Computer Basics text Lindsay Henning Yavapai College

1. Microsoft Windows Fundamentals
6th Edition
Student Resource Manual
Lindsay Henning

2. Table of Contents
Workshop Objectives .......................................................................................................... 3
Unit 1: Windows 7 ............................................................................................................. 4
Unit 2: The Mouse ............................................................................................................ 5
Unit 3: Getting Started ...................................................................................................... 7
Unit 4: Windows Desktop and Start Menu ...................................................................... 9
Unit 5: What’s In A Window? ........................................................................................ 11
Unit 6: An Overview of Desktop Gadgets ....................................................................... 13
Unit 7: Multitasking ........................................................................................................ 16
Unit 8: File Management and Creating Documents ..................................................... 19
Unit 9: Computer ............................................................................................................ 25
Unit 10: Libraries ............................................................................................................ 30
Unit 11: Help! ................................................................................................................. 36
Unit 12: Shutting Down Your Computer ........................................................................ 41
2
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

3. Workshop Objectives
Some of the things we'll cover in this workshop are:
Course Content:
1. Introduction to the Windows desktop
2. Taskbar and Start menu
3. Window components
4. Help and Support Center
5. Favorites and History lists
6. My Computer and Windows Explorer
Some of the things you'll know how to do, once you've completed this
workshop are:
Learning Outcomes:
1. Log on to the workstation
2. Identify the desktop components
3. Use the mouse
4. Use the Start button to open applications
5. Switch between applications
6. Move and size a window
7. Use the Control menu buttons
8. Work with menus and toolbars
9. Use scroll bars
10. Work with the Save As dialog box
11. Choose a help topic
12. Search for help topics
This manual covers the listed objectives of CSA108A as well as the Computer Basics section of CSA102.
3
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

4. Unit 1: Windows 7
Windows 7 is an operating system program
that runs your computer. This program is
designed to control every aspect of your
computer, from the applications you use to the
way your mouse and printer work. Even the way
things look on your screen is controlled by the
Windows 7 Operating System.
Windows 7 uses a graphical user interface (GUI,
pronounced gooey) which means you'll be able to use graphical pictures (icons)
and buttons to communicate with your computer.
Windows also uses a pointing device to help you select and manipulate
programs, features, and commands. This pointing device is called a mouse. The
mouse‟s movements on your desktop are duplicated on your computer monitor.
These movements can be illustrated by a number of
different images that can change depending on
where you are hovering or moving. Some of these
include a pointer, arrows of different sizes and
shapes, and insertion points.
In the following units, you'll learn more about the Windows environment, how to
get around in it using features such as the mouse, how to use Windows
programs, and how to save, edit, store, and retrieve your documents and
projects.
Important terms to remember:
 Operating System
 GUI
 Mouse
Notes:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
4
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

5. Unit 2: The Mouse
The standard pointing device for personal computing is referred to
as the Mouse. There are several variations on the mouse, but
basically, it's an electronic device you roll or push along a desk or
tray to move the pointer on the computer screen. With the mouse,
you can select text, open programs, maneuver through menus,
and basically communicate with your computer.
The mouse is equipped with buttons and sometimes
wheels that allow you to alternate between different
features. As you move the mouse along a flat surface,
you'll see the pointer on the computer screen move in
the same way as it is moving on your surface. Move the
mouse up, the pointer will move up. Move the mouse
left, right, or diagonally, and you'll see the pointer mirror
the movement.
To select objects, you use variations of a technique called clicking:
 To click, move the pointer to the item on the screen, then press
and release the left mouse button one time.
 To double-click, move the pointer to the item, then press and
release the left mouse button twice (without moving the mouse) in a
quick, even staccato movement.
 To right-click, move the pointer to the item on the screen, then
press and release the right mouse button.
How do you know when to use the click, the double-click, or the right-click? Hard
and fast rules don't always work, as customization of the Windows environment
can alter the way you select programs as well icons and other types of links. It's
something you learn as you gain experience with your computer. Most often, you
double-click on an icon on your desktop to activate it. Another option is to left-
click to position your pointer on the icon, and right-click to activate a drop-down
menu of features that are available to you for the item to which you're pointing.
Another feature of the mouse is the ability to drag. To drag an item, point on it
and click, but don't release the mouse button- hold it down. Slide your mouse so
the item is actually "dragged" along the screen. Release the button when the
item is where you want it. The combination of these activities is called drag and
drop.
You can also select text with your mouse. To select text, click in front or at the
end of the section text you wish to select. Without releasing the mouse button,
5
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

6. slide the mouse to drag the pointer over the entire text you wish to select. The
text will be highlighted with color. If you accidentally choose more or less text
than you really wanted, all you need to do is to click once elsewhere on your
screen to deselect the text and try again.
Once text has been highlighted, you can apply formatting or other features to the
text, such as changing the color or size, or changing it all to uppercase. You can
even drag the selected text by clicking into the highlighted selection, and
dragging the text to a new position. It's tricky, and takes some practice, but is well
worth the effort as a formatting shortcut.
Each of these activities is a way to let your computer know you want to do
…something… with the item you have selected by clicking or highlighting. Your
computer will not understand what you want it to do unless you first tell it where it
needs to make your changes. Clicking to place your insertion point or
highlighting a word or section of text is how you tell your computer where to work.
Important terms to remember:
 Mouse
 Click
 Double-Click
 Right-Click
 Dragging
 Select text
Notes:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
6
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

