Exploring

Windows

JEROME F. BENIGNO
FACULTY
COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ENTERTAINMENT AND
COMMUNICATION
 Disclaimer

• I do not own the contents of this

presentation. Ideas, facts, opinions, and
images are gathered from several
sources.
• This presentation is intended for
educational purposes only.
Lesson Objective:
• At the end of this topic, one has to know how to:
1. Understand the desktop
2. Launch programs from the Start menu
3. Manage windows
4. Identify Windows accessories
5. Work with security settings and software
6. Perform a search
7. Get help
Evolution of Windows
• Windows 3.1
– First widely used successful version of
Windows
– Replaced MS-DOS
• Windows 95
– Introduced Start button, taskbar for
multitasking, and My Computer for easier file
management
• Windows NT
– Intended for business computing
– Increased reliability and security
Evolution of Windows
(Continued)

• Windows 98
– Active desktop displays Web content
– Enables Web conventions on the desktop
• Windows 2000
– Security of NT with Windows 98 Interface
– Windows 2000 Professional and Windows 2000
Server
• Windows Me (Millennium Edition)
– Successor to Windows 98 for home computing
 Windows 7 Desktop

• Operating system Desktop

• Desktop
• Taskbar Icons
• Window
• Icon
Start button Taskbar

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Anatomy of a Window

• Title bar with Min, Max or Restore, and Close buttons

• Menu bar, Toolbar, and Address bar
• Status bar and Scroll bars
Pull-down Menus
• Pull-down menu
• Dimmed command
• Ellipsis
• Check
• Bullet
• Arrowhead
• Submenu
Dialog Boxes

• Tabbed dialog box

• Option buttons
• Check box
• Text box
• Spin button
• Command buttons
Dialog Boxes continued

• Command buttons
• Open List Box
• Scroll bar
• List box
• Tabbed dialog box
• Help button ?
• Cancel button
• OK button
 Aero Peek

Preview

Program icon with three Word documents shown

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Exploring Programs
• The Windows 7
Start menu
provides the
starting point for
almost all the
applications. Just
click on the Start
button and you will
see the Start menu.
The Start Menu

System folders

Programs
Control Panel

Help and Support

All Programs
Shut down
Search box

Start button

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• The Start menu is divided into two columns,
allows you to open/start a program (left column),
open a document, change a Windows setting,
find a file, display support information (right
column).
• Whenever you open a program, file, or folder, it
appears on your screen in a box or frame called
a window.
Parts of a window
Parts of a window
(continuation)
• Title bar. Displays the name of the document and
program (or the folder name if you're working in a folder).
• Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons. These
buttons hide the window, enlarge it to fill the whole
screen, and close it, respectively.
• Menu bar. Contains items that you can click to make
choices in a program.
• Scroll bar. Lets you scroll the contents of the window to
see information that is currently out of view.
• Borders and corners. You can drag these with your
mouse pointer to change the size of the window.
Moving and changing
size of a window
• To move a window, point to its title bar with the mouse
pointer . Then drag (dragging) the window to the
location that you want.
• Hiding a window is called minimizing it. If you want to get
a window out of the way temporarily without closing it,
minimize it. To minimize a window, click
its Minimize button.
• Closing a window removes it from the desktop and
taskbar. If you're done with a program or document and
don't need to return to it right away, close it. To close a
window, click its Close button .
Changing the size of a
window
• To make a window fill the entire screen, click
its Maximize button or double-click the window's
title bar.

• To return a maximized window to its former size, click

its Restore button (this appears in place of the
Maximize button). Or, double-click the window's title bar.

• To resize a window (make it smaller or bigger), point to

any of the window's borders or corners. When the mouse
pointer changes to a two-headed arrow drag the border
or corner to shrink or enlarge the window.
The Toolbar
In addition to the features Windows 7 automatically includes on the taskbar,
you can add toolbars to increase your productivity. The Address toolbar
appears on the taskbar in this example.

Right-click on taskbar
to see the toolbars Address toolbar

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Pinning an Application
Software applications are pinned to the taskbar to make them accessible
with a single click, even when they are not currently running. This saves you
time since you will not have to click the Start button, open the All Programs
menu, and then select the application.

Jump List (iTunes)

Pinned programs Currently open program (iTunes)

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 The Notification Area
The Notification area alerts you to important information about activities
going on behind the scenes in your computer. A red circle with an X on the
notification icon indicates that a message is available.

Pop-up window

Open Action Center

link

Action Center icon Notification area

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Windows Accessories
Windows 7 contains accessory application software that enables you to
accomplish a few basic tasks. The programs include Notepad, WordPad,
Paint, Snipping Tool, and Calculator.

