Session 9: Navigating MS Windows

Introduction
An operating system (OS) is software that helps control a computer's
hardware and software. It lets users interact with the computer and
handles tasks like running programs and managing memory. Without an
OS, a computer wouldn’t work properly. This session explains what an
operating system is, introduces MS Windows and its versions, teaches how
to start Windows, and how to identify various components on the Windows
desktop.

Learning Objectives

In this session, the students will:

 Define an operating system and its role in a computer.
 Identify MS Windows and its versions.
 Explore Windows desktop components: icons, taskbar, start button,
and pointer.
 Practise switching on and shutting down Windows.

ISTE Standard Mapping

Knowledg
Empower Computa- Creative Global
Digital e Innovative
ed tional Communi- Collaborat
Citizen Construct Designer
Learner Thinker cator or
or

Materials Needed

 Desktop Computer
 Mouse (with USB chord preferably)
 Resource_Traffic Signs
 Resource_Path Puzzle
 Resource_Path Puzzle Responses

7
Discover [10 min]
Activity 1: Traffic Control!

Students will understand the concept of an operating system by relating it

to a real-life activity.

 Make one copy of each traffic sign from the

Resource_Traffic Signs in the Facilitator
Support Folder, attach them to
cardboard, and secure a stick to the bottom
to create a placard to hold in your hands
for students to see.
 Tell them that they will play a fun game with traffic signs.
 Show the ‘Go’ (green) and ‘Stop’ (red) signs to the class and explain
the rules: move when the green sign is shown and freeze when the
red sign appears.
 Ask all students to stand up and spread out around the classroom,
ensuring they have enough space to move safely. (Note: You can
also conduct this activity outside on an open ground if there is
limited space in the classroom. Alternatively, you may choose to do
this activity in small groups, where only a few students follow the
instructions while others observe.)
 Hold up the ‘Go’ sign, and tell the students, "Move around the
classroom!".
 After a few seconds, hold up the ‘Stop’ sign and say, "Freeze!".
 Continue showing the ‘Go’ and ‘Stop’ signs for a minute, with
students moving and freezing according to the signs shown.
 After the activity ask students to be seated in their places.
 Initiate a discussion by asking the following questions:
o What did you do when the teacher showed the "Go" sign?
(Expected Response (ER): We started moving around the
classroom.)
o What did you do when the teacher showed the "Stop" sign?
(ER: We froze and stopped moving.)
8
 o Why were the signs shown by the teacher important? (ER: The
signs were important because they helped us know when to
move and when to stop, so we didn’t get confused or bump
into each other.)
o What would happen if no teacher was telling us when to go or
stop? (ER: If no teacher was telling us when to go or stop, we
might bump into each other or get confused because we
wouldn’t know when to move or freeze.)
 Explain that the ‘Go’ and ‘Stop’ signs are like how an operating
system in a computer works. An operating system is a software
program that controls the overall activities of the computer. It tells
the computer how to run other programs such as file systems and
use its parts, like the screen and keyboard. A computer cannot
function without an operating system.
 Say that the go sign is when the computer lets a program or task
run, and the stop sign is when the computer pauses or stops the
task. Just like the teacher controls when students move or stop, the
operating system controls when tasks or programs start and stop to
keep everything in order.
 Say that in this session they will learn more about an operating
system.

Learn [25 min]

Activity 2: Learning About MS Windows

Students will learn about MS Windows and its different versions.

 Tell students that different types of operating

systems make various devices work and, in this
activity, they will learn about the most common
operating system which is MS Windows.
 Explain - MS Windows is an operating system made
by Microsoft. It’s very popular and is used on lots of
home and school computers. Windows has a “Start” menu where

9
 you can find programs and apps. It’s known for being user-friendly,
and many games and programs work well on it.

 Explain - MS Windows has evolved significantly since its launch in

1985. When something evolves, it means it changes and improves
over time to become better or more useful.
 The first Windows (Windows 1.0) looked very simple. It only showed
a few boxes on the screen and could do basic things like drawing or
calculating. Over the years, new versions of Windows got better and
better. Today, with Windows 11, we can enjoy fast computers with a
clean design, touchscreens, and fun features like virtual desktops.
 Explain the different versions of MS Windows given below:

Windows Features Icon

Version

Windows Windows 1 introduced

1.0 simple programs like Paint
(1985) and Calculator.

Windows 95 was the first

Windows version to introduce the
95 (1995) Start Menu and Taskbar to
help find things easily.

Windows Windows 98 made using the

98 (1998) internet easier and added

support for USB devices

(devices that you can plug
into a computer or tablet to

10
 help it do different things).

Windows Windows 2000 made work

2000 easier for businesses and
(2000) helped connect computers.

Windows Windows XP had a fun

XP design with better music,
(2001) video, and game features.

Windows 7 was faster and

Windows
easier to use with features
7 (2009)
like Snap and Shake.

Windows 10 works on PCs,

tablets, and phones, and
Windows has Cortana, a helpful
10 (2015) assistant to answer
questions and help with
tasks.

