Windows 7 Basics By Jane Maringer-Cantu CSIS 572

What is a Computer? n A computer is composed of 2 main parts. n Hardware n n Sometimes called peripheral device. Software Refers to the programs, or applications, that a computer uses to perform tasks. n Instructions that tell your computer what to do. n Jane Maringer-Cantu

Parts of a Computer CD/DVD Drive Keyboard Monitor Mouse CD-ROM / DVD-ROM Flash Drive System Unit Printer Jane Maringer-Cantu

Components of a System Unit n CPU – Central Processing Unit or Microprocessor n n Acts as the “brain” of your computer RAM – Random Access Memory n n Temporarily stores information when the computer is on Stored information is erased when the computer is turned off Jane Maringer-Cantu

Hard Drive vs. Memory n Your hard drive can be considered a large bookshelf. Just as you store books and papers on that shelf, you store applications on the hard drive. n (The larger the bookshelf you have, the more items you can fit onto it. ) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Hard Drive vs. Memory n We can think of random access memory (RAM) as the surface of a desk. This is where you actively work with items from the bookshelf. n (The bigger your desk, the more books you can open at one time. ) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Storage n Your computer has disk drives or devices that store information even when your computer is turned off. n n Hard disk drive (c: ) – the hard drive is inside the system unit & serves as your computer’s primary means of storage CD / DVD drives – use devices such as CD & DVDs Jane Maringer-Cantu

Storage (continued) n CD Drives n n n CD drives – use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD Many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs Recordable Disk Drives – you can store (burn) copies of your files on blank CDs or play music CDs n n CD-R (compact disc – recordable) CD-RW (compact disc – writable) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Storage (continued) n DVD Drives n DVD drives – can do everything that CD drives can do, plus read DVDs n You can watch movies on your computer n You can record data onto blank DVDs n DVD-R; DVD+R (recordable) writeonce format n DVD-RW; DVD+RW (rewritable formats) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Storage (continued) n Removable Storage Devices n Portable devices on which you can store files n USB flash drive n Flash memory card n External hard drive Jane Maringer-Cantu

Bytes n n n Bytes are used to measure the amount of information a device can store. One byte is one character. A character can be a number, letter or symbol. One byte consists of 8 bits (binary digits). A bit is the smallest unit of information a computer can process. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Bytes (continued) n Kilobyte (K)=1, 024 characters. This is approximately equal to one page of double-spaced text. n Megabyte (MB)=1, 048, 576 characters. This is approximately equal to one novel. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Bytes (continued) n Gigabyte (GB)=1, 073, 741, 824 characters. This is approximately equal to 1000 novels. n Terabyte (TB)=1, 099, 511, 627, 776 characters. This is approximately equal to 1, 000 novels. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Bytes (continued) 1 Bit = Binary Digit 8 Bits = 1 Byte 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte 1024 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte 1024 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte 1024 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte Jane Maringer-Cantu

Can you talk to your computer? n There are 2 ways in which you can communicate with your computer. n Using the keyboard (Typing information into the computer) n Using a pointing device such as a mouse (Selecting & moving items) Jane Maringer-Cantu

Windows 7 – developed by Microsoft Corp. n is an operating system, which is software that helps the computer carry out operating tasks, such as: n displaying information on the computer screen, and n saving data on disks. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Windows 7 n Provides you with access to all the parts of your computing environment. n n n Hardware (keyboard & mouse) Documents & Files Applications or Programs Lets you set up & use printers Provides you access to network servers Jane Maringer-Cantu

Windows n n Windows 7 environment is centered around windows. A window is a rectangular area onscreen that presents information. n You can open, close, maximize, minimize, move & resize windows. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Graphical User Interface (GUI or GOO-ee) n GUI uses graphics such as an image of a file folder or wastebasket that you click or double-click to activate the item represented. n Desktop n Pointer n Icons Jane Maringer-Cantu

ICONS Windows 7 uses small graphical icons, or pictures, to represent objects. n Most icons also have text labels. n Jane Maringer-Cantu

Windows Explorer n n n Is a program within Windows 7 that displays the contents of libraries, folders and files on your computer Windows Explorer helps you copy, move and rename your files and folders Windows Explorer is at work any time you are viewing the contents of a library, a folder, or a file Jane Maringer-Cantu

Using a Mouse n 4 Basic Actions n Pointing-Using the mouse as an extension of your hand. n Clicking- Pressing and releasing the mouse button one time. n Double-clicking-pressing and releasing the mouse button two times quickly. n Dragging-pressing and holding the left mouse button over the object, move the mouse to desired place and release. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Selecting Objects n n You can select or highlight an object. If the object is not a menu selection, you click the object: n Move the mouse cursor onto the icon and press the left mouse button once. n A selected icon is highlighted; its label is darkened and has a dotted line. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Choosing an Object n You choose an object by double-clicking its icon move the mouse cursor onto the icon and press the left mouse button rapidly twice. If the object is a menu selection or command button, you choose it with a single click. For example, the command button cancel. n n n Jane Maringer-Cantu

Moving an Object n To drag and drop an object onto another object, move the mouse cursor onto the icon of the object to be dragged. n Press and hold the left mouse button while you move the mouse cursor to the destination object’s icon. n Then release the mouse button. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Context Menu or Shortcut Menu n If you move the mouse over an object on the desktop or in a window and click the right mouse button, Windows 7 displays a menu called a context menu, or rightclick menu, with the object’s common commands. Jane Maringer-Cantu

Any Questions? Jane Maringer-Cantu