Windows 7Know your Operating System

Thanks to Dina Sokol

An operating system is software (a computer program) that manages your computer.

Windows 7 is an

Operating System

An OS is a computer program that:1. Controls the hardware of the computer 2. Enables you to communicate with the

computer3. Organizes the files on the computer

What is an OPERATING SYSTEM?

The OS is in charge of allocating resources to processes. Here are some sample resources:

CPU time Printer Disk

1. OS Controls Hardware

The OS is the program that enables communication between a user and a computer. It

Accepts data typed in on the keyboard Accepts mouse clicks Determines the proper responses to input Displays messages

2. OS Allows Communication

A user interface is the combination of hardware and software that allows you to communicate with the computer.

Hardware: monitor, keyboard, mouse. Software: programs within the OS that

engage you in dialogue

User Interface

The goal of a user interface is to be user friendly.

GUI = graphical user interfaceis an interface that displays graphics to

communicate with the user.◦ Windows◦ Buttons◦ Icons◦ Menus

GUI

The part of the Windows OS that is in charge of file management is called: Windows Explorer.

Windows Explorer helps the user organize files by storing them in folders.

It displays files. It permits copying, moving and deleting

files and folders.

3. File Management

In Windows, files are organized using folders.

A folder is also known as a directory.

Directories have a hierarchical structure, also called a tree structure.

File Management

Desktop

Courses Pictures Core Major Family Friends

Directory Tree

If you right click on the Computer folder and choose Explore you will see the directory tree on the left. The tree is shown from left to right.

The pathname of a file (or folder) is the path from the top of the directory tree down to the file (or folder).

The pathname tells the exact location of a file or folder on your computer.

Example:C:\Documents and Settings\Desktop\Courses\CISC1050

Pathnames

Now, we begin the hands-on intro to Windows.

Getting Started in Windows 7

When you log in to your computer, you are looking at your Desktop.

The desktop is meant to simulate a physical desktop, including:

Files and folders Trash can (recycle bin) Clock

The WINDOWS Desktop

At the bottom of your screen, you have the Windows taskbar, which contains

Start Button Programs that are “pinned to taskbar” Icons Preview of open files Time and date

The Windows Taskbar

Drag the program icon to the Taskbar by left-clicking and holding mouse key.

Drop icon onto Taskbar.

Pinning a Program to theTaskbar

Right-click on an item on the Taskbar. A list of recently-used items will appear. Left-click to open the desired item from the

list.

Taskbar Jump List

Allows you to automatically arrange windows

Full or half screen Can be turned off if it is annoying!

Snap

All Programs command Frequently used programs Pinned programs Help Search Shut down

The Start Menu

Click the Start Button Right click on Computer Choose “Show on Desktop”In general: the LEFT mouse button selects,

and the RIGHT mouse button displays a pop-up menu.

Adding an Icon to the Desktop

On left – shows the hierarchy (tree) On right – shows contents of this folder Address bar (shows “path” or

breadcrumb trails) Search box Tabs

Folder Windows

If the folders do not appear, click on arrow (triangle)

You can see the contents of any folder in the hierarchy by clicking on it. (the black arrow means it’s “expanded” and the empty arrow means it’s “collapsed”)

Expanding a Folder

It is possible to copy and move files using the folders hierarchy

RIGHT dragging is the recommended way of copying, since a menu will pop up giving the option of move or copy

Copying & Moving Files

You can and should create folders to keep your files organized.

You can create a folder within a folder (and so on).

You can also rename folders as you rename files.

Creating a Folder

Moving to the recycle bin is the same as choosing “delete”

You can restore items in the recycle bin, until you choose to empty the recycle bin

Important: You cannot restore items to a removable drive!

Deleting Files and Folders

If you cannot find a file on your computer: Click on Start button Choose Search Type in your search

Searching for a file

Always keep your folders and files organized!

Click the Start Button and choose Help and Support

Within each application program there is help as well.

Don’t underestimate your ability to help yourself

Of course, you can always resort to a Google search.

Using Help and Support