AFRI B&B INNOVATIVE

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION

MICROSOFT WINDOWS

Lecturer: Abubakarr Barrie

Contact Number: +232 74 328495
Email: [email protected]
WHAT IS WINDOWS?
A window is an area on your desktop within which all windows – based programs run.

BASIC PARTS OF THE MOUSE

A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button (usually the
right button). You will use the primary button most often. Most mice also include a scroll wheel between the
buttons to help you scroll through documents and web pages 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.

PARTS OF A MOUSE

HOLDING AND MOVING THE MOUSE

MOUSE POINTERS

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 primary 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

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 primary button (usually 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.

TIP
 If you have trouble double-clicking, you can adjust the double-click speed (the amount of time
acceptable between clicks). Follow these steps:
1. Click to open Mouse Properties.
2. Click the Buttons tab, and then, under Double-click speed, move the slider to increase or
decrease the speed.

RIGHT-CLICKING
To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the secondary button
(usually 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

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 primary button, move the object to a new location, and then release the primary
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).

CUSTOMIZING YOUR MOUSE

You can change your mouse settings to suit your personal preferences. For example, you can change how
fast your mouse pointer moves around the screen, or change the pointer's appearance. If you're left-
handed, you can switch the primary button to be the right button.
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 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.

HOW DO I START A PROGRAM?

TO START 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 our selection. 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 additions options. To view the
additional options, click the chevron.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PARTS OF WINDOWS? Yes, I 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 windows

BORDER: The borders separate the windows from the desktop. You resize
The windows by dragging its borders outward to expand it and inwards
To contract it.

TITLE BAR: The title bar displays the name of the current file and the name of the
 current program.

MINIMIZE Use the Minimize button to temporarily decrease the size of window or
BUTTON Remove a windows from view. While a windows is minimized. Its title
Appears on the taskbar.

MAXIMIZE Click the Maximize button and the windows will fill the scream
BUTTON
RESTORE After you maximize a windows, if you click the restore button, the
BUTTON Windows will return to its former size
CLOSE BUTTON Click the close button to exit the windows 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 can drag them and display
them along any of the windows borders. You use the icons on the toolbars to send
command to the program.
WORK AREA The work area is located in the center of the windows. 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

WordPad Toolbar in Windows

Windows 7 comes with word processing software called WordPad. Although there is no spell checker in
WordPad, there are many other tools that can be used. Let’s take a look at the WordPad toolbar and find
out the different features WordPad toolbar offers:
Below is the tool bar that is located at the top of the screen in WordPad:

FONT: Calibri is one of the many different fonts in WordPad. Changing the font alters the appearance of
the text that was highlighted. To change your font, highlight any text, click on the drop down arrow (tiny
upside down black triangle) in the Font box and select a different font from the list (use the scroll bar to
view more fonts). Click on the font that is appealing and the highlighted text will now be displayed in the
new font. As long as the text is highlighted you can keep changing the font until you are satisfied with a
new font. After choosing the font you like you un-highlight the text by clicking on any empty space in your
document. Try looking at a couple of fun fonts like Jokerman, Curlz and Wingdings (Wingdings font
changes letters into symbols!)

Font Size: Increases or decreases text size. to increase text size, highlight text, click the drop down arrow
in the font size box and select a size, the larger the number the bigger the text size.
Bold: Enhances/darkens text; highlighted text, click Bold to enhance the text.

Underline: Underlines text; highlight some text, click Underline and text will be underlined.

Color: Changes color of text; highlight the text, click Color and select a color from the palette. Un-highlight
the text to see the color change (you will not see the color change unless you un-highlight the text).

Align Left: Moves highlighted text to the left side of the page; highlight text, click Align Left, all text will
move and align to the left margin.

Center: Moves highlighted text to the center of the page; highlight text, click Center, text will move to the
center of the page.

Align Right: Moves highlighted text to the right of the page; highlight text, click Align Right and the text will
move to the right margin.

Bullets: Solid circles indicating a new item or sentence, sometimes used in checklists; highlight text, click
Bullet, a solid circle will appear, text should be added after each bullet. Pressing Enter at the end of a
bulleted statement will start a new bulleted statement on the next line.

New: Creates new WordPad document.

Open: Click Open and depending on how your computer is set up, generally Documents will open allowing
you to choose an existing file or program to open.

