Chapter No.

3
Introduction to
Windows & Graphic Applications
An operating system must be present in your computer for it to accept and
understand your instructions.
An operating system is a set of programs which starts a computer and allows
the users to interact with the hardware and software present in the computer.
In older computers, an operating system called Disk Operating System or Dos was
used. It had some limitations. You needed to remember lots of commands to work
in DOS. If you forgot any command, you may have to leave your work unfinished.
So it was difficult to work on computers.

Windows
Windows operating system is a user-friendly operating system. It is simple and easy
to use. You do not need to remember the commands. You can communicate with
the computer using simple graphical pictures and menus. So, windows operating
system is said to have a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Windows is a family of
GUI operating systems developed by Microsoft Corporation for personal
computers. The name windows comes from the basic function of the operating
system, it lets you look into your computer, just like looking through a window.

Desktop
The desktop is the area you see when the computer is not running
applications. It consists of the icons on top of it, as well as the Start button
and other features. The desktop can be used to temporarily store information
or to move around documents and windows.

Recycle Bin

Start Menu
Task Bar

Icon
Icons are little pictures that represent different programs or saved items.
Double-clicking on the icon accesses the information icons represent.

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 My Documents
MY DOCUMENTS is the default storage folder for your files that
you create. When you save or open a file, Microsoft Windows
initially opens the MY DOCUMENTS dialog box. At this time you
can navigate to where you want to save your file.

My Computer
MY COMPUTER displays information about your computer, such as
the contents of your computer drives and which printers you have
installed. It also allows you to find, view and organize files.

The Recycle Bin

This is where you place files you no longer need. Your computers
data files should be tidied up regularly and any unwanted files
deleted from the system. Any file you delete from your hard drive
will be placed first in the RECYCLE BIN. Files you delete from the
University Network drives will not go into the recycle bin. You may
decide to leave those files in the RECYCLE BIN if you think you
might need to retrieve them later. However, you should empty the
recycle bin so it does not fill up. We will look at the recycle bin in
more detail later in this module.

Window
Each application opened will appear in its own window, or its own little
section of the screen. Windows can be moved and resized so that you can
operate many different applications at the same time. To learn how to
manipulate windows, refer to the Manipulating Windows portion of Level.

Dialogue Box
When you ask the computer to do certain commands, such as to save your
work, the computer will need more information from you, and this will
appear in a dialogue box. These boxes contain options and commands for the
computer to execute.

Start Menu
In the lower left-hand corner of the Windows screen is the Start button.
When you click on the button a menu will appear, which we will call the
Start menu. This menu gives you access to all the different parts and
functions of the computer.

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Task Bar
At the very bottom of the screen is a horizontal bar called the task bar
(Figure 1). This bar contains (from left to right) the Start button, shortcuts to
various programs, minimized programs, and another section of shortcuts that
includes sound volume, printers and the time.

Tab Menu
Tab menus, which are often present in dialogue boxes, are menus that
represent many different “pages” of information. To access each “page,”
click on the tab at the top of the dialogue box.

Logging On to a Windows 7 Station

1. In the User name text box, type your username
2. In the Password text box, type your password
Logging Off a Windows 7 Station
1. Start menu click MORE select Log Off,

Shut Down
To shut down, click with your mouse on the button in the lower left-hand corner
of the screen labeled Start. On the menu that pops up, you have multiple options
for exiting your windows computer. Options are Shut Down, Switch User, Log
Off, Lock, Restart, Sleep and Hibernate. Choose the Shut down button in the
lower right hand corner to turn the computer off. To switch to another user,
press the arrow next to the Shut down button and click Switch user. To Log off

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of the computer, click the arrow next to the Shut down button and click Log
Off. If you would rather just lock the computer, blocking anyone else from
using the computer with out your password, choose Lock.

Data Management
All data in computer is managed in files and folders. Each file and folder
stored on storage devices of computer may on hard disk, flash, CD etc. We
usually use Hard disk to save data in computer.

File:
File is a basic data storage object in computer means we save all data in files.
Different files used to store different data types. To make and manage a
specific file in computer we use a specific software. For example: if you
want to store drawing in computer you will use paint to make drawing file
(Bitmap File). Similarly if you want to save text in computer you will use
text file that will be created and managed in Word pad, Notepad or Ms-
Word software’s.

Folder:
Folder is container of files and sub folders. We group all related files
in one folder. For example if you want to keep record of a school then
to save all record we will use files. For good management you should

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keep all files related to 10th class in one folder and all files related to 9th
class in other folder.

The Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is used to manage files, folders, and drives.

Path: -A path is the line of folders you must follow to locate a specific file;
For example, c:\data\reports\status.doc is a file named status.doc that is on the C:
drive and is in the reports subfolder of the data folder.

