INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Our lifestyles have undergone a sea change with the advancement in technology especially in the field of computers. Computers are an integral part of our lifestyles today and are found at offices, homes, schools, colleges, hotels, shops etc. This advance in technology has made our lives easy and comfortable. For instance, we can execute a number of activities using computer based systems- we can write a draft on word processor and email it, make calculations using an electronic spreadsheet and incorporate graphics, create a database of friends with their phone numbers, addresses and e-mail ids etc. It is an arduous process to perform these activities using existing traditional methods. Computers can also simplify other tasks such as word processing, designing, web site development, database management etc. Therefore, a computer should be referred to as a Data processor.

A computer is a device that opens up a world of possibilities. As the human race has advanced over the ages, we have always tried to do more things. And at the same time, we have tried to do these things faster, better and in a more complex and specialised manner.The practice of going to your nearby post office and filling out a form to send a money order still exists. You have probably done this yourself. However, in the time it takes to send one money order from Gulbarga to Bangalore the old way, a person using computers will have sent thousands of crores of rupees to thousands of people in a thousand different places around the world. Almost any work you can think of, and you do, Computers help you do it better, faster and more reliably. In todays Information age computers are everywhere. Your mobile phone is a computer, the ATM machine is a computer, the handheld ticket printing machines that bus conductors use is a computer, and most modern cars have at least two computers built into them!Now, let us consider typical computer. It is a device that accepts instructions and information from you, works on those instructions pieces of information, and finally sends out a result; which is usually the completed work.

Evolution of Computer TechnologyThe origin of computer technology took place in the 19th century. People desired to have a machine that would carry out mathematical calculations for them. The ABACUS is considered to have been the first computer in the world. It was used to perform simple measurements and calculations. ABACUS is available even today for school going children.

In the 17th century, a scientist named Pascal developed a machine that could perform mathematical calculations. This machine comprised of a number of gears. The movement of gear mechanism was used to perform some calculations. He named the machine PASCALINE. However, the concept of the modern computer was propounded by the scientist and mathematician Charles Babbage. He first wrote on the use of logic and loops in process execution. Based on the concept of logic and loops, Babbage envisaged two models for performing computations- Analytical Engine and Difference Engine. In those days, electronics was not developed. Therefore, these models proposed by Babbage existed only on paper. However, the ideas given by Babbage were implemented after the invention of electronics. George Boolean developed the famous Boolean algebra based on binary numbers.De Morgan put forward theorems on logic gates. These theorems are known as De Morgans Theorems.

Lady Ada was the first computer programmer.

The real application of computers began in the late fifties. The computers were used in the United States for various applications such as census, defense, R&D, universities etc.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

Compared to traditional systems, computers offer many noteworthy advantages. This is one reason that traditional systems are being replaced rapidly by computer-based systems. The main advantages offered by computers are as follows:

High Accuracy Superior Speed of Operation Large Storage Capacity User-friendly Features Portability Platform independence Economical in the long term

PARTS OF A COMPUTER

Basic parts of a computer system are Mouse, Keyboard, monitor, memory, CPU, motherboard, Hard Disk, Speakers, Modem, power supply and processor. Some of the parts are mentioned below:-

1. Mouse: Mouse is used for operating the system. Nowadays, optical mouse is more popular as compared to simple mouse.2. Keyboard: Keyboard is used to input data in to the system so that the system gives output to the user. Therefore, the keyboard is an integral part of the input system. A computer is essentially incomplete without a keyboard.

3. Monitor: Monitor, which again is a very essential part of the computer system, displays the actions that the computer performs on our command.

4. Motherboard: Motherboard again a necessary element of the computer system contains different elements as memory, processor, and modem, slots for graphic card and LAN card.

5. Hard Disk: Hard disk is used to store data permanently on computer.6. Modem: Modem is used to connecting to the Internet. Two types of modems are widely used. One is known as software modems and the other is known as hardware modems.

7. Speakers: Speakers are also included in basic elements of a computer. It is not indispensible, because a computer can perform its function without speakers. However, we use them to for multiple purposes.

8. Microphone: It is used to give voice input or to record any voice file etc.

9. CD/DVD Discs: It is commonly used to deliver programs and store large multimedia files. It is a very popular form of storage.

10. Floppy Disks: It is generally used to store small amounts of data for backup. These data may comprise of documents which are of small size. It is not in popular use due to the rise of CD/DVD.

