Module Name:: Using A Computer and Managing Files: CSICT/02

MODULE 2
MODULE NAME: USING A COMPUTER AND MANAGING

FILES
COURSE UNIT CODE: CSICT/02
COURSE OUTLINE:
1. Introduction to Windows and Operating Systems

i. Definition
ii. Features of Windows Operating Systems
iii. Examples of Windows Operating Systems
iv. Advantages and disadvantages of Windows as an Operating System
v. Functions of an Operating System
2. Starting Up a Computer System
i. Start-up Procedure
ii. Booting
iii. Types of Booting
3. Turning Off a Computer System
o Process of Shutting Down a Computer
4. Desktop
i. Definition
ii. Parts of Desktop
5. A Window
i. Definition
ii. Basic Parts Of A Window
6. Dialogue Boxes
i. Definition
ii. Basic Parts of a Dialogue Box
7. Mouse
i. Definition
ii. Functions of the Primary and Secondary Mouse Buttons.
iii. Basic Mouse Techniques
8. Opening & Closing Applications
i. Start-up Menu
ii. Procedure of Launching an Application
iii. Exiting/Closing an Application
1|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

E - m a i l : geokioma@yahoo.com O r georgeokioma@gmail.com
9. Moving and Sizing a Window
i. Moving a Window
ii. Changing the Size of a Window
iii. Standard Window Control Buttons
10. Switching Between Applications
i. Task Bar
ii. Activate and Deactivate a Window
11. Windows Files and Folders Management
I. Files
a) Definition
b) Creating a Simple Document
c) Saving
d) Why Save Files
e) Points to Note When Saving a File
f) Retrieving Files
g) Deference between “Save” and “Save As” Commands
II. Folders
a) Definition
b) Creating a Folder
c) Creating a Subfolder
III. Managing Files and Folders
a) Moving Items
b) Copying Items
c) Renaming Items
d) Deleting Items
12. Recycle Bin
i. Definition
ii. Deleting Files Temporarily
iii. Deleting Files Permanently
iv. Recovering Deleted Items
13. Searching For Items
i. Searching Using the Start-up Menu (The Search Box)
ii. Searching Using Name and Location Criterion
iii. Searching Using the Date Criterion
iv. Searching Using the Text Criterion (Size)
14. Typical Icons
i. Definition
ii. Items of the Desktop
iii. Items of the Start-up Menu

15. Windows Explorer (File Explorer)
i. Definition
ii. Methods of Starting File Explorer
iii. Creating a New Folder
iv. Display All Folders of a Particular Disk/Folder (Expand)
v. Collapsing the Content of a Particular Disk/Folder (Collapse)
vi. Viewing the Content of a Particular Disk/Folder
vii. Selecting Items
16. Accessories
I. Definition
II. Examples of Accessories
a. Word Pad
b. Note Pad
c. Paint
d. Calculator
e. Run
III. Ease of Access
a. Definition
b. Magnifier
c. Onscreen Keyboard
d. Speech Recognition
e. Narrator
IV. Starting Accessories
17. Customizing The Desktop
i. Display the Desktop Icons
ii. Adding Desktops Gadgets
iii. Rotating the Desktops (Orientation)
iv. Task Bar
a. Positioning The Task Bar
b. Auto Hiding The Task Bar
c. Locking The Task Bar
18. Settings / Configuration
I. Definition
II. Display Settings
a. Wallpaper (Background)
b. Screen Saver
c. Thyme
d. Resolution
III. Keyboard Settings
a. Cursor Blink Rate
b. Repeat Delay
c. Repeat Rate
IV. Mouse Settings
a. Button Configurations
b. Pointers
c. Pointer Options
V. Region and Language Settings
a. Formats
i. Language Formats
ii. Number Former
iii. Currency Format
iv. Date Format
v. Time Format
b. Location
c. Keyboard Input Language
VI. Date and Time Settings
a. Adjust Date And Time
b. Change The Time Zone
19. Disk Management
i. Drives
ii. Accessing Disk Drives
iii. Formatting a Disk
iv. Defragmenting a Disk
v. Scan Disk (Check Disk)

INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS AND OPERATING
SYSTEMS
WINDOWS
Definition
Windows is a type of GUI (Graphical User Interface) operating system.
Operating system
An operating system is a program that controls and coordinates the computer operations. It is
a set of instructions that controls various hardware and software parts in a computer system. It
is also the software responsible for starting up a computer system.
Windows operating system derived its name from the fact that a user works in a rectangular
area on a screen known as a window. Windows operating system has an improved interface
with the user. It displays pictures or images on the screen known as icons. An icon is a
graphical (pictorial) representation of an item/object, such as a file, folder, and program. This
type of interface is known as GUI (Graphical User Interface).
Features of Windows operating system
1. It is a GUI operating system.

