Introduction to window 7

Introduction to Windows Seven
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft Corporation for personal computers Windows dominates the personal computer world, running, by some estimates, on 90% of all personal computers. Windows provides a graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking, and support for many peripheral devices. The name windows comes form the basic function of the operating system, it lets you look into your computer, just like looking through a window.
Windows Seven
Microsoft introduced Windows Seven to much fanfare. It represents an evolution from Windows Vista and includes many new features and system requirements. With those new features comes some new complexity - and combined with Microsoft Office 2007 - a new understanding of how everything works together. Seven is the biggest change in the GUI in years and learning some of the time saving techniques will help you be more productive with the new Operating System. Windows SEVEN helps you organize all of the files and programs within your computer. Think of Windows as a large paper filing cabinet. Within you filing cabinet, you have hanging files labeled in a logical order. Within those hanging files, you have manila file folders that contain sub-sets of information. Windows allows you to accomplish the same system in an electronic format. You can open, sort, move print, rename, find or delete files easily. In addition to managing your files, folders, and applications, Windows has much more to offer.
What is Aero?
The AERO interface, which stands for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open, gives users a crisp new graphical user interface in Windows Seven. The Windows Flip and Flip 3D options are only available under the AERO interface and allow for easier access to open information on your desktop. To see these functions in action, click the ALT + Tab key combination to shuffle through the Live thumbnails of your open applications.
Logging On to a Seven Station
1. In the User name text box, type your username
HINT: This is the same as your email username.
2. In the Password text box, type your password
EXAMPLE: 2pa$s_worLd
3. Click the LOG ON button
OR Press [Enter]
You are logged in and the Windows Seven desktop appears.
Opening Programs
Programs are available through the Start menu and are arranged in folders based on the type of program, such as Microsoft Office or Graphics & Web Design.
1. From the Start menu, select All Programs » select the desired category
A list of available programs appears.
2. From the list of programs, select the desired program
The selected program opens.
Closing Programs
Closing programs before logging off helps protect your data and is strongly recommended. The following instructions will work with most Windows programs.
1. If necessary, save your work
For information on saving your work
2. Click CLOSE
Protecting Your Workstation and Data
If you are leaving your computer for a short time, recommends that you lock your workstation. This helps prevent unauthorized access and modification to your data or files. Locking your workstation prevents anyone from using your station, but your programs will remain running for quick access when you return to your computer.
Logging Off a Seven Station
Remember to log off your workstation when you are finished using it. Failure to log off can result in unauthorized access or modifications to your data and files.
1. From the Start menu click MORE  select Log Off, You are logged off.
Changing Passwords
Your password provides important security for your files. While you are required to change it annually, it is recommended that you change it more frequently.
Requirements
• Passwords must be changed at least once every academic year
• Passwords must be at least 8 characters long
• Passwords must include at least 3 of the following:
o At least one uppercase letter: A-Z
o At least one lowercase letter: a-z
o At least one digit: 0-9
o At least one special character: ~ ` @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) + = \ | [ ] { } ? < >
. Changing Your Password
1. Press [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Delete]
2. Click CHANGE A PASSWORD...
The Change Password screen appears.
3. In the Old password text box, type your current password
4. In the New password text box, type your desired new password
5. In the Confirm password text box, retype your new password
6. Click OK Your password is now changed.
Recommendations
• Do not share your password with others
• Do not write down your password
• Do not choose a word or phrase that is commonly known about you
Working with Files
Working with files is an important part of managing documents in Windows Seven.
• Selecting Multiple Files
• Copying Files
• Moving Files
• Renaming Files
• Deleting Files
• Working with the Recycle Bin
Working with the Sidebar
The Windows Seven Sidebar is a vertical section of the desktop in which a user can display frequently used tools, called Gadgets. Gadgets include clocks, calendars, news feeds, and other helpful objects that allow you to easily access information and personalize your desktop. HINT: The Windows Seven default settings allow the Sidebar to appear on the desktop upon first using Seven. However, if you are unable to see the Sidebar, from the Taskbar, simply click on the Sidebar icon to make it appear.
• Accessing Sidebar Properties
• Working with Gadgets
• Adding Gadgets to the Sidebar
• Removing Gadget
Accessing Sidebar Properties
In order to make changes to the Sidebar, must first access the Sidebar properties.
