eBook---Module 2---Using the Computer and Managing Files (Us

7/21/2019 eBook---Module 2---Using the Computer and Managing Files (Us

1/205

Module 2:

Using the Computer

and Managing Files(using Windows XP)

alignmedia


2/205

Module 2: Using the Computer and Managing Files (using Windows XP). Copyright 19922006Align Media Inc. This documentation cannot be reproduced in full or in part by any means without the prior writ-

ten consent of Align Media Inc.

Align Media Inc. provides this documentation as is without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied,

including but not limited to implied warranties of appropriateness for specific purposes or merchantability. In noevent or under any circumstances shall Align Media Inc. or its suppliers or distributors be liable for any damageswhatsoever, including and without limitation, damages resulting from business loss, which may arise from the

use or inability to use this documentation, even if Align Media Inc., its suppliers or distributors have been

previously advised of the possibility of such damages. Since some states do not allow the exclusion or limitationof liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

Align Media, Align Media Publishers and the Align Media logo are trademarks of Align Media Inc. Other brand

and product names are the trademarks or the registered trademarks of their respective corporations.

This training, which has been approved by the ECDL Foundation, includes exercise items intended to assist

ECDL/ICDL Candidates in their training for ECDL/ICDL. These exercises are not ECDL/ICDL certification

tests. For information about authorised ECDL/ICDL Test Centres in different national territories, please refer to

the ECDL Foundation website at www.ecdl.com

European Computer Driving Licence, ECDL, International Computer Driving Licence, ICDL, e-Citizen and

related logos are trade marks of The European Computer Driving Licence Foundation Limited ("ECDL-F") in

Ireland and other countries.

Align Media Inc. is an entity independent of ECDL-F and is not associated with ECDL-F in any manner. This

courseware publication may be used to assist candidates to prepare for ECDL/ICDL tests. Neither ECDL-F norAlign Media Inc. warrants that the use of this courseware publication will ensure passing of ECDL/ICDL tests.

This courseware publication has been independently reviewed and approved by ECDL-F as complying with the

following standard:

Technical compliance with the learning objectives of ECDL/ICDL Syllabus Version 4.0.

Confirmation of this approval can be obtained by reviewing the Courseware Section of the website

www.ecdl.com

The material contained in this courseware publication has not been reviewed for technical accuracy and does not

guarantee that candidates will pass ECDL/ICDL tests. Any and all assessment items and/or performance-based

exercises contained in this courseware publication relate solely to this publication and do not constitute or implycertification by ECDL-F in respect of ECDL/ICDL tests or any other ECDL-F test.

For details on sitting ECDL/ICDL tests and other ECDL-F tests in your country, please contact your country'sNational ECDL/ICDL designated Licensee or visit ECDL-F's web site at www.ecdl.com.

Candidates using this courseware publication must be registered with the National Licensee, before undertaking

ECDL/ICDL tests. Without a valid registration, ECDL/ICDL tests cannot be undertaken and no ECDL/ICDL

certificate, nor any other form of recognition, can be given to a candidate. Registration should be undertaken

with your country's National ECDL/ICDL designated Licensee at any Approved ECDL/ICDL Test Centre.

ECDL/ICDL Syllabus Version 4.0 is the official syllabus of the ECDL/ICDL certification programme at the date

of approval of this courseware publication.

Module 2: Using the Computer and Managing Files (using Windows XP)

Copyright 19922006 Align Media Inc.

All rights reserved

060713

alignmediawww.alignmedia.com


3/205

Page i

Tableof contents

1 Gettingstarted

Chapter objectives 1Purpose of Windows XP 1Launching Windows XP 2Launching Windows XP in a standalone computer 3Launching Windows XP in a networked computer 4Graphical user interface 5Multitasking 8Memory management 9Windows XP and older programs 9Exiting Windows XP 9Turning off your computer 10Turning off and restarting your computer 11Using the Microsoft Windows XP Help function 13Review exercises 14

2 Mouse andkeyboard

operations

Chapter objectives 17Purpose of the mouse 17Handling the mouse 19Mouse terms 20Adjusting MOUSEPOINTERspeed 20Adjusting mouse doubleclick speed 23Switching mouse buttons 25Displaying and hiding MOUSEPOINTERtrails 26Adjusting MOUSEWHEELscrolling 28Changing MOUSEPOINTERshapes 29Changing keyboard settings 30

Using the Print Screen key 31Review exercises 33

3 Main interfacecomponents

Chapter objectives 37Windows XP GUI components 38Windows 38


4/205


Page i i Table of contents

The Desktop 39The Taskbar 39The Start button 40

The Start menu 40Title bar 41Window borders 41Scroll bars 42Sizing buttons 43The Close button 43Icons 43Window Control icon 44Menu system 45Dialogue boxes 45Toolbars 47Review exercises 47

4 Launching andexiting programs

Chapter objectives 51Launching programs using the Start menu 51Launching programs by doubleclicking 51Launching programs using the RIGHTBUTTON 52Launching programs using the Enter key 53Launching programs using the Quick Launch bar 53Exiting programs using the Close button 53Exiting programs using the Window Control icon menu 53Exiting programs using the File menu 54

Exiting programs using the Taskbar 54Shutting down nonresponsive applications 55Review exercises 56

5 Manipulatingwindows

Chapter objectives 57Opening windows 57Open and active windows 57Switching windows by pointing and clicking 58Switching windows with the Taskbar 58

Using Taskbar groups 58Closing windows with the Close button 58Closing windows with the Window Control icon menu 59Closing windows by doubleclicking 59Closing windows with the Taskbar 59Scrolling windows 60Sizing windows with the sizing buttons 61Sizing windows by doubleclicking 61Sizing windows by dragging 61


5/205


Table of contents Page i i i

Moving windows 61Review exercises 62

6 Manipulating

the Desktop

Chapter objectives 65Displaying the Desktop by minimizing or closing windows 65Displaying the Desktop with the Taskbar 65Automatically arranging icons 66Arranging icons by properties 66Understanding shortcut icons 67Creating shortcut icons on the Desktop 67Creating shortcut icons in the Start menu 68Deleting icons from the Desktop using the RIGHTBUTTON 69Deleting icons from the Desktop using the Delete key 70Deleting icons from the Start menu 70Review exercises 71

7 Manipulatingthe Taskbar

Chapter objectives 73Hiding and displaying the Taskbar 73Displaying the Taskbar in front of or behind windows 74Moving the Taskbar 75Sizing the Taskbar 75Adding icons to the Quick Launch bar 75

Deleting icons from the Quick Launch bar 76Hiding and displaying the Quick Launch bar 76Button groups 77Locking and unlocking the Taskbar 77Displaying and hiding the time 78Hiding and displaying inactive icons 78Review exercises 78

8 Changing

the display

Chapter objectives 81

Changing computer themes 81Changing Desktop background images 82Changing Desktop background colours 83Setting screen savers 84Changing screen resolutions 86Review exercises 88


6/205


Page iv Table of contents

9 Windows XPaccessories

Chapter objectives 91Locating accessories 91Controlling sound and volume 92

Using the Calculator 93Using WordPad 96Using Paint 97Using Windows Media Player 98Using Notepad 100Using Disk Cleanup 100Using System Information 102Using Disk Defragmenter 103Review exercises 106

10 File andfolder concepts

Chapter objectives 109Understanding files and folders 109Folders and subfolders 109Folder structure and paths 109File names and extensions 110Changing file status to readonly 111Review exercises 112