7. Unit 3: Getting Started
When you first start your computer, you'll either see the main Windows screen
(called the desktop), or you'll be prompted to logon to your computer via the
keyboard command: Ctrl + Alt + Del. Windows 7 will require you to identify
yourself before the computer will
become operational. The setup for a
home computer is very different from
the setup a business or organization
may need. Keep in mind while using
this manual the images and steps
described here may differ slightly on
the computer you are currently using.
It all depends on your circumstances
and on your unique installation.
If you're using a computer at Yavapai
College, you will need to identify
yourself with the username and password assigned to you by Yavapai College.
You will find your username printed on your Yavapai College schedule (course
registration receipt) or in your Portal window. You would have chosen your
password at the time you created your student record. It is possible that you
might have reset your password since that time. Your username and password
are unique to you and should not be shared…just like you wouldn‟t give out
your house key or car key to just anyone. For security reasons, keep this
information private - don‟t share!
To Log On, look at your keyboard to find the Ctrl and Alt Buttons
keys Ctrl, Alt, and Delete. Do you see them?
Ctrl and Alt are in the row of your keyboard
where you can also find your space bar; that
Delete Button
long, plain button. OK, now with the little
finger on your left hand, press and hold down
the Ctrl button. While still holding down the
Ctrl button, now use your first finger on your
left hand, press and hold down the Alt key.
Now while holding down both buttons with
your left hand, look for the Delete button. You will see it in a group of six keys
next to the number pad. Push this key with the first finger of your right hand.
Now lift both hands from your keyboard. You should now see the Log On
window. If you don‟t want to Log On now, click the Cancel button on the
bottom of the window.
7
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

8. To gain access to the contents of
your computer, follow the instructions
for logging on to your computer. Type
your username into the User name
field, then press the Tab key, and
type in your password. Now you may
either press Enter, or click on the
arrow next to the password.
Once you've been identified as a
registered user, the Windows desktop
should appear on our screen. There will be a slight delay as Yavapai
College recognizes you and your Windows environment.
Important terms to remember:
 Desktop
 Logon
 Username
 Password
Notes:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
8
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

9. Unit 4: Windows Desktop and Start Menu
Once you've logged onto your computer, you will see the main computer screen
for Windows 7.
This is called
the Windows
desktop.
Icons for
programs and
files may be
sitting on your
desktop waiting
for you to open
them. (We'll be
learning about
clicking on
icons later in
this unit.)
Because this
window is
customizable, you may encounter different screens on
different computers (or even on the same computer,
depending on who's been using it.) The default desktop is
as shown above, but you can choose different colors or
images to personalize your view. Windows has different
backgrounds and format themes from which you may
choose, or some people customize their desktop with
favorite photographs. To customize your desktop, right-
click on an empty place on your desktop, then click on the
Personalize item in the menu window. Have fun exploring!
9
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

10. Down in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen, you'll
see the start Button. This is where the action is.
Although most people use
shortcuts (icons) on their desktop
to quickly access their programs,
the start Menu is the main
gateway for opening programs.
To open the start Menu, simply
left click on the start button. A
menu window will appear. Slide
your mouse pointer up the menu
until you reach the folder or
program for which you're
looking, then left-click on the
menu item. The program will
open. Watch for each item to be
highlighted in a different color
(usually blue). That color tells
you, “If you click me now, I will
open!”
When an arrowhead symbol
() appears to the right of a
menu item, this tells you that
there are more items inside.
These additional items will
appear if you "hover" over the
item with your mouse pointer.
TIP: If you're not all that accurate with your mouse pointer yet, you
can open the start Menu by pressing on the Windows key on the
keyboard. Once the start menu is open, you can use your arrow
keys and Enter key to make program selections.
Important terms to remember:
 Desktop
 Icons
 start Button
 start Menu
10
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

11. Unit 5: What’s In A Window?
In the top right corner of Windows programs and
documents, you'll see three buttons. Each of these
buttons will tell the currently active window to do …
something:
When you click the minimize button, the window will be
hidden from the computer desktop. It hasn't closed; it's
just resting on your task bar.
Clicking on this restore button will either maximize your
window, or restore it to its previous size. When a window
is maximized, it takes up the entire monitor screen. When
a window is restored down, you may also see the
desktop as well as other windows.
This is the close button. Clicking on this button closes
the document or program on which you're working.
Look at the sample document window below. Do you see those three buttons?
There are some other areas you should know; Quick Access Toolbar, Title
Quick Access Bar, Ribbon, Tabs,
Toolbar
and Status Bar.
Look again at the
sample window to
Ribbon locate them. We
will be opening this
program (WordPad)
in a later Unit of this
manual so you can
Tabs
see all this in real
life.
Title Bar
WordPad
Menu
Status Bar
11
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