11. Central Processing Unit: It is the most important of all the parts of a computer. It can be considered the brain of a computer since it is responsible for storing all the files present in the computer with respect to its memory or the processor present in it.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

1. Desktop Computers: The computer that has typically a monitor, cabinet, keyboard and mouse are called desktop computer. The size of this particular device is very large and would need considerable area to set it up. We do find them regularly at cash counters, stores and offices. These desktop computers are the most customizable computers due to the variable shape and sizes. If performance is a key factor then desktop is the prime choice. Also the price factor is relatively economical when compared with other types of computers.

2. All-in-One:These are derived from desktops. If the CPU is integrated into monitor thats what you call it an All-in-one. These are quite powerful next to desktops. The customizable aspect is comparatively less. Youll even find touch screen based All-in-Ones.However the all-in-one form factor still requires an external power supply and must be deployed on a table or desk to use the (still separate) keyboard and mouse,

3. Laptops: These are computers meant for mobility and convenience. Laptops are also referred to as a notebook. A laptop is a portable computer that is about the size as a large binder and has the same abilities as a standard home desktop computer, but is small enough for easy mobility. A laptop is a compact model of desktop; every component are reduced in size and weight so that they consume less power that results in running on a battery rather than a A.C (Alternating Current).The customizability of the laptops is very restricted. You can upgrade components like RAM, Hard drive, and batteries.

4. Net books:If the laptop size is more compact i.e. ultra thin then these devices are known as net books. Sometimes referred to as a mini notebook, mini laptop, or subnotebook, a net book is a term coined by Intel that describes a portable computer that is about half the size of a traditional laptop. The primary purposes of the net books are to be ultra portable and provide with more working time.

5. Tablets: Tablet is also mentioned as a slate PC, a tablet is a portable computer that accepts hand-printed lettering and is operated either with a stylus or your fingers. Unlike a traditional computer a tablet does not have a keyboard or mouse and are much lighter and smaller than a portable computer.

Servers:A server is a system that responds to requests across a computer network to provide, or help to provide, a network service. A computer connected to a network that other computers may or may not access. Unlike other computers on a network, a server is a dedicated computer setup for one or more purposes. For example, a user may setup a server to authenticate and allow or prohibit users from accessing a network, send/receive e-mail, manage print jobs, or host a website. For example, the Edutel home web page is hosted on a server.Because servers commonly serve a need that's required 24/7 they're often never turned off and when fail cause the network users or company a great deal of problems. Some server failures can cause a company and its employees to come to a complete halt in their work until they return. Because of this, servers are commonly high-end computers and are setup to be fault tolerant.

Basic Computer FunctioningA computer can be defined as an electronic device that accepts data from an input device, processes it, stores it in a disk and finally displays it on an output device such as a monitor. To understand the basic rudiments of the functioning of the computer refer to the basic block diagram of a computer.

As shown in Figure there are four main building blocks in a computer's functioning input, processor, output and memory. The data is entered through input devices like the keyboard, disks or mouse. These input devices help convert data and programs into the language that the computer can process.The data received from the keyboard is processed by the CPU, i.e. the Central Processing Unit. The CPU controls and manipulates the data that produce information. The CPU is usually housed within the protective cartridge. The processed data is either stored in the memory or sent to the output device, as per the command given by the user. The memory unit holds data and program instructions for processing data. Output devices translate the processed information from the computer into a form that we can understand.

Components of Computer System

1. MOTHERBOARD

The motherboard is the main component inside the case. It is a large rectangular board with integrated circuitry that connects the various parts of the computer as the CPU,RAM, Disk drives (CD, DVD, Hard disk or any others) as well as any other peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.Components directly attached to the motherboard include: The central processing unit (CPU) performs most of the calculations that enable a computer to function and is sometimes referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It is usually cooled by a heat sink and fan. The chip set aids communication between the CPU and the other components of the system, including main memory. RAM (Random Access Memory) stores all running processes (applications) and the current running OS. The BIOS includes boot firmware and power management. The Basic Input Output System tasks are handled by operating system drivers. Internal Buses connect the CPU to various internal components and to expansion cards for graphics and sound.