11 List ingfiles and folders

Chapter objectives 117

Purpose of Windows Explorer 117Launching Windows Explorer 118Displaying folders 118Selecting folders 120Selecting drives 121Selecting files 122Selecting consecutive files or folders 122Selecting noncontiguous files or folders 122Listing folder contents using the Explorer Bar 122Listing folder contents using the Contents pane 123Expanding or collapsing folders while selecting them 123Expanding or collapsing folders without selecting them 123

Searching for files or folders 123Searching for files or folders by date 125Searching for files or folders by size 127Modifying views 128Listing files and folders by properties 129Grouping files and folders 129Sorting files and folders using the Contents pane 130Sorting files and folders using the RIGHTBUTTON 130Formatting disks 130


7/205


Table of contents Page v

Exiting Windows Explorer 132Review exercises 132

12 Managing

files and folders

Chapter objectives 135Creating folders using the Menu bar 135Creating folders using the RIGHTBUTTON 136Copying files or folders using the Menu bar 136Copying files or folders by dragging 136Copying files or folders using the RIGHTBUTTON 137Copying files or folders using the keyboard 138Moving files or folders using the Menu bar 138Moving files or folders by dragging 138Moving files using the RIGHTBUTTON 139Moving files or folders using the keyboard 139Renaming files or folders using the Menu bar 140Renaming files or folders using the RIGHTBUTTON 140Deleting files or folders using the Menu bar 140Deleting files or folders using the Delete key 141Deleting files or folders using the RIGHTBUTTON 141Restoring files or folders using the Menu bar 142Restoring files or folders using the RIGHTBUTTON 142Compressing files or folders 142Extracting compressed files 144Review exercises 144

13 Useraccounts

Chapter objectives 147Understanding user accounts 147Types of user accounts 148Logging in 149Switching user accounts 151Checking the current user account 151Logging off 152Creating user accounts 153Changing user account names 155

Changing user account types 156Deleting user accounts 156Creating passwords using limited accounts 157Changing passwords using limited accounts 158Deleting passwords using limited accounts 158Changing pictures using limited accounts 159Review exercises 159


8/205


Page v i Table of contents

14 Computerviruses

Chapter objectives 163Understanding viruses 163Effects of viruses 164

Types of viruses and other malware 165Preventing infection 167Checking for viruses 168Review exercises 170

15 Managingprinters

Chapter objectives 173Installing printers 173Installing local printers 173Installing network printers 177Changing default printers 179Sharing printers 179Discontinuing sharing printers 180Cancelling individual print jobs 181Cancelling all print jobs 182Pausing or resuming individual print jobs 182Pausing or resuming all print jobs 183Deleting printers 183Review exercises 184

16 Installingprograms

Chapter objectives 189Installing software applications 189Uninstalling software applications 190Review exercises 191

17 Indexof terms


9/205

Page 1

1 Gettingstarted

Chapter objectives By the end of this chapter you will be familiar with the following topics:

Purpose of Windows XP

Launching Windows XP

Launching Windows XP in a standalone computer

Launching Windows XP in a networked computer

Graphical user interface

Multitasking

Memory management

Windows XP and older programs

Exiting Windows XP

Turning off your computer

Turning off and restarting your computer

Using the Microsoft Windows XP Help function

Purpose ofWindows XP

Windows XP is a powerful 32bit operating system designed to take advantage of advancedIntel processors. Windows XP comes equipped with a modern graphical user interface (GUI)that allows you to manage the files (documents, worksheets, databases, etc.) and devices (e.g.,display monitor, disk drives, printer, scanner, sound system, digital photo and video camera,etc.) attached to your computer system, as well as to work with a wide variety of programs ina fully graphical environment.

Windows XP comes in two editions:

Windows XP Professional, intended for corporate users

Windows XP Home Edition, intended for home users

Windows XP Professional edition focuses on capabilities valued by corporations, such asstability, performance, security and remote access. Windows XP Home Edition, on the other

Tell students that

Windows XP has replaced

previous versions of Windows

as the standard desktop

operating system.


10/205


Page 2 1 Get ting star ted

hand, though a reliable and stable operating system, emphasizes ease of use, shareability,digital photography, music and video, and support services.

The interface of Windows XP is simpler than that of previous versions of Windows (e.g.,Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Me, Windows 98, etc.) This makes it easier for userswith no experience with previous versions of Windows to become comfortable with theoperating system. Similarly, users familiar with the interface of earlier versions of Windowsnormally have no problem either getting used to the one featured by Windows XP.

LaunchingWindows XP

You can launch Windows XP in a computer which is a standalone machine (i.e., a computerwhich is not part of a network), or in a computer which is part of a network.

Your PCs readonly memory (ROM) has builtin instructions that ask the PC to look for anoperating system in the first encountered disk whenever the machine is switched on. Since bydefault your PC will first look for a disk in drive A:, and Windows XP is in your hard disk(usually in drive C:), make sure that there is no diskette in drive A: when switching on yourcomputer, or the computer will not be able to find Windows XP.

That is, the PC will first check driveA:to see if there is a disk that contains an operatingsystem, even though Windows XP is far too powerful an operating system to fit on a singlediskette. Thus, if you have a diskette in driveA:, the PC will not find Windows XP on it and it

will not load it when you switch the computer on. Instead it will pause and ask you to supplya disk with an operating system on it and to press any key at the keyboard when ready. Insuch a case, to ensure that Windows XP is launched, remove the diskette from driveA:and

press a key like Enter, the Spacebar, any letter or number, etc. so that the PC continueslooking for and finds Windows XP in another diskthe hard disk in your system.

Remind students that, to

launch Windows XP, there

should not be a diskette in

drive A:.


11/205


1 Get ting star ted Page 3

LaunchingWindows XP in a

standalone

computer

Assuming that Windows XP is properly set up in your hard disk (normally in drive C:),Windows XP is launchedthat is, it is (partially) loaded into the memory of your computerautomatically when you switch your computer on. The steps below outline how to launch

Windows XP in a standalone computer (i.e., in a computer which is not part of a network).1 Make sure that there is no diskette in drive A:

2 Switch you r PC on

After running a memory test, the PC looks for an operating system on a disk. It firstchecks for a disk in driveA:. If driveA:contains no disk, the PC looks for an operatingsystem in the hard disk (normally in drive C:). If it finds Windows XP properly set up,Windows XP is launched. After displaying the Windows XP logo on the screen, the

program displays the Windows XP Desktopon the screen, which usually contains anumber of icons. Then, you can start working with Windows XP.

Remark that, in most cases,

to launch Windows XP all

one has to do is to switch on

ones PC.


12/205



LaunchingWindows XP in a

networked

computer

Assuming that Windows XP is properly set up in your hard disk (normally in drive C:),Windows XP is launchedthat is, it is (partially) loaded into the memory of your computerautomatically when you switch your computer on.

Usually, when your computer is part of a network, the network administrator has configured itso that you need to supply a user name and a password.

1 Make sure that there is no diskette in drive A:

2 Swit ch your PC on

After running a memory test, the PC looks for an operating system on a disk. It firstchecks for a disk in driveA:. If driveA:contains no disk, the PC looks for an operatingsystem in the hard disk (normally in drive C:). If it finds Windows XP properly set up,Windows XP is launched and a log on dialogue box is displayed so that you can log on tothe network.

3 Type your user name, under User Name

User names are text strings like linda, smithw, student12, etc. and are determined by the

network administrator in your organization. To type your user name, move the mouse sothat the MOUSEPOINTERpoints at the User Nametext box and click the LEFTBUTTONof themouse. Upon clicking the LEFTBUTTONof the mouse, the INSERTIONPOINTappears

blinking in the User Nametext box, where you can type your user name. If you make atyping mistake, press the Backspacekey on the keyboard to delete backwards (i.e.,characters to the left of the INSERTIONPOINT), or the Deletekey to delete forwards (i.e.,characters to the right of the INSERTIONPOINT).

