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What Is A Window: Chapter Two The Microsoft Windows Environment

The document discusses key concepts related to the Microsoft Windows environment including: 1) A window is an area on the desktop where programs run, with elements like title bars, borders, and toolbars. The desktop is the main work area visible when you start your computer. 2) Windows is an operating system that controls computer functions and allows the use of windows, with versions like Windows XP, Vista, and 7. 3) Elements of a window include title bars, borders, menus, toolbars, and work areas where tasks are performed. Scrollbars allow viewing parts of a window that don't fit on screen.

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Micmic Caliva
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
152 views18 pages

What Is A Window: Chapter Two The Microsoft Windows Environment

The document discusses key concepts related to the Microsoft Windows environment including: 1) A window is an area on the desktop where programs run, with elements like title bars, borders, and toolbars. The desktop is the main work area visible when you start your computer. 2) Windows is an operating system that controls computer functions and allows the use of windows, with versions like Windows XP, Vista, and 7. 3) Elements of a window include title bars, borders, menus, toolbars, and work areas where tasks are performed. Scrollbars allow viewing parts of a window that don't fit on screen.

Uploaded by

Micmic Caliva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 18

CHAPTER TWO

THE MICROSOFT WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT

What is a window
A window is an area on your desktop within which all Windows-based programs run.
Windows XP, Vista or Windows7 is an Operation System that is a window based
programs.

Operating systems control the functions performed by a computer. For example, the
operating system on your computer controls the input from the keyboard and mouse to
your computer, the opening and closing of programs, the transfer of information to a
printer, the organization of the files on your computer, and the screen display. To
function, every computer must have an operating system. Windows XP and Windows
Vista is an operating system. Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows7 comes in
several versions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise. The
features available to you depend on the version of Windows XP, Windows Vista or
Windows7 you have. You must note that there is a different between window and
windows operation system.

To explain the parts of a window, we will use WordPad as an example

Control Box The control box provides a menu that enables you to restore, move, size,
minimize, maximize, or close a window.

Border The border separates the window from the desktop. You resize the window by

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 6


dragging its borders outward to expand it and inward to contract it.

Title bar The title bar displays the name of the current file and the name of the current
program.

Minimize button Use the Minimize button to temporarily decrease the size of a window or
remove a window from view. While a window is minimized, its title appears
on the taskbar.

Maximize button Click the Maximize button and the window will fill the screen.

Restore button After you maximize a window, if you click the Restore button, the window
will return to its former size.

Close button Click the Close button to exit the window and close the program.

Menu bar The menu bar displays the program menu. You send commands to the
program by using the menu.

Toolbars Toolbars generally display right below the menu, but you can drag them and
display them along any of the window borders. You use the icons on the
toolbars to send commands to the program.

Work area The work area is located in the center of the window. You perform most of
your work in the work area.

Status bar The status bar provides you with information about the status of your
program.

What is a desktop

When you start your computer, the first thing you see is the desktop. The desktop is your
work area. If you are using Windows XP, Vista or Windows7, after you start your
computer the first thing you see is the desktop. The desktop is your work area.

Windows XP and Windows Vista Desktops

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Feature Explanation

Taskbar By default, the taskbar is located on the bottom edge of the


desktop. You can click the taskbar and drag it to other locations.
The Start button, active program buttons, icons for quick access to
programs, and the current time and the notification area are
located on the taskbar.

My Computer The My Computer icon provides access to the resources on your


computer. You can access your drives and other peripherals by
clicking on the My Computer icon.

Internet Explorer The Internet Explorer icon launches the Internet Explorer
browser.

The Recycle Bin When you delete an object, Windows XP or Windows Vista sends
it to the Recycle Bin. You can restore objects that are located in
the Recycle Bin or you can permanently delete them.

Shortcut icon Icons with an arrow in the lower left corner are shortcut icons.
Click the icon for quick access to the object they represent
(program, document, printer, and so on).

Program, folder, and Program, folder, and document icons do not have an arrow in the
document icons lower left corner. These icons represent the actual object and
provide direct access to the object. When you delete a program,
folder, or document icon, you are deleting the actual program,
folder, or document.

Sidebar The default placement for the Windows Vista sidebar is along the
right side of your desktop. You can use the sidebar to display
gadgets. Gadgets are small programs with which you can display
a clock, post notes, track stocks, or perform other miscellaneous
tasks.

