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DC 102 Module 1 Lesson 2

This document provides an overview of basic Windows terminology and functions, including: 1) It defines what Windows is and its key components like the desktop, start menu, taskbar, windows and icons. 2) It explains how to open programs and files from the start menu and desktop. 3) It describes how to manage windows using buttons to maximize, minimize and close them.

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jerome paulines
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32 views13 pages

DC 102 Module 1 Lesson 2

This document provides an overview of basic Windows terminology and functions, including: 1) It defines what Windows is and its key components like the desktop, start menu, taskbar, windows and icons. 2) It explains how to open programs and files from the start menu and desktop. 3) It describes how to manage windows using buttons to maximize, minimize and close them.

Uploaded by

jerome paulines
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DC 102

Computer Hardware Servicing


Module 1 – Lesson 1
Lesson 2 | Windows Basics and Terminology

WHAT IS WINDOWS?

Microsoft Windows is what is referred to as an OPERATING SYSTEM (OS). An operating system is like a
translator. Windows is the operating system or translator that acts as a link between you and your
computer.

WHAT IS A WINDOW?

A window is what Microsoft Windows uses to group information. Windows are generally rectangular
boxes which are distinguishable by a title bar and an application control symbol (such as Computer
picture for My Computer).

The title bar appears at the very top of the window and is generally a different color than the rest of
the box. It displays the title of the application or file that you are currently working in. The title bar
can be grabbed by your mouse if it is restored down (not in full screen mode).

Windows operate in layers and you can have more than one window open at the same time. When you
first start windows, you are brought to the Desktop and Start button. Everything you do in Windows
will start from the Desktop.
WORKING WITH THE DESKTOP AND START MENU BUTTON

After you log on, the computer will display what is known as your desktop within a few seconds to a
few minutes (if your computer is newer, this will probably go faster). Here you will see a digital
representation of something similar to a real-life office space, complete with a workspace, files and file
folders, and even a recycling bin.

The “Start Menu” is displayed on the Desktop. The desktop is the “background” screen, on which your
windows will appear.

From the Start Menu, you can access all windows applications available to you.

START BUTTON AND TASKBAR


At the bottom of your screen is the taskbar. It contains the Start button, which you can use to quickly
start a program or to find a file. When you open a program, document, or window, a button appears on
the taskbar. You can use this button to quickly switch between the windows you have open.

When you click the Start Button, it will display the Start menu, which allows you to access Programs and
submenus. Menu choices with a triangle beside them have submenus.

Example: Move the mouse pointer to the Start Button and left click once, Point to Programs, then
Accessories, and choose one of the menu choices and left click.

OPENING A FILE OR PROGRAM FROM START MENU BUTTON

Opening Program through


Menus

1. Click on the Start Menu Button on


the bottom-left corner of the screen

2. Click on the Accessories


folder
3. Once it opens, find a program to
open up, such as Calculator, or
Paint

Opening Program through


Search Bar

1. Click on the Start Menu Button on


the bottom-left corner of the screen
2. Directly above the Start Menu
Button, type into the “Search
programs and files” box
3. Type in any keywords to help you
find any file, folder, or program on
your computer
a. Try finding Microsoft
Word by simply typing
“Word”
OPENING A FILE OR PROGRAM FROM THE DESKTOP

WORKING WITH THE TASKBAR


The Taskbar at the bottom of the screen contains the start button, pinned icons, the time and date, as
well as other system controls such as sound. Open windows appear on the taskbar as transparent
boxes containing the unique icon for the program. Click on those icons to open or minimize them.

Windows operates in layers. When more than one window is open in the same program, you can cycle
between the windows by hovering the mouse over the icon on the taskbar—then clicking on the
desired window.

MAXIMIZE/RESTORE, MINIMIZE, AND CLOSE BUTTONS


Managing “Windows”

Microsoft Windows is called “Windows” for a reason. Programs appear on your screen as “Windows”
(rectangular shapes) and are laid 3-dimensionally on top of one another (see image below), just like on
a real desktop. The desktop is your work surface, and all of your open windows appear on top of it. If

you can see a window, it means that the program is open and running. It is possible to make the

window bigger, smaller, or close it using the buttons in the top right corner of any window.

Restore Down: Left-click this button to make the window smaller without minimizing it.

While in full-screen from pressing Maximize, Restore Down is the method to shrink a window down.
Basic Computer and Windows Terms
DIALOGUE BOX: A window
that pops up and asks you
questions.

TOOL BARS: The bars across


the top of the screen that
have icons you click on to do
different things.

DISKS: Where you save


your work, like recording on
a video tape.

DOCUMENT: Anything you


create in Microsoft Word is
called a document.

FILE: a piece of computer


information such as a
document or part of a
computer program.

FOLDER: Just like a file


folder in a filing cabinet, a file
is where documents (letters,
spreadsheets, etc.) are kept.

FONT: The way letters and


words look.

FORMAT: Changing the


way that text looks on the THIS is formatted.
page. This is not formatted.
HARDWARE: All the parts
of the computer that you
can touch: the monitor,
CPU, printer, mouse, and
keyboard.

HARD DRIVE: the place


inside your computer where
programs and files are
stored.

HIGHLIGHT/SELECTING:
Click and drag across a
word or sentence to
highlight it. When it is
highlighted you can make
changes to it.
ICON: Symbols or
pictures that you can click
on to perform an action.
Each program has its own
icon.
ITALICS: A font style
that slants words to the
right.

KEYBOARD: Like a
typewriter, it’s where you
type and enter numbers. It
is one way to tell the
computer what you want it
to do.

MENU BAR: The words at the


top of the screen. Click on
these words and you see
menus of other things you
can do.
MENU: A list of other things
you can do. You see a menu
when you click on one of the
words on the Menu Bar.

MICROSOFT WORD: A
wordprocessing program for
typing letters, resumes, school
papers and more.
MONITOR: Your computer’s
screen

MOUSE: The tool you can use


tell the computer what to do.
For example you can open
programs and files by clicking or
double clicking.

OPEN: A command on the File


Menu that brings files onto the
screen so that you can see
them.

PROGRAMS: Another word


for software or applications.
SCROLL BARS: The bars on
the sides of the screen that
allow you to move up or down
the page.

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