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Basic IT

The document provides an overview of the Windows Desktop, detailing its components such as icons, taskbar, wallpaper, and gadgets. It explains how to manage icons, create and organize folders and files, create ZIP folders, and use the Encrypting File System (EFS) for file protection. Additionally, it includes step-by-step instructions for various tasks related to desktop management and file organization.

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Aleena Mir
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24 views3 pages

Basic IT

The document provides an overview of the Windows Desktop, detailing its components such as icons, taskbar, wallpaper, and gadgets. It explains how to manage icons, create and organize folders and files, create ZIP folders, and use the Encrypting File System (EFS) for file protection. Additionally, it includes step-by-step instructions for various tasks related to desktop management and file organization.

Uploaded by

Aleena Mir
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a Desktop?

The Desktop is the primary graphical user interface (GUI) of your Windows operating system. It appears
when you log in and serves as a workspace where you can access files, folders, shortcuts, and applications
quickly.

What Does a Desktop Carry?


A typical Windows desktop includes:
1. Icons (Shortcuts) – Quick-access links to programs, files, or folders.
o System Icons: This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, Control Panel, User’s Files.
o Application Shortcuts: Installed programs (e.g., Chrome, Word).
o Files & Folders: Documents, images, or folders saved directly on the desktop.
2. Taskbar (Bottom of the screen) – Contains:
o Start Menu
o Pinned Apps
o Open Applications
o System Tray (Clock, Wi-Fi, Volume, Notifications)
3. Wallpaper/Background – The customizable image behind icons.
4. Gadgets (Optional) – Widgets like clock, weather (Windows 11).

How to Manage Icons on the Desktop


1. Adding Icons to Desktop
For Applications:
 Method 1:
o Open Start Menu > Find the app > Right-click > More > Pin to desktop.
 Method 2:
o Go to C:\Program Files (or Program Files (x86)) > Find the app > Right-click its .exe file
> Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
For Files/Folders:
 Drag & drop from File Explorer to the desktop.
 Right-click on desktop > New > Folder/Shortcut.

2. Removing Icons from Desktop


 Delete Shortcut: Right-click the icon > Delete (moves to Recycle Bin).
 Remove System Icons (e.g., This PC, Recycle Bin):
1. Right-click desktop > Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings.
2. Check/uncheck icons you want to show/hide > Click OK.

3. Arranging Icons
 Auto-arrange:
o Right-click desktop > View > Auto arrange icons (keeps icons aligned in a grid).
 Sort By:
o Right-click desktop > Sort by > Name, Size, Type, Date modified.
 Manual Arrangement:
o Drag and drop icons freely (disable Auto arrange first).

4. Changing Icon Size & Spacing


 Right-click desktop > View > Choose:
o Large icons (bigger visibility)
o Medium icons (default)
o Small icons (more space)
 Adjust Spacing:
o Press Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Wheel to resize icons dynamically.

5. Renaming Icons
 Right-click the icon > Rename (or press F2) > Type a new name > Enter.

 Drive = The storage device.


 Folder = A way to organize files within a drive.
 File = The actual data or document you want to store and work with

1. Creating and Organizing Folders


Folders help categorize and store files systematically.
Steps to Create a New Folder:
1. On Desktop:
o Right-click on an empty area.
o Select New > Folder.
o Type a name for the folder and press Enter.
2. In File Explorer:
o Open File Explorer (Win + E).
o Navigate to the desired location (e.g., C:\, Documents).
o Click New > Folder from the top menu or right-click and select New > Folder.
o Name the folder and press Enter.
Organizing Folders:
 Move Folders: Drag and drop or use Cut (Ctrl+X) and Paste (Ctrl+V).
 Rename: Right-click the folder > Rename or press F2.
 Delete: Right-click > Delete or press Del (goes to Recycle Bin).
 Sorting: In File Explorer, click View > Sort by (Name, Date, Size, etc.).

2. Creating and Managing Files


Files store data such as documents, images, and videos.
Steps to Create a New File:
1. Right-click on Desktop or inside a folder.
2. Select New and choose the file type (e.g., Text Document, Word File, Excel Sheet).
3. Name the file and press Enter.
Managing Files:
 Open: Double-click the file.
 Edit: Right-click > Open With (choose an app).
 Copy/Paste: Use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V.
 Delete: Select and press Del or right-click > Delete.
 Search: Use the Search bar in File Explorer.

3. Creating a ZIP Folder in Windows


ZIP folders compress files to save space and make sharing easier.
Steps to Create a ZIP Folder:
1. Select the files/folders you want to compress.
2. Right-click and choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
3. A new ZIP file will appear with the same name (you can rename it).
Extracting Files from a ZIP Folder:
1. Right-click the ZIP file.
2. Select Extract All.
3. Choose a destination folder and click Extract.

4. Using Windows EFS (Encrypting File System) for Encryption


EFS encrypts files/folders to protect them from unauthorized access.
Steps to Encrypt a File/Folder with EFS:
1. Right-click the file/folder and select Properties.
2. Click Advanced under the General tab.
3. Check Encrypt contents to secure data > Click OK > Apply.
4. Choose whether to encrypt only the file or the folder and its contents.
5. Click OK.
Backing Up Encryption Certificate (Important!):
If you lose the certificate, you won’t be able to access encrypted files.
1. Press Win + R, type certmgr.msc, and press Enter.
2. Go to Personal > Certificates.
3. Find the certificate related to EFS (issued to your username).
4. Right-click it > All Tasks > Export.
5. Follow the wizard to save the certificate (store it securely).
Decrypting Files:
1. Right-click the encrypted file/folder > Properties.
2. Click Advanced.
3. Uncheck Encrypt contents to secure data > OK > Apply.

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