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©Digital Bridge Institute, Abuja Page 1 Introduction to Computers Module 1

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An introductory presentation on the use of Information Technology and the computer system

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Introduction to ComputersIntroduction to Computers

Module 1Module 1

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ObjectivesObjectivesIntroduction to ICT

Understand the terminology and uses of Information TechnologyComputer Components

Understand the functions of various computer hardware and peripheralComputer Input Devices

Recognize different types of Input devices and what they can be used forComputer Output Devices

Recognize different types of output devices and what they can be used forComputer Sound Input and Output Devices

Recognize different types of sound input devices and output devices and what they can be used for

Storage ComponentsKnow the terminology relating to storage components

Types of StorageUnderstand the different types of storage and their specific uses and

capacitiesOperating Systems

Know the basic features and terminology of Operating SystemsStarting Windows ...

Introduction to ICTUnderstand the terminology and uses of Information Technology

Computer ComponentsUnderstand the functions of various computer hardware and peripheral

Computer Input DevicesRecognize different types of Input devices and what they can be used for

Computer Output DevicesRecognize different types of output devices and what they can be used for

Computer Sound Input and Output DevicesRecognize different types of sound input devices and output devices and

what they can be used for Storage Components

Know the terminology relating to storage componentsTypes of Storage

Understand the different types of storage and their specific uses and capacities

Operating SystemsKnow the basic features and terminology of Operating Systems

Starting Windows ...

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Introduction to ICTIntroduction to ICTWhat is Information Technology (IT)?

An Information Technology (IT) system processes, stores, and/or transfers (communicates) information

Information can take many different forms such as text, numbers, pictures, sound, video, and multimedia

To transfer information, IT systems use computers, telecommunications networks, and other electronic devices

Because of the importance of communications in IT, the term Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is often preferred to IT

Since IT involves many different and often highly specialized areas, it is often seen as a very daunting subject

However, the basis of IT is simply to help us to improve the way we deal with information in all areas of our lives

What is IT used for?IT is used in business, academia, industry, government, heath care, etc.It is also an important in part of our everyday activities

What is Information Technology (IT)?An Information Technology (IT) system processes, stores, and/or

transfers (communicates) informationInformation can take many different forms such as text, numbers, pictures,

sound, video, and multimediaTo transfer information, IT systems use computers, telecommunications

networks, and other electronic devicesBecause of the importance of communications in IT, the term

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is often preferred to ITSince IT involves many different and often highly specialized areas, it is

often seen as a very daunting subjectHowever, the basis of IT is simply to help us to improve the way we deal

with information in all areas of our lives

What is IT used for?IT is used in business, academia, industry, government, heath care, etc.It is also an important in part of our everyday activities

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Introduction to ICT (2)Introduction to ICT (2)Computers enable us to process information and perform specific

tasks much more quickly than we could do ourselvesIT systems are very Flexible and can be made to perform a variety

of different tasksIT networks (e.g., Internet) allow us to distribute and share

information quickly, and over a very long distanceMany developments in IT are designed to make our lives easier

But people expectations of what they (and others) can achieve are often leading to unrealistic demands being placed on people and the technology around them

We live in an "Information Society“ The effective use of information is regarded as the defying

element of the 20th – 21st centuries, as important as the industrial revolution before it

Computers enable us to process information and perform specific tasks much more quickly than we could do ourselves

IT systems are very Flexible and can be made to perform a variety of different tasks

IT networks (e.g., Internet) allow us to distribute and share information quickly, and over a very long distance

Many developments in IT are designed to make our lives easier But people expectations of what they (and others) can achieve

are often leading to unrealistic demands being placed on people and the technology around them

We live in an "Information Society“ The effective use of information is regarded as the defying

element of the 20th – 21st centuries, as important as the industrial revolution before it

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Computer Components (1)Computer Components (1) The main components used to build a personal computer and

other types of microcomputers are: Computers are made up of many components Internal Components

that is, they are located inside the computer case External Components

Some are connected externally, using portsA port is a kind of plug, usually located at the back of the computer

Components located outside the computer's case are referred to as peripheral devices

Because they use components, PCs are customizable

The main components used to build a personal computer and other types of microcomputers are:

Computers are made up of many components Internal Components

that is, they are located inside the computer case External Components

Some are connected externally, using portsA port is a kind of plug, usually located at the back of the computer

Components located outside the computer's case are referred to as peripheral devices

Because they use components, PCs are customizable

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Computer Components (2)Computer Components (2) You can add internal or external components for specific tasks, such

as playing sound, and choose mare powerful components to make a high performance PC

Or you can specify less powerful, less expensive components for a basic office computer

This means that PCs vary quite widely in terms of performance (the speed at which a computer performs different tasks), cost, and the sort of applications (software) that they can run.