To switch between windows

If you have several windows open at the same time, the window on top is the window
with focus. You can only interact with the window with focus. To change windows, do
one of the following:

1. Click anywhere on the window you want to have focus.


2. Hold down the Alt key and press the Tab key (Alt-Tab) until you have selected the window to
which you want to change.
3. All active files display on the taskbar. Click the taskbar button for the window you want to have
focus.

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What are scrollbars

In many programs, if the contents of the work area do not fit in the window, scrollbars
will appear. A vertical scrollbar will appear at the right side of the window and a
horizontal scrollbar at the bottom of the window, depending on the fit. The vertical
scrollbar provides a way to move up and down. The horizontal scrollbar provides a way
to move from left to right.

The scroll box indicates where you are in your document. If the scroll box is at the top of
the scrollbar, you are at the top of the document. If the scroll box is in the center of the
scrollbar, you are in the center of the document.

How scrollbars work


Task Action
To move up and down one line at a time:  Click the arrow at either end of the vertical
scrollbar.
To move from side to side one character at a  Click the arrow at either end of the horizontal
time: scrollbar.
To move approximately one window at a  Click above the scroll box to move up.
time:  Click below the scroll box to move down.
To scroll continuously:  Click the appropriate arrow and hold down the
mouse button.
To move to a specific location:  Left-click the scrollbar and hold down the left
mouse button until you arrive at the location. For
example, if you want to go to the center of the
document, click the center of the scrollbar and
hold down the left mouse button.
 Or, drag the scroll box until you arrive at the
desired location.

What is an icon

An icon is a graphic image. Icons help you execute commands quickly. Commands tell
the computer what you want the computer to do. To execute a command by using an
icon, click the icon.

What is a menu

Menus provide a way for you to send commands to the computer (tell the computer what
you want the computer to do). When you open a window, menu options are listed from
left to right just below the title bar on the menu bar. When you click a menu item, a drop-
down menu appears. Select the command you want to execute from the drop-down menu.
An ellipsis after a drop-down menu item signifies that there are additional options; if you
select that option, a dialog box will appear.

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What is a shortcut key

You can use shortcut keys to execute a command quickly by pressing key combinations
instead of selecting the commands directly from the menu or clicking on an icon. When
you look at a menu, you will notice that most of the options have one letter underlined.
You can select a menu option by holding down the Alt key and pressing the underlined
letter. You can also make Alt-key selections from drop-down menus and dialog boxes.

What is a selection

A selection is a highlighted area on which you can perform a command. For example, if you are using a
word processing program, you can highlight a word and then execute the Underline command to underline
the highlighted word.

To make a selection

Task Action
To make a selection: 1. Left-click where you want to start your selection.
2. Hold down your left mouse button and drag the mouse until you have
highlighted the area you want.
Or
1. Left-click where you want to start your selection.
2. Hold down the Shift key while you use the arrow keys to highlight
the area that you want.

Note: Typing over highlighted text replaces the old text with the new text you type.

To create a desktop shortcut

Task Action
To create a shortcut to an item located on the Start 1. Click Start. The Start menu will appear.
menu: 2. Locate the item to which you want to create
a shortcut. If the item is located on a
submenu, go to the submenu.
3. Click and drag the item to your desktop.
To create a shortcut to items visible in Windows 1. Open Windows Explorer.
Explorer: 2. Minimize the Windows Explorer window.
3. Locate in Windows Explorer the item to
which you want to create a shortcut.
4. Hold down the right mouse button and drag
the item onto the desktop.
5. Release the right mouse button. A context
menu will appear.
6. Click Create Shortcuts Here.

How desktop shortcut wizard work

1. Right-click the desktop. The context menu will appear.


2. Click New. A submenu will appear.
3. Click Shortcut. The Create Shortcut dialog box will appear.

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4. Type in the location and name of the item to which you want to create a shortcut. Alternatively,
browse to find the item.
5. Click Next. A dialog box will appear.
6. Accept the default name or type in a new name.
7. Click Finish.

To create a desktop shortcut to a Web page

To turn a Web link into a desktop shortcut, click the link in your browser window
(usually underlined text) and drag it to the desktop. An icon will appear on your desktop.
When you click the icon, your browser will open and you will go directly to the Web
page.

If you are using Internet explorer:

1. Click the icon that precedes the URL on the address bar.
2. Drag the icon to your desk top. Vista creates the shortcut.

Now, when you click on the shortcut, the Web page will open.