4 Type your password, under Password

A password can consist of up to 127 characters, including upper and lower case letters,numerals and symbols (, ~, !, @, #, $, %, etc.) Note that password are case sensitive. Forexample, BRITAIN, britain, Britainand bRiTAinare four different passwords. To type your

password, move the mouse so that the MOUSEPOINTERpoints at the Passwordtext box andclick the LEFTBUTTONof the mouse. Upon clicking the LEFTBUTTONof the mouse, theINSERTIONPOINTappears blinking in the Passwordtext box, where you can type your

password. If you make a typing mistake, press the Backspacekey on the keyboard todelete backwards (i.e., characters to the left of the INSERTIONPOINT), or the Deletekey todelete forwards (i.e., characters to the right of the INSERTIONPOINT). As you type the

Remark that, aside from

oneself, usually only the

network administrator should

know ones password. Thus,

warn students against

sharing their passwords with

other users.


13/205



password, each character appears as an asterisk (*) in the dialogue box, so that someonestanding behind you cannot read the password you are typing.

5 Click OK

After displaying the Windows XP logo on the screen, the program displays theWindows XP Desktopon the screen, which usually contains a number of icons. Then, youcan start working with Windows XP.

Graphical userinterface

Windows XP features a graphical user interface (GUI) which allows you to issue commandsand carry out tasks by clicking and dragging with the mouse instead of having to typeinstructions at a prompt on the screen, as it is the case with operating systems that do not havea graphical user interface.

For example, in an early operating system like Microsoft DOS, you would have to type asomewhat cryptic command likeA:\>COPY *.WKS C:in order to copy the files inA:\whoseextension is WKSto the hard disk. In Windows XP, on the other hand, you can accomplish the

same results by selecting the files in question by clicking them with the mouse and thendragging them to a picture (an icon) on the screen representing the hard disk.

Remark that Windows 98

incorporates both a powerful

operating system and a

graphical user interface to

interact with it.


14/205



The illustration below depicts the evolution of user interfaces in some of the differentoperating systems released by Microsoft over the yearsMS DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows95/98 and Windows XP.

DOS: 1970s/80s textonly user interface Windows 3.1: Early 1990s GUI

Windows 95/98: Mid1990s GUI

Windows XP: 2001 GUI


15/205



Another advantage of Windows XP (and of its earlier versions) is that programs written for itobey a common interface that standardizes common operations. For instance, most programsto run on the Windows platform (e.g., Word, Excel, WordPerfect, PowerPoint, etc.) feature a

pulldown menu system that can be accessed and activated with the mouse in every case.To illustrate, in most programs written for Windows, the first two choices in the menu systemare usually Fileand Edit. If you want to save a file you have created with any of these

programs, you would select Fileand the select Save. If you wanted to open an existing filecreated with one of these programs, you would select Fileand then select Open. Likewise, ifyou wanted to copy data from one location to another, you would select Editand then selectCopy. And so on.

Aside from common mouse procedures, this common interface extends to keyboard shortcutsas well. For example, in most applications written for Windows, the Fileoption in the menusystem is activated by pressingAltf, whereas pressing Ctrlsnormally saves the current file.

In other words, since common operations such as saving, opening files, copying, printing,getting help, etc. are always accomplished the same way no matter what program one is using,Windows XP ensures that the amount of time and effort it takes to learn these programs islessened.

In older operating systems like DOS, each program had its own set of commands, and one hadto learn them all over for each new program you wanted to use. For example, whereas savinga file while in Windows XP is accomplished by selecting Savefrom the Filemenu regardlessof what program you are using, with an older operating system like DOS the same used to beaccomplished in a different way for each programin WordPerfect for DOS you had to press

The Word XP File menu The Excel XP File menu


16/205



the key F10, in Lotus 1-2-3 for DOS you had to press the slash key (/) followed by the letter s,and so on.

Other things which are common to Windows XP programs include how to move about in a

document, how to scroll, how to open, close and resize windows, how to switch from oneprogram to another, etc.

Of course, since different types of programs serve different purposes, even while inWindows XP one still has to learn how to carry out operations which are particular to the typeof program in question, such as formatting numbers with decimals in Excel or generating atable of contents with Word.

Multitasking With Windows XP you can have several programs at the same time in the memory of yourcomputer, all working simultaneously. This is referred to as multitasking. For example, withWindows XP you can work on a Word XP document while at the same time a fax program issending a 12page fax in the background, Internet Explorer is downloading a file from theInternet and Access XP is sorting a database of customers.

This is quite useful since some tasks may take a while to be completed. For example, if yourcustomer database is rather large, it may take some time before Access XP sorts it, say,alphabetically by company, even if Access XP is quick at sorting and you have a fast PC.Thus, in the meantime, while Access XP is busy sorting records, you may want to switch to a

program like Word XP and continue working on, say, last weeks sales report.

The illustration above shows Windows XP running simultaneously the programs Paint,Word XP and Access XP. Note that the programs currently running are indicated also by

Remind students that theamount of RAM in their PCs

effectively determines how

many programs can be

opened at the same time.


17/205



means of buttons that automatically appear on the Windows XP Taskbar(at the bottom of theWindows XP Desktopin the illustration above).

Another advantage of being able to run more than one program at a time in the memory of

your PC is that it is relatively easy to copy and paste information across programs. Forexample, you can copy a pie chart created in an Excel XP workbook and paste it in aWord XP document.

Memorymanagement

Since Windows XP lets you have more than one program at the same time in the memory ofyour computer, it comes with memory management capabilities builtin to this effect. Thesememory capabilities are superior than those found in previous versions of Windows. Goodmemory management capabilities are critical since nowadays programs and data files tend to

be very large. As users combine components like text, graphics, sounds and video clips in

their data filesand these consume large amounts of memorysolid memory managementon the part of the underlying operating system becomes essential.

Windows XP andolder programs

Windows XP allows you not only to run several programs simultaneously in the memory ofyour computer. It also allows you to run most programs that were originally written for

previous versions of Windows or even for the older operating system DOS.

Thus, if there is a program that you need and for which for some reason there is no modernversion, chances are that you can still run it using Windows XP.

Exiting Windows XP When you exit Windows XP, you can do one of two different things:

you can turn off your computer completely

you can turn off your computer and restart it again automatically to launch Windows XPagain

In addition, if you have a notebook computer, depending on its configuration, you may alsobe able to put your system in stand by mode if the system is to remain idle for a certain periodof time. When your system is in stand by mode, it consumes less power and it is available to

resume its normal functions any time. Bear in mind that while in stand by mode, anyinformation in the memory of your computer is not automatically saved to disk. If there is apower failure while your system in stand by mode, you will lose any information that has notbeen saved. Thus, it is recommended that you save your information before putting yoursystem in stand by mode.


18/205



Turning off yourcomputer

The following steps outline the standard procedure to be followed if you want to exitWindows XP and physically switch off your computer. You may want to do this, for example,at the end of the work day, or because you need to attach a new hardware component to your

PC, etc. The procedure of physically switching off and switching on again the computer issometimes referred to as a cold boot.

1 Click the Start button on the Windows XP Taskbar

To click the Startbutton, move the mouse so that the MOUSEPOINTERon the screen pointsto the Startbutton on the Taskbar, which usually is in the lower part of the Windows XPDesktop, and click the LEFTBUTTONof the mouse. Upon clicking the LEFTBUTTONwhile

pointing at the Startbutton, the Startmenu opens up displaying several options, one ofwhich is the option Turn Off Computer.

