Introducing…

Microsoft Windows

VISTA

Introducing…

Microsoft Windows

VISTA

What is WINDOWS?

Windows is an OPERATING SYSTEM.

Recall: An operating system is software (i.e. a computer program) that manages your computer.

What is an OPERATING SYSTEM?

An OS is a computer program that:1. Controls the hardware of the

computer, 2. Enables you to communicate with

the computer.3. Organizes the files.

1. OS Controls Hardware

The OS is in charge of allocating resources to processes, such as:

• CPU time (via multitasking)• Printer• disks

2. OS Allows Communication

The OS is the program that enables communication between a user and a computer by:

• Accepting data typed in to the keyboard and mouse clicks

• Determining the proper responses to input

• Displaying messages

User Interface

A user interface is the combination of hardware and software that allows you to communicate with the computer.

• Hardware: monitor, keyboard, mouse.

• Software: programs within the OS that engage you in dialogue

GUI

The goal of a user interface is to be user friendly.

GUI = graphical user interfaceis an interface that displays graphics

to communicate with the user.– Windows– buttons– menus

3. File Management

• The part of the Windows OS that is in charge of file management is called: Windows Explorer.

• Windows explorer helps the user organize files by displaying, copying, moving and deleting files and folders.

File Management

• In Windows, files are organized using folders.

• A folder is also known as a directory.

• Directories have a hierarchical structure, also called a tree structure.

Directory Tree

Desktop

Courses Pictures Core Major Family Friends

If you right click on My Computer and choose Explore you will see the directory tree on your left, shown from left to right.

Pathnames

• The pathname of a file (or folder) is the path from the top of the directory tree until the file (or folder).

• The pathname tells the exact location of a file or folder on your computer.

• Example:C:\Documents and Settings\Desktop\Courses\CIS5.2

Getting Started in Windows VISTA

Now, we begin the hands-on (less conceptual ) intro to Windows VISTA.

The WINDOWS VISTA Desktop

When you log in to your computer, you are looking at your Desktop.

The desktop is meant to simulate a physical desktop, including:

• Files and folders• Trash can (recycle bin)• Clock

Windows Sidebar

• Windows VISTA’s desktop has a sidebar, which is a strip at the right that holds gadgets.

• A gadget is a mini-program that provides updated information, such as weather info.

• You can add or delete gadgets.

The Windows Taskbar

• At the bottom of your screen, you have the Windows taskbar, which contains:

• Start Button• Quick launch toolbar• Currently open windows• Time

The Start Menu

• All Programs Command• Frequently used programs• Help• Search • Shut down

Adding an Icon to the Desktop

• Click the Start Button• Right Click on Computer• Choose “Show on Desktop”In general: the LEFT mouse button

selects, and the RIGHT mouse button displays a pop-up menu.

Folder Windows

• On left – you see the hierarchy• On right – you have contents of

this folder• Address bar (shows “path” or

breadcrumb trails)• Search box • Tabs

Expanding a Folder

• If the folders do not appear, click on “Folders”

• You can see the contents of any folder in the hierarchy by clicking on it. (the black arrow means it’s “expanded” and the empty arrow means it’s “collapsed”)

Copying & Moving Files

• It is possible to copy and move files using the folders hierarchy

• RIGHT dragging is the recommended way of copying, since a menu will pop up giving the option of move or copy.

Creating a Folder

• You can and should create folders to keep your files organized.

• You can create a folder within a folder (and so on).

• You can also rename folders as you rename files.

Deleting Files and Folders

• Moving to the recycle bin is the same as choosing “delete”

• You can restore items in the recycle bin, until you choose to empty the recycle bin

• Important: You cannot restore items to a removable drive!

Searching for a file

If you cannot find a file on your computer:

• Click on start button• Choose Search• Type in your search

Always keep your folders and files organized!

Using Help and Support

• Click the Start Button and choose Help and Support

• Within each application program there is help as well.

• Don’t underestimate your ability to help yourself

• Of course, you can always resort to a google search.