To turn a Web link into a desktop shortcut

1. Click the link in your browser window (usually


underlined text) and drag it to the desktop. An icon
appears on your desktop.
2. Click the icon to go directly to the link’s
destination. If your browser is not open, clicking
the icon starts the browser.

To rename a desktop shortcut

The name of the desktop shortcut displays below its icon. For example, if you create a
shortcut to the program Microsoft Word, the name Microsoft Word displays below the
icon. To rename a shortcut:

1. Right-click the shortcut. A context menu appears.


2. Click Rename.
3. Type a new name.
4. Press Enter. Vista renames the icon.

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If you have a shortcut that opens a program on my desktop. To add it to the Start
menu

1. Right-click the shortcut icon. A menu appears.


2. Click Pin To Start menu. The program appears on the Start menu, above the horizontal line.

To change the icon associated with an object on the desktop

1. Right-click the icon. The context menu appears.


2. Click Properties. The Properties dialog box appears.
3. Click the Change Icon button. The Change Icon dialog box appears.
4. Click the icon of your choice.
5. Click OK. The Change Icon dialog box closes.
6. Click Apply.
7. Click OK. Vista closes the Properties dialog box. Vista changes the icon.

Note: Not all icons can be changed. If you do not see the Change Icon button or if the
change icon button is dimmed, the icon cannot be changed.

To delete a desktop shortcut

1. Click the shortcut.


2. Press the Delete key. Vista asks if you are sure you want to delete the shortcut.
3. Click Yes.

Remember, shortcuts have an arrow in the lower-left corner. If the icon you delete does
not have an arrow in the lower-left corner, it is not a shortcut and deleting the icon deletes
the object.

What is cut, copy, and paste.

The Cut, Copy, and Paste commands are nearly universal. These three functions are used
by almost every Windows program and perform more or less the same function in each of
them. You can cut, copy, and paste programs, disks, and text, to name just a few things.

Cut: When you cut something, it is deleted from its current location and saved to the
Clipboard. Information saved to the Clipboard stays there until new information is either
cut or copied. Each time you execute Cut or Copy, you replace the old information on the
Clipboard with whatever you just cut or copied. You can paste the same Clipboard
information as often as you like.

Copy: Copy is similar to Cut except the original item is not deleted. When you copy
something, a copy of the item is saved to the Clipboard. Information stored on the
Clipboard stays there until new information is either cut or copied. Each time you execute
Cut or Copy, you replace the old information on the Clipboard with whatever you just cut
or copied. You can paste Clipboard information as often as you like, until you replace it
with something else.

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Paste: You can place information on the Clipboard wherever you like. Execute the Paste
command and information you have cut or copied is placed wherever your cursor is
located.

Clipboard: The Clipboard is the storage area for items that have been cut or copied.
Each time you execute Cut or Copy, you replace the old information on the Clipboard
with whatever you just cut or copied. You can paste Clipboard information as often as
you like, until you replace it with something else.

There are three major methods of cutting, copying, and pasting. The three methods are
using the menu, using keyboard shortcuts, and using icons. We will review all of them. In
most programs, they will work exactly as described here.

Using the Menu:


Cut Paste Copy
1. Select what you want to 1. Place the cursor at the 1. Select what you
cut. point where you want to want to copy.
place the information that
is currently on the
Clipboard.

2. Click Edit, which is located 2. Click Edit. A drop-down 2. Click Edit, which is
on the menu bar. A drop- menu will appear. located on the
down menu will appear. menu bar. A drop-
down menu will
appear.

Click Cut. 3. Click Paste. 3. Click Copy.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts:


Cut Paste Copy
1. Select what you want to 1. Place the cursor at the 1. Select what you
cut. point where you want to want to copy.
place the information that
is currently on the
Clipboard.

2. Press Ctrl-x. 2. Press Ctrl-v. 2. Press Ctrl-c.

Using Icons:
Cut Paste Copy
1. Select what you want to 1. Place the cursor at the 1. Select what you
cut. point where you want to want to copy.
place the information that
is currently on the
Clipboard.

2. Click the Cut icon. 2. Click the Paste icon. 2. Click the Copy
icon.

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General format that applies to almost all programs

We use the following convention to indicate a menu path: View > Toolbars. When you
see View > Toolbars, it means choose View from the menu bar and select Toolbars from
the drop-down menu. The following list applies to many, but not all programs. Check
each program's documentation for information specific to the program.

Icon Shortcut Menu Path Command Description


Key

Ctrl-n File > New Create a new file.

Ctrl-o File > Open Open an existing file.