2 Select Turn Off Computer

To select Turn Off Computer, move the mouse so that the MOUSEPOINTERon the screenpoints to the option Turn Off Computerin the Startmenu, and click the LEFTBUTTONof themouse. Upon clicking the LEFTBUTTONwhile pointing at the option Turn Off Computer, the

program displays the Turn Off Computerdialogue box with several options to choose from.

Remind students that, before

physically shutting downtheir computers, they should

first exit Windows XP

properly. Otherwise, they will

lose unsaved data.


19/205



3 Click Turn Off

To click Turn Off, move the mouse so that the MOUSEPOINTERon the screen points to thebutton Turn Offin the Turn Off Computerdialogue box, and click the LEFTBUTTONof themouse. Clicking Turn Offwill exit Windows XP and will turn off your PC. Upon clickingTurn Off, any programs currently running are closed. If a file currently open in any of such

programs has not been saved since the last time it was edited, the program asks youwhether you want to save it or not before exiting. If so, click Yes. If not, click No.

If the file to be saved has not been saved previously, the program asks you to supply apath (where to save it) and a filename (under what name and extension to save it). In this

case, if a file with the same filename already exists in the destination where the file isbeing saved, the program asks you whether you want to replace the existing file with theone being saved. If so, click Yes. If not, click Noand supply a different path or filename.

Turning off andrestarting your

computer

You can ask Windows XP to exit, and have your PC restart automatically so thatWindows XP is reloaded, without having to physically switch the computer off and on again.This procedure is sometimes referred to as a warm boot. You may want to do this if, forexample, you install some software package that is activated when Windows XP is loadedinto memory, and you want to ensure that it is activated right after you have installed it; or, as

another example, if for some reason the system stops functioning properly and you need torestart your PC and launch Windows XP again.

1 Click the Start button on the Windows XP Taskbar

To click the Startbutton, move the mouse so that the MOUSEPOINTERon the screen pointsto the Startbutton on the Taskbar, which usually is in the lower part of the Windows XPDesktop, and click the LEFTBUTTONof the mouse. Upon clicking the LEFTBUTTONwhile

Tell students that, normally,

they should first try restarting

their PCs with a warm boot

before resorting to a cold

boot.


20/205



pointing at the Startbutton, the Startmenu opens up displaying several options, one ofwhich is the option Turn Off Computer.

2 Select Turn Off Computer

To select Turn Off Computer, move the mouse so that the MOUSEPOINTERon the screenpoints to the option Turn Off Computerin the Startmenu, and click the LEFTBUTTONof themouse. Upon clicking the LEFTBUTTONwhile pointing at the option Turn Off Computer, the

program displays the Turn Off Computerdialogue box with several options to choose from.

3 Click Restart

To click Restart, move the mouse so that the MOUSEPOINTERon the screen points to thebutton Restartin the Turn Off Computerdialogue box, and click the LEFTBUTTONof themouse. Clicking Restartwill shut down your PC and restart it again automatically.Upon clicking Restart, any programs currently running are closed. If a file currently openin any of such programs has not been saved since the last time it was edited, the programasks you whether you want to save it or not before exiting. If so, click Yes. If not, clickNo.

If the file to be saved has not been saved previously, the program asks you to supply apath (where to save it) and a filename (under what name and extension to save it). In thiscase, if a file with the same filename already exists in the destination where the file is

being saved, the program asks you whether you want to replace the existing file with theone being saved. If so, click Yes. If not, click Noand supply a different path or filename.

4 Wait until your computer shuts down and restarts againAfter running a memory test, the PC looks for an operating system on a disk. It firstchecks for a disk in driveA:. If driveA:contains no disk, the PC looks for an operatingsystem in the hard disk (normally in drive C:). If it finds Windows XP properly set up,Windows XP is launched. After displaying the Windows XP logo on the screen, the

program displays the Windows XP Desktopon the screen, which usually contains anumber of icons. Then, you can start working with Windows XP.


21/205



Using the MicrosoftWindows XP Help

function

You can get help on how to use Windows XP either by launching Windows Explorer or fromthe Start menu of Windows XP. The following steps illustrate how to use the MicrosoftWindows XP Help function using Windows Explorer.

1 Select Help

2 Select Help And Support Center

The Microsoft Windows XP Help is displayed providing various topics of which youmight need help with.

3 Type a desired keyword for a topic you need help with, under Search


22/205



4 Cl ick Start Searching

Microsoft Windows XP Help displays a list of topics that meet the search criterion.

5 Select the des ired topic

Microsoft Windows XP Help displays the result of the search.

R E V I E W E X E R C I S E S

Remarks Make sure that copies of any files needed to complete the following exercises have beensaved to the folder My Documents(or to some other suitable folder) in your system. Then, usethe resulting copies in My Documentsto complete the exercises whenever required, unlessotherwise indicated.


23/205



Exercise one Make sure that your PC is turned off. Make sure that there is no diskette in drive A: andlaunch Windows XP. Once Windows XP is loaded, make sure that you can identify thefollowing components:

Desktop

Taskbar

Startbutton

Exercise two Write below the names of the two editions Windows XP is available in:

Exercise three Windows XP is a 32bit operating system. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise four Your PC needs to be part of a network of computers in order to launch Windows XPsuccessfully. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise five Write below what GUI stands for.

AnswerProfessional and

Home Edition.

AnswerTrue.

AnswerFalse.

AnswerGraphical user

interface.


24/205



Exercise six With Windows XP you can have two or more programs working at the same time in yourcomputers memory. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise seven Most programs written for previous versions of Windows can still be run under Windows XP.(Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise eight When you exit Windows XP, all programs which are currently running in your computer areclosed. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise nine Make sure that your PC is turned off. Launch Windows XP. Once Windows XP is loaded, exitWindows XP using the Turn Offoption so that your computer is switched off completely.

Exercise ten Make sure that your PC is turned off. Launch Windows XP. Once Windows XP is loaded, exitWindows XP and have it restart automatically by using the Restartoption.

AnswerTrue.

AnswerTrue.

AnswerTrue.


25/205

Page 17

2 Mouse and keyboardoperations


Purpose of the mouse

Handling the mouse

Mouse terms

Adjusting mouse pointer speed

Adjusting mouse doubleclick speed

Switching mouse buttons

Displaying and hiding mouse pointer trails

Adjusting mouse wheel scrolling

Changing mouse pointer shapes

Changing keyboard settings

Using the Print Screen key

Purpose of themouse

The mouse plays an important role in Windows XProll it on the mousepad on your deskand you can see the MOUSEPOINTER(normally in the shape of an arrow) move about thescreen.

By pointing and clicking, dragging, etc., the mouse enables you to quickly and easily start upprograms, select commands, select text, choose options, move and resize windows, etc. Forexample, you can use the mouse to drag files on the screen from one disk to another and thuscopy them; or you can use it to select options from menus (e.g., Print, Font, etc.) to executecommands (e.g., print a document, change fonts, etc.); or, yet again, to click buttons (e.g., OK,

Yes, Cancel, No, etc.) to confirm choices; and so on.

The mouse has two buttons. The one on the left (the LEFTBUTTON) is usually the primarymouse button as it is the one used to point and click, doubleclick, select text or other objects,

Remark that in addition to

standard mice, computers

can also be equipped with

smallsize mice, trackballs

or touch pads to accomplish

the same tasks.