2. It has an outstanding feature known as WIMP:
 W – Window: this is a rectangular working area on the screen representing an open
program.
 I – Icon: is a graphical (pictorial) representation of an object/item such as a file,
folder, and program.
 M – Menu: a menu is an item that offers different commands to perform different
functions.
 P – Pointing device: a pointing device enables a user to communicate with the
computer via the screen through the icons.
Examples of Windows operating systems
a. Windows 8
b. Windows 10
c. Windows 98
d. Windows 2000
e. Windows 95
f. Windows Novella, among others.

Advantages of using Windows as an operating system
1. It is easier to use as items are represented by graphical objects that are mostly easy to
understand.
2. Faster because most operations like loading program, moving and copying files are
reduced to a simple click of the mouse.
3. Possibility of using many applications at the same time, that is; multiprogramming.
4. Most applications are designed the same way, hence after learning how to use one; it
becomes easy and normally takes a shorter time to learn how to use others.
5. Reduces the possibility of making mistakes as the user normally works with the
mouse.
Functions of an operating system
1. Job control
It ensures the consistency of the job a user is applying the computer for.
2. Loading programs
Loads program from storage, onto the main memory.
3. Memory Management
It ensures all work that has been done is saved and can be recovered later. It also performs
memory allocation.
4. Keeps details of resource use
Keeps details of how resources are used, for instance; programs, free space available, size of
files, number of files, and space occupied by files.
5. Detect and report error
Operational errors can be detected and reported to the user for action. Error can be reported
through error messages on the screen or through different sound beeps. Different sound beeps
indicate different types of errors for instance; keyboard error, memory error, processer error,
hard disk error, and fan error.
6. Input/output control
An operating system controls all the input/output devices such that they can accept input data
and instructions and display output through output devices.

7. Multiprogramming
An operating system facilitates operation of multiple programs at the same time that is;
simultaneously.
STARTING-UP A COMPUTER SYSTEM
i. Start-up Procedure
a. Identify the main power supply
b. Turn on the power supply if off, but if on, proceed
c. Identify the power buttons on both the system unit and the monitor.
d. Turn on the power on the system unit immediately followed by the power on the
monitor. The computer will start up a process known as booting. Wait for the computer
to start up undisturbed.
e. A welcome screen is displayed. The welcome screen will only be displayed if the
computer system boots up successfully. The welcome screen displays the user accounts
of the system.
f. Select the user account to use.
g. Enter the password if required.
NB: The user account acts as Identification while the password acts as Authentication. This is
known as logging in or signing in.
ii. Booting
Definition
Booting is the process by which a computer loads systems files, including the operating
system, and all software necessary to start up a computer system onto the main memory. It
also involves carrying out diagnostic tests where various hardware and software parts are
identified by system and tested internally before the system starts up. The basic hardware
tested includes; the memory, processor (CPU), hard disk, Mother board, Keyboard, Mouse,
and Fan, among others.
Types of booting
a. Cold booting
This is the booting process that takes place when the computer is stated from the initial power.
This means that the computer was completely off.
b. Warm booting
This is the booting process that takes place when the computer is rest or restarted. The
computer does not start from initial power.
TURNING OFF A COMPUTER SYSTEM (SHUTTING DOWN)
Process of shutting down a computer system
Shutting down a computer is the process of safely turning off a computer system. This ensures
that programs, files, and hardware are properly protected.
Procedure:
a) Save and exit all files and programs.

b) Click on the start button on the task bar.
c) A start up menu is displayed.
d) Click on the command shut down or power.
e) Leave the computer to properly shut down.
f) Turn off the monitor
g) Turn off the main power supply including backups such as UPSs (Uninterruptable
Power Supply) if necessary.
DESKTOP
I. Definition
The desktop is the primary user interface of a computer. When a computer system boots up
successfully, the desktop is displayed once the start-up process is complete.
II. Parts of a desktop

A. Icons
An icon is a graphical (pictorial) representation of an item /object, for instance; files, folders,
and programs. To view what an icon represents, you can do the following:
a) Right click on the icon then select the command open or equivalent.
Or
b) Double click on the icon.

B. Task bar
By default the task bar is located across the bottom part of the desktop. It contains the start
button used to start/display the start-up menu. The start-up menu is used to launch/start
programs or applications. It also contains the open application area used to display the
current running program(s). It also contains the system tray which displays system utilities
such as date and time, and other system notifications.

C. Wallpaper/background.
This is a graphic/program that appears on the screen behind the icons. It can be changed to fit
the user’s preference.
D. Quick launch (shortcut bar)
It is a bar that contains some icons that contain some icons that can be used to quickly start up
applications without going to the start-up menu.
E. Screen-saver
This is a program that protects the content of the screen when a computer is left idle for a
specified time period. A password may be activated on the screen saver to control access.
III. Desktop metaphors

a. Task/job
A task or job is any activity being handled by the operating system (Windows). Any running
program is an example of a task.
b. Select
This is clicking on an icon or object using the left (primary) mouse button.
c. Open
This is to view/access/execute the content of an item.

