1. Lesson 9: Looking at the Windows Desktop
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Lesson 9: Looking at the Windows Desktop
how to start and exit Windows
what the Windows desktop is
how to use the Start button
how to use the Taskbar
how to manipulate windows
Pg 57
This is the outline of topics for this lesson.
You will focus on the desktop elements in this lesson. It is very important that students begin to build their own resource skills in order to identify elements on the screen and why something could be happening based on what they see on the screen.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 1

2. What is the Windows Desktop?
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
What is the Windows Desktop? 1 4 3 5 6 7 8 2 1 2
Desktop Icons
Mouse Pointer 3 4
Windows Sidebar
Desktop 5 6
Start Button
Quick Launch Toolbar 7 8
Taskbar
Notification Area
Pg 57
Objective , , ,
Take the time to go through the individual elements that they see on the desktop. Even though there may be more icons than shown here, focus on the standard ones that they will see on every computer, regardless of what software has been installed on that system.
Use the next few pages (slides) to go over the components and ensure students understand where they are on the desktop if not specifically how they might use them.
Take note that a description is provided for the Sidebar in the book and the next slide but the Sidebar is not covered in any detail elsewhere. It is not an exam objective so you can decide how much time you want to spend on this feature, or show students how to turn it off.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 2

3. What is the Windows Desktop?
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
What is the Windows Desktop?
Desktop Icons
Shortcut buttons that open frequently used programs, folders or files.
Desktop
The work area where windows, icons, menus, and dialog boxes appear.
Windows Sidebar
Where mini-programs called gadgets display.
Start button
Start programs, open documents, find items, get help, or log off and shut down computer.
Quick Launch Toolbar
Shortcuts that launch programs, open documents, or open folders.
Taskbar
Contains Start button, taskbar notification area, and Quick Launch or other toolbars. Each open program or file displays as a button.
Taskbar Notification Area
Small icons may notify of a program status, or be another shortcut route to open programs.
Pg 57
Objective , , ,
As you go through these areas on the screen, point out how these can be manipulated to show/hide, or be placed in different areas of the screen. Ensure students understand the terminologies as they won’t be repeated if they appear again when new topics are introduced; only new terminology will be discussed at that time.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 3

4. Using the Start Button Pinned Program Area (shown in a boldface)
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Using the Start Button 1 4 3 2
Recently Used Programs
(dynamic items that change automatically based on programs used the most frequently)
Useful System Folders
Search Box
Pinned Program Area
(shown in a boldface)
Pg 58
Objective , , ,
The Start button will be the most commonly used method to access a command. Use this screen as a basis for showing students what the Start menu looks like an
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 4

5. Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Using the Start Button
Primary means of starting programs, finding files, accessing online help, logging off the network, switching between users, or shutting down computer
To activate Start button:
Click Start
Press
Press
Command with  indicates submenu available
To return to main Start menu, click Back
Items with indicate submenu with more options
Can select items on Start menu using mouse or keyboard
Pg 58
Objective , , ,
Discuss how this is the one button they can rely on to start any application installed on the computer, regardless of whether it is for file management or to work with a file in an application program.
Remind students which button this is and where it is located. Also discuss how they need only to point at the All Programs command for Vista to display the submenu. If they click Back by mistake, they can hover on All Programs to return to the submenu. You still have to double-click (or single click, depending on mouse option) to see the contents of a program folder.
The biggest advantage for students knowing that the keyboard can be used is if the mouse stops working and you need to shut down safely.
Use the next slide as your reference when you walk students through the Start menu. Also have students try accessing items on the menu using both the mouse and the keyboard so they can get a feel for whichever method they may prefer (or need to know and use later).
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 5

6. Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Using the Start Button 1 1
Pinned Program Area
(shown in a boldface) 2
Recently Used Programs
(dynamic items that change automatically based on programs used most frequently) 2 3
Useful System Folders 4
Search Box
Pg 58
Objective , , ,
Take a few moments to take the students through examples of what they will see when they click on the Start menu. Many students don’t really see what they’re doing when they use this menu at home or work in order to quickly access certain items.
Use the descriptions on this page (or in conjunction with the next slide) to discuss the elements. 3 4
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 6