12. The default position of your task bar is at the bottom of your desktop. This bar
contains the Start Button, and buttons representing all of the programs that you
may currently have running.
We'll be learning more about standard features in Windows, but for now, the
Important Terms to Remember are:
 Quick Access Toolbar
 Title Bar
 Ribbon
 Tabs
 Tool Bar
 Task Bar
 Status Bar
 Start Button
 Minimize Button
 Resize/Restore Button
 Close Button
Notes:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
12
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

13. Unit 6: An Overview of Desktop Gadgets
Windows 7 contains mini-programs called gadgets,
which offer information at a glance and provide easy
access to frequently used tools. For example, you
can use gadgets to display a picture slide show or
view continuously updated headlines.
Why use desktop gadgets?
Desktop gadgets can keep information and tools
readily available for you to use. For example, you
can display news headlines right next to your open programs. This way, if you
want to keep track of what's happening in the news while you work, you don't
have to stop what you're doing to switch to a news website.
You can use the Feed Headlines gadget to show the latest news headlines from
sources you choose. You don't have to stop working on your document, because
the headlines are always visible. If you see a headline that interests you, you can
click that headline, and your web browser will open directly to the story.
Getting started with gadgets
Which gadgets do I have?
Before a gadget can be added, it must be installed on your computer. To see
which gadgets are installed on your computer, do the following:
You can download additional gadgets online from the Windows website.
Adding and removing gadgets
You can add any gadget that's installed on your computer to the desktop. If you
want, you can add multiple instances of a gadget. For example, if you are
keeping track of time in two time zones, you
can add two instances of the Clock gadget
and set the time of each accordingly.
To add a gadget
To remove a gadget
To understand how to use gadgets, let's
explore three gadgets: the Clock, Slide Show,
13
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

14. and Feed Headlines.
How does the Clock work?
When you right-click the Clock, you'll see a list of things you can do with the
gadget, including closing the Clock, keeping it on top of your open windows, and
changing the Clock's options (such as its name, time zone, and appearance).
You can right-click a gadget to see a list of things you can do with it.
If you point to the Clock gadget, a Close button and an
Options button will appear near its upper-right corner.
How does Slide Show work?
Next, try resting the pointer on the Slide Show gadget, which displays a
continuous slide show of pictures on your computer.
Right-clicking Slide Show and clicking Options
allows you to choose which pictures appear in
your slide show, control the speed at which your
slide show plays, and change the transition effect
between pictures. You can also right-click Slide
Show and point to Size to change the size of the
gadget.
When you point to Slide Show, the Close, Size,
and Options buttons will appear near the upper-
right corner of the gadget.
To change the slide show pictures
To set the slide show speed and transition effect
How does Feed Headlines work?Feed Headlines can display
frequently updated headlines from a website that supplies
feeds, also known as RSS feeds, XML feeds, syndicated
content, or web feeds. Websites often use feeds to distribute
news and blogs. To receive feeds, you need an Internet
connection. By default, Feed Headlines won't display any
headlines.
To start displaying a small set of preselected headlines, click
14
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

15. View headlines. After you click View headlines, you can right-click Feed
Headlines and click Options to choose from a list of available feeds. You can add
to the list by choosing your own feeds from the web.
To display a feed in the Feed Headlines gadget
Organizing gadgets
You can drag a gadget to a new position anywhere on the desktop. By default,
gadgets stick to each other and to the edge of the screen. But you can change
the order of gadgets and move them anywhere on the desktop. All you need to
do is drag the gadget to its new location.
Enjoy customizing your desktop with the gadgets you like most.
15
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

16. Unit 7: Multitasking
One of the most popular features of Windows is its ability to run more than one
program at a time. This is known as multi-tasking.
You can have several
programs open; with
their windows
overlapping each
other, next to each
other, or you can
minimize all but the
"active" program
window. Anyway you
choose, you'll see
each active window‟s
buttons sitting on the
taskbar, and know
they're open…
whether you can see
them on your
Desktop or not.
An Active Window is the window to which keys typed on the keyboard are sent. In
other words, the active window is simply the one that you are working in at that
particular moment. You can see which window is active by different ways. The
active window may be
overlapping another window
on your desktop. You may
also see that the title bar is
more defined or darker. To
activate a window from the
taskbar, simply click on the
button in the taskbar that
represents that program.
Hover over that button; you
will see a thumbnail
representing the actual window. Without selecting the window, you will be able
to see which window you really want to open just by hovering.
16
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

17. Thumbnail previews can be a big help when you're juggling lots of windows.
Point to a program's icon on the Windows 7 taskbar, and you'll see miniature
views of your documents, images, and even live videos.
Point to the thumbnail, and a new feature called Peek morphs it to a full-sized
view. All the other open windows temporarily disappear. How's that for laser-like
focus?
After clicking on the window of your choice, that window will be the foremost
program displayed on the screen. If you want a program to shrink down and rest
on the task bar, simply click the minimize button.
You can also use your
mouse to resize the
windows by clicking and
dragging on the sides.
Try it! Your first step is
to be sure your window
is not maximized on the
desktop. If it is, click the
center button in the
upper right hand corner
of your window to
Restore Down. Now
hover your mouse over
one of the sides of your
window. When your
pointer turns to a two-
sided arrow, click and
hold your left mouse button down and drag the edge back and forth. You will see
your window change size.
If you grab a side edge and drag, you can make your window narrower or wider.
If you grab a top or bottom edge, your window can become taller or shorter. If
you grab one of the corners, your two-sided arrow will appear to be at an angle
and you can change the size of your window narrower, wider, taller, and shorter
all with that one click. It takes practice, but it's a good skill to learn.
Take a few minutes to practice this skill- you will be using it often! Close the
windows out by clicking on the close button.
17
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

