1. Introducing… Microsoft Windows7
First, we discuss an operating system in general, and then give more specifics about Windows VISTA.

2. Windows is an OPERATING SYSTEM.
What is WINDOWS?
Windows is an OPERATING SYSTEM.
Recall: An operating system is software (i.e. a computer program) that manages your computer.

3. What is an OPERATING SYSTEM?
An OS is a computer program that:
Controls the hardware of the computer,
Enables you to communicate with the computer.
Organizes the files.

4. 1. OS Controls Hardware
The OS is in charge of allocating resources to processes, such as:
CPU time (via multitasking)
Printer
disks

5. 2. OS Allows Communication
The OS is the program that enables communication between a user and a computer by:
Accepting data typed in to the keyboard and mouse clicks
Determining the proper responses to input
Displaying messages

6. User Interface
A user interface is the combination of hardware and software that allows you to communicate with the computer.
Hardware: monitor, keyboard, mouse.
Software: programs within the OS that engage you in dialogue

7. GUI The goal of a user interface is to be user friendly.
GUI = graphical user interface
is an interface that displays graphics to communicate with the user.
Windows
buttons
menus

8. 3. File Management
The part of the Windows OS that is in charge of file management is called: Windows Explorer.
Windows explorer helps the user organize files by displaying, copying, moving and deleting files and folders.

9. File Management In Windows, files are organized using folders.
A folder is also known as a directory.
Directories have a hierarchical structure, also called a tree structure.

10. Directory Tree Desktop Courses Pictures Core Major Family Friends
If you right click on the Computer folder and choose Explore you will see the directory tree on your left, shown from left to right.

11. Pathnames
The pathname of a file (or folder) is the path from the top of the directory tree until the file (or folder).
The pathname tells the exact location of a file or folder on your computer.
Example:
C:\Documents and Settings\Desktop\Courses\CIS5.2

12. Getting Started in Windows 7
Now, we begin the hands-on (less conceptual  ) intro to Windows.

13. The WINDOWS Desktop
When you log in to your computer, you are looking at your Desktop.
The desktop is meant to simulate a physical desktop, including:
Files and folders
Trash can (recycle bin)
Clock

14. The Windows Taskbar
At the bottom of your screen, you have the Windows taskbar, which contains:
Start Button
Programs that are “pinned to taskbar”
Icons
Time and date

15. The Start Menu All Programs Command Frequently used programs Help
Search
Shut down

16. Adding an Icon to the Desktop
Click the Start Button
Right Click on Computer
Choose “Show on Desktop”
In general: the LEFT mouse button selects, and the RIGHT mouse button displays a pop-up menu.

17. Folder Windows On left – you see the hierarchy
On right – you have contents of this folder
Address bar (shows “path” or breadcrumb trails)
Search box
Tabs

18. Expanding a Folder If the folders do not appear, click on “Folders”
You can see the contents of any folder in the hierarchy by clicking on it. (the black arrow means it’s “expanded” and the empty arrow means it’s “collapsed”)

19. Copying & Moving Files
It is possible to copy and move files using the folders hierarchy
RIGHT dragging is the recommended way of copying, since a menu will pop up giving the option of move or copy.

20. Creating a Folder
You can and should create folders to keep your files organized.
You can create a folder within a folder (and so on).
You can also rename folders as you rename files.

21. Deleting Files and Folders
Moving to the recycle bin is the same as choosing “delete”
You can restore items in the recycle bin, until you choose to empty the recycle bin
Important: You cannot restore items to a removable drive!

22. Always keep your folders and files organized!
Searching for a file
If you cannot find a file on your computer:
Click on start button
Choose Search
Type in your search
Always keep your folders and files organized!

23. Using Help and Support
Click the Start Button and choose Help and Support
Within each application program there is help as well.
Don’t underestimate your ability to help yourself
Of course, you can always resort to a google search.