Components of a Computer System

1. Hardware- Physical Components

2. Software- Set of Instructions which instructs the hardware to work
a. System Software-
b. Application Software- Ms Word, MS paint, Photoshop, VLC Media
Player

What is an Operating System?

An operating system (OS) is a system software that manages computer
hardware, software resources, and provides common services for
programs. It acts as an intermediary between the computer
hardware and USERS , application programs.
The main purposes of an operating system are:
1. Memory Management: It manages the computer's memory and
allocates it to programs when required.
2. Processor Management: It assigns processes to the computer's
processors for execution.
3. Device Management: It acts as an interface between peripheral
devices and application programs.
4. File Management: It manages files and directories (folders) on
the computer's storage devices.
5. Security: It prevents unauthorized access to programs and
data by using passwords and permission techniques.
Some examples of popular operating systems are Windows, macOS,
Linux, Android, and iOS.
Why We Cannot Operate a Computer Without an
Operating System
A computer cannot function without an operating system
because:
1. Hardware Access: Application programs need to interact with
hardware devices like the printer, mouse, keyboard, etc. The
operating system handles these interactions.
2. Resource Management: Programs often need resources like
memory, processor time, disk space, etc. The operating system
allocates and deallocates these resources efficiently.
3. Program Execution: Operating systems load and execute programs
stored on disks or other storage devices.
 4. User Interface: Operating systems provide a user interface to
interact with the computer, launch programs, manage files, and
more.
5. Error Handling: Operating systems handle errors and faults that may
occur in hardware or programs.
6. Security: Operating systems implement security measures to
prevent unauthorized access and protect data.
Without an operating system, a computer would just be a collection of
hardware components with no way to utilize them efficiently or run
software applications. The operating system acts as a bridge between the
hardware and software, making it an essential part of any computer
system.

What is Windows Operating System?

Windows is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft
Corporation. It is one of the most widely used operating systems for
personal computers (PCs) and laptops around the world. Here are some
key points about the Windows operating system:
1. Graphical User Interface (GUI): Windows is a graphical operating
system, meaning it provides a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI)
with icons, windows, menus, and visual elements for interaction, rather
than relying solely on text-based commands.
2. Desktop Environment: The Windows desktop environment is the
primary workspace where users can launch applications, manage files
and folders, and perform various tasks.
3. File Management: Windows includes a file management system, such
as File Explorer (formerly known as Windows Explorer), which allows
users to navigate, organize, and manage files and folders on their
computer's storage devices.
4. Applications and Software Compatibility: Windows supports a vast
ecosystem of software applications, ranging from productivity tools like
Microsoft Office to multimedia applications, web browsers, and games,
developed by Microsoft and third-party software vendors.
5. Hardware Support: Windows is designed to work with a wide range of
hardware components, including processors, graphics cards, peripherals,
and other devices from various manufacturers.
6. Versions: Microsoft has released several versions of Windows over the
years, including Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows Vista,
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and the most recent Windows 11.
7. Updates and Security: Microsoft regularly releases updates and
security patches for Windows to address vulnerabilities, add new
features, and improve performance and stability.
8. Licensing: Windows is a commercial operating system, and users
typically need to purchase a license to use it legally, although some
versions, such as Windows 10 in S mode, are available for free with
certain restrictions.
9. Enterprise Solutions: Microsoft also offers enterprise-level (Business)
versions of Windows, such as Windows Server, designed for server
environments, networking, and business applications.
Windows has evolved over the years, introducing new features, user
interfaces, and technologies to meet the changing needs of users and the
computing industry. Despite competition from other operating systems
like macOS and Linux, Windows remains one of the most popular and
widely used operating systems for personal computers and laptops
worldwide.
Definitions for the following Windows desktop elements:
1. Windows Desktop: The Windows Desktop is the primary user interface
or workspace area in the Windows operating system. It serves as a launch
pad for applications, files, and folders, and provides a backdrop for
displaying open windows and icons.
2. Icons: Icons are small graphical representations of files, folders,
applications, or system components on the Windows Desktop or within
File Explorer. They provide a visual way to identify and access different
items.
3. Taskbar: The Taskbar is a horizontal bar typically located at the bottom
of the Windows Desktop. It serves as a central hub for launching
applications, switching between open windows, and accessing system
tray icons and notifications.
Here are the steps to pin an application to the Taskbar in
Windows:
1. Open the application you want to pin to the Taskbar. The application
should appear as a button on the Taskbar when it's running.
2. Right-click on the application's button or icon on the Taskbar.
3. In the context menu that appears, select the option "Pin to Taskbar"
or "Pin this program to the taskbar".
4. The application's icon will now be pinned to the Taskbar, appearing
as a permanent button even when the application is not running.