18. Important terms to remember:
 Multi-tasking
 Thumbnail
 Active Window
 Taskbar
 Restore Down
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
18
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

19. Unit 8: File Management and Creating Documents
In computing, a file refers to the work you have done using a computer. If you're
typing a letter, then the letter is a file. If you're creating a graphic picture, then the
picture is a file. Graphs, tables, spreadsheets-they're all considered files as they
are stored on your computer‟s hard drive.
When you first open a program in Windows, you'll most likely be presented with a
blank document window. The program is waiting for you to either begin work on
the blank document (creating a new document) or open an existing document.
Let‟s experiment a bit and open WordPad, a basic Word Processing program.
WordPad is used to create typed documents such as letters and memos.
1. Go to your start menu and click
on the start button
2. Hover your pointer over All
Programs- the All Programs
menu will open. (The menu will
look as if it is sliding to the left…)
3. Now look for and click on
Accessories: that will open, too.
(almost there!)
Don’t worry if you accidentally
slip off one of the menus and
they close or you chose the
wrong item… just start over!
4. Inside the Accessories folder you
will find WordPad.
5. Single left click on the name
WordPad to start the program.
1
3
2
4&5
19
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

20. You should now see a WordPad
window with a blank document
on your desktop. It is waiting
your instructions on what to do
next!
Take a couple minutes to make
yourself familiar with the different
tools and buttons in this window.
Before you move on, do you see
the Title Bar? Where is the
Ribbon? How about the
WordPad button?
A computer is a helpful tool…
whether you use it to write a
letter to a friend, create a report
for your boss, or complete an assignment for your instructor. A new file should be
saved to allow you the opportunity to reprint, update, or make changes. You
surely would not want to have to spend your valuable time recreating a file that
you could have simply opened.
In order to preserve your work, you need to Save your file. The first time you tell
your computer to save any document, it will open up the Save As dialog box. It's
called a dialog box because Windows needs some information from you before it
can save your document. Where do you want it saved? (give it a home) What do
you want to call it? (give it a name)
Give it a home!
Give it a name!
What kind is it?
20
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

21. Let‟s save your document using Save As. To get started, look at your WordPad
window.
1
1. Find the WordPad button in the
Ribbon.
2. Click on the WordPad button and
in the drop down menu that
appears, select and click on Save
As.
3. The default location for saving a 2
new document is the Documents
folder in your Library. (this will be
your document‟s home)
4. Look for File Name at the bottom
center area of the Save As
window. Do you see the word
“Document” in the File Name field? It will be highlighted in blue. If you start
typing now without clicking anywhere else, your typed letters will replace the
highlighted ones.
5. Type your first name. (you are giving your document a name)
6. Now click the Save button in the lower right hand corner of the dialog box.
The Save As
window will now
close.
3 Congratulations!
You have saved
your document!
Look at the title bar
of your WordPad
4&5 window and you will
see the words there
have now changed
to show your name!
If you wish to make
6 changes to this
document such as
typing a letter and
wish to save those changes, all you have to do is click the disk icon in the
standard tool bar. Your document will replace the original and be saved under the
same name and location.
Your name is now in the title bar!
21
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

22. When you work on a document, and wish to save it, Windows provides several
ways for you to accomplish that:
 Click on the WordPad button, then click on Save;
 Click on the Save button on the Quick Access Toolbar;
 Use the standard Save keystroke combination by
holding down the Ctrl key, then tapping on the S key.
(Ctrl + S)
At first, the Save As
dialog box may seem
confusing but you'll
soon become
comfortable with it.
Take a look around,
and you'll see that in
this example, the
document (see
illustration) is named
Resume, it's saved in a
folder called
Documents, and it's a
Rich Text Format
(RTF) file type.
Windows has enough
information to save the document, so simply press on the Save button. Now the
document's title bar will display the name assigned to it.
You only need to name the document and tell Windows where to save it once--
then after that, when you save it, Word will just update your changes, and save it
with the same name and in the same place. If you wish to change the name or
the location, simply select Save As from the WordPad menu, and make your
changes using the Save As dialog box.
But what if you want to open an existing document?
22
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