IV. Basic parts of a desktop
WALLPAPER
BACKGROUND
ICONS
TASK BAR
START OPEN
BUTTON QUICK LAUNCH APPLICATION SYSTEM
AREA TRAY
A WINDOW
Definition
A window is a rectangular area on the screen that represents an open program. It is a working
area of a program.
10 | C r e a t e d a n d D e v e l o p e d B y : G e o r g e T . M . O k i o m a
Basic parts of a window
a. Title Bar
A title bar is the upper most part of a window that displays the name of a running
program/application, or a document.
b. Menu Bar (Tabs)
Menu bars or Tabs display a list of menus to perform different commands.
c. Standard window control buttons
These are icons on a window that are used to manipulate a window during operation.
i. Close|exit
This command is used to close/exit a window/application. The keyboard shortcut is Alt + F4.
ii. Maximize
This command is used to convert a window to its full format.
iii. Restore down
This command is used to exit from a window’s full format.
iv. Minimize
This command Used to exit the full format of a window.
d. Toolbar (Ribbon)
A toolbar or a ribbon is a collection of icons on a row/line outlined on the window. Each icon
on a toolbar is used to perform a specific task.
e. Status bar
A status bar is the bottom part of a window that is used display/give a report on current
activities on a window.
f. Scrollbar
Scrollbars are used to view the hidden contents of a window on the bottom, top, right, and left
side of a window’s working area.
g. Cursor
A cursor is an insertion marker that indicates the position of text entry.
h. Work area
This is an area where the content is keyed in or visible.
i. Ruler
The horizontal and vertical rulers are used to mark the margins of the document/page.
Basic Parts of a window
Draw a Well Labelled Diagram Representing the Basic Parts of a Window.
DIALOGUE BOXES
Definition
A dialog box is an electronic form that interacts with a user in order to complete a specific
task. For instance when you click on the “Save As” command under the file menu, a “Save
As” dialogue box is displayed. A user will have to complete the dialogue box, that is; fill in
the dialogue box. For instance; specify the location where to save the file, the file name, and
the file type.
Basic parts of a dialogue box
a) Title bar
The title bar displays the title of the dialogue box.
b) Selection tabs
Selection tabs are buttons that combine different tasks on a single dialogue box.
c) Tool bar (Ribbon)
A tool bar or a ribbon is a collection of icons on a row. Each icon on the tool bar is used to
perform a specific task.
d) Cursor
A cursor is an insertion marker that indicates the position of text entry.
e) Text box
A textbox is an input field used for text input only.
Text box
Cursor
f) List box
A list-box is an input field used to select only one option from a list of items.
Drop down
button
g) Combo box.
A combo box is an input field that facilitates text entry, and selecting an item, that is; it
combines the characteristics of a textbox and a list-box.
Drop down
button
. Combo box
Cursor
h) Preview window
A preview window is an area that displays the content of a selected item.
i) Command buttons
A command button is used to execute a command. It is designed to be click on in order to

execute a command. For instance; Save, Cancel, OK, Yes, Exit, Apply, among others.
j) Standard windows control buttons
The standard window control buttons are used to manipulate a window. They include;
minimize, maximize, restore down, and close.
k) Checkboxes
A checkbox is a small square like button that can be used to select an item by checking
(check), or deselecting an item unchecking (uncheck).
l) Radio (option) buttons
An option button is a small disk like button used to select only one item from available
options.
Basic parts of a dialogue box
Draw a well labelled diagram representing the basic parts of a dialog box.
MOUSE
Definition
A mouse is a hand held device that enables a user to select and move items via the screen. A
basic computer mouse has two buttons:
Secondary
(Right)
button
Primary
(left)
button
Functions of the primary and secondary mouse buttons
i) Left (Primary) Button
1. Selecting an item by clicking once.
2. Highlighting by holding down the left mouse button and dragging the mouse.
3. Moving an item by holding down the left mouse button on an item, and then dragging the
mouse to move the item a new position.
4. Issuing command.
ii) Right (secondary) button
1. Retrieving commands
2. Moving/copying items
3. Creating shortcuts
Basic Mouse Techniques
Term Meaning Action
Click Quick press and release the left mouse button. -Issue a command
-Select an item
Right Click Quick press and release the right mouse button. -Retrieve
commands
Drag and Drop Hold down the left mouse button and on an item, -Move an item
then move the mouse to a new position, and release
the mouse button.
Double click Click the left mouse button twice in rapid -Open/execute an
succession. item
Hoover Move the mouse pointer over an item without - Get a tool tip or
clicking. more information
on an item
Point Place the mouse pointer on an item without Display a sub-
clicking. menu, or get
information
regarding an item
OPENING AND CLOSING APPLICATIONS
Most computer programs/applications can be launched/started using the start-up menu. The
start-up menu gives you quick access to programs. To use the start-up menu you can do the
following:
i. Click on the start button on the task bar