Accessing Sidebar Properties: Start Menu Option
1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel
The Control Panel appears.
2. Click APPEARANCE AND PERSONALIZATION
The Appearance and Personalization options appear.
3. Click WINDOWS SIDEBAR PROPERTIES
The Windows Sidebar Properties dialog box appears.
Accessing Sidebar Properties: Right Click Option
1. Right click anywhere in a blank part of the Sidebar frame » select Properties
The Windows Sidebar Properties dialog box appears.
Working with Gadgets
The Windows Seven default settings place three gadgets on the Sidebar: the Clock, the Slide Show, and the News Feed. Each of these gadgets has two buttons: a close button and an options button. When you pass your cursor over the gadget, the two buttons appear at the top right corner. The Options button is available only with gadgets that require specific information to operate.
Adding Gadgets to the Sidebar
Your Sidebar will contain only default gadgets until you personalize it. Seven has a selection of gadgets already installed on your computer. You can search for and install more gadgets at the Windows Seven Gadget Gallery.
1. Right click anywhere in a blank part of the Sidebar frame » select Add Gadgets...
OR click GADGETS The Gadget Gallery appears.
2. To add a gadget to the sidebar, double click the gadget
Moving Gadgets
To change the vertical order of your gadgets, simply click on the desired gadget's handle and drag it to the desired location. You can also drag a gadget to your desktop.
Removing Gadgets
You can easily remove gadgets when you no longer find a need for them. However, removing them from the Sidebar is not the same as uninstalling them from your computer.
Removing Gadgets from the Sidebar
Removing a gadget from the Sidebar does not remove it from the Gadget Gallery.
1. In the Sidebar, pass your cursor over the desired gadget
2. Click CLOSE. The gadget is removed from the Sidebar.
Capturing Images
Windows Seven provides a program for capturing images on your computer screen. This program is the Snipping Tool which provides different ways to capture images depending on your needs.
Accessing the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool application is available from the Start menu, in Accessories.
1. On the Taskbar, click STARTselect All Programs » Accessories » Snipping Tool
The screen fades slightly and the Snipping Tool opens.
Capturing Images
The Snipping Tool provides four ways to capture images: Free-Form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, or Full-screen Snip. Before choosing which option to use, consider the image you want to capture. Selecting the right snip for your image will make using the Snipping Tool quicker and easier. Capturing Images: Snip
The Free-Form Snip provides a pen with which you create the borders of your snip with the precision of your mouse. This snipping option allows for abstract shapes and nonlinear images
1. Access the Snipping Tool
2. From the New Snip pull-down menu , select Free-Form Snip
Your cursor changes to the shape of a scissors.
3. Click and drag the mouse along the border of your image
4. When finished, release the mouse button
The image is captured and the Snipping Tool dialog box refreshes to display its editing screen.
5. To recapture the image,
a. Click NEW SNIP
b. Repeat steps 3-4
6. OPTIONAL: Mark or highlight the captured image
7. To save the image,
a. Click SAVE SNIP
The Save As dialog box appears.
b. In the File name text box, type a name for your image
c. In the Save as type text box, select the desired file type
d. Navigate to the desired save location
e. Click SAVE. The image is saved
. Labeling Snips
Once you have captured your image, you can mark up or highlight the image.
• Marking Snips
• Highlighting Snips
• Erasing Markings and Highlighting
Marking Snips
After you have captured an image, you can mark the image before you save it.
1. Access the Snipping Tool
2. Capture your image
3. Click PEN » select the desired pen color
4. In the editing window, click and drag the mouse
The markings appear.
EXAMPLE:
Highlighting Snips
After you have captured an image, you can highlight the image before you save it.
1. Access the Snipping Tool
2. Capture your image
3. Click HIGHLIGHTER
4. In the editing window, click and drag the mouse. The highlighting appears.
EXAMPLE: Erasing Markings and Highlighting
The Eraser tool removes marks and highlighting. You can erase anytime after the snip is marked or highlighted.
NOTE: The Eraser tool does not erase from the captured image. The tool is exclusive to markings and highlighting.
1. Access the Snipping Tool
2. Capture your image
3. Click ERASER Your cursor changes to an eraser.
HINTS:
The cursor point of your eraser is at the lower left tip.