23. WordPad
Menu
Go back to the WordPad menu and click it to open.
In the illustration, you'll see that the Open dialog box is
very similar to the Save dialog box. Its title bar at the top
that tells you this is the Open dialog box. Windows
needs to know where you want to look for this document,
so in this case, it has been directed to the default folder,
Documents.
Windows needs to know the name of the file, which in this case is Resume. Find
the file you want
in the middle of
the dialog box and
click once to
select it. The file
name Resume will
now appear in the
File name field.
You have now
told the computer
that this is the file
you wish to open.
Once all the
questions are
answered, click
on Open.
The document will open and you can now start working on your document.
Why don‟t you give it a try with your own computer? Make sure WordPad is still
open. If it isn‟t, review the instructions earlier in this section.
1. Go to the WordPad button, click to open. Now click on File, then Open.
Your Open file dialog box will open. The Navigation pane menu on the
left side of this window will display the Documents folder (please review
the image above to locate them). The Documents folder should be
selected (highlighted). If it is not highlighted, simply click on the word
“Documents” to select. You will now see on the right side of this dialog box
a list of the items in this folder.
2. Look for the item you created following the instructions earlier in this
section with your name in the name of the file.
3. Select your document. Here you can either double-click on the document
name to open it or you can click on your document once and then click the
Open button in the lower right hand corner of the Open window. Either
way, you will open your document and you can continue working on it if
you choose.
23
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

24. With the release of MS Office 2007, Microsoft changed the interface of their
Office programs as well as their other word processor; WordPad. These updated
versions are now also using Ribbons and Tabs.
For most Windows programs still using menu and toolbars, you may:
 Click on the File menu, and select Open;
 Click on the Open button on the toolbar;
 Use the standard Windows Open keystroke combination by pressing down
on the Ctrl key, and tapping the O key. (Ctrl + O)
Closing a document is very easy. You may either click on the close button in the
top right corner of the screen, or click on File and Close.
If you've made changes to the
document, and haven‟t saved
those changes yet, you'll be
asked if you want to save the
changes. Indicate your
preference with clicking on Save
or Don’t Save. If you changed
your mind about closing the
document, click Cancel.
On a slightly different note, have you noticed how many different types of Dialog
Boxes there are? Each of them are waiting for you to respond to them. Through
these boxes you are having a conversation with your computer. It asks you a
question and you answer by making a selection.
Take your time to read each Dialog Box to be sure you understand what is being
asked before you answer by clicking…
Important terms to remember:
 File
 Save
 Save As
 Dialog Box
 Open
 Keystroke combination
24
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

25. Unit 9: Computer
Now that you have explored many aspects of how your computer works, it is time
to see what is actually loaded on your computer. An easy way to do that is by
going to your Computer.
Depending on how your computer
is configured, you will either find a
clickable icon in the upper left-
hand corner of your desktop,
or the word Computer in your
start Menu.
If you don‟t see the Computer
icon on your desktop, and you
would like to see it there, right-
click on the word Computer in
your start menu and select Show
on Desktop.
(Please remember our start menu
and Computer windows may look
different on your computer than they
do in these images.)
Another place you can go to ask
your computer to display its
content is by selecting the
Windows Explorer button in
your Taskbar. Windows Explorer
is a program used to create and
manage folders, and to copy, move, sort, and delete files.
Did you locate the places described to find your
Computer? If not, please take a couple minutes to do
so now.
25
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

26. When you click on Computer (in your start menu or on your desktop) or on the
Windows Explorer button (in your taskbar), a new window will open that lists all
of your applications (or programs), storage devices, network drives, or any other
peripheral hardware connected to your system. This window opens with
Libraries selected in the Navigation Pane and displayed in the File List.
In Figure 1 illustrated below, you see Windows Explorer is displaying the
Libraries window. Look at the left hand side of the window- that is your
Navigation Pane. Do you see the word Libraries highlighted? That tells the
Explorer Window to display the content of Libraries in the right hand side of the
same window; that is your File List. A guideline to help you remember how to
navigate the Explorer Window is to „click on the left, display on the right‟.
Navigation File List
Pane
Figure 1: Libraries Window
Navigation
Pane
Navigation File List
Pane
File List
26
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

27. 1
2
3
4
5
In the images above, we have Navigated from Libraries (#1), to open the Pictures
menu (#2), then the Public Pictures menu (#3), opened the Sample Pictures
folder (#4), and displayed the contents on the right (#5).
Navigating your way through the contents of your computer is as close as a click
away.
Understanding the parts
of a window
When you open a folder or
library, you see it in a
window. The various parts
of this window are
designed to help you
navigate around Windows
or work with files, folders,
and libraries more easily.
This example is a review of
the parts of a window.
Please take a couple of
minutes to locate each
part.
27
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