ii. Press the win log key on the keyboard
iii. Combine Ctrl + Esc
The Start-up menu is displayed as follows:
Select the program to open from the start-up menu by clicking on it. You can also type the
name of the program in the search box.
To close an application after a window is open, click on the close button, or combine Alt + F4
MOVING AND SIZING A WINDOW
Sometimes a number of windows are open. It may be found necessary to move and size some
of the windows.
a. Moving a window
Drag and drop the window’s tittle bar to the new location. To cancel the move, press the Esc
key on the keyboard before releasing the mouse button.
b. Changing the size of a window

i. Restore down the window
ii. Place the mouse pointer in a window’s border
iii. The mouse pointer changes to a double sided arrow (resize tool).
Or Or
iv. Hold down the left mouse button and drag to resize in the required direction.
c. The standard window control buttons
i. Exit/close
This command closes an open window.
ii. Maximize
This command converts a window to its full format.
iii. Restore down
This command exits the full format of a window.
iv. Minimize
This command puts a window out of focus by sending a running program to the background.
The minimized program is converted to an icon on the task bar.
SWITCHING BETWEEN APPLICATIONS
When two or more applications are opened, the quickest way to switch between applications
is to use the task bar, for instance; File Explorer and chrome.
To activate a window, click on its icon on the task bar.
WINDOWS FILES AND FOLDERS MANAGEMENT
I. Folders
Definition
A folder is a memory location set aside for storage of specific files.
Creating a folder on the desktop
Procedure:
i. Right click on the desktop

ii. On the pop-up menu point to New
iii.On the sub-menu, select the command Folder
iv. A new folder is created with a default name new folder in edit mode
v. Key in the name of the folder
vi. Press the enter key on the keyboard or click on the desktop
Creating a sub-folder
A sub-folder is a folder inside another folder, that is; a folder within a folder.
Procedure:
i. Open the main folder

ii. On the window use the procedure for creating a folder
Renaming a folder
To rename an item is to change the name of an item.
Procedure:
i. Right click on the folder you want to rename

ii. Select the command rename
iii. The folder is put in edit mode
iv. Enter the new name
v. Press enter on the keyboard
Deleting a folder
Procedure:
i. Right click on the folder you wish to delete

ii. Select the command delete
iii. A delete confirmation dialogue box is displayed
iv. Confirm
Or
v. Select the folder you wish to delete

vi. Press the delete key on the keyboard
vii. Confirm
II. Files
Definitions
A file is a basic unit of storage. It is a collection of information about a subject or a topic. The
information can be in form of letters, graphics, numbers, videos, and sound, among others.
Creating a simple document
A document file is created when a program is opened, content keyed in and saved in a name
best known by the user and in selected location. The file name is the identification of the file
created. The location or drive is the place where the file is stored (source location).
To create a document file:
Procedure:
i. Open the source program (the program which will be used to create the file, for
instance, WordPad)
ii. Key in data into the document
iii. Select the file menu
iv. Select the command “Save As”
v. The Save As dialogue box is displayed
vi. Specify the saving location
vii. Specify the name of the file
viii. Select the command Save
Saving
Saving is the process of transferring instructions from the temporary storage, that is; main
memory (RAM) to a permanent storage area for instance; hard disk, flash disk, among others.
Text formatting
Text formatting is changing the general appearance of text, for instance; colour, size, font
family, enhancement, among others.
Procedure :
i. Highlight the text you want to format.
ii. Perform the necessary formatting using the available commands on a menu bar or
tool bar.
Why save files
Files are stored or saved in order to keep an electronic copy of an item. Before closing an
application, you must first save the file if you need to use it in future. A file that has been
saved can be retrieved later for formatting, printing, or sending to another person, for instance
using electronic mail (E-mail).
Point to note while saving files
i. Where to save a file: decide on the folder you want to save your file in, and the drive
which to save the file for instance; hard disk drive, and Flash disk. If you don’t want to
use the default folder, select your own folder that best describes the subject. A default
folder is that which the computer selects for you, but gives you an opportunity to
select a different folder.
ii. How do I save a file: to save a file use the save feature of the operating system, that
is; File – Save As – Save As dialogue box – location – file name – Save.
iii. What should I name files: select a name that best describes your file, and that you
can easily remember. You can use up to 255 characters to name your file.
iv. What characters cannot be used to name a file: special characters cannot be used to
name a file. Special characters include;
/ Forward slash
\ Back slash
< Angle acute
? Among others
Numbers can be used to name a file.
How to find a file after saving (Retrieving a file)
After saving a file you can use the following methods to retrieve a file:
a. Source program
The source program is a program which was used to create a specific file.
Procedure :
oOpen the source program
oClick on the file menu
oSelect the command open
oThe open dialogue box is displayed
oSelect the location where you saved the file
oSelect the file from the preview window or by typing the name of the file in the file
name box
o Click the command open
b. Open the location where you saved your file
i. Browse for the file
ii. Select the file
iii. Open it
c. Search facility of the start-up menu
Type the name of the file in the search box
Difference between the “Save” and “Save As” Commands
a. “Save As”
Save As is used to create a file for the first time. The command can also be used to save
existing file using a different name.
b. “Save”
The Save command used to update changes to an already existing file after editing or
modifying.
III. Managing files and folders
When there is an accumulation of files and folders in a computer system it becomes difficult
to find and use them. A large number of files and folders can be consolidated and put in one
folder. Grouping can be based on: project, type of file, or any other convention you can easily
remember. When files are stored in any folder based on any convention, it becomes easy to
locate, view, edit, or even delete them.
a. Copying files and folders
Copying items involves duplicating items from one location to another. To copy items, you
can use the copy and paste method.
Procedure:
i. Open the source location (the original location where the item is stored)
ii. Right click on the item to copy
iii. Select the command copy
iv. Open the destination location (this is the location where the item copied is to be
inserted)
v. Right click in the window or select the edit menu
vi. Click on the command paste (it is a command used to insert the copied item from the
clipboard into the selected location)
vii. The clipboard is a temporary memory location used to hold the copied item
temporarily before it is moved to the destination
b. Moving files and folders
Moving is transferring an item from one location (source) to another destination. When you
move an item, the content does not change, what changes is simply the location. Items can be
moved using the following methods:
i. Cut and paste