Notepad

WordPad
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Windows Accessories
(continued)

Click here to
open a picture

Ribbon

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Windows Accessories
(continued)

Scientific view

Statistics view
Standard
view

Programmer
view

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 Windows Accessories
(continued)

Sticky notes

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Windows Accessories
(continued)
The Snipping Tool is an accessory that enables you to capture a screen
display so that you can save, annotate, or share it. A common practice is to
capture an error message to report a problem to a help desk or other
troubleshooting group
Save Snip button
Annotation
tools

Screen clip

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Switching between windows

• There are three ways in switching

windows:
1. Using Taskbar
2. Using Alt + Tab
3. Using Aero Flip 3D
 Using the taskbar.
• To switch to another window, just click its taskbar
button. The window appears in front of all other
windows, becoming the active window—the one
you're currently working in.
• To easily identify a window, point to its taskbar
button. When you point to a taskbar button,
you'll see a thumbnail-sized preview of the
window, whether the content of the window is a
document, a photo, or even a running video.
This preview is especially useful if you can't
identify a window by its title alone.
Using the taskbar.
• To switch to another
window, just click its
taskbar button.
• To easily identify a
window, point to its
taskbar button. When
you point to a taskbar
button, you'll see a
thumbnail-sized
preview of the window,
whether the content of
the window is a
document, a photo, or
even a running video.
Using Alt + Tab
• You can switch to the previous window by
pressing Alt+Tab, or cycle through all open
windows and the desktop by holding down
Alt and repeatedly pressing Tab.
• Release Alt to show the selected window.
 Using Aero Flip 3D
• Aero Flip 3D arranges your windows in a
three-dimensional stack that you can
quickly flip through.
1. Hold down the Windows logo
key and press Tab to open Flip 3D.
While holding down
the Windows logo key, press Tab
repeatedly or rotate the mouse
wheel to cycle through open windows.
You can also press Right Arrow or
Down Arrow to cycle forward one
window, or press Left Arrow or Up
Arrow to cycle backward one window.
3. Release the Windows logo key to
display the front most window in the
stack. Or, click any part of any window
in the stack to display that window.
Arranging windows
automatically
• You can also
have Windows automatically
arrange them in one of three
ways: cascading, vertically
stacked, or side by side.

• To choose one of these options,

open some windows on your
desktop, then right-click an empty
area of the taskbar and
click Cascade windows, Show
windows stacked, or Show
windows side by side.
Dialog boxes
• A dialog box is a special type of window that asks you a
question, allows you to select options to perform a task, or
provides you with information.

Check box
Option button

Spin arrow
Text box

List box
Command button
Files, Folder, Drive
• At the end of the topic, one has to know
how to:
1. Create a file
2. Create a folder
3. Manipulate drives
4. Manipulate libraries
 Files
• Files are collections of information. In fact,
almost all of the information stored in a computer
is stored in a file. There are many different
types of files, including operating system files,
program files, and your own files.
• Different types of files store different types of
information. Each file is given a filename and
has a filename extension that identifies the file
type. For example, a document created using
WordPad might have the file name, letter to
John.docx.
Some common file name
extensions are:
• docx: Word document
• txt: Notepad text file
• eml: Email file
• xlsx: Excel spreadsheet
• htm or html: HTML file (web page)
• pptx : PowerPoint presentation
• accdb : Access database
Creating, Renaming, and
Deleting Files
• With Windows 7, you can create a file using
different programs such as WordPad or
Notepad.
– To create a file using Notepad:
• Click Start.
• Choose All Programs Accessories Notepad.
• Notepad opens.
• Type, "This is my new document."
• Choose File Save from the menu bar (Ctrl + S).
• The Save As dialog box appears.
• Save your file to the desktop.
• Name your document new document.
• In the Save as type drop down box, be sure your document
is saved as a text document.
To rename a file:

1. Locate your file (in this case, the file is located

on the desktop).
2. Right-click the file icon.
3. Choose Rename.
4. The filename is highlighted in blue, ready to
be retyped.
5. Type a new name and press Enter.
6. The file is renamed.
To delete a file:
1. Locate your file (in this case, the file is located
on the desktop).
2. Right-click the file icon.
3. Choose Delete.
4. A Delete File dialog box appears asking you if
you are sure you want to send the file to the
Recycle Bin.
5. Choose Yes.
6. The file is moved to the Recycle Bin.
Folder