4. Toolbar: A Toolbar is a row or area containing buttons, icons, or other

controls that provide quick access to frequently used commands or
functions within a specific application or program.
5. Notification Area (System Tray): The Notification Area, also known as
the System Tray, is a section on the Taskbar that displays icons for
running programs, system utilities, and notifications from applications or
the operating system.
6. Taskbar Buttons: Taskbar Buttons are the rectangular buttons located
on the Taskbar that represent open applications or windows. Clicking on a
Taskbar Button brings the corresponding application or window into focus.
7. Start Menu: The Start Menu is a centralized menu in Windows that
provides access to installed programs, recently opened files and folders,
system settings, and various utilities. It is typically accessed by clicking
the Start button on the Taskbar.
8. Search Box: The Search Box, also known as the Search Bar or Search
Field, is a text input field located on the Taskbar (or within the Start Menu
in some versions of Windows) that allows users to search for files, folders,
applications, or web content by typing in keywords or phrases.
These elements are integral parts of the Windows Desktop environment
and are designed to provide users with an intuitive and efficient way to
navigate, manage, and interact with their computer's files, applications,
and system settings.

Other Terms
File:
A file is a fundamental unit of data storage in a computer system. It can
contain text documents, images, videos, audio, programs, or any other
type of digital information. Files are identified by a name and an
extension (e.g., document.docx, photo.jpg, movie.mp4), which typically
indicates the file type or format.
Folder (Directory):
A folder, also known as a directory, is a container that holds and
organizes files and other folders. Folders are used to group related files
and create a hierarchical strcture for better organization and navigation
within the file system.
This PC:
"This PC" is a shortcut or folder in Windows that provides direct access to
the computer's drives, devices, and storage locations. It serves the
following purposes:
Recycle Bin:
The Recycle Bin is a special folder in Windows that temporarily stores
deleted files and folders. Its primary purpose is to allow users to recover
accidentally deleted files or folders if needed. When you delete a file or
folder, it is initially moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being
permanently removed from your system
3. Web Browsers:
A web browser is a software application designed to access and display
websites and web pages from the internet. Web browsers are essential
tools for browsing the World Wide Web, accessing online content, and
utilizing various web-based services and applications. Some popular web
browsers for Windows include:
Steps to create a new folder in Windows:
1. Open File Explorer (or Windows Explorer in older versions of
Windows). You can access it by clicking the File Explorer icon in the
taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to the location where you want to create the new folder.
This could be on your desktop, in a specific drive (e.g., C:\ or D:), or
within another folder.
3. Right-click on an empty area in the File Explorer window or desktop.
4. From the context menu, select "New" and then click "Folder".
5. A new folder with the default name "New Folder" will be created.
6. Type the desired name for the folder and press Enter to rename it.
Alternatively, you can create a new folder using the
following keyboard shortcut:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the desired location.
2. Press the "Ctrl + Shift + N" keys simultaneously.
3. A new folder will be created with the default name "New Folder".
4. Rename the folder by typing the desired name and pressing Enter.

Loading and Opening a Folder Using the Start Button:

1. Click on the Start button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of
your screen.
2. In the Start menu, click on "File Explorer" (or "Windows Explorer" in
older versions of Windows).
3. In the File Explorer window, navigate to the location of the folder you
want to open by clicking through the drives and folders in the left pane or
by typing the folder path in the address bar at the top.
4. Once you've located the desired folder, double-click on it to open it.

Different Methods to Cut/Copy Files/Folders:

1. Using the Context Menu (Right-click):
- Right-click on the file(s) or folder(s) you want to cut or copy.
- Select "Cut" or "Copy" from the context menu.
2. Using the Ribbon (in File Explorer):
- In the File Explorer window, select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to
cut or copy.
- Click on the "Home" tab in the ribbon at the top.
- Click the "Cut" or "Copy" button in the "Clipboard" section of the
ribbon.
3. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- To Cut: Select the file(s) or folder(s), then press Ctrl + X on your
keyboard.
- To Copy: Select the file(s) or folder(s), then press Ctrl + C on your
keyboard.
Different Methods to Paste Files/Folders:
1. Using the Context Menu (Right-click):
- Navigate to the location where you want to paste the file(s) or
folder(s).
- Right-click on an empty area in the File Explorer window or on the
desktop.
- Select "Paste" from the context menu.
2. Using the Ribbon (in File Explorer):
- Navigate to the location where you want to paste the file(s) or
folder(s).
- Click on the "Home" tab in the ribbon at the top.
- Click the "Paste" button in the "Clipboard" section of the ribbon.
3. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Navigate to the location where you want to paste the file(s) or
folder(s).
- Press Ctrl + V on your keyboard to paste the previously cut or copied
item(s).