2. POWER SUPPLY

A power supply unit (PSU) converts alternating current (AC) electric power to low voltage DC power for the internal components of the computer. Some power supplies have a switch to change between 230 V and 115 V. Other models have automatic sensors that switch input voltage automatically or are able to accept any voltage within these limits. Power supply units used in computers are generally switch mode power supplies (SMPS).The SMPS provides regulated direct current power at several voltages as required by the motherboard and accessories such as disk drives and cooling fans.

3. PROCESSOR:Alternatively referred to as the brain of the computer, processor, central processor, or microprocessor, the CPU (pronounced as C-P-U) is responsible for handling all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer.In the CPU, the primary components are the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) that performs mathematical, logical, and decision operations and the CU (Control Unit) that directs all of the processors operations.

4. REMOVABLE MEDIA DEVICES

CD (compact disc): The most common type of removable media, suitable for music and data CD-ROM Drive: A device used for reading data from a CD. CD Writer: A device used for both reading and writing data to and from a CD. DVD (digital versatile disc): A popular type of removable media that is the same size as a CD but stores up to 12 times as much information- the most common way of transferring digital video and is popular for data storage. DVD-ROM Drive: A device used for reading data from a DVD DVD Writer: A device used for both reading and writing data to and from a DVD DVD-RAM Drive: A device used for rapid writing and reading of data from a special type of DVD. Blu-ray Disc: A high density optical disc format for data and high-definition video that can store 70 times as much information as a CD. BD-ROM Drive: A device used for reading data from a Blu-ray disc. Floppy disk: An outdated storage device consisting of a thin disk of a flexible magnetic storage medium used today mainly for loading RAID drivers. USB flash drive: A flash memory data storage device integrated with a USB interface, typically small, lightweight, removable and rewritable with varying capacities from hundreds of megabytes (in the same ballpark as CDs) to tens of gigabytes (surpassing, at great expense, Blu-ray discs).

INPUT & OUTPUT DEVICES

Input/output device,also known as computer peripheral,any of various devices (including sensors) used to enter information and instructions into a computer for storage or processing and to deliver the processed data to a human operator or, in some cases, a machine controlled by the computer. Such devices make up the peripheral equipment of modern digital computer systems.

INPUT DEVICESAn input device converts incoming data and instructions into a pattern of electrical signals in binary code that are comprehensible to a digital computer. An output device reverses the process, translating the digitized signals into a form intelligible to the user. At one time punched-card and paper-tape readers were extensively used for inputting, but these have now been supplanted by more efficient devices.Input devices include typewriter-like keyboards; handheld devices such as the mouse, trackball, joystick, and special pen with pressure-sensitive pad; and microphones. They also include sensors that provide information about their environmenttemperature, pressure, and so forthto a computer. Another direct-entry mechanism is the optical laser scanner (e.g., scanners used with point-of-sale terminals in retail stores) that can read bar-coded data or optical character fonts. OUTPUT DEVICES