• When you first start using Windows 7, you

may only create a few files.
• Over time, you'll create MANY files. To
keep your files organized we create
folders.
Creating, Renaming, and
Deleting Folders
1. To create a new folder in the desktop:
2. Right- click your mouse on the empty space of
your desktop. From the shortcut menu choose
New → Folder
3. A new folder icon will appear, its name
highlighted, prompting you to type the name of
the new folder
4. Type MYNEWFOLDER
• At times, we want to create
a folder within a folder. To
do so,
• Double-click the target
folder, in our case
MYNEWFOLDER
• Windows explorer will open
to show the content of the
folder, which as of now, is
empty.
• Just below the menu bar,
click the New Folder Button.
To delete a folder:

1. Locate your folder.

To Rename a folder:
2. Right-click the folder
icon.
1. Locate your folder.
3. Choose Delete.
2. Right-click the folder
4. A Confirm Folder icon.
Delete dialog box
appears asking you if
3. Choose Rename.
you are sure you want 4. The folder name is
to send the file to the highlighted in blue,
Recycle Bin. ready to be retyped.
5. Choose Yes. 5. Type a new name and
6. The folder is moved to press Enter.
the Recycle Bin.
Drive
• A drive, or disk drive, is hardware on which you
can store files and folders. Disk drives are
assigned a letter.
– Your hard drive (the drive inside your computer) is
known as the (C:) drive.
– Your floppy disk drive is known as the (A:) drive.
– If your computer has a CD ROM drive, it is usually
called (D:)
• Choose where you'll save your files during the
Save As process. Most computer users store
their files on the (C:) drive.
Working with libraries

• In previous versions of Windows, managing your files

meant organizing them in different locations called
folders.
• In this version of Windows, you can also use libraries
to organize and access files regardless of where
they're stored.
Control Panel
Introduction to the
Control Panel
• At the end of this topic, one has to know
how to:
1. Navigate the control panel
2. Set the time and date
3. Personalize the desktop through themes,
desktop backgrounds, and screen savers
4. Adjust the screen resolution
5. Customize the taskbar
To open the Control Panel
from the Start Menu:
• Windows 7 makes this
easier with the Control
Panel. The Control
Panel features a
number of tools that
will help you control
almost everything how
Windows 7 looks and
works.
1. Click Start (the
Windows logo located
at the lower left of the
screen).
2. Click Control Panel.
To change the Control
Panel’s view:
• Click the drop-
down list next to
View by:
• Select either Large
icons or Small
icons to view all
Control Panel
tools.
Set the Time and Date

• Time and Date is located on the lower-

right of the screen.
• If you’re used to Windows XP, you will
notice that both time and date is displayed
in Windows 7.
To change the time and
date:
1. Open the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
2. Select Clock, Language, and Region.
3. Under Date and Time, click Set the time and date.
4. Click Change date and time button from the Date
and Time window.
5. Use the calendar to set the date.
6. Use the arrows to adjust the time or enter the correct
time directly.
7. Click OK from the Date and Time Settings window to
apply the changes.
8. Click OK from the Date and Time window to close the
window.
To change the time and date:
2nd option

1. Click the Time and

Date from the
taskbar.
2. Click Change date
and time settings
below the calendar
and clock.
3. Follow above steps
4 – 8.
 Customize the Desktop

Themes

Desktop Background Window Color Screen Saver

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Changing the Theme

• A theme is a combination of images,

window colors, and sounds on your
computer.
• Hence, changing your computer’s theme
will also change the desktop
background, window color, sounds,
and screen saver all at once.
To change the theme:

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start

Menu.
2. Under Appearance and
Personalization, select Change the
theme.
3. Click a theme from the available themes
to apply the changes.
4. Close the Personalization window.
To change the theme:
2nd option
1. Right-click your desktop.
2. From the drop-down list choose
Personalize.
3. Click a theme from the available themes
to apply the changes.
4. Close the Personalization window.
Changing the Desktop
Background
• Desktop background, also called
wallpaper, is the image that appears on
your desktop. Unlike previous versions of
Windows, Windows 7 you can display a
slide show of pictures as your desktop
background. Windows 7 comes with many
desktop background choices.
To change the desktop
background:
1. Open the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
2. Under Appearance and Personalization,
select Change the desktop background.
3. Choose from the available images. Use the
drop-down list and Browse button to locate
other images.
4. Click Save changes to apply the chosen
desktop background.
5. Close the Personalization window.
To change the desktop
background: 2nd option
1. Right-click your desktop.
2. From the drop-down list choose Personalize.
3. Click Desktop Background.
4. Choose from the available images. Use the
drop-down list and Browse button to locate
other images.
5. Click Save changes to apply the chosen
desktop background.
6. Close the Personalization window.
Changing the Screen Saver