Basic operations for organizing files:

1. Create Folders and sub-folders

2. Saving files into specific folders
3. Copy/Paste files/folders
4. Move files/folders
5. Rename files/folders
6. Delete files/folders
7. Restore files/folders
8. Create shortcuts
9. Searching files/folders

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Windows Control Panel
The majority of the computer system functionality can be accessed from the Control
Panel. It enables users to administer user accounts, security settings, system
maintenance, network and the internet, hardware and software, programs, and the
Ease of Access settings.

Explore Settings in Control Panel

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Use of General Tools of Windows Seven

Capturing Images with Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool provides four ways to capture images: Free-Form Snip,
Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, or Full-screen Snip.

The Free-Form Snip provides a pen with which you create the borders of your snip
with the precision of your mouse. This snipping option allows for abstract shapes
and nonlinear images
1. From the New Snip pull-down menu , select Free-Form Snip
2. Click and drag the mouse along the border of your image
3. When finished, release the mouse button, To recapture the image

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 a. Click NEW SNIP
b. Repeat steps 3-4
Marking Snips
1. Capture your image, Click PEN » select the desired pen color
2. In the editing window, click and drag the mouse. EXAMPLE:

Highlighting Snips

1. Click HIGHLIGHTER
2. In the editing window, click and drag the mouse. The highlighting
appears.EXAMPLE:
Erasing Markings and
Highlighting
1. Click ERASER Your
cursor changes to an eraser.
2. Click a pen or highlighter mark. The mark is erased.

 Paint is a simple graphics painting program that has been included with all
versions of Microsoft Windows.

 Notepad is a simple text editor included in all versions of Microsoft Windows

since Windows 1.0 in 1985

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 WordPad is a basic word processor that is included with almost all versions of
Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 upwards.

 Calculator

 Math Input Panel

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 Sound Recorder

 Sticky Notes

 Run

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General Short Keys:

F1 Display Help
Ctrl+C or Ctrl+Insert Copy the selected item
Ctrl+X Cut the selected item
Ctrl+V or Shift+Insert Paste the selected item
Ctrl+Z Undo an action
Ctrl+Y Redo an action
Delete or Ctrl+D Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle
Shift+Delete
Bin first
F2 Rename the selected item
Ctrl+Right Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
Ctrl+Left Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
Ctrl+Down Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph
Ctrl+Up Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
Ctrl+Shift with an arrow key Select a block of text
Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or
Shift with any arrow key
select text within a document
Ctrl with any arrow Select multiple individual items in a window or on the
key+Spacebar desktop
Ctrl+A Select all items in a document or window
F3 Search for a file or folder
Alt+Enter Display properties for the selected item
Alt+F4 Close the active item, or exit the active program
Alt+Spacebar Open the shortcut menu for the active window
Close the active document (in programs that allow you to
Ctrl+F4
have multiple documents open simultaneously)
Alt+Tab Switch between open items
Ctrl+Alt+Tab Use the arrow keys to switch between open items
Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Change the size of icons on the desktop
Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip
Windows logo key +Tab
3-D
Ctrl+Windows logo key Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the
+Tab taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Alt+Esc Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the
F6
desktop

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 F4 Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer
Shift+F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
Ctrl+Esc Open the Start menu
Alt+underlined letter Display the corresponding menu
Perform the menu command (or other underlined
Alt+underlined letter
command)
F10 Activate the menu bar in the active program
Right Arrow Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
Left Arrow Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
F5 or Ctrl+R Refresh the active window
Alt+Up Arrow View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer
Ctrl+Shift+Esc Open Task Manager
Shift when you insert a CD Prevent the CD from automatically playing
Switch the input language when multiple input languages
Left Alt+Shift
are enabled
Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts
Ctrl+Shift
are enabled
Change the reading direction of text in right-to-left reading
Right or Left Ctrl+Shift
languages
Windows logo key Open or close the Start menu.
Windows logo key +Pause Display the System Properties dialog box.
Windows logo key +D Display the desktop.
Windows logo key +M Minimize all windows.
Windows logo key +Shift+M Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
Windows logo key +E Open Computer.
Windows logo key +F Search for a file or folder.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +F Search for computers (if you're on a network).
Windows logo key +L Lock your computer or switch users.
Windows logo key +R Open the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key +T Cycle through programs on the taskbar.
Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position
Windows logo key +number indicated by the number. If the program is already running,
switch to that program.
Shift+Windows logo key Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in
+number the position indicated by the number.
Ctrl+Windows logo key Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to
+number the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Alt+Windows logo key Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in
+number the position indicated by the number.