Computer components can be divided into the following categories:Microprocessors process instructions and perform calculations.Storage devices (memory and disks) hold data.Input devices (mouse and keyboard) let the user enter data.Output devices (monitor, speakers, and printer) (display data).Network devices (network card, modem) allow computers to

transfer data to and from other computers.

You can add internal or external components for specific tasks, such as playing sound, and choose mare powerful components to make a high performance PC

Or you can specify less powerful, less expensive components for a basic office computer

This means that PCs vary quite widely in terms of performance (the speed at which a computer performs different tasks), cost, and the sort of applications (software) that they can run.

Computer components can be divided into the following categories:Microprocessors process instructions and perform calculations.Storage devices (memory and disks) hold data.Input devices (mouse and keyboard) let the user enter data.Output devices (monitor, speakers, and printer) (display data).Network devices (network card, modem) allow computers to

transfer data to and from other computers.

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Computer Components (3)Computer Components (3) The Motherboard

A motherboard (or system board) Is a large printed circuit board with connections for all the other components in the computer

The motherboard allows the components to exchange dataIt also houses the power supplyThe type of motherboard determines the types of CPU, memory, and

hard disk and other peripherals that can be installed in the computer

The MotherboardA motherboard (or system board) Is a large printed circuit board with

connections for all the other components in the computerThe motherboard allows the components to exchange dataIt also houses the power supplyThe type of motherboard determines the types of CPU, memory, and

hard disk and other peripherals that can be installed in the computer

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Computer Components (4)Computer Components (4) The System Case

The motherboard (and other internal components) is housed within a protective case, usually made of metal and plastic and often referred to as the "box."

The design of the case can affect how many expansion cards and components can be added to the computer

Some cases are designed to be easy to open and access to make maintenance of the computer simpler

The System CaseThe motherboard (and other internal components) is housed within a

protective case, usually made of metal and plastic and often referred to as the "box."

The design of the case can affect how many expansion cards and components can be added to the computer

Some cases are designed to be easy to open and access to make maintenance of the computer simpler

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Computer Devices (1)Computer Devices (1)Ports and Peripheral Devices

A hardware port is a socket designed to allow the connection of extra devices, often outside the system case

Such devices are referred to as peripheralsTypical peripheral devices include the mouse, keyboard, monitor,

and printerEven though they are located outside the case, such devices are

often essential tar operating the computerSome parts are attached directly to the motherboard.Others may be attached to an expansion card plugged into the

motherboardTraditionally, parts were always positioned at the back of the

system caseHowever, in many modern designs, some ports (notably USB and

Fire wire connectors) may he provided on the front of the case, far easy access

Ports and Peripheral DevicesA hardware port is a socket designed to allow the connection of

extra devices, often outside the system caseSuch devices are referred to as peripheralsTypical peripheral devices include the mouse, keyboard, monitor,

and printerEven though they are located outside the case, such devices are

often essential tar operating the computerSome parts are attached directly to the motherboard.Others may be attached to an expansion card plugged into the

motherboardTraditionally, parts were always positioned at the back of the

system caseHowever, in many modern designs, some ports (notably USB and

Fire wire connectors) may he provided on the front of the case, far easy access

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Computer Devices (2)Computer Devices (2)On a portable or laptop computer, ports are usually located

at the hack and sides of the casePorts used to connect the newest generation of USB memory

devices are often referred to as slotsPorts and connecting cables are always one of two genders:

male connectors have pins; female connectors have holes.There are many different types of port, each requiring a

different type of connectorInput Device

An input device is any device that is used to supply information to a computer

A few examples at input devices are given below.

On a portable or laptop computer, ports are usually located at the hack and sides of the case

Ports used to connect the newest generation of USB memory devices are often referred to as slots

Ports and connecting cables are always one of two genders: male connectors have pins; female connectors have holes.

There are many different types of port, each requiring a different type of connector

Input DeviceAn input device is any device that is used to supply

information to a computerA few examples at input devices are given below.

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Computer Devices (3)Computer Devices (3)Keyboard

Most common input device is the keyboard, which is used both tar text-based data input and for selecting commands.

Keyboards usually have the following:Keys for the letters of the alphabetKeys for punctuation symbolsNumbered keys or a numeric keypad (or both)

KeyboardMost common input device is the keyboard, which is used both tar text-based data input and for selecting commands.