Output devices include video display terminals (either cathode-ray tubes or liquid crystal displays), ink-jet and laser printers, loudspeakers, and devices such as flow valves that control machinery, often in response to computer processing of sensor input data. Some devices, such as video display terminals, may provide both input and output. Other examples are devices that enable the transmission and reception of data between computerse.g., modems and network interfaces. Most auxiliary storage devicesas, for example, magnetic tape, magnetic disk drives, and certain types of optical compact discsalso double as input/output devices.OPERATING SYSTEMSOperating system; typically called the OS, resides in the processing unit or the memory of the computer. Since it is not possible for a human being to directly talk with a computer, we need some way of communicating with the computer and the computer needs some way of communicating with us. This is where the Operating System comes in. The OS is a piece of software that allows you to communicate with the computer. You input information or give commands to the computer through the OS usually with the help of a keyboard and a mouse and the computer responds by showing you what it has done, with the help of the screen. Input, Processing and Output all got involved there. In most computers that you will work on, you will see Microsoft companys Windows Operating System present. There are other OSs also. For example, Linux is an OS that is free to use, Mac OS is an OS created by the Apple Macintosh corporation, Sun Solaris is created by Sun Corporation, AndroidOS is created by Google for its smartphones; and of course, there is the old DOS or Disk Operating System. But for now we will focus on Windows.Microsofts Windows OS has been around for a long time, It started as the Windows 1.0 Operating System in November 1985 and has now reached Windows 8.1; which was released in October 2013.Most people believe that Windows XP operating system is the most popular and widely used operating system in the world. As of April 2014, over 1,00,00,00,000 copies of Windows XP have been sold. That is One Thousand Crore copies have been sold so far! However, after XP, Microsoft launched Windows 7; and this is the Operating system we will learn to use now. Operating System:Windows 7 is considered quite a good OS. It is easy, straightforward and allows many options for a person to customise the OS. Let us start with the basics. Basic components:There are three major parts in any operating system. 1. Documents 2. Programs or Applications 3. Control Components.1. Documents are files that you or someone else has created and stored on the computer. These files contain data (information) and can be changed by you or someone else with the help of programs (also called applications)2. Programs or Applications are pieces of software that allow you to work on document files with the help of tools that you need for a particular file. For example, you will use Microsoft Word Program to access Word documents. Another way of explaining it is that, whenever you open a Word document, it will open in a program called Microsoft Word. If you open an html (HyperText Markup Language - what this means will be explained later) file, it will open in a Browser. The html file is the document and the Browser is the Program or Application. 3. Control Components: These are also pieces of software. However, they are not used to open any files. Instead they are used to control different parts of the computer. Some can be controlled by you - the user - however, most will be under the Administrators control. See who a user and who and Administrator is, below. One example of control component is Sound and Audio control. This allows you to control the volume of sound being put out by the computer. Another control component is Display Properties. Display properties allow you change the way your desktop looks. You can change the main image on the desktop (referred to as the wallpaper) you can change the colours you see for different windows and lots of other things. INTERACTING WITH THE WINDOWS OSUsers:There are two basic types of people who are allowed to work on most computers. They are Administrators and Users. An administrator is the person who has maximum control of the computer. He or she is specially trained to handle all the different controls of the computer. Most people who use a computer are not allowed such control of the computer. In your case you will not be an Administrator you will be a User. A user will be given certain limited permissions by the administrator. Login:As soon as you start your computer, you are likely to see the login screen. This screen is the computers way of asking you to prove who you are by identifying yourself. A login screen looks like this (figure 1)On this screen, you might be asked to enter your Username and your password. A Username is the name given to you as a User by the Administrator. In addition, you will be given a password. Please make sure you memorise this and keep it a secret. If any person other that you gets your password, they can use the machine using your name and if anything goes wrong, you will get the blame. Once you are logged in, you will be at the desktop. This is what the desktop looks like. It is called the desktop because this is your office and since all offices have desks or tables where you do your work, this is your desk. All your work will be done here. Now lets look at the different components of the desktop and what they do. The major components of the desktop are : Start Button Start Menu Search Bar Desktop Icons Taskbar Notification Area

Start Button: This is one place where you get access to all the programs and documents on your computer along with access to the Internet. As you can see, this is usually located on the bottom left hand corner of the desktop on the Taskbar. Start Menu: This list comes up when you left-click with your mouse on the Start Button. It contains access to all the different parts of the Operating System. Programs that you use frequently will be listed on the left side of the Start Menu and access to storage areas and control areas of the computer are on the right hand side of the this Menu. Search Bar: You can search for anything that is already on the computer from the Search bar. Your search can be for programs as well as for documents. However, to search for things on the internet, you will need a browser. We will come to the browser very soon. Desktop Icons: These images can be clicked on and they will open the respective programs or files. You can add or remove most icons according to your convenience. Taskbar: Whatever file you have opened or whatever program you are running is called a task. And most of the tasks you are currently doing tasks will appear on a taskbar as icons. Notification area: this part, usually located on the bottom right hand corner of the screen shows you the current date and time along with any notification icons (such as volume control) that are present.Now, Microsoft named their Operating system Windows because all the work done is in rectangular areas of the screen that look like Windows. Whatever you are doing on the computer will be in a window and we will now learn more about these windows. So, what is a window?A window is a rectangular area of the screen in which you can view programs, folders, files, or icons. Any window is made up of several components that are the same for all windows in Windows 7. Here is an example:

Parts of the Windows 7 Computer WindowTool bar-a row or block of buttons, usually displayed at the top of a window, which contains commands for tasks you can perform with a single click.Forward & Back buttons-you can use these buttons to go back and forward while navigating around the parts of the Windows 7 windowAddress bar-displays your current location in the folder structure of Windows 7Title bar-contains the window title and basic window control buttons. (Located at the top of the window.)Search box-a box found in windows that provides a way to find specific files and foldersRemovable storage device-a portable device on which you can store files, for example, a flash driveDetails pane-displays the most common properties associated with the selected fileNavigation pane-area on the left side of a folder window; it displays favorites, libraries, and an expandable list of drives and folders. Opening Windows with the MouseTo open a window from an icon, double-click on the icon. For example, point at the Computer icon and double-click or select it by clicking once and pressing enter. If you do it correctly, the Computer icon opens up the Computer window.Opening Windows with the Right Mouse ButtonYou can also use a shortcut menu to open a window. Put the mouse pointer on the Computer icon and click the right mouse button, and a shortcut menu appears. Select Open on the shortcut menu, and the icon opens into a window.Opening Windows with the KeyboardYou can also use the keyboard to open a window. For example, to open the Computer window, hold the Windows logo key + E. (The Windows logo key is located between the left sided Control and Alt keys.

Using Scroll BarsScroll bars appear along the bottom and right edges of a window when text, graphics, or icons in a window take up more space than the area shown. Using scroll bars, you can move up, down, left, or right in a window. You can also scroll through the window by using the up, down, left or right arrow on the keyboard.

The above figure shows an example of a scroll bar. Because the contents of the Desktop Background window are not fully visible in the window, a scroll bar is present on the right side of the window. The following steps show you one way to use the scroll bars to view items outside the visible window:Procedures:1. Click on the Start button, click on the Control Panel, then click on the Change desktop background under the Appearance and Personalization section.2. To see an object that is down and to the right of the viewable area of the window, point at the down arrow (Scroll arrow) located on the bottom of the vertical scroll bar. Use can also use the down arrow on the keyboard to scroll the window. 3. Click on the scroll arrow and the windows contents scroll up.4. Sometimes you might need to move slowly through a window. You can move the contents of a window one windowful at a time by clicking in the scroll bar on either side of the scroll box.Sizing a Window with Maximize, Minimize and Restore You may want to increase the size of a window to see its full contents, or you may want to decrease a windows size (even down to a button form on the task bar) to make room for other windows.

One way to resize a window is to use the Maximize, Minimize, and Restore commands.If you use the mouse, you will use the Maximize, Minimize, and Restore buttons located on the right side of the windows title bar.

If you use the keyboard, you can use the Maximize, Minimize, and Restore menu commands on the Control menu. The following list defines the purpose of each of these buttons and commands: Select the Maximize button or command to enlarge the window to its maximum size. Select the Minimize button or command to reduce the window to a button on the taskbar. Select the Restore button or command to return a window to the size it was before it was maximized. (The Restore button and command are available only after a window has been maximized.) Sizing a Window using the KeyboardTo maximize, minimize or restore a window with the keyboard, follow these steps on the Control Panel window:1. Press Alt+ Spacebar (for an application window) or Alt + - (for a document window) to open the windows Control menu.2. Select the Restore, Minimize, or Maximize command from the menu or3. Press Alt+ Spacebar, press R for restore, N for minimize and X for maximize.To minimize and restore a window with the keyboard shortcut keys, follow these steps:1. To minimize all windows, select the Windows logo key + M.2. To restore all minimized windows, select the Windows logo key + Shift + M.Procedures:To maximize, minimize, or restore a window with the mouse, click the appropriate button. 1. Double-click on the Computer window and try all three buttons.2. Try it with the keyboard shortcuts. Sizing a Window's BordersAt some point, you may need a window to be a particular size to suit your needs. If so, simply drag the window border to change the size of the window.Procedures:Open your Computer window by double-clicking on its icon. Try it with both the Mouse and the Keyboard.Sizing a Window's Borders Using the MouseTo use the mouse, follow these steps:1. Place the mouse pointer on the portion of the border (vertical, horizontal, or corner) that you want to resize. When the mouse pointer is positioned correctly, it changes into one of the shapes described here: The vertical double-headed arrow appears when you position the mouse pointer over the top or bottom window border. It enables you to resize the windows height by dragging the border up or down. The horizontal double-headed arrow appears when you position the mouse pointer over either side of the window border. It enables you to resize the windows width by dragging the border left or right.The diagonal double-headed arrow appears when you position the mouse pointer over any of the four corners of the window border. It enables you to resize the windows height and width proportionally by dragging the corner diagonally.2. Press the mouse button and drag the border. A faint line appears, indicating where the border will be when you release the mouse button.3. Once the border is in the desired location, release the mouse button. The window is resized.Sizing a Window's Borders Using the KeyboardTo resize a window using the keyboard, follow these steps (make sure the window is not maximized):

