2.

Basic Computer
Operation and File
Management
General Foundation Program

Windows XP is a graphical user interface

(GUI). It has pictures (graphical) that you use

(user) to communicate (interface) with the
computer.

Getting started with Windows XP

Desktop
When you start your computer, the first thing you see is the desktop.
The desktop is your work area where you can access everything you need
to operate your computer, such as system components, applications, the
Internet, etc.

The desktop contains:

Start button: one of the most important tools you will use while working
with Windows XP. The Start button allows you to open menus and start
applications.

Taskbar: primarily used to switch between open windows and applications.

2.1 Getting started with Windows XP

Desktop
Icons (or graphical pictures): represent
applications, files, and other parts of the
operating system.

Log off and Switch Users

More than one person may use your
computer. A computer accounts tracks each
person's unique settings, documents, and
email accounts. Windows XP even enables you
to log off the computer so someone else can
log on without having to restart the computer.

Click the Start menu.

Let's have a look at the different options offered by the
Shut Down dialogue box. Click on the arrow for the
Shutdown list.
Log Off command closes all active programs,
removes the computer from a network and prepares
the computer to be restarted by a different user.
Shut Down prepares the computer to be turned off. All
open applications are closed and any data is saved to the
hard disk.
Restart saves whatever setting you may have changed,
as well as any information in RAM, and then restarts your
computer.
Sleep is a state in which the computer consumes less
electric power than it does when it's fully on. Yet, it stays
available for immediate use.