Save: Click to save your current document work. A good practice is to click on Save every ten minutes in
case power is lost of the computer shuts down unexpectedly.

Print: Click to print the document

Print Preview: A good practice to click Print Preview before printing to see how your document will look
before printing.

Search: Click Search to locate a word or phrase on the document.

Copy: Duplicates text and pictures; highlight the text you want to duplicate, click Copy (you will have to
move your cursor to the location where you want the duplicated text, and click Paste (see Paste below).
Don’t click Copy again or you will loose the first text that was copied.

Paste: After text or pictures have been cut or copied, position the cursor where the copied or cut text will
be and click Paste. In order to move or copy text or pictures it takes two actions – 1st action = Copy or Cut
2nd action = Paste

Undo: This can be your best friend! When you make a mistake, for instance if something was copied in the
wrong place, just click Undo and the last action or task will be erased like it was never done! Keep pressing
Undo and the computer will keep going backwards to the previous task.

Date/Time: Click to insert the current date/time into your document.

Another feature about the WordPad toolbar is that it can be moved around on your screen. Just find a spot
on the toolbar without selecting a tool, left click and hold and drag the toolbar to one side or up or down
etc.

I personally like my toolbar along one line:

CAN I HAVE MORE THAN ONE WINDOWS OPEN AT A TIME?
Yes
HOW DO I SWITCH BETWEEN WINDOWS?
If you have several windows open at the same time, the windows on top is the windows with focus. You can
only interact with the windows with focus. To change windows, do one of the following:
1. Click anywhere on the windows you want to have focus.
2. Hold down the Alt key and press the Tab key (Alt + tab) until you have selected the windows to
which you want to change.
3. All active files display on the taskbar. Click the taskbar button for the windows you want to have
focus
HOW DO I MOVE A WINDOW AROUND ON MY DESKTOP?
To move a windows around on your desktop, left-click the windows title bar and drag the windows
WHAT ARE SCROLLBARS?
In many programs, if the contents of the work area do not fit in the windows, scrollbar will appear. A
vertical scrollbar will appear at the right hand 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 DO THE SCROLLBARS WORK?
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 with one character at a time:
 Click the arrow at either end of the horizontal scrollbar
To move approximately one window at a time:
 Click above the scroll box to move up.
 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 move 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 command by using an icon, click the icon
WHAT IS A MENU?
Menu provides 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, when you click a menu item, A drop-down menu appears, select the command you want to execute
from the dropdown 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.
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 selection from drop-down menus and dialog
boxes.
In this tutorial and this web site, we use the following notation: a key name followed by a dash and a letter
means to hold down the key while pressing the letter. For example, “Alt+ f means to hold down the Alt key
while pressing “f” (this will open the file menu in many program). As another example. Holding down the
Ctrl key while pressing “b” (Ctrl+ b) will bold selected text in many programs. In some programs, you can
assign your own shortcut keys.
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 highlight word.
HOW DO I MAKE A SELECTION?
1. Left-click where you want to start your selection and drag on top of the test
2. Hold down the Shift key while you use the arrow keys to highlight the area that you want
3. Press Alt + a
Note: Typing over highlighted text replaces the old text with the new text you type.
EXPLAIN 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 says there until new information is
either cut or copied. Each time your 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.
PASTE: You can place information on the clipboard wherever you like. Execute the paste command and
information you have cut or copied wherever you 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
1. Select what you want to cut
2. Click the cut icon which located on the left hand side of the home menu bar
3. Click cut.
PASTE
1. Place the cursor at the point where you want to place/paste the information that is currently on the
clipboard
2. Click the paste icon located on the left hand side of the home menu bar
3. Click paste.
COPY
1. Select what you want to copy
2. Click the copy icon located at the left hand side of the home menu bar
3. Click copy.
USING KEYBOARD SHORTCUT
CUT
1. Select what you want to cut
2. Press Ctrl + x
PASTE
1. Place the cursor at the point where you want to place the information that is currently on the
clipboard
2. Press Ctrl + v.
COPY
1. Select want you want to copy
2. Press Ctrl + c.
USING ICONS WITH THE HELP OF THE MOUSE:
CUT
 1. Select what you want to cut
2. Click the cut icon
PASTE
1. Place the cursor at the point where you want to place the information that is currently on the
clipboard
2. Click the cut icon
COPY
1. Select what you want to copy
2. Click the copy icon.