ii. Drag and drop
i. Cut and paste
Procedure:
a) Open the source location of the item
b) Right click on the item to move
c) Select the command cut
d) The item will be placed on the clipboard
e) Open the destination location
f) Right click in the preview window or select the edit menu
g) Select the command paste
h) The item is inserted in the selected location
ii. Drag and drop
This is a faster way of moving items. It involves dragging and item from the source location
and dropping in the destination.
NB: You can only use this method if the source and destination locations are both visible at
the same time. A program or system file should not be moved as this will affect the
functionality of a computer. Program files are usually stored in drive C (internal Hard disk).
c. Moving multiple items
To move multiple items means moving more than one item at once. First select the items to
move.
I. Random selection
Procedure:
i. Select the first item to move
ii. Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard
iii. Swiftly select the other items one by one.
II. Selecting within a certain range (Adjacent)
Procedure:
i. Select the first item on the range
ii. Hold down shift key on the keyboard
iii. Select the last item on the range
III. Selecting all items at once
Procedure:
i. Select the command Select all from the edit menu or equivalent
Or
ii. combine Ctrl + A on the keyboard
d. Deleting items
Deleting items involves destroying items such as files and folders. Before deleting an item,
carefully consideration must be made if the move is necessary. Before deleting an item
permanently, first send it to the Recycle Bin.
Recycle Bin
a) Definition
The Recycle Bin is a system folder which temporally stores deleted items. Program files and
other components of a program file should not be deleted because this will interfere with the
main program. Program files are stored in the internal hard disk (drive c).
An item can be deleted temporarily or permanently. Temporary deleted items are stored in the
Recycle Bin. When you want to delete file permanently, you empty the Recycle Bin. Deleting
items is a dangerous operation as it involves permanent destruction of items. Items no longer
required in a computer system medium should be deleted in order to create space for more
items.
b) Deleting item temporarily
To delete an item temporarily, send the item to the Recycle Bin. You can use the following
methods;
i. Right click on the item to delete;

o Select command delete
o Confirm if necessary
ii. Select the item;
o Press delete key on the keyboard
iii. Cut and paste the item into the Recycle Bin
iv. Drag and drop into the Recycle Bin
c) Deleting files permanently
Items permanently deleted cannot be recovered. Before permanently deleting an item, makes
sure that it is no longer needed. To delete an item permanently, the following methods can be
used:
i. Open the Recycle bin;

o Identify the item you wish to delete permanently
o Right click on the item
o Select the command delete
o Confirm
ii. Right click on the Recycle Bin;
o Select the command empty the Recycle Bin
o confirm
iii. Open the Recycle Bin;
o Select the command empty Recycle Bin
o confirm
iv. Select the item and combine Shift + delete on the keyboard, then confirm. This
method permanently deletes an item without sending it to the Recycle Bin.
d) Recovering deleted items (Restoring deleted items)
Temporally deleted items can be recovered as long as the Recycle Bin has not been emptied.
Procedure:
i. Open the Recycle Bin
ii. Identify the item to recover
iii. Right click on it
iv. Select the command Restore
The item will be moved from the Recycle Bin to its original location where it was located
before it was deleted.
SEARCHING FOR ITEMS ON THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