26/205


Page 18 2 Mouse and keyboard operat ions

drag and drop, etc. The mouse button on the right (the RIGHTBUTTON) is mostly used to bringup popup menus with shortcut options that one can choose from.

If you are lefthanded, the function of the mouse buttons can be reversed so that the RIGHTBUTTONbecomes the primary button used to point and click, drag objects, etc. and the LEFTBUTTONbecomes the secondary button used to access the popup menu shortcut options.

In addition to the LEFTBUTTONand the RIGHTBUTTON, some mice also have a wheel builtbetween the two buttons. Depending on the program you are using at the time, you can rollthis wheel to scroll through pages or information on the screen up or down.

Depending on where the MOUSEPOINTERis on the screen, it changes shapes. For example,when the MOUSEPOINTERis taken over a menu of options (e.g., File, Edit, Format, etc.), it

becomes an arrow head; but when it is taken over a document in a wordprocessing programlike, say, Word, it becomes an Ibeam. Also, when the program is busy performing some

operation (e.g., saving a document), the MOUSEPOINTERbecomes an hour glass to indicate thatyou should wait until the operation is completed, at which point the MOUSEPOINTERresumesits normal shape depending on where it is on the screen (e.g., an arrow head, an Ibeam, etc.)

LEFT BUTTON RIGHT BUTTON

MOUSE WHEEL


27/205


2 Mouse and keyboard operat ions Page 19

The following illustration indicates different shapes the MOUSEPOINTERcan take depending onits position or the task being carried out.

Handling the mouse It is important to hold the mouse properly to avoid stress and tension in the hand and arm afterprolonged use, and to avoid unintentional mouse clicking or mouse movement. If you arerighthanded, rest your right hand on the mouse so that your thumb is on the left side of themouse and your index rests on the LEFTBUTTONof the mouse. The illustration below is howMicrosoft recommends that the mouse be held.

If you are lefthanded, rest your left hand on the mouse so that your thumb is on the right sideof the mouse and your index rests on the RIGHTBUTTONof the mouse. However, note that ifyou are lefthanded, the function of the LEFTBUTTONhas to be swapped with that of the RIGHTBUTTONas indicated laterso that the right button becomes the primary mouse button. Herewe assume that the primary mouse button is set to be the LEFTBUTTON.

Normal select

Help select

Working in background

Busy

Precision select

Text select (Ibeam)

Unavailable

Vertical resize

Horizontal resize

Diagonal resize 1

Diagonal resize 2

Move

Link select

Indicate that trackballs and

touch pads are handled

differently.


28/205



Assuming that you have a standard mouse, if you turn it upside down you will see themouses roller ball. It is the rolling of the ball when you move the mouse on your desk thatdirects the movement of the MOUSEPOINTERon the screen. That is, as you move the mouse on

your desk, theMOUSEPOINTER

moves accordingly on the screen. To ensure the smoothoperation of the mouse, the roller ball should be removed from time to time and cleaned witha dry, lintfree cloth.

Mouse terms The following terms are normally used when referring to the various operations performedwith the mouse.

Pointingmeans to take the MOUSEPOINTERover a menu option, a button, an icon, anobject, etc.

Clickingmeans to press and release the LEFTBUTTONor the RIGHTBUTTONof the mouse

Doubleclickingmeans to press and release the LEFTBUTTONquickly twice in successionwithout moving the mouse between clicks

Draggingmeans to hold down the LEFTBUTTONor the RIGHTBUTTONwhile moving theMOUSEPOINTERas it is over (i.e., as it is pointing to) an object that has to be moved

Selectingmeans to take the MOUSEPOINTERover a menu option, an icon, an object, etc.(i.e., to point to it) and to click the LEFTBUTTONor, in the case of text, to drag the MOUSEPOINTERover the desired text so that it is highlighted

Adjust ing MOUSE

POINTERspeed

Ideally, you should be able to move the MOUSEPOINTERfrom the bottom of the screen to thetop of the screen by moving only your fingers and not the base of your hand or your arm. Ifthis is not possible (or worse, if you have to lift the mouse to adjust the length of your stroke),the speed of the MOUSEPOINTERmay need to be adjusted.

1 Cl ick the Start but ton

2 Select Control Panel

This opens the Control Panelwindow.

Note that mouse terms such

as pointing, clicking,

doubleclicking,

dragging, etc. have

become standard terms in

computing and that no others

should be used in their stead.

Suggest to the students that at

first they may want their

mouse to move at a low

speed. As they become more

comfortable with the mouse,

they can increase its speed.


29/205



3 Select Printers And Other Hardware


30/205



4 Select Mouse

Upon selecting Mouse, the Mouse Propertiesdialogue box opens. The appearance of oroptions in this dialogue box vary depending on what type or brand of mouse you have.


31/205



5 Click the Pointer Options tab

6 Adjust the speed of the MOUSEPOINTERas desired, under MotionYou can adjust the speed of the MOUSEPOINTERby dragging the elevator (the smallpointed lever) horizontally in the desired direction between Slowand Fast. You can testthe speed of the MOUSEPOINTERby moving the mouse on your desk and seeing how theMOUSEPOINTERmoves on the screen.

7 Click OK

From now on, the MOUSEPOINTERwill move on the screen at the specified speed.

Adjust ing mouse

doubleclick speed

Doubleclicking with the mouse requires two quick consecutive clicks of the LEFTBUTTON.

You can adjust the speed of the mouse doubleclick procedure to fit your skills. This isparticularly useful if at first you find it difficult to doubleclick quickly enough. You maywant to set the doubleclick speed to a lower speed at first, and then increase it as you growmore comfortable with the use of the mouse.



32/205





3 Select Mouse


4 Make sure that the Activities tab is the currently selected tab in the Mouse

Properties di alogue box

Depending on the mouse you have, the Mouse Propertiesdialogue box may not have anActivitiestab. In such a case, the option to change the doubleclicking speed of the mousemay appear under the Buttonstab, and you should therefore click the Buttonstab instead.

5 Adjust the speed of the doubleclick as desired, under DoubleClick Speed

You can adjust the speed of the doubleclick by dragging the elevator (the small pointedlever) horizontally in the desired direction between Slowand Fast. You can test the speedof the doubleclick by doubleclicking the sample folder in the Mouse Propertiesdialogue

box to open and close it repeatedly.

6 Click OK

From now on, the mouse will react to doubleclicking as specified.


33/205



Switching mousebuttons

By default the LEFTBUTTONis the primary mouse button used to point and click, doubleclick,select, drag and drop, etc. The RIGHTBUTTON, on the other hand, is mostly used to bring up

popup menus with shortcut options that one can choose from. Windows XP allows you to

switch the functionality of the mouse buttons so that the RIGHTBUTTONbecomes the primarybutton and the LEFTBUTTONbecomes the secondary one. This is particularly useful if you arelefthanded, as you may want to use the mouse with your left hand instead of with your righthand.




3 Select Mouse


4 Make sure that the Buttons tab is the currently selected tab in the Mouse Properties

dialogue box


34/205



5 Select the desired behaviour for the LEFTBUTTON

Depending on the mouse that you have, this option may simply allow you to switchbutton behaviour by selecting or deselecting a check box.

6 Select the desired behaviour for the right button

Depending on the mouse that you have, this option may simply allow you to switchbutton behaviour by selecting or deselecting a check box.

7 Click OK

From now on, the mouse buttons will behave as specified.