GENERAL KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

1) Ctrl+C (Copy)
2) Ctrl+X (Delete selected item and save a copy to the clipboard)
3) Ctrl+V (Paste)
4) Ctrl+Z (Undo)
5) Delete (Delete)
6) Shift+Delete (Delete the selected item permanently without moving the item to the Recycle Bin)
7) Ctrl while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
8) Ctrl+Shift while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
9) F2 key (Rename the selected item)
10) Ctrl+Right Arrow (Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word)
11) Ctrl+Left Arrow (Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word)
12) Ctrl+Down Arrow (Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph)
13) Ctrl+Up Arrow (Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
14) Ctrl+Shift with any arrow key (Highlight a block of text)
15) Shift with any arrow key (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in
a document)
16) Ctrl+A (Select all)
17) F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
18) Alt+Enter (View the properties for the selected item)
19) Alt+F4 (Close the active item, or exit the active program)
20) Alt+Enter (Display the properties of the selected object)
21) Alt+Spacebar (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
22) Ctrl+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable multiple documents to be open at the
same time)
23) Alt+Tab (Switch between the open items)
24) Alt+Esc (Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened)
25) F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
26) F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or in Windows Explorer)
27) Shift+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
28) Alt+Spacebar (Display the System menu for the active window)
29) Ctrl+Esc (Display the Start menu)
30) Alt+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu)
31) Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)
32) F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
33) Right Arrow (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)
34) Left Arrow (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)
35) F5 key (Update the active window)
 36) Backspace (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
37) Esc (Cancel the current task)
38) Shift when you insert a CD into the CD drive (Prevent the CD from automatically playing)
39) Ctrl+ Shift + Esc (Open Task Manager)
CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW TO SAVE A FILE?
Yes I will use WordPad as an example.
TO SAVE A FILE:
1. Click the office button, which is located on the left hand side of the title bar
2. Click save as icon. 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 Click this icon to move to the desktop folder.
ICON
CREATE A NEW Use the create a new folder icon to create a new folder
FOLDER ICON 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 date
modified. Click the list icon.
DETAILS ICON Your program display files and folders in the center of the dialog.
To have the files display with the size, type and date modified,
click the details icon.
FILE/FOLDER BOX Your program displays file 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 field 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.
WHAT IS A DIALOG BOX?
Wherever you see an ellipsis after a menu option, selecting that option causes a dialog box to appear. You
can use dialog boxes to send commands to the computer. Most dialog boxes provide an OK button and a
Cancel Button, press the OK button if you are satisfied with your entries and you want to send the
commands to the computer, press the Cancel button if you have changed your mind and do not want to
send the commands to the computer.

WHAT ARE TABS?

Some programs provide dialog boxes with several pages of options. You move to a page by clicking on the
tab using Ctrl+ Tab (hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the Tab key to flip through the pages.

WHAT ARE FIELDS?

You type entries into fields (also referred to as text boxes). For example, in the Save As dialog box, you can
type the name you want the file to have in the file name field

WHAT IS A DROP-DOWN OR PULL-DOWN MENU?

Fields with a drop-down menu have a small downward-pointing arrow next to them. You click the arrow
and a list of options appears. You select the option you want from the list. You can also open the drop-down
menu by holding down the Alt key and pressing the down arrow.
You can use the arrow key to move up and down in a drop-down menu. You can also move to an item by
typing the first few letters of the option.

WHAT IS A SLIDER? You can use a slide to increase or decrease a value. You increase a value by moving
the slider from left to right; you can also decrease a value by moving the slider from right to left.

WHAT IS A DESKTOP?
When you start your computer, the first thing you see is the desktop. The desktop is your work area.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE WINDOWS 7 DESKTOP?
Yes
Task bar by default, the taskbar is located on the bottom edge of the desktop. You can click the task
taskbar and drag it to other locations. The Start button, active program buttons, icons for quick access to
programs, and the current time are located on the taskbar.
My Computer The My Commuter icon provides access to the resources on your computer. You can
assess your drives and other peripherals by clicking on the My Computer Icon.
The Recycle Bin When you delete an object, Windows 7 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 and so on).
Program, folder Program, folder, and document icons do not have an arrow in the lower
And documents left corner of the icon
WHAT IS A SCREEN SAVER?
Computer monitors displays images by firing electron beams at a phosphor-coated screen. If the same
image stays on the screen to long, there is danger that the image will leave a permanent imprint on the
screen. Screen savers help prevent this by providing a constantly changing image.
SCREEN SAVER
How do I change my screen saver?
1. Right-click anywhere on the Windows Desktop. A context
menu will appear
2. Click personalize another windows dialog box will appear
3. Click screen saver
4. Follow the instruction of the tutor

HOW DO I SHUT DOWN MY COMPUTER?