1. Press Alt+Spacebar (for an application window) to open the windows Control menu.2. Press S to choose the Size command. The pointer becomes a four-headed arrow .3. Use the arrow keys to move the pointer to the border or corner you want to resize. The mouse pointer turns into a different arrow.4. With the pointer on the border or corner, press the arrow keys to resize the window. 5. When the window appears to be the size you want, press Enter. To cancel the operation, press Esc. Moving a WindowWhen you start working with multiple windows, moving a window becomes as important as sizing one. For example, you may need to move one or more windows to make room for other work on your desktop.Procedures: (Open your Computer window by double-clicking on its icon.)Try moving your window with the mouse and the keyboard. Moving a Window using the Mouse1. To move a window using the mouse, point at the windows title bar, press and hold the left mouse button, and drag it to a new location.

Moving a Window using the KeyboardTo use the keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Press Alt + Spacebar (for an application window) to open the windows control menu.

2. Press M to choose the Move command. The pointer changes to a four-headed arrow .3. Use the arrow keys to move the window to a new location.4. When the window is located where you want it, press Enter. To cancel the operation and return the window to its original location, press Esc.Switching between WindowsIf you have more than one window open on your screen, you can easily switch between the windows. Each window is like an individual piece of paper. Switching between windows is like placing a different piece of paper at the top of the pile.*You can only work in one window at a time. The active window appears in front of all the other windows. To Switch between Windows with the Mouse:1. To display the window you want to work with, click its button on the taskbar.ORThe taskbar displays a button for each open window. If you have many windows open, all the buttons for a program may appear as a single button on the taskbar.

1. To display the window you want to work with, click its button on the taskbar.2. A menu may appear, displaying the name of each open window in the program.3. Click the name of the window you want to display.4. The window appears in front of all the other windows. You can now clearly view the contents of the window.

Taskbar with many windows open.To Switch between Windows using the Keyboard:1. Press the Alt + Tab keys simultaneously for each window that you want to be displayed or hold the keys down to navigate through all the open windows.

Closing a non-responsive WindowYou can close a troublesome program or one that is not responding without having to shut down Windows. However, when you close such a program, you will lose any information you did not save in the program. Closing such programs should not affect other open programs.Closing anon responsive Window using the MouseTo close a troublesome window with the keyboard, press and hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys as you press the Delete key. Windows 7 gives you a list of items from which to choose: Lock this computer Switch User Log off Change a password Start Task Manager or the CANCEL command button.Click on the Start Task Manager link, and the Windows Task Manager window appears and lists the programs that are currently running. The phrase Not Responding appears beside the name of an unruly program.

Windows 7 Task Manager window.Under the Applications tab, select the program that is unruly or misbehaving, then click the End Task button and select the Close button to close the Windows Task Manager window.Closing a Window When youre finished working with a window, you should close it. This can help speed up Windows, conserve memory, and keep your desktop from becoming cluttered. Closing a Window using the MouseTo close a window with the mouse: Click on the button on the title bar.OR 1. Click on the Control menu icon to display the Control menu.

2. Select the Close command to close the window.

Closing a Window using the KeyboardIf you would rather use the keyboard, select the window you want to close and press Alt + F4. Using Menus:

What is a Menu?A menu is a group of related commands that tells Windows 7 what you want to do. Menu commands are organized in logical groups. For example, all the commands related to starting your work in Windows 7 are on the Start menu. The names of the available menus appear in the Start menu or on the menu bar in an application window.

Windows 7 start menuThe keyboard shortcut for the Start Menu is Control + Escape or just press the Windows logo key Another type of menu is called a Pull-Down Menu. A Pull-Down menu is a menu that appears to pull-down from the menu bar in an application or program. You access the menu by clicking on its name in the toolbar or the small arrow next to the name or icon

WordPad's File Menu

The keyboard shortcut for the File Menu of WordPad is ALT + F.

Windows 7- Parts of the Start MenuYou can use the Start menu to access programs, files, computer settings and help with Windows. The programs available on the Start menu depend on the software installed on your computer.The Start menu has 3 parts: The left pane, the Search box at the bottom, and the right pane. The panes are usually divided by menu separators, sections or color.

The left pane displays a list of some already installed programs when you purchase the computer or programs that you have chosen to pin, and the All Programs button.

