Introducing Windows XP

1. Introducing Windows XP Making Best Use of Your Operating System

2. Operating Systems • What is an operating system? • Software that allows the user to communicate with the computer using the keyboard and the mouse. (DOS) • Windows xx is an operating system that uses a graphic user interface (GUI) to make it more user friendly. Introducing Windows XP

3. Applications Software • Applications software is written to allow the user to perform a specific application or task. Introducing Windows XP

4. Elements of Windows-Based Application Programs • dialog box – allows user to choose and enter information that is needed to complete an action • window – the area of the screen that contains an open application or document • document – the material that you create using an application program • file – a document stored on a disk Introducing Windows XP

5. How a GUI Works • The user accesses commands using the mouse or keyboard • command – instruction to the computer to perform a task or action • pointing to a command and clicking on it causes the computer to perform that action Introducing Windows XP

6. 5 2 4 3 Parts of the Desktop icon minimized program button start menu button task bar Introducing Windows XP

7. Minimize, maximize, close buttons Parts of a Window Title Bar Menu Bar Toolbar Status Bar Introducing Windows XP

8. Parts of a Window • Title bar displays the name of the application or document • Menu bar displays the names of pull-down menus that contain commands • Toolbar contains shortcuts for commonly used actions • Status bar displays information about the application or document Introducing Windows XP

9. Dialog Boxes • A special type of window used to supply information needed to execute a command. Introducing Windows XP

10. What’s this button collapsible list buttons radio buttons text box check box Parts of a dialog box Introducing Windows XP

11. Parts of a dialog box • Button initiates an action when clicked • Text box is used to type information that may be needed by a command • Check box selects an option, any number may be selected at one time • Radio button (option button) selects an option when only one may be selected • Collapsible list (drop-down list) displays a list of options by clicking down arrow Introducing Windows XP

12. Parts of a dialog box • Default option – an entry that has already been selected • What’s This Button – displays information about dialog box options • Close button (cancel button) – removes the dialog box without executing the command Introducing Windows XP

13. Using Diskettes • Keep diskettes away from electrical and magnetic devices. • Do not expose diskettes to extreme cold or heat. • Store diskettes away from dust, dirt, and moisture. • Never touch the diskette’s magnetic surface. Introducing Windows XP

14. Write-protect tab Write-protecting a Diskette • Write protect a disk by opening the write-protect tab. This will prevent accidentally writing over the data on the disk. Introducing Windows XP

15. Formatting a Diskette • Formatting a diskette prepares it for use by the computer. Most diskettes are pre-formatted. • Diskettes come in two sizes • double density 720 kb (rarely used today) • high density – 1.44 Mb • Formatting destroys any data on a diskette Introducing Windows XP

16. Creating a StartUp Disk • A startup disk is used to boot the computer if the hard drive fails. It contains enough of the operating system to allow the user to check his/her hard drive. • A startup disk is created through the Add/Remove Programs feature in the Control Panel. Introducing Windows XP

17. Copying a Diskette • The entire contents of a diskette may be copied through the My Computer window. • Back-up frequently. You’ll be glad you did. Introducing Windows XP

18. Starting an Application • Start Menu • Icons on the Desktop • Run command Introducing Windows XP

19. File and Folder Management • Files are individual documents that are stored on a disk. • Folders are areas on the disk where files are stored. • All files and folders must have unique names. Introducing Windows XP

20. File Names • In Windows a file or folder may have a name up to 255 characters long. • Filenames may not include \ / : * ? “ < > . • Each filename is followed by a three character extension that tells the computer what application to associate the file with. • EX: .doc Word .xls Excel .htm web page Introducing Windows XP

21. Folders contain files or other folders Folders Introducing Windows XP

22. Path Names • The computer finds a file on the disk by looking at its pathname. • The pathname contains the drive letter followed by any folders and subfolders and ends with the filename. • Example: C:\MyDocuments\Hickman\Tests\9wkstst.doc A:\Smith\Einstein.jpg Introducing Windows XP

23. Windows Explorer • Files and folders can be managed using the Windows Explorer applet. • The Explorer window is divided into two panes • The left pane shows all the files in the computer • The right pane shows selected folders • The left pane displays a hierarchical outline in which branches may be opened and closed. Introducing Windows XP

24. Recycle Bin • A file that is deleted is moved to the Recycle Bin. • The Recycle Bin is empties periodically according to the way the user has it set. • Files can be restored if it is done before the Recycle Bin is emptied. Introducing Windows XP

25. YOUR BEST FRIEND WHEN USING YOUR COMPUTER IS HELP • The HELP feature will answer almost any question you have. Learn to ask your computer when you have a problem. Introducing Windows XP