Windows XP Basics By Jane MaringerCantu CSIS 572

Windows XP Basics By Jane Maringer-Cantu CSIS 572

What is a Computer? n A computer is composed of 2 main parts. n Hardware n Software n Refers to the programs, or applications, that a computer uses to perform tasks. n instructions that tell your computer what to do. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Parts of a Computer CD-ROM Keyboard CD Drive Monitor Zip Drive Mouse Flash Drive CPU Floppy Disks (Central Processing Unit) Jane Maringer-Cantu Printer

Bytes are used to measure the amount of information a device can store. n One byte is one character. n A character can be a number, letter or symbol. n One byte consists of 8 bits (binary digits). n A bit is the smallest unit of information a computer can process. n Jane Maringer-Cantu

Bytes (continued) n Kilobyte (K)=1, 024 characters. This is approximately equal to one page of double-spaced text. n Megabyte (MB)=1, 048, 576 characters. This is approximately equal to one novel. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Bytes (continued) n Gigabyte (GB)=1, 073, 741, 824 characters. This is approximately equal to 1000 novels. n Terabyte (TB)=1, 099, 511, 627, 776 characters. This is approximately equal to 1, 000 novels. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Bytes (continued) 1 Bit = Binary Digit 8 Bits = 1 Byte 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte 1024 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte 1024 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte 1024 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte Jane Maringer-Cantu

Hard Drive vs. Memory n Your hard drive can be considered a large bookshelf. Just as you store books and papers on that shelf, you store applications on the hard drive. n (The larger the bookshelf you have, the more items you can fit onto it. ) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Hard Drive vs. Memory n We can think of random access memory (RAM) as the surface of a desk. This is where you actively work with items from the bookshelf. n (The bigger your desk, the more books you can open at one time. ) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Can you talk to your computer? n There are 2 ways in which you can communicate with your computer. n Using the keyboard (Typing information into the computer) n Using a pointing device such as a mouse (Selecting & moving items) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Windows XP n is an operating system, which is software that helps the computer carry out operating tasks, such as: n displaying information on the computer screen, and n saving data on disks. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Windows XP n Provides you with access to all the parts of your computing environment. n Documents n Files n Applications or Programs Lets you set up & use printers n Provides you access to network servers n Jane Maringer-Cantu

Windows XP environment is centered around windows. n A window is a rectangular area onscreen that presents information. n n You can open, close, maximize, minimize, move & resize windows. Jane Maringer-Cantu

ICONS Windows XP uses small graphical icons, or pictures, to represent objects. n Most icons also have text labels. n Jane Maringer-Cantu

Using a Mouse n 4 Basic Actions n Pointing-Using the mouse as an extension of your hand. n Clicking- Pressing and releasing the mouse button one time. n Double-clicking-pressing and releasing the mouse button two times quickly. n Dragging-pressing and holding the left mouse button over the object, move the mouse to desired place and release. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Selecting Objects n n You can select an object in several ways. If the object is not a menu selection, you click the object: n Move the mouse cursor onto the icon and press the left mouse button once. n A selected icon is highlighted; its label is darkened and has a dotted line. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Choosing an Object n n n You choose an object to activate its associated command by double-clicking its icon n move the mouse cursor onto the icon and press the left mouse button rapidly twice. If the object is a menu selection or command button, you choose it with a single click. For example, the command button cancel. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Moving an Object n To drag and drop an object onto another object, move the mouse cursor onto the icon of the object to be dragged. n Press and hold the left mouse button while you move the mouse cursor to the destination object’s icon. n Then release the mouse button. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Context Menu n If you move the mouse over an object on the desktop or in a window and click the right mouse button, Windows XP displays a menu called a context menu, or rightclick menu, with the object’s common commands. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Any Questions? Jane Maringer-Cantu