Microsoft Windows Operating System Starting Windows Windows automatically starts when you turn on your computer You might be asked to enter your username and password The Windows desktop uses a graphical user interface (GUI), which displays icons
The Windows Desktop Elements of the Windows Desktop
Using a Pointing Device Using a Pointing Device Positioning the pointer over a specific part of the screen is called pointing Clicking refers to pressing a mouse button and immediately releasing it Double-clicking Select an object by pointing to it and then clicking it Clicking an object with the right button is called rightclicking Right-clicking both selects an object and opens its shortcut menu
Starting a Program Click the Start button on the taskbar, and then point to All Programs If necessary, point to the submenu option that contains your program Click the name of the program you want to start Starting a Program
Running Multiple Programs Multitasking allows you to work on more than one project at a time and switch quickly between projects Windows Taskbar and Toolbars The easiest way to switch between programs is to use the program buttons on the taskbar The taskbar also can contain toolbars, which are sets of buttons giving the user single-click access to programs or documents that aren t running or open The Quick Launch toolbar gives quick access to Internet programs and to the desktop
Windows Taskbar and Toolbars You should always close a program when you finish using it You can close a program by using the shortcut menu associated with the program button on the taskbar Shutting Down Windows You should always shut down Windows before you turn off your computer The Log Off option on the Start menu logs you off of Windows but leaves the computer on To shut down Windows : Click the Start button Click Turn Off Computer Click the Turn Off button
Anatomy of a Window A window is a rectangular area of the screen that contains a program, text, graphics, or data Window controls: Anatomy of a Window
Manipulating a Window The Minimize button hides a window so that only the program button on the taskbar remains visible You can redisplay a minimized window by clicking the program s button on the taskbar The Maximize button enlarges a window so that it fills the entire screen Manipulating a Window The Restore button reduces the window so that it is smaller than the entire screen You can use the mouse to move a window to a new position on the screen Dragging You can use the mouse to change the size of a window with the sizing handle
Using Program Menus Most Windows programs use menus to organize the program s features and available functions When you click any menu name, menu items or commands for that menu appear below the menu bar Menu conventions: Examples of Menu Conventions
Using List Boxes and Scroll Bars A list box displays a list of available choices from which you can select A list arrow allows you to view more options in a list box Buttons also have list arrows, indicating that there is more than one option for that button Using Dialog Box Controls Some dialog boxes group different kinds of information into bordered rectangular areas called panes Description of dialog box controls:
Using Dialog Box Controls Using Help Windows Help provides on-screen information about the program you are using To start Windows Help, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click Help and Support
The Help and Support Center Window The Help and Support Center Window The Home page lists common tasks under the heading Pick a Help topic in the left pane on the page The Index page displays an alphabetical list of all the Help topics The Favorites page shows Help topics you ve added to your Favorites list The History page lists links you ve recently selected for Help
The Help and Support Center Window The Support page includes links that you can click to connect to the Microsoft Web site for additional assistance The Options page provides ways you can customize help You can use the Search box to search for all keywords contained in the Help pages Finding a Help Topic on the Home Page
Using the Index to Locate Information Using Search to Find a Help Page