Windows BasicsWindows Basics

for beginners

• To define an Operating System • To operate in a Windows

environment• To understand a Windows desktop• To run software from the Windows

desktop

Objectives

Left Mouse button - used to execute commands

Right mouse button - used to activate shortcut menus

Scroll Wheel - used to move up and down in the screens

Mouse Review

Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows is an Operative SystemOperative System that graphically controls all activities of your computer:

Manages your computer’s memory and storage

Provides a standard way to run and use software programs

Controls computer hardware

Lesson 1:Lesson 1: What is Microsoft Windows

Lesson 2:Lesson 2: Anatomy of a Window

Scroll Bars

Title Bar

Drop Down Menus Sizing buttons

The blue Title BarTitle Bar across the top of a window tells you which program is being used and which document is open.

You can move a program around the desktop by left-clicking on the title bar and dragging.

If the Title BarTitle Bar is gray instead of blue, then that window is not in use.

Title Bar

Located in the left-hand corner of the Title BarTitle Bar

To access the menu, left-

click on the program icon in the Title BarTitle Bar

These options are also provided on the right-hand side of the Title BarTitle Bar

Control Menu

You can resize or close a window by clicking one of the buttons found on the right-hand side of the title bar.

MinimizeMaximize/RestoreClose

Sizing a Windows

Drop-down Menus allow access to options available in a software program.

Left click on the command you want executed.

The options that are grayed-out cannot be chosen.

Drop Down Menus

• Scroll bars allow you to move either vertically or horizontally in a document, spread sheet, or web page.

• To move, you can: Left click on the arrows; Left click and drag the bar; or Left click on the space in the track above or

below the bar.

Scroll Bars

1. Open NotePad and practice sizing the Window.

2. Use the Title Bar to click and drag the Window around the desktop.

3. Close Window.

Exercise

On the desktop, you will find:

Icons

Folders

Task Bar

Start Button

Program Buttons

Systems Tray

Lesson 3:Lesson 3: The Desktop

Start Button Task Bar

Icons

Systems Tray Program Button

Windows Desktop

The StartStart Button on the Task BarTask Bar accesses the Start Start MenuMenu. From here, you open programs and documents, find help and files, and shut down the computer.

Task Bar:Task Bar: Start Button

The Task Bar allows access to all active programs.

When multitasking, a button for each application running is displayed on the task bar, along with the Start Button and the clock in the systems tray.

The Task Bar is usually located at the bottom of the desktop.

Task Bar:Task Bar: Program Buttons

Most of the icons on the desktop are shortcuts to programs you use the most.

You can make shortcut icons to folders or files.

By double-clicking with the left mouse button directly on the icon, you instruct Windows to run that application.

Icons:Icons: Shortcuts

Starting a program in Windows is as easy as a click.

• If the program is one with an icon on the

desktop, a double click starts it.

• Without an icon, use the program menu from the Start button.

Opening a Program

There are two ways to switch between programs

when multi-tasking:

Click on the program button on the task bar

Use the Alt + Tab

Switching Software Programs

There are 4 ways to exit a Windows program:

Choose Exit under the File drop-down menu;

Click the X on the Title Bar; Choose Close from the control

menu; or Use the keyboard shortcut Alt

+ F4

Closing a Program

Open four different applications (e.g., Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Power Point) and practice shifting between programs using the program buttons on the task bar.

Try using the keyboard shortcut Alt + Tab to alternate between programs.

Exercise

Public Training ClassesPublic Training Classes

Free demonstrations are given at Central Library and select branches!

Pick up the Houston Public Library’s Calendar of Events.

For more information Call (832) 393-1313, or visit http://www.houstonlibrary.org