1. Chapter 2 Looking at Windows

2. Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2
Getting Started
In this Chapter, you will learn:
Which version of Windows you own
About the Windows desktop
How to use the Start menu
How to use the Sidebar and gadgets
What Windows includes
About Input devices
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

3. Which version of Windows do I have?
An operating system is the core piece of software on your PC
The latest Windows version is Windows Vista
Home Basic is adequate for everyday tasks
Home Premium includes an enhanced interface, media center, meeting space, and mobility center
Vista Business offers upgraded backup and networking
Vista Ultimate includes all of the above plus advanced encryption
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

4. Which version of Windows do I have?
Past Windows versions include:
Windows 3.1 and Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows ME (Millennium Edition)
Windows NT/2000
Windows XP
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

5. What is the Windows desktop?
Windows desktop is your gateway to all the tasks you want to perform
The taskbar includes:
Start button which is the main control
Quick Launch toolbar contains icons to frequently used programs
Notification area displays the time and icons such as volume controls and computer settings
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

6. What is the Windows desktop?
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

7. How do I use the Start menu?
Click the Start button to access the Start menu
Frequently-used programs are displayed on the left
All Programs option gives you access to more programs
Search box can help you quickly find programs
Search box can also be used to find messages and files
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

8. How do I use the Start menu?
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

9. How do I use the Sidebar and gadgets?
Windows Sidebar
Appears on right side of the desktop
Displays handy tools called gadgets
Gadgets
Mini-applications designed to display information that is constantly changing
Examples of gadget topics include weather, news, reminders, and contacts lists
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

10. How do I use the Sidebar and gadgets?
Windows Sidebar
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

11. What does Windows include?
Several accessory programs and tools are included with Vista
Mini-applications are typically accessed through the Windows Accessory folder
Settings are accessed through the Control Panel
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

12. What does Windows include?
Accessories folder includes:
Welcome Center to help you get started
Windows Explorer displays your folders
Ease of Access allows you to configure your computer for adaptive use
Internet Explorer provides Internet browsing
Other applications include Paint, Snipping Tool, Calculator, WordPad, and Notepad
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

13. What does Windows include?
An Accessories subfolder called System Tools helps you keep your computer running smoothly
Schedule automatic file backups
Restore your system to a restore point
Use Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter
Use the Task Scheduler to schedule programs to run at certain times
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

14. What does Windows include?
Control Panel contains important tools for configuring Windows Vista including:
Date and time
Hardware devices
Network connections
Security controls
Desktop Appearance
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

15. What does Windows include?
Control Panel
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

16. Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2
Input Devices
User Interface is the combination of hardware and software that manages the way humans and computers interact
Windows offers a graphical user interface (GUI), which includes icons, menus, dialog boxes, and toolbars, that provides:
An input method allowing you to communicate to the computer
An output method allowing the computer to communicate with you
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

17. Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2
Input Devices
Keyboards and mice are the most popular input devices
Mechanical mouse has a ball that rolls over the mouse pad, while an optical mouse contains a chip that tracks a light beam
A wired mouse uses a cable to connect to the computer, while a wireless mouse operates without a cord
Other input devices include:
Touch sensitive LCD and stylus to use with pocket-sized, ultra-mobile computers
Feedback devices such as joysticks
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

18. Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2
Input Devices
Tablet PC and Stylus
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

19. Monopoly is not just a game
What do you think?
If you purchase a new computer, would you prefer to use preinstalled Internet software instead of obtaining and installing the software of your choice?
Do you think Microsoft has used its operating-system monopoly to illegally force people to use its Internet Explorer software?
Did you try to find additional information on this issue?
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2

20. Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2
Chapter Summary
You should now know:
Which version of Windows you own
How to use the Windows desktop
How to use the Start menu
How to use the Sidebar and gadgets
What Windows includes
About Input devices
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 2