Introduction to Windows

The software / program in computer which is responsible to start and control functionality of computer is called operating system. It acts as a bridge between user and the physical parts of computer. Without an operating system, it is not possible for a computer to work.

Stepping into windows:
MS-Windows is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) operating system. It includes graphical objects such as different types of colored screen called windows and also other objects such as icons, folders, buttons, dialogue boxes etc.

Starting a computer:
To turn the computer on, find its power button from system box and press it.
The starting process of computer is called Booting.

To shut down your computer:
1. Click the Start button. The start menu will appear.
2. Click turn off computer. The turn off computer dialog box will appear.
3. Click the turn off option. Your computer will shut down.

How do I restart my computer:
To shut down and immediately restart your computer:
1. Click on the start button. The start menu will appear.
2. Click on the turn off computer.
3. Click the Restart option. Your computer will be restarted.

Following are the components of Desktop Windows screen.

a) Desktop: After you have started the computer, the area you are looking at is called the desktop.
b) Taskbar start button/ Start menu: Normally at the bottom of the desktop there is a bar called taskbar. The leftmost button on the taskbar is known as start button.
c) Notification area: It is also called the system tray or just tray. This area on the right end of the taskbar contains the clock and several notification icons. For example, a speaker icon lets you view and change the volume level.
d) Desktop icons:  An icon is a small picture with a caption (name) that represents a file, folder, or program on your computer. Double-clicking on an icon will open or launch the file, folder, or program. some commonly used desktop icons are:
1. My Computer: My computer icon provides access to the resources of your computer.

2. My  Documents:  My documents is the name of a special folder on the computer's desktop. It is commonly used to store a user's documents, music, pictures, download, and other files.
3. Recycle Bin:  When we delete a file or folder in Windows. Windows sends it to the Recycle Bin. We can restore files or folder that are located in the Recycle Bin or we can permanently delete them.
4. Internet Explorer:  The icon Internet Explorer is used to quickly access internet.

Posted By: Wasim Javed