Note: When pasting, if you're moving files/folders to a new location (using

the "Cut" option), the original files/folders will be removed from their
initial location. If you're copying (using the "Copy" option), the original
files/folders will remain in their initial location, and a duplicate will be
created in the new location.
Here are the steps to delete a folder in Windows:
Method 1:
1. Open File Explorer: You can open File Explorer by pressing the
Windows key + E on your keyboard or by clicking on the File
Explorer icon in the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the folder you want to delete: In the File Explorer
window, browse through the directories and locate the folder you
want to remove.
3. Select the folder: Left-click once on the folder to select it.
4. Delete the folder using one of the following methods: Method 1:
Using the Context Menu (Right-click)
o Right-click on the selected folder.
o In the context menu that appears, click on "Delete".

Method 2: Using the Ribbon (in File Explorer)

o With the folder selected, click on the "Home" tab in the ribbon
at the top of the File Explorer window.
o In the "Organize" section of the ribbon, click on the "Delete"
button.
Method 3: Using the Keyboard Shortcut
o With the folder selected, press the "Delete" key on your
keyboard.
Confirm the deletion:
o After choosing to delete the folder, a confirmation dialog box
will appear, asking if you're sure you want to move the folder to
the Recycle Bin. Click "Yes" to confirm and delete the folder, or
click "No" to cancel the deletion.
Note: If the folder contains files or other subfolders, you will be prompted
to confirm that you want to permanently delete the folder and all its
contents. If you click "Yes", the entire folder and its contents will be
moved to the Recycle Bin.
Empty the Recycle Bin (Optional):
o If you want to permanently delete the folder and its contents,
you need to empty the Recycle Bin.
o Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop or in the
navigation pane of File Explorer.
o Select "Empty Recycle Bin" and confirm the action to
permanently delete the folder and any other items in the
Recycle Bin.
It's important to be cautious when deleting folders, as this action cannot
be undone once the Recycle Bin is emptied. If you accidentally delete an
important folder, you may be able to recover it from the Recycle Bin
before emptying it.
1. This PC:
"This PC" is a shortcut or folder in Windows that provides direct access to
the computer's drives, devices, and storage locations. It serves the
following purposes:
- View and access all the drives (hard drives, solid-state drives, USB
drives, etc.) connected to your computer.
- Access frequently used folders like Documents, Downloads, Music,
Pictures, and Videos.
- Quickly access storage devices like external hard drives, smartphones,
or cameras when connected to your computer.
- Access network locations and shared folders on your local network or
corporate network (if applicable).
Essentially, "This PC" acts as a central hub to navigate and manage the
files and folders on your computer and connected devices.

2. Recycle Bin:
The Recycle Bin is a special folder in Windows that temporarily stores
deleted files and folders. Its primary purpose is to allow users to recover
accidentally deleted files or folders if needed. When you delete a file or
folder, it is initially moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being
permanently removed from your system.
- If you realize you accidentally deleted something, you can open the
Recycle Bin and restore the deleted items to their original location.
- The Recycle Bin helps prevent permanent data loss due to accidental
deletions.
- You can empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete its contents and
free up disk space.
Here is the updated content where I have provided detailed
information about the features before outlining their steps for use:
Additional Topics for Windows Tutorial:

1. Task Manager: A System Monitoring Tool

What is Task Manager? Task Manager is a built-in Windows utility that
allows users to monitor and manage system processes, resource usage,
and system performance. It is especially helpful in identifying resource-
heavy programs, terminating unresponsive applications, and managing
startup programs.
Key Features:
 Processes Tab: Displays all running processes and their resource
usage (CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network).
 Performance Tab: Provides live graphs of system performance,
including CPU and RAM usage.
 App History Tab: Tracks resource usage history for applications.
 Startup Tab: Allows users to enable or disable programs that start
with Windows.
 Details Tab: Offers an advanced view of processes with detailed
information (e.g., Process ID).
 Services Tab: Enables managing system services (e.g., start, stop,
or restart).
Steps to Open and Use Task Manager:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.
2. Explore the tabs for system insights:
o Use the Processes Tab to identify high-resource usage.
o View real-time performance under Performance Tab.
3. To end an unresponsive program:
o Right-click the process and select End Task.

2. Creating and Managing User Accounts

What are User Accounts? User accounts allow multiple individuals to
use the same computer while keeping their files, settings, and data
separate. Windows supports two types of accounts:
1. Administrator Accounts: Have full control over the system,
including software installation and account management.
 2. Standard Accounts: Designed for everyday use with limited
permissions.
Features:
 Microsoft Accounts: Sync settings and data across devices.