Keyboards usually have the following:Keys for the letters of the alphabetKeys for punctuation symbolsNumbered keys or a numeric keypad (or both)

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Computer Devices (4)Computer Devices (4)Mouse

Computers are usually operated through a graphical user interface (GU[). This means that the user selects a command from the computer's screen display by moving a pointer and clicking an icon.

A mouse is the device usually used to control the movement of the pointer on the screen

A mouse is used by moving it across a mouse mat or other flat surface. This moves a ball on the bottom of the mouse, The movement of the ball sends a signal to the computer. Software interprets this signal and performs an operation, such as moving a cursor or drawing a line.

A mouse has two or more buttons on top of it, the function of which depend upon the software being used.

Mouse Computers are usually operated through a graphical user interface

(GU[). This means that the user selects a command from the computer's screen display by moving a pointer and clicking an icon.

A mouse is the device usually used to control the movement of the pointer on the screen

A mouse is used by moving it across a mouse mat or other flat surface. This moves a ball on the bottom of the mouse, The movement of the ball sends a signal to the computer. Software interprets this signal and performs an operation, such as moving a cursor or drawing a line.

A mouse has two or more buttons on top of it, the function of which depend upon the software being used.

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Storage Components (1)Storage Components (1)Memory and disks are the components used to store data for

processingUnits of measure (i.e., capacity of storage) are bits, Bytes,

megabytes, and gigabytesA bit

a binary or logical 1 or 0, which is the lowest unit of measure of information

A Byteis a chunk of bits (combination of bits) used to represent a

information (e.g., character)There are usually eight bits in a byteE.g., 01000001 is used to represent the letter A in binary codeBytes are commonly abbreviated with a capital B and bits are

abbreviated with lower-case b, but not alwaysMore often, hardware and software are described as being a

certain number of bits

Memory and disks are the components used to store data for processing

Units of measure (i.e., capacity of storage) are bits, Bytes, megabytes, and gigabytes

A bit a binary or logical 1 or 0, which is the lowest unit of measure of

information A Byte

is a chunk of bits (combination of bits) used to represent a information (e.g., character)

There are usually eight bits in a byteE.g., 01000001 is used to represent the letter A in binary codeBytes are commonly abbreviated with a capital B and bits are

abbreviated with lower-case b, but not alwaysMore often, hardware and software are described as being a

certain number of bits

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Storage Components (2)Storage Components (2) This refers to how much information the hardware or software can

process at any one time E.g., if a CPU is a 32-bit processor, it means that the CPU can

process 32 bits of data in each clock cycle Popular Measures

1. Kilobyte (denoted as KB) A kilobyte (KB) Is 1024 bytes, The size of a data file is often measured in kilobytes Why is kilobyte not “1000” bytes?

2. Megabyte (denoted as MB) A megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes (1024 kilobytes) A megabyte (MB) is often used to measure the amount of main

memory or the size of a collection of files within a Folder A megabyte is about as much data as 500 pages of double-

spaced text Why is Megabyte not “1,000,000” bytes?

This refers to how much information the hardware or software can process at any one time

E.g., if a CPU is a 32-bit processor, it means that the CPU can process 32 bits of data in each clock cycle

Popular Measures1. Kilobyte (denoted as KB)

A kilobyte (KB) Is 1024 bytes, The size of a data file is often measured in kilobytes Why is kilobyte not “1000” bytes?

2. Megabyte (denoted as MB) A megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes (1024 kilobytes) A megabyte (MB) is often used to measure the amount of main

memory or the size of a collection of files within a Folder A megabyte is about as much data as 500 pages of double-

spaced text Why is Megabyte not “1,000,000” bytes?

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Storage Components (3)Storage Components (3)3. Gigabyte (denoted as GB)

A gigabyte (GB) is equivalent to 1,024 MBThe memory capacity of most storage devices, such as hard

drives, is measured in gigabytes (GB)

4. Terabyte (denoted as TB)Terabyte (TB) is equivalent to 1,024 GBHard drive arrays on corporate file servers are quickly

approaching terabyte capacities

3. Gigabyte (denoted as GB)A gigabyte (GB) is equivalent to 1,024 MBThe memory capacity of most storage devices, such as hard

drives, is measured in gigabytes (GB)