Ctrl-s File > Save Save the current file.

Ctrl-p File > Print Print the current file.

Ctrl-f Edit > Find Find text in the current document.

Ctrl-x Edit > Cut Cut (delete and place on Clipboard) the
current selection.

Ctrl-v Edit > Paste Place the material currently on the


Clipboard in the file at the current
location.

Ctrl-c Edit > Copy Copy the current selection to the


Clipboard.

Ctrl-z Edit > Undo Reverse the most recent command. Place
the program in the state it was in before
executing the last command.

Ctrl-y Edit > Redo Reverse the last undo. Place the program
in the state it was in before executing
Undo.

Format > Font Apply a font to the current selection.

Format > Font Set the size of the font for the current
selection.

Ctrl-b Format > Font Bold the current selection.

Ctrl-i Format > Font Italicize the current selection.

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Ctrl-u Format > Font Underline the current selection.

Ctrl-l Left-align the selection.

Ctrl-r Right-align the selection.

Ctrl-e Center the selection.

Ctrl-j Justify the selection.

View > Toolbars Select the toolbars you want to display.

Using WordPad as an example to save a file:

1. Click File, which is located on the menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear.
2. Click Save. A dialog box similar to the one shown here will appear.

Field/Icon Entry

Save In field Click to open the menu-box and select the drive and folder to
which you want to save the file.

Up One Level icon Click this icon to move up one level in the folder hierarchy.

View Desktop icon Click this icon to move to the Desktop folder.

Create a New Folder icon Use the Create a New Folder icon to create a new folder:

1. Click the Create New Folder icon.


2. Type the folder name and press Enter.
3. Click the folder you just created to open the folder.

List icon Your program displays files and folders in the center of the
dialog box. To have the files display without the size, type, and

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 15


date modified, click the List icon.

Detail icon Your program displays files and folders in the center of the
dialog box. To have the files display with the size, type, and
date modified, click the Detail icon.

File/Folder box Your program displays files and folders in File/Folder box.
Click a folder to open the folder. Click a file if you want the
current file to write over (replace) that file.

File Name field Enter the name you want your file to have in this field.

Save As Type field Click to open the drop-down box and select a file type.

Save button Click the Save button to save your file.

Cancel button Click the Cancel button if you have changed your mind and do
not wish to save your file.

The taskbar

The taskbar is a long bar that by default runs along the bottom of your desktop. The Start
button, Quick Launch toolbar, active program buttons, and the notification area are

located on the taskbar.

1 Start 2 Quick Launch Toolbar

3 Active Program Buttons 4 Notification Area

You click the Start button to display the Start menu. You use the Start menu to open
programs and to perform other functions such as searching for files.

On the taskbar, right next to the Start button is the Quick Launch toolbar. Using the
Quick Launch toolbar, you can open a program or file simply by clicking its icon. To add
an icon to the Quick Launch toolbar:

1. Locate the program you want to add.


2. Right-click. A context menu appears.
3. Click Add to Quick Launch. Vista adds the program to the Quick Launch toolbar.

Show Desktop 2 Switch Between Windows


1

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 16


Two icons appear on the Quick Launch toolbar by default: the Show Desktop icon and
the Switch between Windows icon. You can display the desktop by clicking the Show
Desktop icon. You can use the Switch between Windows icon to display all open
windows in 3D flip if your version of windows has Aero or you can use the Switch
between Windows icon to tab through open windows if your version of Vista does not
have Aero.

When using XP, Vista or Windows7, each program, document, or other type of file opens
in its own window. You can have multiple programs, documents, and files open at a
given time. A button for each open program, file, or document window displays on the
taskbar. You can quickly move from one open file to another open file by clicking the
files button. If you have a large number of files open, Vista may group all files of a given
type together. For example, if you have several Microsoft Word documents open, Vista
may group them together. When you click the button for Microsoft Word, Vista displays
a menu of open Word files. You can click the document you want to open.

The notification area is located on the right side of the task bar. It displays several icons
and the current time. The icons that display depend on the way in which your computer is
configured. You can move your mouse pointer over an icon to see the current settings for
the option the icon represents. In many cases, you can click the icon to change the
settings. For example, the Volume icon is located in the notification area. When you
pause your over the Volume icon the volume setting for the speakers on your computer
appears. You can click the icon to adjust the volume.

To shut down your computer:

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.


2. Click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box will appear.
3. Click the Turn Off icon. Your computer will shut down.