Windows 11 has a new look

Windows
with the Start Menu in the
11 (2021)
middle and works faster.

Activity 3: Using MS Windows

Students will learn how to use the elements of the Windows Operating
System.

 Take the students step-by-step through the

different features and functions of MS Windows.

Booting an Operating System

 Booting an operating system means starting a

computer and loading the OS (like Windows) to control the device. It

11
 begins when you turn on the computer, and the system runs checks
before loading the OS. Once booted, the OS is ready for use,
opening the desktop and allowing you to open applications and
manage files.

a. Turn on the Computer: Press the power button on your computer

or laptop.

b. Wait for the System to Load: The computer will automatically

start running its checks and load the operating system.

c. Login (if required): Once the operating system has loaded, you
might need to enter your password or PIN to log in.

d. Start Using the Computer: After logging in, the desktop will
appear, and you can start using the computer.

Features of MS Windows

a. Desktop: Once the computer has finished starting up, the first
thing one will see is the desktop. From the desktop, one can view
and manage files, open applications, access the Internet, and much
more. The background of the desktop is called the desktop
background.

b. Icons: These are the small pictures on the desktop which are used
to open a program, a file or a folder. Recycle bins and computer
icons are examples of Icons.

12
 This PC (or My Computer): This icon lets you see all the files,
folders, and drives on your computer.

 Recycle Bin: The Recycle Bin holds deleted files. You can restore
them if needed or permanently delete them from here.

 Folder: A folder is used to store and organise your files. It's like a
digital container for your documents, pictures, and more.

 File: A file is a document or piece of work, like a picture, video, or

text, saved on your computer.

 Shortcut: A shortcut is a quick way to open a program or file. It has

a small arrow on the icon.

 Browser Icon (like Google Chrome or Edge): This opens the

Internet, where you can browse websites.

 Program Icons (like Word or Paint): These icons open specific

programs that let you write, draw, or do other tasks.

c. Taskbar: A long bar at the bottom of the desktop is called a

taskbar. It contains a Start or Windows button, quick launch bar,
system tray and show desktop button. It also shows icons for the
currently opened programs.

f. Search Bar: The search bar is next to the Start button on the
taskbar. You can type in anything you’re looking for—whether it's an
app, a file, or a setting. It's like having a digital assistant that helps
you find things quickly on your computer.

13
 g. Start Menu: The Start Menu can be opened by clicking the
Windows button on the taskbar. Inside, there are apps, recently
opened files, and a list of all the programs.

Shutting Down an Operating System

 Shutting down an operating system means turning off your

computer or tablet safely, so it can rest until you need to use it
again. This stops all programs and helps keep your computer safe.

a. Click on the Start Menu: Look for the Start button at the bottom
of your screen.

b. Find the Power Button: In the Start Menu, find the power button.

c. Click on Shut Down: Click on the power button and click on ‘Shut
Down.’

d. Wait for the Computer to Turn Off: The computer will close all
programs and turn them off safely.
14
 e. Turn off the Power: After the computer has turned off, you can
press the power button again to make sure it's fully off.

Apply [10 min]

Activity 4: Solve the Path Puzzle
Students will solve a puzzle to show what they learnt about MS Windows.
 Prepare one copy of the Resource_Path Puzzle from
the Facilitator Support Folder for each student and
distribute them.
 Explain - You will receive a worksheet with a maze.
Along the paths, there are statements about MS
Windows. Carefully read each statement. If a
statement is ‘True’, follow that path. If a statement is ‘False’, do not
take that path. Your goal is to complete the path by following only
the true statements. (Note: Alternatively, you can read each
statement aloud to the students one at a time. Assist them in
determining whether the statement is true or false and wait for
them to respond by drawing the path).
 Demonstrate the activity by reading a statement aloud, deciding
whether it is true or false, and showing how to mark the correct
path based on the answer.
 Give students time to finish the activity.
 Walk around the classroom to help students if required.
 Once everyone finishes, review the correct path as a class in the
share section.

Share [05 min]

Activity 5: Share with your Peers!
Students will share responses from the ‘Solve the Path Puzzle’ task with
their peers.
 Invite a few students to share their responses from
the ‘Solve the Path Puzzle’ task. Discuss the

15
 responses by referring to the Resource_Path Puzzle Responses
given in the Facilitator Support Folder.
 Discuss why some statements are false and what the correct
information is.

Explore [05 min]

Activity 6: Learn More!

Students will learn fun fucts about MS Windows.

 Share the fun facts given below to help students learn

more about MS Windows.

Windows is Like a Magic Door!

MS Windows got its name because it lets you open many 'windows' on
your computer screen, just like looking through real windows to see
different things!

Windows Can Speak Different Languages!

MS Windows can be used in over 100 languages, so people all around
the world can use it in their language!

Summary [05 min]

Students will revise and recap the main points discussed in the session.

 Tell students that in this session they:

o Defined an operating system and its role in a computer.
o Identified MS Windows and its versions.
o Explored Windows desktop components: icons, taskbar, start
button, and pointer.
o Practiced switching on and shutting down Windows.

16