Short 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.
HOW DO I RESTART MY COMPUTER?
 You may need to shut down and restart your computer after installing a new program or if your system
becomes unstable. To shut down and immediately restart you computer:
1. Click the Start button. The Stat Menu will appear
2. Click shutdown or the arrow on the right hand of the shutdown dialog box, which will give you
options
3. Click the Restart icon. Your computer will restart or use the following as you wish.

HOW DO I ADD AN ITEM LOCATED ON MY DESKTOP TO THE START OR TO A PROGRAM MENU?

To add an item on the desktop to the Start or to a Program menu:
1. Click and drag the item on top of the Start 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 to the Start Menu to the Program menu or submenu.
WHAT IS WINDOWS EXPLORER?
Windows Explorer is a place where you can view the drives on your computer and manipulate the folders
and files. Using Windows Explorer, you can, cut, copy, paste, rename, and delete folders and files.
HOW DO I OPEN WIDOWS EXPLORER?
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)
 WINDOW PART WHAT IT'S USEFUL FOR
Navigation pane Use the navigation pane to access libraries, folders, saved searches, and even
entire hard disks. Use the Favourites section to open your most commonly
used folders and searches; use the Libraries section to access your libraries.
You can also use the Computer folder to browse folders and subfolders.
Back and Forward Use the Back button and the Forward button to navigate to other
buttons folders or libraries you've already opened without closing the current window.
These buttons work together with the address bar; after you use the address
bar to change folders, for example, you can use the Back button to return to the
previous folder.
Toolbar Use the toolbar to perform common tasks, such as changing the appearance of
your files and folders, burning files to a CD, or starting a digital picture slide
show. The toolbar's buttons change to show only the tasks that are relevant.
For example, if you click a picture file, the toolbar shows different buttons than
it would if you clicked a music file.
Address bar Use the address bar to navigate to a different folder or library or to go back to a
previous one.
Library pane The library pane appears only when you are in a library (such as the
Documents library). Use the library pane to customize the library or to arrange
the files by different properties.
Column headings Use the column headings to change how the files in the file list are organized.
For example, you can click the left side of a column heading to change the order
the files and folders are displayed in, or you can click the right side to filter the
files in different ways. (Note that column headings are available only in Details
view. To learn how to switch to Details view, see 'Viewing and arranging files
and folders' later in this topic.)
File list This is where the contents of the current folder or library are displayed. If you
type in the search box to find a file, only the files that match your current view
(including files in subfolders) will appear.
The search box Type a word or phrase in the search box to look for an item in the current
folder or library. The search begins as soon as you begin typing—so if you type
"B," for example, all the files with names starting with the letter B will appear
in the file list. For more information, see Find a file or folder.
Details pane Use the details pane to see the most common properties associated with the
 selected file. File properties are information about a file, such as the author, the
date you last changed the file, and any descriptive tags you might have added
to the file. For more information, see Add tags and other properties to files.
Preview pane Use the preview pane to see the contents of most files. If you select an e-mail
message, text file, or picture, for example, you can see its contents without
opening it in a program. If you don't see the preview pane, click the Preview

pane button in the toolbar to turn it on.

