When you turn on your computer, you will see the Desktop. Everything you see on the screen is the link to files, programs, storage devices, and other items that are part of the computer you are using. The desktop of each person's computer will look different, but the basic components and functions are the same. The first thing a person should do is read the information about the Desktop in your manual or in the Help files.
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Accessing Your Desktop One of the things you will first notice is the background picture on the screen. This graphic is called Wallpaper and it can be changed to any picture that you want. The other important graphics that you see on the screen are small icons. These icons are linked directly to programs and other areas on your computer. To access these areas, double-click on the icon. Some of the icons such as "My Computer" and "Trash Can" are usually on the screen permanently. You can add icons to desktop to your favorite programs so that you access them directly from your desktop. These are known as Shortcuts" because they are direct links to the program. The icons can be arranged on the desktop in any arrangement you like by clicking and dragging. |
My Computer: One of the most important icons on the desktop is My Computer. Clicking on this icon will give you access to your documents folder, the hard drive, cd's, disks, and other hardware that may be connected to the computer. In addition, you have access to all other places on your computer including the Control Panel.
The "Trash Can" or "Recycle Bin": Another important icon that you should know about is the Recycle Bin or Trash Can. When you no longer want to keep a file, you direct the file there to delete it from your computer. The file will stay in there until you choose to empty it. You empty the trash by choosing the "Empty trash" option. You can see what it stored in the trash by double-clicking on the icon. If you decide that you want a file back you can move it back to your computer. Once you have emptied the trash the files are permanently deleted, so make sure you don't want the files before your empty it.
Network Places: If you are connected to a network, clicking on this icon will show you all the servers, computers or other hardware that you are able to access.
Documents: This is the place on the hard drive that
is used to store the files and documents. It is very hand to have a shortcut
link to your documents folder, so that you can retrieve a document or files
quickly. This is a folder that you will probably use most times that you are
on the computer.
The Start Menu and Task bar
When you look at your desktop you will also see a bar at the bottom of the screen. This is the Start Menu and the Task bar. On the right side you will see a clock that gives you the time. Next to it are icons that will allow you to access some of the control features such as volume, help files, and the control panel.
Moving across towards the left side you will see some "Quick Launch" icons. These icons allow fast access to the programs that you use frequently. On the far left side of the task bar you will see the Start menu. When you click on the Start a menu will appear that lists all the program options that are available on your computer. Some of the words have arrows next to them. Following the arrow will lead you to other choices in that category. The following chart lists basic Start menu options and a brief description of what they are.
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Left Side:This side shows the programs that you have recently used. In this case the person has used a number of different programs including Explorer, Email, Dreamweaver, Word, Fireworks etc. Following the arrow on the right of All Programs produces a new menu that lists all the programs that can be found on the computer. This is a quick way to access a program anytime you need it. Right Side: Bottom: Log Off - allows a user
to log off and another user to log on.
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Working With Windows
Do you know how to re-size, maximize, minimize, open and close windows?
Resize: Look at the bottom right corner of the window. You should see a square with some lines. Using your mouse, place your pointer on that square. Click the mouse and hold. You should now be able to drag the corner to make the window the size you want.
Maximize, Restore Down: On the top right side of the window you should icons. By clicking on the middle picture (the one that has the picture of the windows) you can make the window you are working in smaller or full screen size.
Close Windows: The X in the top right will close your window. Make sure you want to close your window because when you click on this button the window will close and you will not get it back. If you are working on a document and you close the window, a dialogue box will come up and ask you if you want to save before you close. Of course you should choose Yes, if you want to keep your document.
Minimize: This is a very handy feature when you are using more than one window at a time. When you click on the minimize button (the icon with the line _ ), your window will go down to the task bar at the bottom of your desktop. If you want that document back you simply click on it on the task bar and it will come back as your main window. This will allow you to use a number of programs and files at the same time and work between them.
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Page Last Updated:
April 12, 2006 10:56 AM