4. Terabyte (denoted as TB)Terabyte (TB) is equivalent to 1,024 GBHard drive arrays on corporate file servers are quickly

approaching terabyte capacities

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Types of Storage (1)Types of Storage (1) Memory is one of the most essential parts of the computer From the moment you turn your computer on until the time you shut

it clown, your CPU is constantly using memory There are 3 types of storage used by the computer when storing

data

1. Read-only Memory (ROM) ROM stores the data necessary to start the computer and

identify its component ROM is non-volatile or persistent memory that holds permanent

information, such as the BIOS software that enables the components in the computer to communicate with each other

Data stored In ROM is not deleted when the computer is switched off

It cannot usually be deleted or overwritten in the course of normal computer operations

Memory is one of the most essential parts of the computer From the moment you turn your computer on until the time you shut

it clown, your CPU is constantly using memory There are 3 types of storage used by the computer when storing

data

1. Read-only Memory (ROM) ROM stores the data necessary to start the computer and

identify its component ROM is non-volatile or persistent memory that holds permanent

information, such as the BIOS software that enables the components in the computer to communicate with each other

Data stored In ROM is not deleted when the computer is switched off

It cannot usually be deleted or overwritten in the course of normal computer operations

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Types of Storage (2)Types of Storage (2)2. Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM stores data while it is being processed. E.g., RAM is required to run software while the computer is powered

RAM, is volatile or non-persistent memory, is a temporary memory store

Data held in RAM is only stored while the computer is switched on E.g., when you create a document (such as a letter), the

document is stored in your computer's RAM, until you save it to disk

RAM holds data required by the CPU, which cannot store large amounts of data itself

RAM is important because it enables the CPU to get data quickly E.g., when a software application is started, the data needed to

run the program is copied from the main disk into RAM, where the CPU can access it

2. Random Access Memory (RAM) RAM stores data while it is being processed. E.g., RAM is required

to run software while the computer is powered RAM, is volatile or non-persistent memory, is a temporary memory

store Data held in RAM is only stored while the computer is switched on E.g., when you create a document (such as a letter), the

document is stored in your computer's RAM, until you save it to disk

RAM holds data required by the CPU, which cannot store large amounts of data itself

RAM is important because it enables the CPU to get data quickly E.g., when a software application is started, the data needed to

run the program is copied from the main disk into RAM, where the CPU can access it

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Types of Storage (3)Types of Storage (3)

3. Storage Disks or Drives Disk dives invented in the 1950s, are used to store and

transfer data files Magnetic disks or drives are used to preserve data when the

computer is turned off and to move and backup data When data is entered into a computer, it must be saved as a

file to preserve it when the computer is switched off Also, software applications need to install files on the main

disk drive in the computer in order to run The most important type of long term storage component in

the desktop computer is the hard disk, which is used to store the software and data on which the computer runs

3. Storage Disks or Drives Disk dives invented in the 1950s, are used to store and

transfer data files Magnetic disks or drives are used to preserve data when the

computer is turned off and to move and backup data When data is entered into a computer, it must be saved as a

file to preserve it when the computer is switched off Also, software applications need to install files on the main

disk drive in the computer in order to run The most important type of long term storage component in

the desktop computer is the hard disk, which is used to store the software and data on which the computer runs

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Types of Storage (4)Types of Storage (4)Hard disks have a hard platter that holds the

magnetic medium, as opposed to the flexible plastic film found in tapes and floppies

The magnetic disk can be easily erased and rewritten, and it will "remember" the magnetic flux patterns stored for many years.

Many computers will also have removable disk drives to install software and backup data files

Hard disks have a hard platter that holds the magnetic medium, as opposed to the flexible plastic film found in tapes and floppies

The magnetic disk can be easily erased and rewritten, and it will "remember" the magnetic flux patterns stored for many years.

Many computers will also have removable disk drives to install software and backup data files

Disk capacity is principally a question of capacity: how much data can be stored an the disk?

Disk performance is determined by other factors including the seek time (the time it takes to find data on the drive) and the transfer rate (the speed at which data can be moved to and from a disk)

Disk capacity is principally a question of capacity: how much data can be stored an the disk?

Disk performance is determined by other factors including the seek time (the time it takes to find data on the drive) and the transfer rate (the speed at which data can be moved to and from a disk)

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Types of Storage (4)Types of Storage (4) Other Magnetic Media

Other magnetic disk devices, such as Iomega Zip and Jaz clicks, are also available

These disks tend to offer much less capacity than a hard disk (although much more than a floppy disk)

The main advantage is that the disks can be removed and transferred elsewhere.