28. Copying and moving files and folders
Occasionally, you might want to change where files or folders are stored on your
computer. You might want to move files to a different folder, for example, or copy
them to removable media (such as CDs or memory cards) to share with another
person.
One way to move your files and folders from one location to another is to work
within Windows Explorer.
First, open Windows Explorer.
Then display the file or folder you
want to move in the right hand
frame of the window; the File List.
Now, with the file still displaying on
the right, look in the Navigation
pane to locate the folder into which
you want to move that file. If the
destination folder is inside another,
click on the arrowhead that
appears as you hover over the
parent folder to display the
destination on the left hand side of
the window.
Move your pointer back over the
file you want to move and get
ready to drag and drop. Click on
the file and hold that left mouse
button down as you drag the
pointer over to hover over your
destination folder.
As you can see in the image above, Chrysanthemum has been dragged from the
File List (on the right) across the window to the destination folder My Pictures.
The whole move has been performed holding the left mouse button down. Now
the Explorer Window is asking if this is the place to which you really want to
move your file. It is asking this by highlighting the name of the folder (My
Pictures) on the right, while a tool tip appears under your file (Move to My
Pictures). If this is the place in which you want the file to be stored, let the left
mouse button go. If you have hovered over a folder into which you do not want
the file to be moved, simply keep holding that left mouse button down and move
the pointer to hover over the real destination. If you don‟t see your destination in
the Navigation pane, move your pointer back to the right hand side and let go of
your left mouse button. You have restored your file into its original location. Now
you can begin again by locating your destination.
28
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

29. Many people copy and move files from folder to folder also using drag and drop.
Start by opening the folder that contains the file or folder you want to move.
Then, open the folder where you want to move it to in a different window.
Position the windows side by side on the desktop so that you can see the
contents of both.
Next, drag the file or folder from the first folder to the second folder. That's all
there is to it.
When using the drag-and-drop method, you might notice that sometimes the file
or folder is copied, and at other times it's moved. Why is that?!?
If you're dragging an item between two folders that are stored on the same hard
disk, then the item is moved so that two copies of the same file or folder aren't
created in the same location. If you drag the item to a folder that's in a different
location (such as a network location) or to removable media like a CD, then the
item is copied.
Important terms to remember:
 Computer
 Documents
 Windows Explorer
 Navigation Pane
 File List
 Click on the left, display on the right
29
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

30. Unit 10: Libraries
What is a Library?
In previous versions of Windows, managing your files meant organizing them in
different folders and subfolders. In this version of Windows, you can also use
your Library to organize and access files regardless of where they're stored.
Just what is a library? Libraries are where you go to manage your documents,
music, pictures, and other files. You can browse your files the same way you
would in a folder or you can view your files arranged by properties like date, type,
and author.
In some ways, a library is similar to a folder. For example, when you open a
library, you'll see one or more files.
However, unlike a folder, a library
gathers files that are stored in several
locations. This is a subtle, but
important, difference.
Libraries don't actually store your
items. They monitor folders that
contain your items, and let you
access and arrange the items in
different ways.
For instance, if you have music files in
folders on your hard disk and on an
external drive, you can access all of
your music files at once using the
Music library.
The navigation pane, showing the Pictures library
with three included folders
A library gathers files from different locations and displays them as a single
collection, without moving them from where they're stored. A location can be any
disk drive, folder, or other place in which you can store files and folders. The
locations might be on your computer, and external hard drive, or someone else‟s
computer. Programs will commonly ask you to choose a location to save a file.
30
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

31. Here are some things you can do with libraries:
 Create a new library. There are four default libraries (Documents, Music,
Pictures, and Videos), but you can create new libraries for other
collections.
 Arrange items by folder, date, and other properties. Items in a library
can be arranged in different ways using the Arrange by menu, located in
the library pane (above the file list) in any open library. For example, you
can arrange your Music library by Artist to quickly find a song by a
particular artist.
 Include or remove a folder. Libraries gather content from included
folders, or library locations.
 Change the default save location. The default save location determines
where an item is stored when it's copied, moved, or saved to the library.
Creating a new library
You can use libraries to view and arrange files from different locations. There are
four default libraries (Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos), but you can also
create new libraries for other collections.
To create a new library
1. Click the Start button , click your user name (which opens your personal
folder), and then, in the left pane, click Libraries.
2. With Libraries selected on the left, now look on the toolbar for New
Library. Click New library.
3. Type a name for the library (in this example, “Lindsay‟s New Library”), and
then press Enter.
1
2
3
31
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

32. To copy, move, or save files to a library, you must first include a folder in the
library so that the library knows where to store the files. This folder automatically
becomes the default save location for the library.
Including folders in a library
A library gathers content from various
folders. You can include folders from
different locations in the same library, and
then view and arrange the files in those
folders as one collection. For example, if
you keep some of your pictures on an
external hard drive, you can include a
folder from that hard drive in your Pictures
library, and then access that folder's files
in your Pictures library whenever the hard
drive is connected to your computer.
The navigation pane, showing the Pictures
library with three included folders
3 Only folders can be included in
libraries. Other items on your
computer (such as saved
searches and search connectors)
4 can't be included.
To include a folder from your
computer in a library
1. In the taskbar, click the
Windows Explorer button .
2. In the navigation pane (the
left pane), navigate to the folder
that you want to include and
single-click it (don't double-click).
2 3. In the toolbar (above the
file list), click Include in library,
and
4. Then click a library (for
example, New Library).
32
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