• In the early days of computing, screen

savers helped prevent images from being
burned into the monitor.
• Now, screen savers entertain us, provide
some privacy, and enhance work or home
environment. You can choose from the
default screen savers of Windows 7 or
download from the web.
To change the screen saver:
1. Open the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
2. Click Appearance and Personalization.
3. Under Personalization, select Change screen
saver.
4. Use the drop-down list from the Screen Saver
Settings window to select a screen saver.
5. Click OK to apply the selected screen saver
and close the Screen Saver Settings window.
6. Close the Appearance and Personalization
window.
To change the screen saver:
2nd option
1. Right-click your
desktop.
2. From the drop-down
list choose
Personalize.
3. Click Screen Saver.
4. Follow above steps
4 – 6.
 Adjusting the Screen
Resolution
• Screen resolution refers to the clearness
of the objects displayed on your screen.
• The higher the screen resolution, the
sharper the objects appear.
• The screen resolution depends on the size
of the monitor and the type of Video
Graphics Adapter installed in your
computer.
To adjust the screen resolution:

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start Menu.

2. Click Appearance and Personalization.
3. Under Display, select Adjust screen resolution.
4. Click the drop-down list next to Resolution.
5. Move the slider to adjust the resolution.
6. Click Apply to preview the selected screen
resolution.
7. Select Keep changes to apply the selected screen
resolution.
8. Click OK to close the Screen Resolution window.
To adjust the screen resolution:

1. Right-click your
desktop.
2. From the drop-
down list choose
Screen
Resolution.
3. Click Screen
Saver.
4. Follow above steps
4 – 8.
The Taskbar
The taskbar is the long horizontal bar usually located at
the bottom of your screen. It displays the running programs or
files and helps you to easily switch between them.

Word

Excel

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Program icons
To customize the Taskbar:

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start Menu.

2. Click Appearance and Personalization.
3. Select Taskbar and Start Menu.
4. Use the checkboxes and drop-down lists
from Taskbar and Start Menu Properties
window to customize its appearance.
5. Click OK to apply the changes.
To customize the Taskbar:
2nd option
1. Right-click the
taskbar and choose
Properties.
2. Use the checkboxes
and drop-down lists
from Taskbar and
Start Menu Properties
window to customize
its appearance.
3. Click OK to apply the
changes.
Security Settings and
Software

• Action Center • Windows Update

• Windows Defender • Windows Firewall
• User Account Control • Parental Controls
Action Center
While you are using your computer, Windows 7 is constantly monitoring your
system for various maintenance and security situations. The Action Center
recommends actions when necessary.

Buttons
Important alert

Suggested tasks

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Prentice Hall.
Windows Defender
Spyware is software, often downloaded while connected to the Internet, that
collects information from your computer and transmits it to another computer.
Windows Defender is the antispyware application included with Windows 7 to
protect you from spyware.

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User Account Control
The User Account Control feature of Windows 7 notifies you prior to making
changes to your system settings. The administrator of the system is the only
person who can respond to User Account Control messages.
.

Click and drag

this tab to adjust
UAC level

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Windows Update
Updates are made to improve functioning and provide security against new
threats. Modifications to the Windows 7 operating system are made through
Windows Update.

Select level of update

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Windows Firewall
Firewall software prevents your computer from self-replicating a virus or
becoming disabled by another user. The firewall software of Windows 7 is
installed when the operating system is installed.

Click here to turn

firewall off or on

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Parental Controls
User accounts within your computer can be set with limits. Using Parental
Controls, you limit the hours and types of games or programs that the account
can run. The settings can apply to any standard account in the system, but not
an administrator account.

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Windows Search
Windows 7 offers several ways to search. The Search box on the Start menu
is very useful for finding files, folders, programs, and e-mail. In addition, some
windows have a Search box in the upper right corner for quick searches.

Search box in
Search bar on the window
Start menu

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Expand or Narrow a Search
In some cases, your search will reveal too many results. In other cases,
your search will not reveal the file you are seeking. Narrowing or expanding
your search often solves these problems.

Expand a search here Narrow a search here Search keyword

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Save a Search
If you know that you will conduct the same search often, you may save the
search. This saves you from re-typing the search criteria. When you have
completed a search, click Save search on the toolbar. Type a name for the
search, and click Save.

Saved
search

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Help and Support

Help and Support home Print Browse help Options

Learn about other

support options

Browse topics
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