Displaying and

hiding MOUSEPOINTERtrails

You can specify that the MOUSEPOINTERleave a trail behind it on the screen when it is moved

so that it is easier to follow its movements.1 Cl ick the Start but ton




35/205



3 Select Mouse


4 Click the Pointer Options tab

5 Select or deselect Display Point Trails, under Visibility

Selecting Display Pointer Trailsensures that the MOUSEPOINTERleaves behind MOUSEPOINTERtrails as it moves on the screen. Deselecting Display Pointer Trailsensures thatthe MOUSEPOINTERleaves no MOUSEPOINTERtrails behind it as it moves on the screen.

6 Adjust the length of the MOUSEPOINTERtrails as desired, under Visibility

You can adjust the length of the MOUSEPOINTERtrails by dragging the elevator (the smallpointed lever) horizontally in the desired direction between Shortand Long.

7 Click OK

From now on, the MOUSEPOINTERwill behave as specified.


36/205



Adjust ing MOUSEWHEELscrolling

If your mouse is equipped with a MOUSEWHEEL, you can adjust the amount of scrolling thatoccurs when you roll it.




3 Select Mouse


4 Cl ick the Wheel tab

5 Select the desired type and amount of scrolling when rolling the MOUSEWHEEL

6 Click OK

From now on, the MOUSEWHEELwill behave as specified.


37/205



Changing MOUSEPOINTERshapes

Windows XP allows you to change the set of shapes the MOUSEPOINTERtakes on when in use.




3 Select Mouse


4 Cl ick the Pointers tab

5 Select the des ired MOUSEPOINTERscheme, under Scheme

6 Click OK

From now on, Windows XP will use the selected MOUSEPOINTERscheme.


38/205



Changing keyboardsettings

The following steps illustrate how to change the language settings of a keyboard.



3 Select Date, Time, Language, And Regional Options

4 Select Regional And Language Options

5 Cl ick the Languages tab

6 Click Details

7 Click Add


39/205



8 Select the desired language to be used when using the keyboard, under Input

Language

9 Click OK

10 Click OK

11 Click OK

To switch between keyboard languages, press the Alt+Shift keys.

Using the PrintScreen key

You can use the Print Screen key on the keyboard to copy the entire computer screen andpaste it into a document.

1 Press the Print Screenkey

The Print Screen key is often labelled (depending on the keyboard manufacturer) as PrintScreen/SysRq , or Print Scrn, or Prt Scrn, etc.

2 Switch to the document where the computer screen is to be copied

3 Press Crtl+V


40/205



Pressing the Print Screenkey captures all the displayed content on the screen.

Pressing theAlt+PrintScreenkeys captures an active window.


41/205




Remarks Make sure that copies of any files needed to complete the following exercises have beensaved to the folder My Documents(or to some other suitable folder) in your system. Then, usethe resulting copies in My Documentsto complete the exercises whenever required, unlessotherwise indicated.

Exercise one By default, the primary button in Windows XP is the RIGHTBUTTON. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise two What is the purpose of the MOUSEWHEELin mice that have one? (Circle one.)

1 To move objects on the screen

2 To br ing up popup menus

3 To scroll pages or information vertically

4 To scroll pages or information horizontally

Exercise three By default, one of the main uses of the RIGHTBUTTONis to bring up popup menus withshortcut options to choose from. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise four What shape does the mouse pointer normally take when the system is busy performing a taskthat needs to be completed before further work can be resumed? (Circle one.)

1 Arrow head

2 Hour glass

AnswerFalse.

AnswerChoice 3.

AnswerTrue.

AnswerChoice 2.


42/205



3 Ibeam

4 Vert ical doublearrow head

Exercise five Briefly explain below what draggingwith the mouse means.

Exercise six Set the speed of the MOUSEPOINTERto a speed lower than the current one. Then, set the speedof the MOUSEPOINTERto the speed you feel most comfortable with.

Exercise seven Set the speed of the mouse doubleclick to a speed higher than the current one. Then, set thespeed of the mouse doubleclick to the speed you feel most comfortable with.

Exercise eight Change the behaviour of the buttons in your mouse so that the RIGHTBUTTONbecomes theprimary button and the LEFTBUTTONbecomes the secondary button. Verify that the changeshave been applied. Then, change the settings again to ensure that the primary button is theLEFTBUTTONand the secondary one is the RIGHTBUTTON. Finally, change the behaviour of the

buttons again, if needed, to the way you want them to behave.

Exercise nine Change the settings in your MOUSEPOINTERso that it leaves trails behind it when moved aboutthe screen. Verify that the changes have taken place. Then, change the settings again so thatthe MOUSEPOINTERleaves no trails behind.

If your mouse has a MOUSEWHEEL, change its settings so that it scrolls one screen at a timewhen rolling it one notch. Verify that this is the case. Then, change the MOUSEWHEELsettingsagain so that it scrolls three lines at a time when it is rolled one notch.

AnswerTo hold down the

left button or the right button

while moving the mouse

pointer as it is over (i.e., as it

is pointing to) an object that

has to be moved.


43/205



Exercise ten Change the MOUSEPOINTERscheme to a scheme other than the default one. Verify that theMOUSEPOINTERtakes on different shapes depending on its location on the screen and on whattasks are carried out. Then, change the MOUSEPOINTERscheme to the scheme Windows

Default (system scheme).


44/205




45/205

Page 37

3 Main interfacecomponents


Windows XP GUI components

Windows

The Desktop

The Taskbar

The Start button

The Start menu

Title bar

Window borders

Scroll bars

Sizing buttons

The Close button

Icons

Window Control icon

Menu system

Dialogue boxes

Toolbars


46/205


Page 38 3 Main interface components

Windows XP GUIcomponents

The following illustration depicts some of the components that make up the graphicaluser interface of Windows XP.

Windows A window is a rectangular area enclosed by a frame and with a title bar across the topwithin which a program can be run. Windows can be maximized to occupy the entire

Taskbar Desktop

WindowIcons

Start button


47/205


3 Main interface components Page 39

screen, minimized to an icon or sized to an intermediate size. The window below isshown in an intermediate size.

The Desktop The Desktopoccupies the entire screen. It is, so to speak, the background on which otherWindows XP objects appear, such as windows, dialogue boxes, icons, etc. The Desktopisdisplayed when Windows XP is loaded into your PCs memory.

If you have maximized a window (that is, if its window is as large as it can possibly be),it takes up the entire screen and therefore blocks the Desktopfrom view completely.

If, on the other hand, the window is of an intermediate size or it is minimized (to anicon), the Desktopwill be visible behind it (unless there is another window which ismaximized).

The Taskbar The Taskbaris the horizontal bar which normally occupies the bottom of the screen. Itcontains the Startbutton on the left hand side and a Notificationarea on the far right. It alsodisplays buttons representing the programs which are currently running. Clicking the

button of a program displayed on the Taskbarswitches you to that program if you are notalready in that program. If you click the button of the program you are already in, itminimizes its window.


48/205



The Start button The Startbutton is located on the left hand side of the Taskbarand it is used to activatethe Startmenu, which in turn allows you to carry out common tasks such as launching

programs or exiting Windows XP.

The Start menu The Startmenu menu is activated by clicking the Startbutton on the Taskbar.

The Startmenu features a number of options which you can select with the mouse in

order to launch programs, open recently used documents, find help on specific topics,locate folders and files, change your computer settings, and so on. The Startmenu alsoallows you to log off as the current user, and to exit Windows XP altogether.


49/205



Title bar The Titlebar is the horizontal bar across the top of a window holding the name of thewindow (often the name of the program running in that window).

Window borders A window border is the (blue) frame surrounding the window. You can change the size ofa window by dragging its border.