One of the most popular external magnetic storage options available today is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive

These can store hundreds of times the information found on a standard floppy, and don't need a special reader

Instead, USB drives pop into a standard USB port on the desktop or laptop computer

Other Magnetic MediaOther magnetic disk devices, such as Iomega Zip

and Jaz clicks, are also availableThese disks tend to offer much less capacity than a

hard disk (although much more than a floppy disk)The main advantage is that the disks can be

removed and transferred elsewhere. One of the most popular external magnetic storage

options available today is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive

These can store hundreds of times the information found on a standard floppy, and don't need a special reader

Instead, USB drives pop into a standard USB port on the desktop or laptop computer

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Operating Systems (1)Operating Systems (1)What is an Operating System (OS)?

It is a system program that carries out the functions summarized below:

1. Process management

2. Memory management

3. Input/Output control system

4. File ManagementOperating system provides a set of basic features that all software

applications must useIt maintains a degree of compatibility between applicationsSelection of a particular OS is usually determined by compatibility with

other systems, but cost, user preference, and customisability can be important factors

Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful tasks, such as creating, displaying, and printing a letter

What is an Operating System (OS)? It is a system program that carries out the functions

summarized below:

1. Process management

2. Memory management

3. Input/Output control system

4. File ManagementOperating system provides a set of basic features that all software

applications must useIt maintains a degree of compatibility between applicationsSelection of a particular OS is usually determined by compatibility with

other systems, but cost, user preference, and customisability can be important factors

Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful tasks, such as creating, displaying, and printing a letter

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Operating Systems (2)Operating Systems (2) Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful

tasks, such as creating, displaying, and printing a letter. Software can be divided into two important classes

operating systems and applications

Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful tasks, such as creating, displaying, and printing a letter.

Software can be divided into two important classes operating systems and applications

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Starting Windows ... (1)Starting Windows ... (1) Upon “login in”, the system loads the Windows Desktop

Enables working with the Windows Operating System (OS) platform with very little hassle and minimal technical knowledge

Components/Parts of the Windows Desktop1. The Start Menu

Provides a launch point for all programs or applicationsClicking the start icon [xx] displays a list of optionsThe programs (e.g., Microsoft Word) is a sub-list the

Programs menu

Customizing the Start Menu Click Start Settings Taskbar and Start Menu (Windows

2000) Click Start Control Panel Taskbar & Start Menu (Windows

XP)

Upon “login in”, the system loads the Windows DesktopEnables working with the Windows Operating System (OS)

platform with very little hassle and minimal technical knowledge

Components/Parts of the Windows Desktop1. The Start Menu

Provides a launch point for all programs or applicationsClicking the start icon [xx] displays a list of optionsThe programs (e.g., Microsoft Word) is a sub-list the

Programs menu

Customizing the Start Menu Click Start Settings Taskbar and Start Menu (Windows

2000) Click Start Control Panel Taskbar & Start Menu (Windows

XP)

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Starting Windows ... (2)Starting Windows ... (2)2.Desktop Icons and Shortcuts

Shortcuts are links to the original program, file, folder or itemThe desktop the most common place to place itWhen a shortcut is deleted, the original item still existsShortcuts are fast ways to open programs

2.Desktop Icons and ShortcutsShortcuts are links to the original program, file, folder or itemThe desktop the most common place to place itWhen a shortcut is deleted, the original item still existsShortcuts are fast ways to open programsAction Task

To put a shortcut on the desktop

1. Open Windows Explorer, or the location of the item to be placed on the desktop.

2. Click Start Programs Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer

3. Right click on the Item and select Create Shortcut to place the shortcut in the same location as the original

4. Then you can drag the shortcut onto the desktop

5. Right-click on the item, and select Send To Desktop (create shortcut)

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Starting Windows ... (3)Starting Windows ... (3)3. Using Wallpapers and Screensavers3. Using Wallpapers and Screensavers

Action Task

To Change a Wallpaper

1. Open Display in the Control panel OR right click on empty space on the desktop

2. Select Properties and click on the Background

3. Select a background picture from the wallpapers list; In the picture display list select Center, Title, or Stretch

4. Click Pattern to open the Pattern dialog box; select desired pattern

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Starting Windows ... (4)Starting Windows ... (4)3. Using Wallpapers and Screensavers3. Using Wallpapers and Screensavers

Action Task

To Set or Change a Screensaver

1. Select Control panel OR right click on empty space on the desktop

2. Select Properties Screen Saver

3. Select a Screen Saver of your choice from the list; Click OK

4. After selecting a screen saver, it will start automatically when your computer is idle for the number of minutes specified in Wait.