HOW DO I REMOVE AN ITEM FROM THE START MENU OR FROM A PROGRAM MENU?
To remove an item from the Start menu or from a Program menu:
1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear
2. Right click on the item you want to remove from the start menu
3. Click remove from this list
HOW DO I COPY AN ITEM THAT IS LOCATED ON THE START MENU OR A PROGRAM MENU?
To copy an item located on the Start menu or on a Program menu:
1. Highlight the item
2. Right-click. A context menu will appear.
3. Click Copy.
HOW DO I RENAME AN ITEM ON THE START MENU OR ON A PROGRAM MENU?
To rename an item on the Start Menu or on a program menu:
1. Highlight the item
2. Right-click
3. Click Rename. The Rename dialog box will appear.
4. Type the new name in the New field.
5. Click Ok.
HOW DO I DELETE A FILE FROM THE START MENU OR FROM A PROGRAM MENU?
To delete a file from the Start menu or from a program menu:
1. Highlight the item.
2. Right-click
3. Click Delete. You will be prompted.
4. Click Yes.
WHAT IS THE MOST RECENTLY USED DOCUMENT LIST?
As you work. Windows 7 tracks the last 15 files you used. It lists these files on the Most Recently Used
Document list. To view the Most Recently used Documents list:
1. Click start button.
2. Highlight Documents. The most recently used documents will display.
TO OPEN A FILE LISTED ON THE MOST RECENTLY USED DOCUMENTS LIST, CLICK THE FINE NAME.
How do I clear my Most Recently Used Documents List?
To clear the Most Recently Used Documents list:
1. Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear.
2. Click the submenu
3. Right click the item you want to remove from the list
4. Clicks remove from this list.
HOW DO I CHANGE THE DATE AND TIME?
To change the date and time:
1. Click the Start button, which is located in the lower left corner of the screen. The Start menu will
appear
2. Click Control Panel. The Control Panel will open.
 3. Click clock, language, and region. The date and time, the dialog box on the left hand will appear
4. Click change date and time, the dialog box on the right hand will appear.

5. In the Date frame, select month and year.

6. In the Month field, click to open the drop-down menu and select the current month.
7. Type the year in the Year in the Year field or use the arrows next to the field to move forward or
backward until you get to the current year.
8. The Time field is divided into four segments: hours, minutes, second and AM and PM. To make an
adjustment
 Click in the segment and either type in the correct information or use the arrow keys on the
right side to select the correct hour, minute, second or Am or PM.
TIME ZONE:
1. Click the Time Zone tab.
2. Choose the correct time zone from the drop-down menu.
3. If you want the clock to automatically adjust daylight savings times, check the box on the screen.
4. Click the Apply button.
5. Click OK.

WHAT IS A DESKTOP SHORTCUT?

A desktop shortcut, usually represented by an icon, it is a small file that points to a program, folder,
document, or Internet location, clicking on a shortcut icon takes you directly to the objects to which the
shortcut points. Shortcut icons contain a small arrow in their lower left corner. Shortcuts are merely
pointers. Deleting a shortcut will not delete the item to which the shortcut points.
HOW DO I CREATE A DESKTOP SHORTCUT?
1. Right-click on the item you want your create shortcut for
2. Click create shortcut
HOW DO I CRATE SHORTCUT TO AN ITEM LOCATED ON THE START MENU:
To create a shortcut to an item located on the Start menu:
1. Click Start. The Start menu will appear
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.
HOW DO I DELETE A DESKTOP SHORTCUT?
To Delete A Shortcut:
1. Click the shortcut icon
2. Press the Delete key.
3. Click Yes.
TO CREATE A SHORTCUT TO ITEMS VISIBLE IN WINDOWS EXPLORER:
1. Open Windows 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 DO I TURN A WEB LINK INTO A DESKTOP SHORTCUT?
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 page.
HOW DO I RENAME A DESKTOP SHORTCUT?
TO RENAME A SHORTCUT.
1. Right-click the shortcut.
2. Click Rename.
3. Type the new name..
HOW DO I CHANGE THE ICON ASSOCIATED WITH AN OBJECT?
To change the icon associated with an object:
1. Right-click the Icon. The context will appear.
2. Click Properties
3. Click customize
4. Click the Change Icon Button.
5. Click the icon of your choice
6. Click OK.
Note: Not all icons can be changed. If you do not see the Change Icon button, the icon cannot be
changed.

WHAT IS WALLPAPER?
Wallpaper is the background that displays on your desktop.
How do I change my wallpaper?
To change your wallpaper:
1. Right-click your desktop.
2. Highlight Personalize
3. Click the Desktop tab
4. Select the wallpaper you want from the list that appears in the Background box.
Note. If you would like to display an image you created, you can click browse to find the image.
5. Select how you want your image to appear on the screen. Choose from the following:

CENTER Place the image in the center of the screen.

TITLE Have the image display as titles across and down the screen.
STRETCH Stretch the image so the image covers the entire screen
DESKTOP GADGETS (OVERVIEW)
Windows contains mini-programs called gadgets, which offer information at a glance and provide easy
access to frequently used tools. For example, you can use gadgets to display a picture slide show, view
continuously updated headlines, or look up contacts.

WHY USE DESKTOP GADGETS?

