1. Chapter 2 Looking at Windows

2. 2Practical PC 5 th 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

3. 3Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

4. 4Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

5. 5Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

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

7. 7Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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 e-mail messages and files

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

9. 9Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

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

11. 11Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

12. 12Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

13. 13Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

14. 14Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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

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

16. 16Practical PC 5 th 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

17. 17Practical PC 5 th 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

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

19. 19Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 2 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?

20. 20Practical PC 5 th 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