 Parental Controls: Manage screen time, app usage, and content

restrictions for child accounts.
 Guest Accounts: Provide temporary access to the system.
Steps to Add a User Account:
1. Open Settings (Windows key + I) and navigate to Accounts.
2. Click Family & other users.
3. Select Add someone else to this PC.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account.
5. Manage account type by selecting Change account type.

3. Windows Customization: Appearance and Themes

What is Windows Customization? Customization allows users to
personalize their desktop environment for a better visual and functional
experience. This includes changing wallpapers, themes, fonts, and colors.
Features:
 Themes: Predefined sets of wallpapers, colors, and sounds.
 Background Customization: Choose solid colors, images, or
slideshows for the desktop.
 Accent Colors: Change the color of taskbars, start menus, and
window borders.
Steps to Change Themes and Wallpapers:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
2. Under Background, choose a wallpaper type (Picture, Solid Color, or
Slideshow).
3. Go to Themes to apply or download new themes.
4. Adjust colors under Colors.

4. System Restore: Recovering Your System

What is a System Restore? System Restore is a recovery feature in
Windows that allows users to revert their system to a previous state. It
can undo recent changes like software installations, driver updates, or
registry modifications that cause issues.
Features:
 Restore Points: Snapshots of system files and settings taken at
specific points in time.
 Non-Destructive: Does not affect personal files like documents or
photos.
Steps to Create a Restore Point:
1. Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu.
2. In the System Properties window, select a drive and click
Configure.
3. Turn on System Protection and allocate disk space.
4. Click Create, provide a name, and confirm.

5. Virtual Desktops: Organize Your Workspace

What are Virtual Desktops? Virtual Desktops are a Windows feature
that allows users to organize open applications across multiple desktops.
This is particularly useful for multitasking or separating work and personal
activities.
Features:
 Create multiple desktops for different tasks.
 Move open applications between desktops.
 Quickly switch between desktops.
Steps to Use Virtual Desktops:
1. Press Windows key + Tab to open Task View.
2. Click New Desktop in the top-left corner.
3. Switch between desktops using Ctrl + Windows key + Left/Right
Arrow.

6. Windows Backup: Safeguard Your Data

What is Windows Backup? Windows Backup allows users to create
copies of important files or the entire system, ensuring data recovery in
case of hardware failure or accidental deletion.
Features:
 Backup specific files, folders, or entire drives.

 Schedule automatic backups.

 Restore backed-up files or entire system images.
Steps to Use Windows Backup:
1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Backup and Restore
(Windows 7).
2. Click Set up backup and choose a drive for storage.
3. Select folders/files to back up and set a schedule.
4. Restore files by clicking Restore my files.

7. Command Prompt Basics

What is Command Prompt? Command Prompt (CMD) is a text-based
interface in Windows used for executing commands to perform advanced
tasks such as troubleshooting, file management, and network diagnostics.
Features:
 Run batch files and scripts.

 Access system-level settings.

 Perform file and folder operations quickly.
Steps to Open and Use Command Prompt:
1. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Example Commands:
o dir: Lists files in the current directory.
o cd [folder name]: Changes the directory.
o copy [source] [destination]: Copies files.
o ipconfig: Displays network configuration.

8. PowerShell: Advanced Automation Tool

What is PowerShell? PowerShell is an advanced scripting environment
in Windows that allows users to automate administrative tasks and
manage configurations.
Features:
 Supports cmdlets (specialized commands) for system management.

 Executes complex scripts for bulk operations.

 Integrates with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).
Steps to Open and Use PowerShell:
1. Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell
(Admin).
 2. Example Commands:
o Get-Process: Lists all running processes.
o Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned: Enables running scripts.
o Get-Help [cmdlet]: Displays help for a specific cmdlet.

3. Web Browsers:
A web browser is a software application designed to access and display
websites and web pages from the internet. Web browsers are essential
tools for browsing the World Wide Web, accessing online content, and
utilizing various web-based services and applications. Some popular web
browsers for Windows include:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Opera
- Safari (for Windows)
Web browsers allow you to:
- Visit websites by entering a web address (URL) or using search engines.
- View and interact with web pages containing text, images, videos, and
other multimedia content.
- Access online services like email, social media, online banking, and
more.
- Bookmark frequently visited websites for quick access.
- Download files from the internet.
- Fill out and submit online forms.
- Use web-based applications and tools (e.g., word processors,
spreadsheets, photo editors).
Web browsers have become indispensable software for accessing the vast
amount of information and services available on the internet, making