7. Exiting the Computer Properly
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Exiting the Computer Properly
Extremely important to save files, close programs, and log off computer
Prevents unauthorized access to files or to company’s network
Can shut down computer completely using Shut Down command
Never turn off computer without closing files and software programs in correct manner
Protects software and data files from being corrupted or lost
Pg 59
Objective , , ,
Most people will understand the importance of this even though they have not worked on a computer before. Relate this to another analogy such as turning the stove or oven off after you have finished cooking the food, or turning off the car once you are parked.
Point out where the three buttons are for exiting the computer and how they differ. The next slide contains further information you can use for reference as you discuss this with the class. 1 3 2
Lock
Power State
Shut Down Options
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 7

8. Exiting the Computer Properly
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Exiting the Computer Properly
Power State
Reduces power to computer without completely shutting it down
When restart computer and logon, returns to where you left off
Lock
Hides desktop and shows logon screen
To return, select your user account
Shut Down
Switch User: Switches to another account without logging out of current account
Log Off: Closes all open items, logs out of current account, and returns to login screen
Lock: Hides desktop behind login screen
Restart: Closes all open items and restarts computer
Sleep: Goes into state to consume less power without losing what’s on screen
Hibernate: Only on notebooks; saves what’s on desktop and then shuts down computer to consume no power; when restart computer and log in, desktop returns to where you left it
Shut Down: Closes all open items and shuts down computer
Pg 59
Objective , , ,
Discuss the different options for the exit buttons.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 8

9. Exiting the Computer Properly
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Exiting the Computer Properly
Always allow Windows to complete Shut Down or Restart process properly
Reactivating before Windows has completed processes may cause files to be corrupted and result in error message
Power Options scheme and configuration may enable computer to go into Sleep or Standby mode
Monitor or hard disk turns off after set interval of time
If power failure occurs while in this state, will lose any unsaved information
To return to normal, move mouse or press key
Use when you want to leave computer on but not using it for length of time
Use Hibernation to close notebook and take it somewhere else
Pg 59
Objective , , ,
It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to shut down the computer completely and not to touch it without letting several seconds go by after the shut down has happened. Many people get impatient and once the “click” happens to signal the computer’s power is off, they will turn it back on immediately. Recommend and encourage students to wait at least five seconds to give the computer a chance to totally shut down everything safely.
Be prepared to fully discuss what the differences are between Sleep, Standby and Hibernate. If you have a spare notebook or unused desktop, you may want to demonstrate this to the class.
You may also want to mention that in some cases, when you select Shut Down, the computer informs you there are updates pending and it will shut down on completion of the updates. This is due to having the updates set to Manual. You can choose to elaborate on this depending on the class’ interests.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.

10. Restarting the Computer
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Restarting the Computer
To display Task Manager:
Press , or , then click Start Task Manager
Right-click taskbar and click Task Manager
Use to switch programs, start program, check which programs running and status, or safely close program if problems occurring
If Task Manager not responding or closing applications appropriately, will need to press keystrokes to restart computer
To activate Start menu, use Restart from Shut Down
Pg 60
Objective , , ,
Emphasize how important it is not to end or change anything in the other Task Manager tabs unless you are experienced with computers, or have someone who is telling you to do this step. At this stage, they are likely only to need the Applications tab to manage the programs and then only when there is a problem, such as no response from an application.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.

11. Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Using the Taskbar
Notification Area displays time with access to startup programs
Can move the taskbar or change the way it displays
Hover mouse pointer over blank area of taskbar and drag to any side of screen
Hover mouse pointer over and then drag to show more or less of taskbar
To change size, hover mouse over edge of taskbar and drag to desired height
To prevent changes or movement, right-click area of taskbar and click Lock the Taskbar
To customize properties, right-click area to customize, or right-click Start button and click Properties 1
Quick Launch Toolbar
Start Button 2 3
Notification Area
Taskbar Buttons 4
Pg 61
Objective
Be sure students identify and know where the taskbar is. This will become crucial as they move into using application programs and learn how to switch between open documents.
Most students will not care about the size or position of the taskbar other than as cursory interest. They may be more interested in the icons at the right side or the toolbars.
Take them through each of the options, especially the Properties command. They may not use these features initially but it’s a good introduction to them on how you can customize your desktop to suit your purposes.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 11