Sometimes items might be lost or misplaced in your computer system. You can search/find
lost files using the search facility/feature of the operating system. To search for items, you can
use the following criteria:
a) Name and location
Procedure :
i. Open the search location
ii. Write the exact name of file/item in the search box
iii. The system will automatically search for the item
iv. All items which meet the criterion will be displayed
v. Browse and select your file to open
b) Date criterion
Procedure:
ii. Click on the search box
iii. Select the command date modified on the search tab under search tools
iv. Specify the range
c) Size (text) criterion
Procedure;
ii. Click the search box
iii. Select the command size on the search tab under search tools.
iv. Specify the range of size
TYPICAL ICONS
Definition
Typical icons are standard icons found in almost every computer that uses Windows operating
system.
a) Items of the desktop

I. Computer / This PC
This item is used to access your computer hardware including disks.
II. Recycle Bin
This is a system folder used to store temporary deleted items.
III. Documents
This is a default folder used to store documents in the system.
IV. Briefcase
A briefcase is an aid to people who use more than one network or computer. If you make a
copy of a document and place it on a briefcase, the original and other copies of the same
document are synchronized. If you change one of the items, the other are automatically
changed
V. Shortcut icons
Shortcut icon
Shortcut icons offer a faster link to the original items for instance; program, device, among
others, located in another location. To create a shortcut; right click on the original item then
click the command create shortcut. Deleting a shortcut does not delete the file it represents. It
is unnecessary to create a shortcut to an item in the same location.
VI. Network
The network item is used to access other computers and devices connected to a network.
b) Items of the start-up menu
I. Programs
They are used to launch programs/applications. They are commands on the start-up menu.
II. Documents
This is a default folder used to store documents and files.
III. Computer (This PC)
This item is used to access devices and other hardware connected to a computer system. The
keyboard shortcut is Winlog+E
IV. Control panel
The control panel is used to change settings/configuration of your computer, to customize the
functionality of your computer.
V. Help and support
This item provides help to the user, by providing guidelines on trouble-shooting problems in
Windows.
VI. Shutdown
Shutdown is a command used to securely turn off a computer system.
VII. Restart
Restart is a command used to securely turn off a computer system, and then automatically
start it again (Reboot).
VIII. Switch user
This is a command that exits the current account without terminating it, and without
terminating the running applications. This allows another user to log-in to the computer using
a different account.
IX. Log off
This is a command used to exit the current account, terminating it, and closes all applications,
without turning off the computer. This prepares the computer for another user.
X. Sleep
This is a command used to put the computer to standby mode in order to save power, when
the computer is idle for a specified time period. To return the computer from sleep mode,
press any key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
XI. Lock
This is a command that denies access to a computer system that has a single user, but all
active applications are running.
WINDOWS EXPLORER (FILE EXPLORER)

Definition
File explorer is a useful tool for handling files and folders. It displays the content of a disk in
a hierarchy or tree.
a) Methods of starting Windows Explorer
Method 1:
i. Click on the start button on the taskbar

ii. On the start-up search for accessories
iii. Select windows explorer (file explorer)
iv. The file explorer window is opened
Method 2:

ii. On the start-up menu, click on the search box
iii. Type the word explorer
Method 3:
i. Right click on the start button

ii. Select the command file explorer
b) Creating a new folder
a. Select the location on the tree
b. Use the procedure for creating a folder
c) Display all folders of a particular disk (Expand)
Procedure:
Click on the expand button next to the particular disk or folder (>) or (+)
d) Collapsing the contents of a particular disk or folder (Collapse)
Procedure :
Click on the collapse button next to the folder or disk (Drop down button, or (-))
e) Selecting items
i. Selecting a single item
ii. Selecting multiple items
 Random selection
Procedure:
i. Select the first item
ii. Hold the Ctrl on the keyboard
iii. Swiftly select the other items one by one
 Selecting within a range (adjacent)
Procedure :
i. Select the first item on the range
ii. Hold down the shift key on the keyboard
iii. Select the last item on the range
 Selecting all items
Procedure:
i. Combine Ctrl + A on the keyboard

