Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Introduction to Windows
Microsoft Windows is a widely used graphical operating system developed by Microsoft, first released in
1985. It provides a user-friendly interface that allows users to interact with their computers through icons
and menus rather than text commands. Windows supports multitasking, enabling users to run multiple
applications at the same time, and it is the most popular operating system for personal computers globally.
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When you turn on a computer, the BIOS performs a self-test to check hardware. If everything is fine, it
loads the operating system from the hard drive into RAM, and you'll see the Windows logo.
Shut Down
To shut down the computer safely, click the Start menu and select "Shut Down," which closes all
applications and powers off the device.
The desktop is the main screen of Windows where you can access programs and files. Common desktop
items include:
1. Icons:
Icons are small graphical representations or symbols used in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to
represent programs, files, folders, or system functions. They are designed to make it easier for
users to recognize and interact with software or data visually.
Desktop Icons: On your computer's desktop, you might see icons like a folder (representing a
directory), a recycle bin (for deleted files), or a web browser (like Google Chrome).
App Icons: On a smartphone, apps have icons like a Facebook logo for the Facebook app, or a
camera icon for the camera application.
2. Taskbar
The taskbar is a horizontal bar typically located at the bottom of the screen on a computer's
desktop. It shows open applications, system icons (like network status, battery life, and volume
control), and provides quick access to frequently used tools, programs, and the Start menu.
Example:
o On Windows, the taskbar displays icons for open applications (e.g., Microsoft Word), a
Start button at the left, and system icons like Wi-Fi, battery status, or time on the right.
You can also pin apps to the taskbar for quick access, like having a browser icon for easy
opening.
3. Start Menu
The Start button is a key element of the Windows operating system's taskbar, typically located at the
bottom-left corner of the screen. It opens the Start menu, which is a hub for accessing applications,
settings, power options, and other system functionalities.
Desktop Properties
You can customize desktop properties by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "Personalize." Here,
you can change:
The Control Panel is a feature in Windows that allows users to configure system settings. It includes
options for:
Searching Documents
To search for documents in Windows, you can use the Search Bar located in the Start menu or File
Explorer. Simply type in keywords related to your document, and Windows will display matching files
and folders.
3. Choosing "Folder" or the type of file you want to create (e.g., Word document).
To manage files and folders, you can use options such as cut, copy, paste, rename, and delete from the
right-click context menu.
Software Installation and Uninstallation
To install software:
To uninstall software:
3. Select "Format" from the context menu and follow the prompts.
Computer Virus
A computer virus is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to replicate itself and spread from
one computer to another.
2. Macro Virus: