Windows Os

Windows Operating system

MS Windows is a GUI based operating system produced by Microsoft Corporation. MS Windows provides GUI, desktop system, virtual memory management, control panel, multitasking, and support many peripheral devices.

Basics components of GUI

Pointer:
It is a symbol that appears on the display screen. It can be moved to select commands and objects.
Pointing devices:
It allows you move the pointer and select object on the screen eg mouse and trackball.
Icons :
It refers to small images on the display screen, that represents commands, files, windows etc.
Desktop:
It is the display screen that contains the icons.

GUI key benifits
- It allows you to place more information within a program.
- The graphics allow users to use complex programs with greater ease.
- It saves time as you do not need to edit configuration manually .
- Helps create user friendly software with a point and click interface .

Some features of windows are:

Cortana:
Cortana is able to accept voice commands.
File Explorer:
File Explorer displays your files and folders on the computer.
Internet browser:
Internet browser is used to search for view pages, online shopping, play games, watch videos, etc.
Microsoft paint:
It is used to create, view and edit image.
Taskbar:
Taskbar displays currently opened programs.
Start menu:
Start menu displays programs and utilities that are installed on the computer.
Task Manager:
Task manager provides details of the running application.
Disk Cleanup:
It is used to free up disk space with the help of deleting temporary or unnecessary files. It also helps to enhance the performance of the computer and boost storage space.

Managing Files and Folders

Using file Exploer in windows 10

To see into your computer’s storage vault, click the File Exploer icon located on your Taskbar or click Start >File Exploer.
When you launch the File Exploer you get the Quick access windows and you will see your most frequently accessed folders and files you created.

Organizing Files and Folders

If you have alot of files , you will want to organize them. So if you need to see recent files created or olders files or older files or you need to archive certain files elsewhere, you can easily do so.

Copy Pasting a File or Folders

One of the most common operations for users is copying, which creates a replica of an original file. To copy a file,Select the file you want to copy and click Copy under the Hometab. you can just easily copy or move a file without leaving current location. Under the home tab within the organize group, click ‘Copy to’ or ‘Move to’ button and choose the location if its listed, or click the choosen location button and select the location.

Customize the Start Screen and Desktop

Customize the Start menu

You’ll use the Start menu to open apps, access commonly used folders, and a whole lot more. Because it’s such a commonly used feature, you may want to customize the Start menu to suit your needs.

To Rearrange Tiles
If you don’t like the way your tiles are arranged on the Start menu, you can rearrange them.

  • To move a tile, simply Click and drag it to the desired location.
  • To make a tile bigger or smaller, right click the tile, select Resize, then choose the desired size.

Pinning and Unpinning Tiles
If you want to add a tile to the Start menu, you can pin it. You can also unpin tiles you don’t use very often.

  • Click the Start button, then open the All apps menu.
  • Find and right-click the desired app, then select Pin to Start.
  • The app will be pinned to the Start menu. You can remove any tile by right-clicking, then selecting Unpin from Start.

Installing and removing devices

Adding hardware and peripherals

To add a new device to your computer, use these steps :
1. Open settings
2. Click on Devices
3. Click on Bluetooth & Other devices
4. Click on Add Bluetooth & Other devices button

Adding Printers

1. Open settings
2. Click on Devices
3. Click on Printers & Scanner
4. Click on Add Printers & Scannerbutton
5. Select the device from the list, and click the Add device button

Managing password and privacy

To setup or change the password on your account, follow these steps:
1. Click the start button and then click the Settings.
2. Click the Accounts icon (shown). WHen the Accounts pane appears, click the Sign-in options along the pane’s left edge.
3. From the Password section on the app’s right side, click the Change Button. Don’t have a password ? Click the Add button instead
Click the Password sections Change button.
4. Type Password that will be easy to remember.
5. If asked , type that same password into the Retype Password text box so windows know you are spelling it correctly.
6. In the password Hint box, type a hint that reminds you - and only you- of your passwords.
7. Click the Next button and click Finish.

Use of Control Panel, System Tools and Accessories

Control Panel
The Control Panel is a component of Microsoft Windows that provides the ability to view and change settings. It include adding or removing hardware and software, controlling user accounts, changing accessibility options, and accessing networking settings.

System Tools
System tools contain applications used for maintenance, upgrade, an update of the system. These tools can also be used by the control Panel.

Accessories
The Accessories folder contains traditional apps like Paint, Notepad, Sticky Notes, Snipping Tools and others. It has been renamed as " Windows Accessories".