The eraser removes one full stroke at a time.
4. Click a pen or highlighter mark. The mark is erased.
The Windows Explorer Environment
Windows Explorer is used to manage files, folders, and drives. It can be used to create folders for storing information, rearrange files or folders, locate files or folders, and delete files or folders that are no longer needed. Windows Explorer also provides functions for burning CDs and mapping network drives, as well as a variety of other file management tools. This document describes many of the components of the Windows Explorer dialog box and provides you with descriptions of the different functions found on the toolbar.
Opening Windows Explorer
There are several options for accessing Windows Explorer on campus computers, including the right click option and the Start menu option.
• Right Click Option
• Start Menu Option
• Creating a Shortcut Option
The Windows Explorer Window
This section describes the various parts of the window and their respective purposes.

Terms The terms file, folder, and path are key words to know when working with Windows Explorer.
File: -A file is a single document that is saved to a diskette or hard-drive.
Folder: -A folder is where files are stored.
Path: -A path is the line of folders you must follow to locate a specific file; it begins with the drive designation and includes the folders. For example, c:\data\reports\status.doc is a file named status.doc that is on the C: drive and is in the reports subfolder of the data folder.
File Naming Conventions
About Long Filenames
Windows Seven supports long file names so you can have up to 255 characters including spaces. When naming your files, you can use all of the alphabetic characters, numeric characters, and spaces. The only characters you may not use are control characters (characters that require a keyboard combination to create) and the characters \ / : * ? " < >
Windows Control Panel
The Control Panel has a new look and feel to it which can be switched to classic view for those who are more comfortable with that style. The majority of the computer system functionality can be accessed from the Control Panel. It enables users to administer user accounts, security settings, system maintenance, network and the internet, hardware and software, programs, and the Ease of Access settings.

System and Maintenance
The System and Maintenance options allow users to create a backup schedule, view the System settings, including RAM and Processor speeds, control Windows Update, adjust the Power Options, configure the Index Options for the system search functionality, review Problem Reports and Solutions, evaluate system performance, administer device settings, and run Administrative tools. The administration and adjustments to these features allow users to create an up to date operating system and to remove, add, and adjust any performance features. User Accounts and Family Safety
The Parental Controls are housed under this heading, along with User account access controls. Another new feature to Windows Seven is the Windows CardSpace.
Security
Under the Security option, many elements reside that secure the connection to the Internet, provide spyware protection, virus protection, firewall access, and user account creation.
Appearance and Personalization
Windows Seven allows for many elements of the look and feel to change for individual user preference. It can be as trimmed down graphically as you like, or as flashy as you desire.
Network and Internet
We explore networking and internet settings in this head.
Clock Language and Region
The options to modify system time, set the region, and language for the operating system reside under this control panel applet.
Hardware and Sound
The peripherals attached to the computer, sideshow, keyboard, mouse, pen tool, and many other hardware features can be accessed through this option in the Control Panel. If you have a sound card, then the options for that card will appear under this header.
Ease of Access
The customization for disabilities is available with this tool. A user can magnify or narrate text, and customize their contrast settings for easier access.
Programs
The installed programs for the computer appear under this header. The list populates with available programs and allows users to install, remove, or modify existing installed programs. Windows also offers downloaded software through their Marketplace.
Installing Applications
The process of installing applications has been streamlined in Windows Seven. The software can either be installed from disk or by downloading the software. Software installed must be installed by the administrator, unless other users have installation rights on the computer.
• Installing Software from the Internet
• Installing Software from Disk
Use of General Tools of Windows Seven
Ms Paint
Paint (formerly Paintbrush for Windows) is a simple graphics painting program that has been included with all versions of Microsoft Windows. It is often referred to as MS Paint or Microsoft Paint. The first version of Paint was introduced with the first version of Windows, Windows 1.0. It was later renamed to Paintbrush in Windows 3.0, but the name was changed back to Paint in Windows 95 and later.
In Windows Seven, the toolbar icons and default colour palette have been changed. Also, an increased number of undo levels to 10 times, a zoom slider, and a crop function have been added. This version saves as .jpg by default, which can dramatically impact the overall quality of an image, especially after multiple saves of the file due to its method of compression.