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 Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip
Windows logo key +Tab
3-D.
Ctrl+Windows logo key Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the
+Tab taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
Switch to the program that displayed a message in the
Ctrl+Windows logo key +B
notification area.
Windows logo key +Spacebar Preview the desktop.
Windows logo key +Up Maximize the window.
Arrow
Windows logo key +Left Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.
Arrow
Windows logo key +Right Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.
Arrow
Windows logo key +Down Minimize the window.
Arrow
Windows logo key +Home Minimize all but the active window.
Windows logo key +Shift+Up Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Arrow
Windows logo key Move a window from one monitor to another.
+Shift+Left Arrow or Right
Arrow
Windows logo key +P Choose a presentation display mode.
Windows logo key +G Cycle through gadgets.
Windows logo key +U Open Ease of Access Center.
Windows logo key +X Open Windows Mobility Center.
Ctrl+N Open a new window
Ctrl+Shift+N Create a new folder
F11 Maximize or minimize the active window
Ctrl+Period (.) Rotate a picture clockwise
Ctrl+Comma (,) Rotate a picture counter-clockwise
Num Lock+Asterisk (*) on Display all subfolders under the selected folder
numeric keypad
Num Lock+Plus Sign (+) on Display the contents of the selected folder
numeric keypad
Num Lock+Minus Sign (-) on Collapse the selected folder
numeric keypad
Alt+Enter Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item
Alt+P Display the preview pane
Alt+Left Arrow View the previous folder
Backspace View the previous folder

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 Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the
Right Arrow
first subfolder
Alt+Right Arrow View the next folder
Alt+Up Arrow View the parent folder
Ctrl+Shift+E Display all folders above the selected folder
Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons
Alt+D Select the address bar
Ctrl+E Select the search box
Ctrl+F Select the search box

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 Exercise:
Q1. Fill In the Blanks
1.F2 key is used for rename the selected object Name in windows
environment.
2.All deleted item are stored in Recycle Bin.
3.Windows maintain a Queue for all printing jobs.
4.The capability of an OS to load multiple programs into memory at one
time is called Multiprocessing.
5.With plug & play a computer can automatically detect and install a
device.
6.A Server OS allows multiple users to perform multiple tasks at the
same time.
7.Windows Explorer offers many actions that can be performed on files
& folders.
8.Windows Explorer is used to explorer file and folders.
9.Windows 7 is an example of system Software.
10. Alt + F4 key is used for close program.
11. In windows Explorer F11 key is used for to change view to full
screen.
12. The Ctrl+ Esc (windows Key) keyboard shortcut is used to open
start menu (activate start button).
13. The Windows Key + Pause Key are used to show System
properties dialog box.
14. The Windows Key + D is used to display desktop
15. The Windows Key + M is used to minimize all open programs
and windows
16. The Windows Key + Shift+M is used to restore all minimize
programs and windows
17. The Windows Key + Down Arrow is used to minimize current
open programs or windows
18. The Windows Key + E is used to open windows explorer/My
Computer
19. The Windows Key + U is used to open Utility Manager
20. The Shift + F10 is used to Display the shortcut menu for the
selected item.
21. The Ctrl+Shift+Esc keyboard shortcut is used to open Task
Manager.
22. The pressing Shift key 5 times to switch StickyKeys on and off.
23. Rotate photo counter-clockwise in photo viewer Ctrl+L keyboard
key is used.
24. GUI Stands for Graphical Unser Interface.

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 25. To open Help the F1 keyboard short is used.
26. In windows Explorer Shift + F10 key is used for showing
properties of current/selected object.
27. Ctrl+Shift+N key is used for creating New folder, in windows
explorer.
28. To switch between programs ALT + Tab keyboard key is used.
29. Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin,
Shift + Delete keyboard key is used.
30. F3 key is used for open search window in windows XP.
31. On screen keyboard option available in StartProgram 
Accessories  Accessibility.
32. To open RUN command dialog box Windows Keys + R is used,
33. Left ALT + left Shift + NUM Lock key combination is used to turn
on numeric key pad as Mouse keys.
34. Left ALT + Left Shift + Printscreen key combination is used to
turn on high Contrast.
35. Notepad default file extension is txt
36. RTF stand for Rich Text Format.
37. Word Pad Default File Extension is RTF
38. Ms Paint Default File Extension is BMP
39. BMP means BIT MAP
40. To access properties of an object, the mouse technique to use is
Right Click.
41. The Ctrl + Esc key will launch the Start button.
42. The wheel of a mouse can make it easier to Scroll and Zoom .
43. Windows 7 supports NTFS file format System.
44. The primary job of an operating system is to control hardware.
45. In Windows 7, hibernate means powering down a computer while
retaining its state
46. Operating System is called a supervisor in computer activity.
47. Virtual memory is memory management technique that is
implemented using both hardware and software.
48. Operating System manages all operations within the computer.
49. Backup the Data should be the first step while OS upgrading.

Short Question:
1. What is file path?
2. Write down the use of Recycle Bin.
3. How to create files/folder?
4. Explain the followings
a. My Document
b. My Computer
c. Recycle Bin

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