Computer Fundamentals Basic
C1A1Y
Introduction to Windows Operating System
Windows is an interface that enables you to work with your computer through graphical symbols and text rather than text alone. Windows helps you work with the various pieces of information that make your computer run and makes it easy to run the other programs.
There are certain elements that all Windows programs have in common. They use buttons, called tools, as well as menus that contain commands that you select to perform tasks.
Windows uses desktop. The desktop is a central place from where all your files and programs can be accessed. The Windows desktop is where you keep folders containing electronic files. You open the Start menu as you open a desk drawer to access even more files and software programs.
Before we start pointing and clicking anything, it helps if you actually understand what exactly Windows XP is. Windows XP is an operating system. Okay, so what’s an operating system? An operating system is a software program that controls and runs just about everything on your computer. Here’s what an operating system does:
• Controls Your Computer’s Hardware
Windows controls the different devices of your computer system. It’s what makes your printer print, what makes graphics and text appear on your monitor, and what makes your mouse point and click… Actually, you make the mouse point and click—but Windows is what puts the mouse pointer ( ) on the screen and electronically connects it to your mouse.
• Runs Your Computer’s Programs
Windows is what runs all your programs. Without Windows, your word processor, Web browser (Internet), and games wouldn’t work. Windows lets your programs talk to your hardware, so, for example, your word processor can print things to the printer.
• Organizes Files
Windows stores information in files and folders on your computer’s local disk, just like you store files and folders in a filing cabinet. Think of Windows XP as an orchestra conductor who makes
Introduction to Windows Operating System
Windows is an interface that enables you to work with your computer through graphical symbols and text rather than text alone. Windows helps you work with the various pieces of information that make your computer run and makes it easy to run the other programs.
There are certain elements that all Windows programs have in common. They use buttons, called tools, as well as menus that contain commands that you select to perform tasks.
Windows uses desktop. The desktop is a central place from where all your files and programs can be accessed. The Windows desktop is where you keep folders containing electronic files. You open the Start menu as you open a desk drawer to access even more files and software programs.
Before we start pointing and clicking anything, it helps if you actually understand what exactly Windows XP is. Windows XP is an operating system. Okay, so what’s an operating system? An operating system is a software program that controls and runs just about everything on your computer. Here’s what an operating system does:
• Controls Your Computer’s Hardware
Windows controls the different devices of your computer system. It’s what makes your printer print, what makes graphics and text appear on your monitor, and what makes your mouse point and click… Actually, you make the mouse point and click—but Windows is what puts the mouse pointer ( ) on the screen and electronically connects it to your mouse.
• Runs Your Computer’s Programs
Windows is what runs all your programs. Without Windows, your word processor, Web browser (Internet), and games wouldn’t work. Windows lets your programs talk to your hardware, so, for example, your word processor can print things to the printer.
• Organizes Files
Windows stores information in files and folders on your computer’s local disk, just like you store files and folders in a filing cabinet. Think of Windows XP as an orchestra conductor who makes