33. To include a folder from an external hard drive in a library
To include a network folder in a library
A network folder must be added to the
index or made available offline before it
can be included in a library.
1. In the taskbar, click the Windows
Explorer button .
2a
2
2. Do one of the following:
a) In the navigation pane (the left
pane), click Network, and then
navigate to the folder on your
network that you want to include.
b) Click the icon on the left side of
the address bar, type the path of
the network, press Enter, and
then navigate to the folder that
you want to include.
3. In the toolbar (above the file list),
click Include in library, and then click
a library (for example, Documents).
If you don't see the Include in library option, it means that the network folder is
not indexed or is not available offline. At Yavapai College, our network folders (Z
drive) are not indexed and the paths are hidden for security reasons. You will not
be able to add your Z drive to your Library. However, if you have a network at
home, you will be able to follow the steps above.
To remove a folder from a library
When you no longer need to monitor a folder in a library, you can remove it.
When you remove a folder from a library, the folder and its contents are not
deleted from their original location.
1. In the taskbar, click the Windows Explorer button .
2. In the navigation pane (the left pane), click the library from which you want to
remove folders.
3. In the library pane (above the file list), next to Includes, click Locations. (In
this example “1 Location”: this indicates how many locations are currently
included in this Library.)
4. In the dialog box that appears, click the folder you want to remove,
5. Click Remove,
33
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

34. 6. Now click OK.
2
3
4 5
6
34
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

35. Customize a library
Libraries let you view and arrange files stored in different locations. You can
change where a library gathers content from by including or removing folders in
the library. You can also customize the general behavior of a library by changing
its default save location, or by changing the type of file for which a library is
optimized.
To change a library's default save location
A library's default save location determines where an item will be stored when it's
copied, moved, or saved to the library.
1. Open the library you'd like to change.
2. In the library pane (above the file list), next to Includes, click Locations.
3. In the Library Locations dialog box, right-click a library location that's not
currently the default save location, click Set as default save location, and
then click OK.
To change the type of file a library is optimized for
Each library can be optimized for a certain file type (such as music or pictures).
Optimizing a library for a certain file type changes the options that are available
for arranging the files in that library.
1. Right-click the library you'd like to change, and then click Properties.
2. In the Optimize this library for list, click a file type, and then click OK.
Important terms to remember:
 Library
 Documents
 Windows Explorer
 Location
Notes:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
35
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

36. Unit 11: Help!
You have been presented with a lot of information so far about how to use your
computer. Though what you have learned so far is sufficient for most, there will
come a time that you may wonder, “How do I do…. ???” Windows supplies us all
with a very useful tool; Help and Support. This tool is a searchable knowledge
base containing tips, tricks, and describes the steps you need to take in order to
complete whatever task you need to accomplish on your computer.
Please keep in mind there are two basic focuses of Help. One concentrates on
Windows itself and is built into your Start Menu. Some of the topics this Help
covers is how the basic computer operates,
how to set up your desktop, adding printers,
controlling the movement of your mouse,
and so much more.
In addition, each application or program
(such as Internet Explorer or Microsoft
Word) you have on your computer has its
own Help file that answers specific
questions about the program with which it
comes. This one discussed in this section is
specific to Windows 7 operating system.
Let‟s take a quick look at Window‟s Help.
Click on the Start menu and as the menu
pops up, look on the right hand side for
Help and Support. Click on those words,
and the Help window will appear.
36
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

37. Browse Ask Options
Home Print
Looking at the window‟s tool bar, you will see some selections from which you
may choose: Home (the picture of the house), Print, Browse, Ask, and Options.
Clicking on the Home button will bring you back to the selections you first saw
when opening Help. If you select Print (the image of a printer), a print dialog box
will open and you will be given the
opportunity to print what is currently
displayed in the Help window.
Browse Help (the book) is a portal
allowing you to research topics about
which you wish to learn more. You
will see a number of general
categories that can help you focus
your search. Ask (the two people and
question mark) takes you to links you
can follow for additional assistance if
needed. Under Options are a
number of ways you can customize
your view and interaction with Help.
When you find a topic you would like
to save, you can store it in Favorites.
History lists for you the search topics
you have looked up in the past, but
not necessarily saved in Favorites.
Using Windows Help and Support
Windows Help and Support is the
built-in help system for Windows. It's a
place to get quick answers to common
questions, suggestions for
troubleshooting, and instructions for
how to do things. If you need help with
a program that's not part of Windows,
you'll need to consult that program's
Help (see "Getting help with a
program" below).
37
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

38. To open Windows Help and Support, click the Start button , and then click Help
and Support.
Get the latest Help content
If you're connected to the Internet, make sure Windows Help and Support is set to
Online Help. Online Help includes new Help topics and the latest versions of
existing topics.
1. On the toolbar in Windows Help and Support, click Options, and then click
Settings.
2. Under Search results, select the Improve my search results by using
online Help (recommended) check box, and then click OK. The words
Online Help will be displayed in the lower-right corner of the Help and
Support window when you are connected.
Search Help
The fastest way to get help is to type a word or two in the search box. For
example, to get information about wireless networking, type wireless network, and
then press Enter. A list of results appears, with the most useful results shown at
the top. Click one of the results to read the topic.
Browse Help
You can browse Help topics by subject. Click
the Browse button , and then click an item
in the list of subject headings that appears.
Subject headings can contain Help topics or
other subject headings. Click a Help topic to
open it, or click another heading to dig
deeper into the subject list.
38
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