Desktop gadgets can keep information and tools readily available for you to use. For example, you can
display news headlines right next to your open programs. This way, if you want to keep track of what's
happening in the news while you work, you don't have to stop what you're doing to switch to a news
website.
You can use the Feed Headlines gadget to show the latest news headlines from sources you choose. You
don't have to stop working on your document, because the headlines are always visible. If you see a
headline that interests you, you can click that headline, and your web browser will open directly to the
story.

GETTING STARTED WITH GADGETS

To understand how to use gadgets, let's explore three gadgets: the Clock, Slide Show, and Feed Headlines.

HOW DOES THE CLOCK WORK?

When you right-click the Clock, you'll see a list of things you can do with the gadget, including closing the
Clock, keeping it on top of your open windows, and changing the Clock's options (such as its name, time
zone, and appearance).
Tip

 If you point to the Clock gadget, a Close button and an Options button will appear near its upper-right
corner.

How does Slide Show work?

Next, try resting the pointer on the Slide Show gadget, which displays a continuous slide show of pictures on your
computer.

Right-clicking Slide Show and clicking Options allows you to choose which pictures appear in your slide show,
control the speed at which your slide show plays, and change the transition effect between pictures. You can also
right-click Slide Show and point to Size to change the size of the gadget.

Tip

 When you point to Slide Show, the Close, Size, and Options buttons will appear near the upper-right
corner of the gadget.

WHAT ARE DRIVES?

Drives are used to store data. Almost all computers come with at least two drives: a hard drive (which is
used to store large volumes of data) and a CD drive (which stores smaller volumes of data that can be easily
transported from one computer to another). The hard drive is typically designated the C:\drive and the CD
drive is typically designated the D:\ drive. If you have an additional floppy drive, it is typically designated
the A:\drive. If your hard drive is partitioned or if you have additional drives, the letters E:\, F:\, G:\ and so
on are assigned
Note: In Some Cases the Changes
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 the files of the like kind in a single folder.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE WINDOWS EXPLORER WINDOW?
Yes. When you open Windows Explorer, the screen shown here will appear.

Windows 7 separates the windows into two panes. If you click an object in the left pane, the contents of the
object display in the right pane. Click Desktop and the contents of the Desktop folder display on the right.
Click My Computer and your computer resources display on the right. To see the contents of a drive, click
the drive. To see the contents of folders, click the icon for the folder in the left pane.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN WINDOWS EXPLORER VIEWS?

Yes. Views control how Windows Explorer displays information in the right pane. Windows Explorer
provides you with the following choices. THUMBNAILS, TILES, LIST, AND DETAILS.
 Thumbnails view displays images. These images represent the contents of folders and files.
For example. If a folder contains pictures, up to four of the pictures in the folder will be
displayed on the folder icon.
 Tiles view and Icons views display icons to represent drives, folders, and the contents of
folders. The icons displayed when you choose Tiles views are larger than the icons that
display when you choose Icon view.
 List view displays all of the files and folders without supplying the size, type, or data
modified.
 Details view displays the size, type, and date modified.

TO CHANGE THE VIEWS:

1. Right-click any free area in the right pane. A context menu will appear.
2. Highlight View.
3. Select the view you want from the drop-down menu.
HOW DO I CREATE A NEW FOLDER WHEN IN WINDOWS EXPLORER?
To Create A New Folder:
1. In the left pane, click the drive or folder in which you want to create the new folder.
2. Click any free area in the right pane. A context menu will appear.
3. Highlight New.
4. Click Folder.
5. Type a name for the folder.
HOW DO I 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 you sure you want to send this object to the recycle
bin?”
3. Click yes.
HOW DO I 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
HOW DO I CUT A FILE OR FOLDER?
To cut a file or folder:
1. Right-click the file or folder you want to cut. A 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 placed on the Clipboard. When you delete a
file the file is sent to the Recycle Bin.
HOW DO I PASTE A FILE OR FOLDER?
To Paste a File Or Folder:
1. After cutting or copping 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.
HOW DO I 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.

COPYING AND MOVING FILES AND FOLDERS

Occasionally, you might want to change where files are stored on your computer. You might want to move
files to a different folder, for example, or copy them to removable media (such as CDs or memory cards) to
share with another person.
Most people copy and move files using a method called drag and drop. Start by opening the folder that
contains the file or folder you want to move. Then, open the folder where you want to move it to in a
different window. Position the windows side by side on the desktop so that you can see the contents of
both.
Next, drag the file or folder from the first folder to the second folder. That's all there is to it.

