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Microsoft Windows

• Microsoft Windows (3.1, 95, 98,ME, NT,2000, XP)
• Mac OS
• Unix
• Linux
• DOS

The operating system is a master controller for all activities taking place within a computer. The operating system performs external services such as allowing the user to start and run programs, print and manage files and folders and internal services such as allocating storage space for data and programs.  The windows operating system was a major breakthrough since it makes extensive use of GUIs (graphical user interface) as opposed to the older command-line interface used by DOS.  The graphical objects include icons, buttons and windows.  Icons are a small picture that represent an object such as a software application, document or device that you can work with.  Buttons allow you to make a selection and windows house software applications and documents.  It should be noted that Windows is capable of multitasking or running several different programs at once.

Desktop

• Start Button
Gives access to programs, files and help.
• Task bar
Displays a button for each open window on the screen. You can use these buttons to switch between applications.
• My Computer
Allows you to view and manage all the files, folders and software on your computer.
• Recycle Bin
Stores deleted files and lets you recover them later. Files are truly deleted after you empty the recycle bin.
• Shortcuts
May be placed on the desktop to allow quick access to programs or files. Same functionality as the Start Button only faster.
• Clock

Common User Interface

All Windows applications use a common user interface with a consistent format for accessing commands.  The common user interface makes it possible to use what you know about one application such as Word and apply it in another application such as Excel.  The common user interface includes objects such as

• Window
A rectangle on your screen that displays information or functions as a work area for specific software applications.
• Title Bar
Appears at the top of each window and displays the name of the window.
• Minimize button Shrinks the window to a button on the toolbar.
• Maximize button Enlarges the window to the size of the desktop.
• Restore button Return the window to its previous size.
• Menu Bar
Appears directly below the title bar and provides access to pull-down menus.
• Pull down menus Provide access to the commands available within an application.
• Dialog boxes
Used when additional information is required to execute a command.
• text box - used to enter text
• spin button - can use the up or down arrows to increase or decrease a number
• radio button - for mutually exclusive choices
• check box - used when the choices are not mutually exclusive
• list box - used to select from a number of choices
• Tool Bar
Contains buttons that provide quick access to frequently used commands.
• Scroll Bar Both horizontal and vertical scroll bars provide access to unseen areas.
• Status Bar
Displays information about the window or an item selected within the window.

A window can be moved using drag and drop on the title bar.  A window can be resized by using drag and drop on one of the sides or corners of the window.  Several other methods for manipulating windows are available by right-clicking on the task bar.  For example, all of the windows can be minimized at once.

Using the mouse

• Click
Press and release the left mouse button. Used to select an item on the screen.
• Right-Click
Press and release the right mouse button. Used to display a context sensitive menu.
• Double-Click
Quickly press and release the left mouse button twice. Used to open a document or start a program.
• Drag and Drop
Position the mouse pointer over an item on the screen and then press and hold down the left mouse button. Holding the button down move the mouse to where you want to place the item and release.
• Cleaning the mouse
When the mouse begins to stick, remove the small cover on the bottom of the mouse and use rubbing alcohol to remove and dust or dirt from the ball and tracks.

File management

The My Computer window allows you to view and manage all the files, folders and software on your computer.  Note it is useful to use the View menu to reorganize or reformat the My Computer window.  Windows Explorer is essentially a more sophisticated version of My Computer.   The explorer window is divided into two panes.  The left pane contains a tree diagram of the entire system including all drives and the right pane shows the contents of the active drive or folder.  You can use Windows Explorer to display a Web page by clicking on the Internet Explorer icon in the left pane.  On the other hand, you can use Internet Explorer to view a local drive, folder or document by typing in an appropriate address such as C:\. The find utility Allows you to search the hard drive, CD or disk drive for a specific file or folder.   The primary tasks of file management include

• Move files
• Copy files
• Delete files
• Create files and folders
• Organize files into folders
• Compress and uncompress files
• Rename files
• Backup files
• Format a disk

Customizing your computer

• Creating shortcuts
Use My Computer and right-click on application. Select create shortcut and drag and drop to the desktop.
• Customize start menu
Start menu, Settings, taskbar or start menu.
• Backgrounds and screen savers
• Control panel
• Display (background, screensaver, resolution,...)
• Printers (install new printer, pause printing,...)
• System (manage devices,...)
• Networks

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