Or
ii. Use the edit menu or equivalent on the window.
ACCESSORIES
Definition
Accessories are programs which come together with an operating system, and are used to
perform routine tasks. Examples of accessories include;
i. WordPad: For text editing

ii. Notepad: For text editing
iii. Paint: For graphics and drawing
iv. Calculator: For mathematical operations
v. Run: This is a command used to start programs without going to the start-up menu.
This is achieved by typing the command to execute the program. You must know the
correct command to execute a specific program.
vi. Ease of access:
Definition
The ease of access provides various accessibility options for people with different physical
limitations.
i. Magnifier
It is use to magnify the screen for easy reading
ii. Onscreen keyboard
The onscreen keyboard is used via the screen
iii. Speech recognition
It is used to convert voice input into computer command
iv. Narrator
It is used to read the screen and then announce the output to the user
Starting Accessories
Procedure :
i. Click on the start button

ii. The start-up menu is displayed
iii. Select accessories
iv. Select the accessory you want to run
CUSTOMIZING THE DESKTOP

a) Display and hide desktop icons
Procedure:

ii. On the menu, point to view
iii. Click on the command show desktop icons
iv. Repeat the same procedure to display
b) Rotating the desktop
Procedure :
ii. Point to graphics options
iii. Point to rotation
iv. Click on the degree to rotate
Or

ii. Point to graphics option
iii. Point to hot keys
iv. Enable
v. Combine Ctrl + Alt + a directional key
c) Task bar
Positioning the task bar
Procedure:
i. Right click on the taskbar

ii. Unlock the task bar if its locked
iii. Drag the task bar in any direction on the edges of the desktop
Or

ii. Select the command taskbar settings
iii. The taskbar settings window is displayed
iv. Click on the taskbar section tab
v. Select the position from the taskbar location on screen list box
Auto hiding the taskbar
Procedure:

ii. Select the option taskbar settings
iii. Taskbar settings window is displayed
iv. Use the options automatically hide the taskbar in desktop, or tablet mode
SETTINGS/CONFIGURATION
Definition
A setting is the process of configuring/changing/customizing the appearance of windows, and

its response to both input and output devices.
Procedure :

ii. Select/search the control panel item
iii. The control panel window is displayed, displaying the icons representing items whose
settings can be changed
iv. Open the items whose settings you want to configure
v. Complete the dialogue box
vi. Apply changes
a) Display settings
Under the display setting you configure the following:
i. Wallpaper or background
Procedure

ii. On the menu, select the Personalize option
iii. The settings window is displayed
iv. Select the background setting under the background list box.
v. You can also browse for a picture in other locations
vi. Select how to fit the picture
ii. Screen saver
This is a program that protects a computer’s screen when the computer is left idle for some
specified time period. The screensaver also acts as security to information by denying access
to unauthorised user(s). This can be done by setting a password for the screensaver.
Procedure:
i. Display the personalization window

ii. Click on the find a setting search box
iii. Search for screen saver
iv. Select the option change screen saver
v. A screen saver settings dialog box is displayed
vi. Specify the screen saver settings
vii. Select the command Apply, to effect the changes
viii. Select the command OK, to exit the dialog box.
Setting a 3D Screen saver
Procedure:
i. Select the 3D Text screen saver option

ii. Click on the setting command
iii. Complete the dialogue box, for instance; font (text), colour, size, rotation, and Font
type.
iii. Theme
A theme changes the appearance of Windows, including sounds.
Procedure:
i. Display the personalisation window

ii. Select the themes option
iii. The themes window is displayed
iv. Select a theme by clicking.
iv. Resolution
The display resolution changes the quality of image, and display of your computer in relation
to out device for instance monitors. It’s dangerous to change the resolution of your computer
because it affects the display. Only change when you are absolutely sure about the setting.
Procedure:
ii. Select the command display setting
iii. The display settings window is displayed
iv. Specify the display resolution setting
b) Keyboard settings
Under the keyboard settings you can change the following:
i. Cursor blink rate

ii. Repeat delay
iii. Repeat rate
Procedure:
i. Open the keyboard item of the control panel
ii. The keyboard dialogue box is displayed
iii. Make the necessary adjustment
iv. Apply the changes
c) Mouse settings
You can configure the following under the mouse settings:
i. Button configuration
You can switch between the primary and secondary buttons. You can also adjust the double
click speed.
ii. Pointers
You can also set the pointer option to fit different functionality.
iii. Pointer options
You can adjust the motion, and pointer trails.
d) Region
You can configure the following under the region setting:
Formats: for instance; Language format, Number format, Currency format, Date format, and
Time format. To change a format, click on the format section tab. Select the command
additional setting.
e) Date and time settings
Under the date and time settings, you can configure: Adjust date and time, and Change the
time zone.
DISK MANAGEMENT
Every computer has at least a drive. A drive is a computer hardware component that is used to
read and write a specific disk. There are many types of drives including the following major
ones;
I. Drive A
This is the first floppy disk drive
II. Drive B
This is the second disk drive
III. Drive C
This is the first internal hard disk drive or the first partition of the first hard disk drive
IV. Drive D
This is the second hard disk drive or the second partition of the first hard drive or the fast CD
drive / DVD drive or the first removable storage device.
Accessing disk drives
You can access a disk drive connected to your computer through the computer item (This PC)
Procedure:
i. Insert the disk into the appropriate drive
ii. Open the computer item (This PC)
iii. Right click on the drive representing the disk you want to access
iv. Select the command open
v. A disk is compared with a folder, that is;. a disk is like a physical folder
Formatting a disk
To format a disk is to prepare a disk for storage by creating tracks and sectors on the disk.
This is because a disk which is not formatted cannot store information. The tracks and sectors
are used to store information.
Procedure:
Method 1
i. Insert the unformatted disk into the drive
iii. Right click on the specific disk drive
iv. Select the command format
v. A format dialogue box is displayed
vi. Click start
vii. Confirm
viii. After formatting is complete, close the format dialogue box. Now the disk is ready for
use.
NB: Format a new disk which has not been formatted.
Method 2
Procedure :
i. Open the command prompt (CMD)