12. Looking at a Typical Window
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Looking at a Typical Window 1 2 3 4 7 8 5 6 9 10
Back/Forward
Navigation Buttons
Title Bar
Address Bar
Command Bar
Search Box
Control Buttons
Contents Pane
Navigation Pane
Details Pane
Favorite Links
Pg 62
Objectives ,
Be sure to point out how the drives available will vary from the screen shown here based on the setup of your network or computers in the classroom.
The next slide is a list of all the items labeled here. Be sure that students understand this as common items will not be referenced in newer topics.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 12

13. Looking at a Typical Window
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Looking at a Typical Window
Back / Forward
Navigate between different views of files and folders.
Title Bar
Displays name of feature or application program currently active.
Command Bar
Contains commands to organize, view, or protect your data.
Address Bar
Click folder name in trail to go to that folder, or click arrow to see items in same folder.
Search box
Enter criteria to search for file or folder.
Control buttons
closes window to button on taskbar, displays window full screen, restores to size before maximized, and closes window.
Favorite Links
Displays commonly used folders or locations as links.
Navigation Pane
Displays list of folders and drives you can access to view contents.
Contents Pane
Displays contents for selected folder or drive in Navigation pane.
Details Pane
Displays properties or details for selected file or folder in Contents Pane.
Pg 62-63
Objective
Take a few moments to go over the individual elements you can find within a typical window, especially the title bar that identifies what you are looking at, the Minimize/Maximize/Restore/Close buttons, and Status bar. These should become very common to users so they understand what they are looking at in any window.
You may want to include a brief discussion here about how the display can be customized to show some or all or even none of these elements (with the exception of the sizing handle). Be sure to include how some items will appear only when necessary whereas others can be customized to suit your preferences.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 13

14. Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Moving a Window
Hover mouse pointer anywhere on title bar and drag to new location
With keyboard, press to activate control icon
Press to select Move command and press
Use arrow keys to move window to new location and then press to exit action
Can only move window that is not full screen
Pg 63
Objective
Both the mouse and keyboard methods are provided to show how to move a window. Be sure to demonstrate both methods so students have a choice as to which one works best for them. Sometimes using the keyboard gives you a bit more control on where you want to go, especially if you haven’t quite got the hang of using the mouse (more so for sizing than with moving).
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 14

15. Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Sizing a Window
Position mouse pointer anywhere on border to size and drag to desired size
To size vertical and horizontal sides at same time, position mouse cursor on any corner of window, and then drag to desired size for window
With keyboard, press to activate control icon
Press to select Size and press
Use arrow keys for side to size, pressing that key until window is size you want, and then press to exit action
Need to repeat this for every side to size
Pg 64
Objective
Both the mouse and keyboard methods are provided to show how to move a window. Be sure to demonstrate both methods so students have a choice as to which one works best for them. Sometimes using the keyboard gives you a bit more control on where you want to go, especially if you haven’t quite got the hang of using the mouse.
Students might wonder why you would ever use the keyboard since there seems to be so many steps. However, some people like having the control of sizing a window using the keyboard, such as when the mouse doesn’t work at the moment.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 15

16. Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide
Internet and Computing Core Certification Guide Module A Computing Fundamentals
Using Scroll Bars
If window too small to display all contents, scroll bars appear on right side or at bottom
Arrow button at each end of scroll bar, scroll box, and scroll area
Scroll box provides approximate gauge of where information currently is in relation to entire contents
Click lighter shaded area above or below scroll box to display previous or subsequent screen of information
Click arrow at either end of vertical scroll bar once to display line of information in that direction
Click arrow at either end of horizontal scroll bar once to display column of information in that direction
Click and hold mouse button on arrow at either end of scroll bar to have screen scroll in that direction
Drag scroll box to specific area in scroll area to move directly to that location
Scroll Box
Pg 64
Objective
As a way of being able to see the scroll bars, have students open the Windows Explorer window and practice sizing it down to half the size it appears when activated. Students can then practice using the scroll bars as well as resizing the window.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 16