The Search box enables you to look for programs and files on your computer by typing search words in the box. It uses a new feature called word wheel, in which each new character that you type further refines the search.The right pane provides access to commonly used folders, files, settings, and features, and an area where you can shut down or turn off your computer.

Parts of the Windows 7 Start MenuThe Keyboard shortcut for the Start Menu is Control + Escape or just press the Windows logo key Parts of the start menu.Pinned programsDisplays programs, at the top above the menu separator, that you have pinned to the Start menu because you use them frequently.

All ProgramsDisplays all the programs on your computer system that are available; some programs display in a folder and some have submenus.

Search boxSearches your programs, personal folders, etc. by typing search terms.

Start buttonDisplays the Start menu - a list of choices that provides access to your computer's programs, folders, and settings.

TaskbarContains buttons that give you quick access to common tools and the programs currently running. Generally located along the bottom of the desktop.

Shut down button and arrowThe button turns off the computer, and clicking the arrow displays a menu with options for switching user, logging off, restarting, or shutting down.

Control PanelOpens the Control Panel window, where you can customize the appearance and functionality of your computer, add or remove programs, set up your network connections, and manage your user accounts.

ComputerOpens a window from which you can access disk drives, printers, and other hardware connected to your computer.

Personal foldersDisplays the folders created for each user account, with the user account holder's picture, personal folder, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos folders.

Choosing Menu Commands Using the MouseTo choose a menu command with the mouse, click on the menu title in the menu bar. The menu opens to display the available commands. To choose a particular command, simply click on it.The Control MenuTo open the Control menu on the title bar with the mouse, click on the Control Menu icon on the far left side of the Title bar in an application or document window. To close the control menu (or any menu for that matter), press the Escape (Esc) key or anywhere outside of the menu.

Control MenuProcedures:1. Open WordPad. Click on the Start menu, click on Accessories, use the scroll bar if you cannot see the whole menu, and click on WordPad.2. To open the Control menu on the title bar with the mouse, click on the Control menu icon on the far left side of the Title bar in the WordPad window. To close the control menu (or any menu for that matter), press the Escape (ESC) key or anywhere outside of the menu.Choosing Menu Commands with the KeyboardYou can also select menus and menu commands with the keyboard. To do so, press the Alt key to activate the menu bar of the active window. The first menu title becomes highlighted, indicating that the menu bar is active. With the menu bar active, you can select a menu using either of two methods.1. Use the Alt key to activate the menu bar of the active window.2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the menu title you want, and then press Enter. OR1. Use the Alt key to activate the menu bar of the active window. Once activated, certain letters will become underlined.2. Press the key that corresponds to the underlined letter of the menu. For example, to open the View menu, press V. (ALT + Vis the keyboard shortcut.)

View MenuOnce the menu is open, you select a command from the menu using the same techniques you used to open the menu. Highlight the command with the arrow keys and press Enter, or press the key that corresponds to the underlined letter to select the command you want. To close the menu (or any menu for that matter), press the Escape (Esc) key.Control MenuTo open the Control menu on the title bar with the keyboard, press Alt + Spacebar in an application window (such as Microsoft Word or WordPad). Then highlight your selection using the arrow keys and press Enter, or press the key that corresponds to the underlined letter of the command. To close the control menu (or any menu for that matter), press Esc.Procedures:Open WordPad. Click on the Start menu, click on Accessories, use the scroll bar if you cannot see the whole menu, and click on WordPad.1. Use the Alt + Spacebar to activate the menu bar of the active window.2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the menu title you want, and then press Enter. OR3. You can press the key that corresponds to the underlined letter of the command. (Such as x for Maximize.)

Control MenuReading a MenuThe Windows 7 menus (and those of most other Windows applications) contain a number of common elements.For example, selection letters (letters that you press to choose a command) appear underlined.i.e. If you don't see any underlined letters, press the Alt key.And some commands appear with a right-pointing arrow to the side, which indicates that if you choose the command, another menu orsubmenu will appear with more menu options.

The Windows 7 Start menu shows the submenu arrows which is one common element.Another menu element you will see often is the ellipsis (). An ellipsis appears after a command to indicate that Windows 7 needs more information in order to complete the command. To get that information, Windows 7 displays a dialog box. Well talk about dialog boxes later in this workbook.

The Windows 7 folder window also shows a number of these common menu elements.