you click it. You'll most often see them in dialog boxes, which are small windows that contain options for completing a task. For example, if you close a program without saving first, you might see a dialog box as the top one at the right. To close the program, you must first click either the Yes or No button. Clicking Yes saves your document or picture and any changes you've made. Clicking : No closes the program without saving any changes you've made. Clicking Cancel dismisses the dialog box and returns you to the program. Pressing Enter will activate the button which is highlighted (e.g. Yes in the box above) MyComputer With XP Page 33

34 Pressing the initial letter (e.g. Y or N ) or an underlined letter will activate the button which has the initial or underlined letter Outside of dialog boxes, command buttons vary in appearance, so it's sometimes difficult to know what's a button and what isn't. For example, command buttons often appear as small icons (pictures) without any text or rectangular frame. The pictures below show a variety of command buttons. The most reliable way to determine if something is a command button is to rest your pointer on it. If it "lights up" and becomes framed with a rectangle, you've discovered a button. Most buttons will also display some text about their function when you point to them. Option buttons Option buttons allow you to make one choice among two or more options. They frequently appear in dialog boxes. The picture below shows three option buttons. The "Flip vertical" option is selected. To select an option, click one of the buttons. Only one option can be selected. Check boxes Check boxes allow you to select one or more independent options. Unlike option buttons, which restrict you to one choice, check boxes allow you to choose multiple options at the same time. Click an empty square to select or "turn on" that option. A check mark will appear in the square, indicating that the option is selected. Clicking a square with a tick removes the tick from that box Options that currently can't be selected or cleared are shown dimmed. Sliders Clicking a button selects that option Click an empty check box to select that option A slider lets you adjust a setting along a range of values. A slider along the bar shows the currently selected value. In the example shown (click once on the Volume icon in the notification area), the slider is positioned midway, indicating a medium volume. Notice that there is also a check box ( Mute ) To operate a slider, drag the slider to the value that you want. Text boxes A text box allows you to type information, such as a search term or password. The picture shows a dialog box containing a text box. We've entered net into the text box. A blinking vertical line called the cursor indicates where text that you type will appear. In the example, you can see the cursor after the t in net. You can easily move the cursor by clicking the new position. For example, to add a word before net, you would first move the cursor by clicking before the n. My Computer With XP Page 34

35 If you don't see a cursor in the text box, it means the text box isn't ready for your input. Click the box first, and then start typing. Text boxes that require you to enter a password will usually hide your password as you type it, in case someone else is looking at your screen. Drop-down lists Drop-down lists are similar to menus. Instead of clicking a command, though, you choose an option. When closed, a drop-down list shows only the currently selected option. The other available options are hidden until you click the reveal button at right. To open a drop-down list, click the reveal button. To choose an option from the list, click the option. List boxes A list box displays a list of options that you can choose from. Unlike a drop-down list, some or all of the options are visible without having to open the list. To choose an option from the list, click it. If the option you want isn't visible, use the scroll bar to scroll the list up or down. If the list box has a text box above it, you can type the name or value of the option instead. Tabs In some dialog boxes, options are divided into two or more tabs. Only one tab, or set of options, can be viewed at a time. The currently selected tab appears in front of the other tabs. To switch to a different tab, click the tab. MyComputer With XP Page 35