ii. On the command line use the following command: format drive name: enter. For
instance format G: enter
Defragmenting a disk
Definition
Defragmenting a disk is a process of rearranging files and file pads in the permanent storage
for instance a flash disk, hard disk, among others. The procedure makes a computer more fast
and efficient. To perform this process, we use system tool known as a disk defragmenter.
Procedure:
i. Insert the drive into the appropriate drive

ii. Open my computer icon (This PC)
iii. Right click on the disk drive to defragment
iv. Select the command properties
v. The disk properties dialogue box is displayed
vi. Select the tools selection tab
vii. Under the optimize and defragment drive group, select the option optimize
viii. The optimize drives dialog box is displayed
ix. Select the disk to defragment
x. Click on the command optimize
xi. Wait for the process to complete
Or
i. Open the accessories on the star-up menu

ii. Open system tools
iii. Select disk defragmenter
Scandisk (check disk)
Scandisk is a system tool used to check your disk surface files and folders for errors. It can
also fix or repair errors.
Procedure :
i. Insert the disk into the appropriate drive

iii. Right click on the disk drive
iv. Select the command properties
v. The disk properties dialogue box is displayed
vi. Select the tools select tab
vii. Under the error checking group, select the command check
viii. On the dialogue box is displayed select the option scan drive
ix. Wait for the procedure to complete
x. A report is displayed
Or
i. Open the command prompt (CMD)

ii. On the command line switch the drive, for instance; if your drive is G, use the
following command: G: enter
iii. While on the drive, use the following command; chkdsk
iv. Wait for the process to complete

Module Name:: Using A Computer and Managing Files: CSICT/02

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MODULE 2

MODULE NAME: USING A COMPUTER AND MANAGING

COURSE UNIT CODE: CSICT/02

1. Introduction to Windows and Operating Systems

1|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

2|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

4|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

Windows is a type of GUI (Graphical User Interface) operating system.

Features of Windows operating system

1. It is a GUI operating system.

Examples of Windows operating systems

5|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

Functions of an operating system

Loads program from storage, onto the main memory.

4. Keeps details of resource use

5. Detect and report error

6|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

STARTING-UP A COMPUTER SYSTEM

Process of shutting down a computer system

a) Save and exit all files and programs.

II. Parts of a desktop

b) Double click on the icon.

8|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

D. Quick launch (shortcut bar)

III. Desktop metaphors

This is to view/access/execute the content of an item.

9|Cr ea ted and Developed B y: George T.M. Okioma

b. Menu Bar (Tabs)

Menu bars or Tabs display a list of menus to perform different commands.

c. Standard window control buttons

This command is used to convert a window to its full format.

iii. Restore down

This command is used to exit from a window’s full format.

This command Used to exit the full format of a window.

A cursor is an insertion marker that indicates the position of text entry.

This is an area where the content is keyed in or visible.

Basic Parts of a window

Draw a Well Labelled Diagram Representing the Basic Parts of a Window.

Basic parts of a dialogue box

The title bar displays the title of the dialogue box.

c) Tool bar (Ribbon)

A cursor is an insertion marker that indicates the position of text entry.

A textbox is an input field used for text input only.

A preview window is an area that displays the content of a selected item.

A command button is used to execute a command. It is designed to be click on in order to

j) Standard windows control buttons

l) Radio (option) buttons

Basic parts of a dialogue box

Functions of the primary and secondary mouse buttons

i) Left (Primary) Button

1. Selecting an item by clicking once.

ii) Right (secondary) button

Basic Mouse Techniques

OPENING AND CLOSING APPLICATIONS

i. Click on the start button on the task bar

The Start-up menu is displayed as follows:

MOVING AND SIZING A WINDOW

b. Changing the size of a window

This command closes an open window.

This command converts a window to its full format.

iii. Restore down

This command exits the full format of a window.

SWITCHING BETWEEN APPLICATIONS