5. Screen saver setting can be changed; to change, click Settings Screen Saver tab

6. Click Preview to see how the selected screen saver (will appear on your monitor). Move your mouse or press any key to end the preview

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Starting Windows ... (5)Starting Windows ... (5)4.Understanding the Task Bar

The Taskbar displays any program you are running, the time, and the Start Icon

It is normally positioned at the bottom of the screenIt provides a constant view of which applications are running

on the system and an easy way to switch between them.It also provides additional information such as time, power

consumption information (on laptops), and volume control, if you have a sound card installed.

Customizing the TaskbarYou can put a toolbar in a handier place, on your desktop or taskbar You can even give yourself quick access to frequently accessed files

and programs, by simply dragging and dropping them on the Start menu

You can view and add more icons to the Quick launch

4.Understanding the Task BarThe Taskbar displays any program you are running, the

time, and the Start IconIt is normally positioned at the bottom of the screenIt provides a constant view of which applications are running

on the system and an easy way to switch between them.It also provides additional information such as time, power

consumption information (on laptops), and volume control, if you have a sound card installed.

Customizing the TaskbarYou can put a toolbar in a handier place, on your desktop or taskbar You can even give yourself quick access to frequently accessed files

and programs, by simply dragging and dropping them on the Start menu

You can view and add more icons to the Quick launch

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Starting Windows ... (6)Starting Windows ... (6)5. Using the Search Companion

Search Assistant makes it easier to search for files and folders, printers, people, and other computers on your network

It even makes it easier to search on the Internet Search Assistant also has an indexing service that maintains an

index of all the files on your computer, making searches even faster. When you use Search Assistant, you can specify several search

criteria (e.g., files and folders by name, type, and size) You can even search for files containing specific text You can search for a printer with a specific name or location if you

are using Active Directory If you need a printer with special features, you can search for a

specific model.

To Search, Click the Start Icon Search ...

5. Using the Search Companion Search Assistant makes it easier to search for files and folders,

printers, people, and other computers on your network It even makes it easier to search on the Internet Search Assistant also has an indexing service that maintains an

index of all the files on your computer, making searches even faster. When you use Search Assistant, you can specify several search

criteria (e.g., files and folders by name, type, and size) You can even search for files containing specific text You can search for a printer with a specific name or location if you

are using Active Directory If you need a printer with special features, you can search for a

specific model.

To Search, Click the Start Icon Search ...

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Starting Windows ... (7)Starting Windows ... (7)6. Using Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is a tool used to browse the files and folders on the computer. It opens a 2-pane window.

Right click on the Start Icon select Explore It can be evoked a swift combination of [x] and E keys

7. Using the Run CommandThe Run Command is a very handy tool in running applicationsClick on the Start Icon Run, and type name of a program E.g., mspaint (Microsoft Paint), calc (calculator), winword, powerpnt,

excel, etc

6. Using Windows ExplorerWindows Explorer is a tool used to browse the files and folders on the

computer. It opens a 2-pane window.Right click on the Start Icon select Explore It can be evoked a swift combination of [x] and E keys

7. Using the Run CommandThe Run Command is a very handy tool in running applicationsClick on the Start Icon Run, and type name of a program E.g., mspaint (Microsoft Paint), calc (calculator), winword, powerpnt,

excel, etc

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Starting Windows ... (8)Starting Windows ... (8)8. Using Help and Support Centre - Getting Online Support

Click Start Help - (Help and Support-Windows XP) If you have an Internet connection, you are not limited to

other topics within the Help system; you can jump to the WWW for additional or updated product information.

The Help Viewer provides an integrated table of contents, an index, and a full-text search feature so you can find information easily

The Help Viewer has the added benefit of allowing you to see the table of contents, index, or search results at the same time you are viewing a Help topic.

The Help Viewer also includes the Favorites tab, which you can use to bookmark topics. This enables you to quickly display topics that you refer to often

8. Using Help and Support Centre - Getting Online SupportClick Start Help - (Help and Support-Windows XP) If you have an Internet connection, you are not limited to

other topics within the Help system; you can jump to the WWW for additional or updated product information.

The Help Viewer provides an integrated table of contents, an index, and a full-text search feature so you can find information easily

The Help Viewer has the added benefit of allowing you to see the table of contents, index, or search results at the same time you are viewing a Help topic.

The Help Viewer also includes the Favorites tab, which you can use to bookmark topics. This enables you to quickly display topics that you refer to often