PAINT
WOULD YOU EXPLAIN THE WINDOWS 7 COLOR BOX?
Yes. The windows color box provides 48 basic colors. You select a color by clicking on the square of the
color you can save 16 custom colors. To select a custom color, expand the windows by clicking on the
Define Custom Color button. A color matrix box and a luminosity slider will appear. Move the pointer in the
color matrix box horizontally to adjust the hue. Move the pointer vertically to adjust the saturation. Use the
luminosity slider to adjust the luminosity. The Hue Saturation, Luminosity (HSL) values and Red, Green,
Blue (RGB) values display at the bottom of the windows. After you have selected a color, you can add the
color to a Custom Color square by clicking on the Add to Custom Colors button. The Color Solid box may
display two colors. The left side of the box displays the dithered color. There are 256 non-dithering colors.
Non-dithering colors should display the same on all computer monitors; consequently, web developers
prefer them.
WORKING WITH TOOLS
The Ribbon in Paint includes a handy collection of drawing tools. You can use these tools to create freehand
drawings and add a variety of shapes to your pictures.
This section describes some common tasks. For more detailed information on how to use the different tools
in Paint, see Using Paint.

DRAW A LINE
Some tools and shapes, such as the Pencil, Brush, Line, and Curve, let you make a variety of straight, curved,
and squiggly lines. What you draw is determined by how you move the mouse as you draw. You can use the
Line to draw a straight line, for example.
1. On the Home tab, in the Shapes group, click the Line .
2. In the Colors group, click Color 1, and then click the color you want to use.
3. To draw, drag the pointer across the drawing area.

DRAW A SQUIGGLY LINE

Your drawings don't have to be composed of only straight lines. The Pencil and Brushes can be used to
make completely random, free-form shapes.
1. On the Home tab, in the Tools group, click the Pencil tool .
2. In the Colors group, click Color 1, and then click the color you want to use.
3. To draw, drag the pointer across the drawing area and make a squiggly line.

Note
 If you want to make a line that has a different appearance, use one of the Brushes, instead.

DRAW A SHAPE
Paint lets you draw many different shapes. For example, you can draw ready-made, defined shapes such as
rectangles, circles, squares, triangles, and arrows (to name a few). You can also make your own custom
shape by using the Polygon shape to draw a polygon, which is a shape that can have any number of sides.
1. On the Home tab, in the Shapes group, click a ready-made shape, such as the Rectangle.
2. To add a ready-made shape, drag the pointer across the drawing area to make the shape.
3. To change the outline style, in the Shapes group, click Outline, and then click an outline style.
If you don't want your shape to have an outline, click No outline.
4. In the Colors group, click Color 1, and then click a color for the outline.
5. In the Colors group, click Color 2, and then click a color to use to fill the shape.
6. To change the fill style, in the Shapes group, click Fill, and then click a fill style.
If you don't want your shape to be filled, click No fill.

ADD TEXT
You can also add text to your picture. The Text tool lets you add a simple message or title.
1. On the Home tab, in the Tools group, click the Text tool.
2. Drag the pointer in the drawing area where you want to add text.
3. Under Text Tools, on the Text tab, click the font face, size, and style in the Font group.
The Font group
4. In the Colours group, click Colour 1, and then click a colour. This is the text colour.
5. Type the text that you want to add.

ERASE PART OF YOUR PICTURE

If you make a mistake or need to change part of a picture, use the eraser. By default, the eraser changes any
area you erase to white, but you can change the eraser color. For example, if you set the background color
to yellow, anything you erase turns to yellow.
1. On the Home tab, in the Tools group, click the Eraser tool.
 2. In the Colors group, click Color 2, and then click the color that you want to erase with. If you want to
erase with white, you don't have to select a color.
3. Drag the pointer over the area you want to erase.

SAVING A PICTURE
Save your picture frequently so you don't accidentally lose your work. To save, click the Paint button, and
then click Save. This saves all of the changes made to the picture since the last time you saved.
The very first time that you save a new picture, you will need to give your picture a file name. Follow these
steps:
1. Click the Paint button, and then click Save.
2. In the Save as type box, select the file format you want.
3. In the File name box, type a name, and then click Save.

EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

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