39. Getting help with a program
Almost every program comes with its own built-in Help system.
To open a program's Help system:
1. On the Help menu of the program, click the first item in the list, such as
"View Help," "Help Topics," or a similar phrase. (This text will vary.)
~or~
2. Click the Help button.
~or~
3. You can also access Help by pressing F1. This function key opens Help in
almost any program.
Getting help with dialog boxes and windows
In addition to program-specific help,
some dialog boxes and windows
contain links to Help topics about
their specific functions. If you see a
question mark inside a circle or
square, or a colored and underlined
text link, click it to open the Help
topic.
Getting help from other Windows users
If you have a question that can't be answered by Help information, you can try
getting help from other Windows users.
Invite someone to help using Remote Assistance
If you have a friend or family member who is a computer expert, you can invite
that person to connect from his or her computer to your computer by using
Remote Assistance. That person can then view your computer screen and chat
with you online about what you both see. With your permission, your helper can
even control your computer remotely, which will allow him or her to fix the problem
directly.
39
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

40. Using resources on the web
The web contains a vast amount of information, so there's a good chance that the
answer to your question lies somewhere in those billions of webpages. A general
search of the web, then, is a good place to start your quest.
If you don't find what you need using a general search, consider searching
websites that focus on Windows or computer problems. Here are four good
places to look:
 Windows website. This website provides an online version of all Help
topics in this version of Windows, plus instructional videos, in-depth
columns, and other useful information.
 Microsoft Help and Support. Discover solutions to common problems,
how-to topics, troubleshooting steps, and the latest downloads.
 Microsoft TechNet. This site includes resources and technical content for
information technology professionals.
Getting help from the pros
If all else fails, you can get help from a technical support professional—someone
whose job it is to solve computer problems. You can usually contact a support
professional by phone, e-mail, or through an online chat.
Whom you should contact depends on how you obtained Windows. If you bought
a new computer with Windows already installed on it, your computer
manufacturer provides support. If you purchased Windows separately, Microsoft
provides support. Support might require a fee or be free of charge, depending on
the terms of your purchase and whether you've submitted previous support
requests.
For customer support options that apply to your computer, including phone
numbers, click the Ask button at the top of the Windows Help and Support
window.
Now if you want to go back to the place where you started when first opening
Help, simply click on the house in the toolbar. That will take you home.
Remember the tool bar will help you navigate from one place to another in the
Help and Support Center. Congratulations! You have now navigated your Help &
Support Center.
Important terms to remember:
 Help and Support
 Home
40
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

41. Unit 12: Shutting Down Your Computer
It is very important that you shut down your Windows computer properly. First, to
be on the safe side, be sure that no programs are running. Remember, just
because you can't see a program displayed on the screen, doesn't mean you
don't have one running. Check the task bar to see if there are programs
minimized and running.
After you've closed out all documents and programs, there is a fairly standard
procedure you will follow to shut down Windows:
1. Click on the start button (Does that make sense? Start to stop?)
2. You'll be presented with a choice. Do you want to Shut Down (turn off the
power to your computer), or do you wish to Log Off (disconnect your
access)? The answer, of course, depends on you and where you are.
If you're in a networking situation at a business or school, and you simply need to
close out your session but leave the computer on for another user, then you
would choose to log off.
41
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

42. If, on the other hand,
you're ready to turn your
computer off (power it
down), then you'll
choose Shut Down. If
you choose Shut Down a
new window will appear.
Any running programs
and open windows will be
listed in this new window.
Though you may have
originally chosen Shut
down from the start
menu, you can change
your mind if you like.
In the image to the right,
you have an option to
Force shut down. You
will see this option if there
is a program or window
that has work that might
need to be saved before
the computer can shut
down. You can use
Force shut down if you
feel the information that
hasn‟t been saved is not
necessary. This is not a
recommended choice,
however. The computer
is trying to save you from
disaster; one we usually
don‟t realize is on our horizon until it is too late… Choose Cancel, go back and take
a moment to close each window yourself. In this way you can be sure the hard work
on which you spent your time won‟t be lost.
Another option you may be offered is to restart your computer. Choose this option
if you simply want Windows to reset and clear out its memory. Sometimes when
your computer is acting up, or the mouse is not operating properly, you may
choose to restart your computer. It's the first thing to try when your computer
is acting up.
Windows will now display a message that it's shutting down or logging off.
Congratulations! You've successfully closed out your Windows session.
42
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

43. Important terms to remember:
 Shut down
 Start Button
 Log Off
 Restart
 Cancel
Notes:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
43
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8

44. Bibliography
Gaskin, F. (2010). Go! with Microsoft. Windows 7 Getting Started. Upper Saddle River:
Prentice Hall.
Henning, L. A. Various Screen Captures. Microsoft Windows Fundamentals. Yavapai
College, Prescott Valley.
Henning, L. (2010). Microsoft Windows Fundamentals version 5. Prescott Valley: Yavapai
College.
Microsoft, Inc. (2010, August). Help and Support. Redmond, WA, USA.
44
Microsoft Windows Fundamentalsv.8