Definition
A window can be defined as a rectangular part on the screen designed for a particular or specific task. Microsoft Windows is user friendly as it has a graphical user interface (GUI). This allows the user to use graphics/ pictures instead of text to perform tasks.
Windows has an outstanding feature called WIMP
W – Windows (rectangular working area)
I – Icons (graphical representation of items)
M – Mouse (input devices)
P - Pull down menus
Various parts of the desktop
a) Top right of the corner – short cut bar used to start up programs without necessary gong to the start menu
b) Icons – these are graphical representation of programs, files and folders
c) Start button – initializes most operations in the Computer
d) Task bar – on it lays the start button, time, etc.
e) Wallpaper – background
Dialog boxes
They are electric forms through which the user inputs data and information for the computer to complete a task.
Parts of the dialog box
Creating a folder in the desktop
Folders are memory locations set apart for the storage of particular files.
Re-naming a folder
Deleting a folder
Right-click on the folder
Click delete
Creating a folder on My Documents
a) Open My Documents Window
b) Click File
c) Click New
d) Click folder
Finding Files and Folders
Click on Start
Click Search
Click either pictures, music and videos, documents or files and folders
Enter the file or folder name
Choose the search location, e.g. Local disk C
Press enter on the keyboard to search
Creating files
a) Open the source program by clicking on start, then programs, e.g. Ms Word and click
b) Enter data into the file i.e. key in your data
c) Save the file, use the following steps;
Click on the file and point to Save As and click once
Complete the dialog box (type the name of the document & indicate storage location)
Clicks Save
N.B// saving is the process of transferring data from the main memory to the permanent storage e.g. hard disk or floppy diskettes
Opening/ Retrieving a File
Alternatively you can open a file using the following method;
Use the find file command to locate the file that you need
Select the file on the preview window by clicking on it
Click on the file menu then point to open and click
Copying a file
While windows explorer is open click on the folder where the file is located. On the right hand side, click on the file to select it
Click on edit then point to copy and click
Locate the destination folder on the left hand side and select it by clicking
Click on edit then point to paste and click
Moving a file
Deleting a file
You can delete a file through windows explorer, my computer and from the desktop.
Right click the file
Click delete
Alternatively click the file and press Delete key on the keyboard.
Restoring files (Recovering deleted files)
It is important to note that whenever you delete a file from your computer HDD, it goes straight to the Recycle Bin. On the contrary, when you delete a file from a Flash drive, it goes permanently.
-Double Click on Recycle Bin icon on the desktop
-Select the file you want to restore by clicking on it
-Click on the file menu and then click restore
Accessories
These are programs that come together with an operating system and can be used to accomplish some routine tasks e.g.
Steps to start accessories
a) Click on start
b) Click all programs
c) Click accessories
d) Select the accessory you want from the extended menu
To run Scandisk
Alternatively you can run a CHKDSK on the Run tab (in the start menu)
Settings
This is the process of configuring windows appearance and its response to both input and output devices. To configure windows or the devices attached to the Computer;
a) Click on start
b) Click control panel
c) Choose the setting you want to change by clicking
d) After changing click Apply then Ok
Setting Display
Under Display you can change the following items;
Screen Saver
A screen saver protects the computer screen. It comes on after the computer has been idle for a specified period of time (specified during setting). It also acts as security to information by denying access to unauthorized persons. This can be done by setting a password for the screen saver. The disadvantage of a password is that you will not have access to your computer once the screen starts running until you enter the right password.
To set the computer date and time
To configure (set) the mouse
This is used to set the mouse properties. Double click the mouse icon on the control panel. A dialog box will appear having two options buttons. Select either the left hand option button or the right hand option button. Click Apply. Set the desired double click speed by dragging along the slider scale and click on Apply. Click Ok to keep the setting.
Configuring the Keyboard
With a keyboard you can change speed, language and cursor blinking rate. To adjust the keyboard speed, double click on the keyboard icon in the control panel. Select the new language and then apply (it only works if the dictionary of that particular language is installed).
Formatting Disks
This is to make tracks and sectors on the diskette for storage.
N.B// Unformatted disk cannot store information
Steps to follow when formatting
Windows Explorer
It enables a user to view files and folders in a hierarchical list manner. Basic file operations can be carried out using windows explorer e.g. creating, renaming, copying, moving and deleting files and folders.
Help
It is on the start menu. This is to assist the user on the basic operations by providing guidelines or trouble shooting problems in the window. In Ms Windows help is usually accessed through pressing F1 key on the keyboard.
How to find the help command
Task bar settings
N.B// You can copy/move or transfer files by dragging and dropping when you click & drag a file from one drive e.g. C to another drive e.g. A. The file is moved from C and pasted to drive A. When you click and drag a file from one folder to another in the same drive, e.g. drive C, the file is cut and pasted into new location where the cursor is blinking. To select multiple files with the mouse, hold down the CTRL (control) key and select the files you want using the mouse pointer.
Qualities of a computer
It’s automatic
It’s a data processor
It’s a strong device
It’s electrical
Advantages of using Computers
-Stores large amount of information within limited space
-Speed – performs tasks within a very short period of time compared to working manually
-Efficiency – crates an all round saving on space and time
-Consistency – gives the same results given data & instructions
-Secrecy – information is fairly protected if the computer system is well managed
-Versatility – can do the same thing over and over again without being worn out
Disadvantages of Computers
*Computers are expensive
*Cuts down on employment opportunities
*They create eye problems due to radiations from monitor screen
*Loss of information if not well managed
*Cannot make value judgment on works
Computer virus
A virus is a destructive program that attaches itself to the files in a computer and installs itself when the files are open (without the user’s permission).
Signs & symptoms of a Virus
Types of Computer Virus
o Boot sector – affects the booting information in a computer storage media
o File virus – deletes the files in a computer
o Trojan virus - appears as if performing a necessary operation but performs an unnecessary operation at the background without the users knowledge
o Hoax virus – appears as a very interesting e-mail and installs itself when the e-mail is opened
o Worm virus – affects the memory of a computer
o Backdoor virus – it can be WORM virus or a TROJAN virus that allows unauthorized access into the computer
o Time bomb – installs itself in a computer & stays for a period where its eventual effect is the crushing of the computer
Sources of computer virus
Internet
Through storage devices (CDs, diskettes, flash disks) etc.
Networking of computers
Email attachments
Safety measures against Computer virus
a) Install your computer with the latest anti-virus software
b) Scan any storage device for viruses before using in a computer
c) Scan attached files in your e-mail before accessing
d) Avoid accessing unnecessary websites
e) Avoid networking with computers which might have a virus