Dragging a window by its left or right border allows you to change the width of thewindow

Dragging a window by its top or bottom border allows you to change the height ofthe window

Dragging a window by one of its corners at the borders allows you to change thewidth and the height of the window simultaneously


50/205



Scroll bars When a window is too small to show all of its contents vertically or horizontally, itdisplays the Vertical Scrollbar (on the right hand side of the window) or the HorizontalScrollbar (at the bottom of the window).

Clicking the UpArrowbutton in the Vertical Scrollbar scrolls towards the top of thecontents of the window

Clicking the DownArrowbutton in the Vertical Scrollbar scrolls towards the bottom ofthe contents of the window

Clicking the LeftArrowbutton in the Horizontal Scrollbar scrolls towards the left of thecontents of the window

Clicking the RightArrowbutton in the Horizontal Scrollbar scrolls towards the right ofthe contents of the window

Dragging the Vertical Elevatorbutton up or down in the Vertical Scrollbar scrolls thecontents of the window downwards or upwards, respectively

Dragging the Horizontal Elevatorbutton to the left or to the right in the HorizontalScrollbar scrolls the contents of the window to the right or to the left, respectively

Horizontal Scroll bar

Vertical Scroll bar

LeftArrow button

RightArrow button

UpArrow button

DownArrow button Vertical Elevator button

Horizontal Elevator button


51/205



Sizing buttons On the right hand side of a windows Titlebar there are buttons used to size the window.The button with a flat line along the bottom is the Minimizebutton. The button with asingle box is the Maximizingbutton. The button with dual, overlapping boxes, is the

Restorebutton.

The Close button The button with an X, located on the far right of the Titlebar of a window, is the Closebutton. As its name indicates, the Closebutton is used to close the window and, if a

program is running in the window, to exit the program as well.

Icons An icon is a small image that represents an object such as a program, a data file, a folder,a device attached to your computer, etc. Icons allow you complete tasks such as

launching programs, copying and moving folders and files, displaying the contents ofdisks, etc. without having to memorize or type commands.

For example, the Desktopin Windows XP normally displays a series of icons that standfor different programs. Doubleclicking one such icon launches the program that itrepresents.

Similarly, the Taskbardisplays icons in the shape of buttons which correspond to thedifferent programs which are currently running. Clicking the icon of one such program on

Minimize Maximizebuttonbutton

Restorebutton

Closebutton


52/205



the Taskbarswitches you to that program by displaying the window of that program in theforeground as the currently active window.

In addition, icons are also used to represent the data files, folders and disk drives in yourcomputer.

Doubleclicking the icon representing a disk drive displays the contents of the disk in thedrive. Likewise, doubleclicking the icon of a folder displays its contents. And selectingand dragging the icons of files allows you to copy and move those files.

Window Controlicon

On the left hand side of a windows Titlebar is the Window Controlicon, which looks likethe icon of the application running in that window. Clicking the Window Controlicon


53/205



displays the Controlmenu with several options which you can select to size, move orclose the window.

Menu system When a window has a menu system (other than the Controlmenu), it is displayed belowthe windows Titlebar. The menu system typically contains several options which, inturn, open up into pulldown menus with further options. Some of these, in turn, offer yetother options. For example, the option Helpis used to obtain help on a particular topic(e.g., how to copy, to print, etc.)

Dialogue boxes Now and then Windows programs display dialogue boxes so that you can make choicesand confirm them. For example, if you tell Word that you want to change the margins of

Menus may be accessed using

the keyboard, use the Alt key

and the underlined letter in

the menu option desired.


54/205



a document, a dialogue box appears where you can type the measurements for themargins. The dialogue box also contains buttons to accept the changes or to discard them.

As another example, when you delete a file usually a dialogue box appears asking youwhether you really want to delete the file or not.

In most cases, the button to confirm reads OKor Yes, and the button not to go ahead withthe changes or operation in question reads Cancelor No.

Like windows, dialogue boxes feature a Titlebar with a Closebutton. Clicking the Closebutton in a dialogue box closes it without accepting any changes. That is, clicking theClosebutton in a dialogue box is equivalent to clicking its Cancelbutton. On the otherhand, unlike windows, dialogue boxes cannot be resized.


55/205



Toolbars Many programs feature toolbars containing buttons which allow you to carry outcommon tasks by simply clicking them. For example, application programs like Word,Excel and others have toolbars containing buttons to save, to print, to copy, to paste, etc.

Toolbars are usually displayed horizontally below the programs menu system, but manyapplication programs also allow you to display them vertically or floating freely on thewindow.


Remarks Make sure that copies of any files needed to complete the following exercises have beensaved to the folder My Documents(or to some other suitable folder) in your system.Then, use the resulting copies in My Documentsto complete the exercises wheneverrequired, unless otherwise indicated.

Exercise one When a window is maximized it occupies the entire screen. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

Exercise two The Desktopoccupies the entire screen. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

AnswerTrue.

AnswerTrue.


56/205



Exercise three What button would you click to open the Startmenu? (Circle one.)

1 The Maximize button

2 The Start button

3 The Res tore but ton

4 The DownArrow button in the Vertical Scroll bar

5 None o f t he above

Exercise four Briefly describe below what scroll bars are used for.

Exercise five Where in a window is its Window Controlicon located? (Circle one.)

1 In the Taskbar

2 In the windows Vert ical Scrol l bar

3 In the windows Horizontal Scroll bar

4 In the windows Ti tle bar

Exercise six When a window has a menu system (other than the Window Controlicon menu), where isit displayed? (Circle one.)

1 Above the windows Ti tle bar

2 Below the windows Tit le bar

3 On the lef thand side of the window

4 At the bot tom of the window

5 None o f t he above

AnswerChoice 2.

AnswerTo view the

contents of a window.

AnswerChoice 4.

AnswerChoice 2.


57/205



Exercise seven Briefly describe below what dialogue boxes are normally used for.

Exercise eight Explain below one of the major differences between a window and a dialogue box.

Exercise nine What button would you normally click to disregard changes specified in a dialogue box?(Circle one.)

1 OK

2 Go3 Cancel

4 Save

Exercise ten Toolbars are generally displayed below a programs menu system. (Circle one.)

1 True

2 False

AnswerTo make and

confirm choices.

AnswerIn general, a

window has sizing buttons in

its Title bar, whereas a

dialogue box does not.

AnswerChoice 3.

AnswerTrue.


58/205




59/205

Page 51

4 Launching andexiting programs


Launching programs using the Start menu

Launching programs by doubleclicking

Launching programs using the right button

Launching programs using the Enter key

Launching programs using the Quick Launch bar

Exiting programs using the Close button

Exiting programs using the Window Control icon menu

Exiting programs using the File menu

Exiting programs using the Taskbar

Shutting down nonresponsive applications

Launchingprograms using the

Start menu

You can launch a program by selecting it through the Startmenu.


2 Selec t A ll Programs

3 Select the entry of the program to be launched

The entry of the program to be launched may be listed directly under theAll Programsmenu, or may be listed under a submenu which is accessible in turn from theAllProgramsmenu. Once the program is running, you can start using it. Also, once the

program is launched, Windows XP displays a button on the Taskbarto indicate that

the program is currently running.

Launchingprograms by

doubleclicking

You can launch a program by doubleclicking its icon.


60/205


Page 52 4 Launching and exit ing programs

1 Make sure that the icon of the program to be launched is visible

The icon of a program may be displayed directly on the Desktop, or may have to bedisplayed by opening the window of the folder containing it.

2 Doubleclick the icon of the program to be launched

Once the program is running, you can start using it. Also, once the program is

launched, Windows XP displays a button on the Taskbarto indicate that the programis currently running.


