1. Practical PC, 7th Edition Chapter 2: Working with Windows

2. Working with Windows FAQs Technology How do I use the Start Screen?
What is the Windows desktop?
How do I use the desktop taskbar?
How do I access the PC Settings panel?
What is the Control Panel?
Does it matter if I’m using a touchscreen?
How do I access Windows Help?
Technology
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3. How do I use the Start Screen?
Once logged in, the Windows 8 Start screen is displayed
Start screen displays an array of colorful tiles
Tiles represent applications, storage areas, and links to social media sites
Tiles can be dragged or selected using a mouse, your finger, or a stylus.
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4. How do I use the Start Screen?
Figure 2-1
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5. How do I use the Start Screen?
Press the to return to the Start screen from any application
Live tiles pull content from applications or storage areas and display it within the tile
Figure 2-2
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6. How do I use the Start Screen?
Start screen contains a built-in search function
Search function can be used to find:
Apps
Preset search best used for apps for which there is no tile
Settings
Files
Listed Applications
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7. How do I use the Start Screen?
Figure 2-3
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8. What is the Windows desktop?
Windows desktop is the gateway for many of the tasks performed with the computer
Select the Desktop tile from the Start screen to begin
Desktop can display application windows, message windows called dialog boxes, and icons
Desktop icons can be arranged in numerous ways
New folder and file icons can also be created for quick access to used frequently documents
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9. What is the Windows desktop?
Figure 2-4
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10. What is the Windows desktop?
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11. 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
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12. How do I use the Start menu?
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13. How do I use the desktop taskbar?
Taskbar is located at the bottom of the Windows desktop
It holds a variety of controls
Figure 2-5
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14. How do I use the desktop taskbar?
Point to each taskbar button to see a ScreenTip, which pops up to identify unlabeled buttons
Application buttons represent open or “running” applications
Notification area displays icons that provide status information and shortcuts to utilities
Current date and time
Internet access
Hidden icons
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15. How do I use the desktop taskbar?
Figure 2-6
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16. How do I access the PC Settings panel?
PC Settings is a panel of options used to modify and customize the way Windows looks and works
Accessed from the Charms menu that appears when pointer is moved to one of the corners of the screen, or when user swipes in from the right edge of a touchscreen
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17. How do I access the PC Settings panel?
Figure 2-7
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18. How do I access the PC Settings panel?
Options on PC Setting panel are most relevant for tablet users, for customizing the Start screen, and for changing the password
Figure 2-8
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19. What are gadgets?
Gadgets are mini-applications designed to display information that is constantly changing
Examples of gadget topics include the time of day, local weather, headline news, photo slide shows, or statistics about how hard your computer’s microprocessor is working
Several gadgets are included with Windows 7
Gadgets work best if your computer has a widescreen display device
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21. What’s in the Accessories folder?
Accessories folder includes:
Windows Explorer
Paint
Notepad and WordPad
Snipping Tool
Calculator
Sound Recorder
Subfolders include System Tools and Ease of Access
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22. What’s in the Accessories folder?
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23. What is the Control Panel?
Control Panel contains important tools for configuring and customizing Windows including:
Date and time
Default programs
Device and Printers
Display
Internet Options
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24. What is the Control Panel?
Figure 2-9
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25. Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen?
Windows 8 has a dual personality
Offers a flexible desktop designed to be used with keyboard and mouse
Inherited from earlier versions of Windows
Useful on large screen devices
Can display multiple windows at one time
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26. Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen?
Figure 2-11
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27. Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen?
Tips for using Windows 8 with a large display device
Figure 2-12
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28. Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen?
Also contains elements designed for touchscreen devices
Useful on small screen devices
Sometimes referred to as RT or Metro
Elements feature large icons, well-spaced menus, and applications that are used one at a time
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29. Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen?
Figure 2-13
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30. Does it matter if I am using a touchscreen?
Tips for using Windows 8 with a touchscreen
Figure 2-14
Practical PC, 7th Edition

31. How do I access Windows Help?
The Windows Help and Support Center is the gateway to Windows manuals, FAQs and troubleshooting wizards
Type Help at the Start screen
If more information is needed, use a search engine to search for user groups, online forums, or articles.
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32. How do I access Windows Help?
Figure 2-15
Practical PC, 7th Edition

33. Technology System Software
Is dedicated to the internal operation of the computer
Divided into two categories: operating systems and system utilities
Operating systems
Are vital pieces of software
Set standards for the on-screen controls displayed by all application software
Detect equipment failure
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34. Technology Operating systems con’t Maintain security
Manage storage space
Communicate with all devices connected to the computer
Available operating systems include Windows, OS X (Apple computers), and Linux (primarily on servers that handle network communications, systems, and Web sites).
Windows RT, iOS, and Android are used on tablet computers and smart phones
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35. Technology System utilities Add functionality to the operating system
Enable customization of the screen-based work environment
Set up communication between computer and peripheral devices
Enhance computer’s security
When adjusting from the Control Panel or PC Settings panel, systems utilities are being used
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36. Technology
Figure 2-16
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37. Technology Windows operating system
One of today’s most popular operating systems
Evolved through several generations
Figure 2-17
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38. Technology Windows 8 is available in several editions
Standard and Pro, which are designed for individuals and small businesses using desktop and laptop computers
Enterprise, which is designed for businesses that have in-house and remote workers
RT, which is for tablet computers
Windows is available in 32 bit and 64 bit editions
Type System in the Start menu’s Search box and select Settings to determine which edition is being used
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39. Technology Device Drivers
Software that help peripheral devices establish communication with a computer
Used by printer, monitors, wired networks, modems, storage devices, mice, videogame controllers, and scanners
Usually run in the background
Type device driver at the Start screen and select Settings; select Device Manager to check status of a device, change its settings, or check for updated drivers
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40. Technology
Figure 2-19
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41. 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 7
Starter
Home Premium
Professional
Ultimate
To discover which version and edition of Windows you’re using, enter System in the Start menu’s Search box and then click the System option
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42. Which version of Windows do I have?
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43. Which version of Windows do I have?
Past Windows versions include:
Windows 3.1
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows Me (Millennium Edition)
Windows XP
Windows Vista
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