Task Action
To do I restart my computer: 1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will
You may need to shut down and restart your appear.
computer after installing a new program or if your 2. Click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off
system becomes unstable. To shut down and Computer dialog box will appear.
immediately restart your computer: 3. Click the Restart icon. Your computer will
restart.
What is Standby mode: 1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 17


When your computer is in the Standby mode, your appear.
computer consumes less electricity, but is ready for 2. Click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off
immediate use. However, if the computer loses Computer dialog box will appear.
electrical power while in the standby mode, any 3. Click the Stand By icon.
information you have not saved will be lost.
To put my computer in Standby mode:
To start a program 1. Click the Start button, located in the lower
left corner of your screen.
2. Highlight Programs. The Program menu
will appear.
3. Move to the Program menu and highlight
the program you want to start. If you see a
right pointer next to your selection, a
submenu will appear. Refine your choice by
highlighting the appropriate selection on the
submenu. Continue until you get to the final
submenu.`
4. Click the program name to start the
program.
Note: A chevron at the bottom of the list of
options means that there are additional options. To
view the additional options, click the chevron.
To add an item located on my desktop to the 1. Click and drag the item on top of the Start
Start or to a Program menu: button.
2. Release the mouse button when the Start
menu appears.
3. The item will appear on the Start menu.
4. If you would prefer to have the item on a
Program menu or submenu of the Start
menu, drag the item from the Start menu to
the Program menu or submenu.
To open Windows Explorer: 1. Click the Start button, located in the lower
left corner of your screen.
2. Highlight programs.
3. Highlight Accessories.
4. Click Windows Explorer.

Alternatively, you can open Windows Explorer by


holding down the Windows key and typing e
(Windows-e).
To add an item located in Windows Explorer to 1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will
the Start menu or to a Program menu appear.
2. Highlight Settings. A submenu will appear.
3. Click Taskbar and Start Menu. A dialog
box will appear.
4. Click the Start Menu tab.
5. Click the Customize button.
6. Click Add.
7. Type the path to the item you want to add,
or use Browse to navigate to the item.
8. Click Next.
9. Double-click an appropriate folder for the
item.
10. Click Finish.
11. Click OK.

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 18


12. Click OK again. The item will appear on
the menu.
To remove an item from the Start menu or from a 1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will
Program menu appear.
2. Highlight Settings. A submenu will appear.
3. Click Taskbar and Start Menu. A dialog
box will appear.
4. Click the Start Menu tab.
5. Click Customize.
6. Click the Remove button.
7. Find and click the item you want to remove.
8. Click the Remove button. You will be
prompted.
9. Click Yes.
10. Click Close.
11. Click OK.
12. Click OK again.
To copy an item that is located on the Start 1. Highlight the item.
menu or on a Program menu 2. Right-click. A context menu will appear.
3. Click Copy.
To rename an item on the Start menu or on a 1. Highlight the item.
Program menu 2. Right-click the item.
3. Click Rename. The Rename dialog box will
appear.
4. Type the new name in the New Name field.
5. Click OK.
To delete a file from the Start menu or from a 1. Highlight the item.
Program menu 2. Right-click.
3. Click Delete. You will be prompted.
4. Click Yes.
To re-sort the Start or a Program menu 1. Go to the menu.
2. Right-click.
3. Click Sort By Name.
Note: Some menus cannot be re-sorted.

To quickly find files and folders

Windows XP enables you to quickly locate files and folders on your drives. The search
option provides you with four search options: Pictures, music, or video; Documents; All
files and folders; and Computers and people. To quickly find a file or folder:

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.


2. Highlight Search.
3. Click Files or Folders. The Search Results dialog box will open.

4. Choose an option.
5. Enter your search criteria. Use the table that follows to
help you.
6. Click search. The results of your search will appear in
the right pane.

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 19


Field Entry Type

All or part of the file (document) name: Enter the filename, the first few letters of the
filename, or any letters found in the filename. Use
Computer name: the * as a wild card. For example, to find all of the
files that begin with r and end in the extension .doc,
enter r*.doc. To find files that begin with resume
and have any extension, enter resume.*.

If you are looking for a file that has a specific word


or phrase in the filename, enter the word or phrase
in this field.

A word or phrase in the file: If you are looking for a file that has a specific word
or phrase in the file, enter the word or phrase in this
field.

Look In: Select the drive or folder you want to search.

Specify Dates: Select from Modified, Created, or Last Accessed.