RIGHTBUTTON

You can launch a program by using the RIGHTBUTTONin your mouse.

1 Make sure that the icon of the program to be launched is visible

The icon of a program may be displayed directly on the Desktop, or may have to bedisplayed by opening the window of the folder containing it.

2 Take the mouse pointer to the icon of the program to be launched

3 Click the RIGHTBUTTON

Windows XP displays a menu with several options.

4 Select OpenOnce the program is running, you can start using it. Also, once the program islaunched, Windows XP displays a button on the Taskbarto indicate that the programis currently running.


61/205


4 Launching and exit ing programs Page 53


Enter key

You can launch a program by using the Enterkey at the keyboard.

1 Select the icon of the program to be launched

2 Press Enter

Once the program is running, you can start using it. Also, once the program islaunched, Windows XP displays a button on the Taskbarto indicate that the programis currently running.


Quick Launch bar

Windows XP allows you to include the icons of programs in the Quick Launchbar of theTaskbarso that you can launch them.

1 Click in the Quick Launch bar of the Taskbar the icon of the program to be

launched

Once the program is running, you can start using it. Also, once the program islaunched, Windows XP displays a button on the Taskbarto indicate that the programis currently running.

Exiting programsusing the Close

button

You can use the Closebutton of a window to exit the program running in it.

1 Click the Close button of the window containing the program to exit

If a file currently open in the program being exited has not been saved since the lasttime it was edited, the program asks you whether you want to save it or not beforeexiting. If so, click Yes. If not, click No. If the file to be saved has not been saved

previously, the program asks you to supply a path (where to save it) and a filename(under what name and extension to save it). In this case, if a file with the samefilename already exists in the destination where the file is being saved, the programasks you whether you want to replace the existing file with the one being saved. Ifso, click Yes. If not, click Noand supply a different path or filename.

Exiting programsusing the WindowControl icon menu

You can use the Window Controlicon menu of a window to exit the program running in it.

1 Click the Window Control icon of the window containing the program to exit


62/205



2 Select Close



Exiting programsusing the File menu

Most Windows programs have a menu system with the option Filewhich, in turn, has anoption to exit the program. The following steps outline how to use the Filemenu of a

program to exit the program.

1 Select File in the menu system of the program to exit

2 Select Exit

In some programs, this option may read Quitor Closeinstead. If a file currently openin the program being exited has not been saved since the last time it was edited, the

program asks you whether you want to save it or not before exiting. If so, click Yes.If not, click No. If the file to be saved has not been saved previously, the programasks you to supply a path (where to save it) and a filename (under what name andextension to save it). In this case, if a file with the same filename already exists in thedestination where the file is being saved, the program asks you whether you want toreplace the existing file with the one being saved. If so, click Yes. If not, click Noandsupply a different path or filename.

Exiting programs

using the Taskbar

You can exit a program that is currently running by using the Taskbar.

1 Take the mouse pointer to the button in the Taskbar of the program to exit


3 Select Close




63/205


4 Launching and exit ing programs Page 55

Shutting down nonresponsive

applications

Some applications might freeze due to a number of reasons, and will not respond to anykeyboard or mouse operations.

The following steps illustrate how to shut down a nonresponsive application such as

Microsoft Word XP.

1 Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delkeys simultaneously

This launches the Windows Task Manager.

2 Click the Applications tab, if necessary

3 Select the desired nonresponsive application

4 Click End Task


64/205




Remarks Make sure that copies of any files needed to complete the following exercises have beensaved to the folder My Documents(or to some other suitable folder) in your system.Then, use the resulting copies in My Documentsto complete the exercises wheneverrequired, unless otherwise indicated.

Exercise one Launch Internet Explorer using theAll Programsmenu in the Startmenu. Then, exit it

using the Closebutton in its window.

Exercise two Launch the program Windows Explorer using theAccessoriesmenu, in theAll Programsmenu, in the Startmenu. Then, exit it using the Window Controlicon in the programswindow.

Exercise three Launch Internet Explorer by doubleclicking its icon on the Desktop. Then, exit it byusing its Filemenu.

Exercise four Launch Internet Explorer using the mouse RIGHTBUTTON. Then, exit it by using theTaskbar.

Exercise five Use the Enterkey to launch Internet Explorer. Then, exit it by using the Closebutton inthe programs window.

Exercise six Use the Taskbarto launch Internet Explorer. Then, use the Taskbaragain to exit it.


65/205

Page 57

5 Manipulatingwindows


Opening windows

Open and active windows

Switching windows by pointing and clicking

Switching windows with the Taskbar

Using Taskbar groups

Closing windows with the Close button

Closing windows with the Window Control icon menu

Closing windows by doubleclicking

Closing windows with the Taskbar

Scrolling windows

Sizing windows with the sizing buttons

Sizing windows by doubleclicking

Sizing windows by dragging

Moving windows

Opening windows When you open a window, it opens to the size it had the last time it was closed in the currentWindows session. When you doubleclick the icon of a program, the program is launched in awindow that is opened by Windows XP. Similarly, when you doubleclick the icon of a datafile (e.g., a Word document), Windows XP launches the program associated with that data file(usually the program with which it was created) in a window and the data file is opened.

1 Doubleclick the icon of the window to be opened

Windows XP opens the window and displays it at the size it was when it was last closed

during the current Windows session.

Open and activewindows

Though you may have several windows open simultaneously, there is only one which can bethe active window at any given time (the window you are working with). When you switchfrom one window to another, the latter becomes the active window. The button of the active


66/205


Page 58 5 Manipulat ing windows

window is displayed in the Taskbaras pressed. Also, the Titlebar of inactive windows appearsdimmed.

Switching windows

by pointing andclicking

You can switch windows by pointing and clicking.

1 Make sure that the window to switch to is visible

2 Take the MOUSEPOINTERto the window to switch to

3 Click the LEFTBUTTON

The selected window becomes the active window. You can then proceed to work with it.

Switching windows

with the Taskbar

You can use the Taskbarto switch from one window to another.

1 Click in the Taskbar the button of the window to switch to

The selected window becomes the active window. You can then proceed to work with it.

Using Taskbargroups

Many Windows programs allow you to have several files (e.g., documents, workbooks, etc.)open simultaneously. Each of these data files is contained in a separate window whose namemay be listed in a popup menu (a group) displayed by the button of the program in questionin the Taskbar.

You can switch to the window of a data file which is currently open by selecting it from thepopup menu of its program button in the Taskbar.

1 Click in the Taskbar the button of the program containing the file to switch to

2 Select the fi le to swi tch to

Closing windowswith the Close

button

You can use the Closebutton of a window to close it.


67/205


5 Manipulat ing windows Page 59

1 Click the Close button of the window to be closed

Note that closing a window that contains a program exits the program.

Closing windowswith the Window

Control icon menu

You can use the Window Controlicon menu of a window to close it.

1 Click the Window Control icon of the window to be closed

2 Select Close


Closing windows bydoubleclicking

You can close a window by doubleclicking its Window Controlicon.

1 Doubleclick the Window Control icon of the window to be closed


Closing windowswith the Taskbar

You can close a window by using the Taskbar.

1 Take the mouse pointer to the button in the Taskbar of the window to be closed


3 Select Close



68/205


Page 60 5 Manipulat ing windows

Scrolling windows When a window is too small to show all of its contents vertically or horizontally, it displaysthe Vertical Scrollbar (on the right hand side of the window) or the Horizontal Scrollbar (at the

bottom of the window).

Clicking the Up