Windows XP Basic Training 1

Logging on to Windows XP
User name and password – Security feature that allows multiple users for each machine to have private, secure folders to store data.
The Desktop
The Desktop is the entire screen except for the bar at the bottom. Windows, dialog boxes, and icons such as the Recycle Bin are displayed on the desktop. You can store shortcuts , which are icons for your favorite programs, on the desktop. You can drag windows , dialog boxes, and icons around the desktop. Double-click an icon on the desktop to open it.
Parts of the Desktop
The Start Button – on the left side of the Taskbar, when clicked, opens the Start menu which is the primary access to the programs, utilities and the settings that are available in Windows
The Taskbar – at the bottom of the screen and contains the active tasks, which are icons and titles of the programs that are running on the computer or folders that are open. The taskbar also holds the Start button on the left and the Notification area on the right. Click a program on the taskbar to open it.
The Notification Area – this area contains the icons of special programs as well as the time of day. Many of the programs running here are running in the background as you use other applications. Examples – anti-virus programs, instant messaging, security applications, multimedia applications.
Using the Mouse on the Desktop
Highlight a Object on the Screen – move the mouse pointer on top of the object
Select an Object on the Screen – point to the object with the mouse and click only once with left mouse button.
Open or Start an Object – point to the object and Double Click with the left mouse button.
Open a Context Menu for an Object – point to an object and click the Right mouse button and a secondary menu will open.
Move an Object on the screen – point to an object on the screen you want to move and hold down the left mouse button and then move the object.
The Start Menu
The Start Menu contains icons for programs and folders, plus access to control functions and other menus
All Programs – List of applications installed on the computer, can be started form this list.
Log Off and Shut Down – Bottom line
Permanent Applications Short Cut Area – Upper left section. This is also referred to as the Pinned Items List
Most Frequently used Applications Area – Lower left section. Windows XP monitors the programs you have used most often and automatically places the six highest here.
File Related Folders – Upper right section. Quick access to Specialty folders on the computer. Example the My Documents, folder created for each separate user of the computer.
System Management Links – Middle and lower right section. Links to utilities to manage your computer’s resources.
All Programs Window
To modify the look and function of the Start Menu – right Click the Start Button / Choose Properties / Click the Customize Button.
The Advanced Tab contains even more customizable options.
The Taskbar
The Taskbar is strip usually found at the bottom of the desktop that houses the Start Button, the Notification Area, and a button for each running program. (see image on page one) The Taskbar can be moved to other sides of the desktop for individual taste, hidden until needed and locked in place.
When programs are opened a button is placed in the Taskbar. Users can minimize and switch between programs by clicking the appropriate button in the Taskbar. This is called multi-tasking.
To modify the Taskbar – right Click on the Taskbar and choose Properties
The Quick Launch Toolbar – A section of the Taskbar where icons of shortcuts to frequently used programs can be placed for quick access. I t must be first enabled from the Taskbar Properties window (see above). Simply drag the program to the Quick launch Area of the toolbar. (usually next to the Start button on the Taskbar)