Select Modified to find all files modified since the
date criteria you enter, select Created to find all
files created since the date criteria you enter, or
select Last Accessed to find all files accessed since
the date criteria you enter.

Between/During the Previous Specify the date search criteria you want to use.
Between allows you to search for files modified,
created, or accessed between two dates. During
allows you to search for files modified, created, or
accessed during the previous number of days or
months you specify.

What are folders?

Folders are used to organize the data stored on your drives. The files that make up a
program are stored together in their own set of folders. You will want to organize the
files you create in folders. You will want to store files of a like kind in a single folder.

To delete a file or folder

To delete a file or folder:

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to delete. A context menu will appear.
2. Click Delete. Windows Explorer will ask, "Are sure you want to send this object to the recycle
bin?"
3. Click Yes.

To copy a file or folder

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 20


To copy a file or folder:

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to copy. A context menu will appear.
2. Click Copy. The file or folder should now be on the Clipboard.

To cut a file or folder

To cut a file or folder:

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to cut. A context menu will appear.
2. Click Cut. The file or folder should now be on the Clipboard.

Note: Cutting differs from deleting. When you cut a file, the file is placed on the
Clipboard. When you delete a file, the file is sent to the Recycle Bin.

To paste a file or folder

To paste a file or folder:

1. After cutting or copying the file, right-click the object or right-click in the right pane of the folder
to which you want to paste. A context menu will appear.
2. Click Paste.

To rename a file or folder

To rename a file or folder:

1. Right-click the file or folder. A context menu will appear.


2. Click Rename.
3. Type the new name.

What is a screen saver

Computer monitors display images by firing electron beams at a phosphor-coated screen.


If the same image stays on the screen too long, there is a danger that the image will leave
a permanent imprint on the screen. Screen savers help prevent this by providing a
constantly changing image.

To select a screen saver

To select a screen saver:

1. Right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop. A context menu will appear.


2. Choose Properties. The Display Properties dialog box will appear.
3. Click the Screen Saver tab.
4. The Screen Saver field provides the list of available screen savers. Select the screen saver you
want from the list.
5. Click Preview to preview your screen saver.
6. Click Esc to return to the Display Properties dialog box.

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 21


7. In the Wait field, set the number of minutes of inactivity before the screen saver starts.
8. Click OK.

When you finish working with your computer, what should you do

When you finish working with your computer, you should


put your computer in sleep mode:

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu appears.


2. Click the Power button. Vista puts your computer in the sleep
mode.

When you click the Power button, Vista saves all of your
work, turns off the display screen, and puts your computer in
sleep mode. To indicate that your computer is in sleep mode, some of the lights on your
computer may blink and/or change color.

Computer is in sleep mode

In sleep mode, your computer consumes very little electricity. When you need to use your
computer again, you can press your computer’s power-on switch to resume work quickly.
Instead of shutting your computer down when you are not using your computer, you
should put your computer in sleep mode.

To wake up my computer

To wake up your computer, press your computer’s power-on switch.

To shut down my computer

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu appears.


2. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the start menu. A menu
appears.
3. Click Shut Down. Your computer shuts down.

When you need to restart your computer, press your computer’s


power-on switch.

What is a program?

You use programs, also referred to as software, to perform tasks when using a computer.
For example, if you want to use your computer to write a letter, you can use a word-
processing program such as Microsoft Word. If you want to keep accounting records, you
can use an accounting program such as QuickBooks.

To start a program

1. To start a program:

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 22


2. Click the Start button, located in the lower-left corner of your screen. A menu showing the
programs you use most frequently appears on the left, and commonly performed tasks appear on
the right.
3. Click the program you want to open. Vista starts the program.

I do not see the program I want to open. What should I do?

After you click the Start button, a search box appears just above it.
You can use the search box to locate programs or anything else that
is located on your computer, including documents that contain the
word you type. Type the name of the program, e-mail, file, or
whatever you are looking for in the Search box. Vista searches your
computer. The results of the search appear on the Start menu. When
you see the program you are looking for, you can click the program
name to open the program.

Is there a menu that lists all my programs?

1. Click the Start button. The Start menu appears.


2. Click All Programs. A listing of programs and program folders appears.
3. Click a program to open a program, or click a folder to open a folder and
then click the program name. Vista starts the program.

Note: You may not be able to view all of your programs on the screen at one time.
Click and drag the scrollbar up or down to change which programs are in view.

Excises

Dept. of Computer Sc. & Infortec. Page 23

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