Introduction
Window XP is
an operating system that lets you use different types of applications or software.
For example, it allows you to use a word processing application to write a
letter and a spreadsheet application to track your financial information.
Window XP is
a graphical user interface (GUI). It has pictures (graphical) that you use (user)
to communicate (interface) with the computer. This type of system is popular
because it’s logical, fun, and easy to use.
This operating system has multi-tasking capabilities, meaning it can run several applications at the same time. Multi-tasking allows you to view this lesson on the Internet at the same time you practice using other applications with Window XP.
The windows xp
desktop
Like previous
versions of Windows, Windows XP uses a desktop
for standard interface. Think of the desktop as a workspace where you can
access everything you need to operate your computer, such as system components,
applications, and the Internet.
The desktop
contains:
▶ Start button: this is 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: This is primarily used to switch
between open Windows and applications. Learn more about using the taskbar in a
later lesson.
▶ Icon (or graphical pictures): This represent applications, files,
and other parts of the Operating system. By default, Windows XP provides you
with one desktop icon, the Recycle Bin.
v You desktop’s appearance may vary
from the example shown below, especially if you bought a computer with XP
preinstalled.
The start menu
To begin
exploring Windows XP, click the Start button.
When you
click the Start button, the Start menu appears. The Start menu is your gateway to the applications
on your computer. The left side of the Start
menu lists programs, while the right side allow access to common Windows folders
(My Documents, for example), It also provides access to Help, Support, Search, and Run.
If you
select All Programs, a pop-up menu
like this they are called cascading
menus. If a cascading menu is available, a small black triangle appears next to the name of the application or
function.
In the
example, the Microsoft Word program has been selected.
To explore the
start menu:
1.
Click the Start button.
2.
Move the mouse pointer to each option, and view the various cascading
menus.
3.
Click (or roll your mouse pointer over) All Programs.
4.
Move the mouse pointer to the right, and view other cascading menus.
5.
To exit the menus, click outside the menu area or press Esc on your keyboard.
v The Start menu remembers items you’ve recently opened and places each
icon on the Start menu so you can easily open them the next time you open the Start
menu. For example, if recently opened Microsoft Word using Start
All Programs
Microsoft Word, the next time you open the Start menu simply click the MS
Word icon on the left side of the Start menu.
Understanding icons
The small
pictures on the desktop are called icons.
One type of icon is an object icon.
Examples of object icons are MY Computer, Recycle Bin, and Internet Explorer.
These icons allow you to open files and programs on your computer.
Shortcut icons allow you to open applications
quickly. These icons appear on your desktop and with little arrows in the left
corner. Desktop shortcuts are links to files and programs. You can add or
delete shortcuts without affecting the programs on your computer. You’ll learn
about creating shortcuts in a later lesson.
To open a
program using an icon:
1.
Place your mouse over the icon.
2.
Text appears identifying its name or contents.
3.
Double-click the icon.
Understanding the
taskbar
The taskbar is the small blue bar you see
at the bottom of your desktop. It contains the Start menu and the Quick Launch bar, which contains icons for Internet Explorer, Windows Media
Player, and Show Desktop to quickly view your desktop without closing any programs
or Windows.
The box on
the right is called the Notification
Area. Here you’ll find the click and several other icons, depending on what
you have installed on your computer. Other icons appear in the Notification Area
detailing the status of your activity. For example, when you’re printing
document, a printer icon appears. Microsoft also uses the Notification Area
remind you when software updates are
available for downloaded.
When you
open or minimize a window or program, a rectangular
button appears on the taskbar that shows name of application. These buttons
disappear when you close a window.
Log off and
switch users
More than
one person can use your computer. For example, many family members might use
the same computer at home, while several coworkers may be able to access your
computer on a computer network. Window XP allows everyone who uses your
computer to have separate computer accounts. A computer account tracks each
person’s unique settings, documents, and email accounts.
Windows XP
even enables you to logoff the computer so someone else can log in without having
to restart the computer.
To log off or
switch users:
1.
Click the Start menu, then
click Log Off.
2.
A dialog box appears asking you if you want to Switch User or Log Off.
3.
Switch User allow someone else to log on to the
computer. If you choose to Switch User, you application will continue to run in
the background while the new users logs on.
4.
If you choose Log Off, your
applications will close.
5.
In either case, you’re taken to a Window XP log on screen, where you’re
prompted to enter your username and password.
Turn off and
restart your computer
When you’ve
finished using Windows XP, be sure to turn off (or shut down) the computer
correctly.
To turn off the
computer:
1.
Click the Start Menu.
2.
Click Turn Off Computer.
3.
A dialog box opens. Click Turn Off.
If you’re experience
computer problems or have installed something new, you can simply restart your computer.
To restart the
computer:
1.
Click the Start menu.
2.
Click Turn Off Computer.
3.
A dialog box opens. Click Restart.
v It’s generally safest to turn off or
restart your computer using the method above. However, many computers are
designed to safely shut down when the power button is pressed. Consult your
manual to read about the recommended shutdown procedure.
