Chapter 9 Mastering Digital Video.

In this chapter, I learned how to open windows live movie maker, import my media files from my digital video camera, how to use, preview, and play my video files, as well delete them, and rename them. I learned how to copy and data files, and change the style of titles and credits to a project, preview and save the project, and publish it to either a YouTube account, or save it to my computer, so I cant share it by email, or a different website to upload it to. I learned how to add a title and caption with styles, effects, and transitions to the video, as well as different audio tracks, and ending credits. I also learned how to split and item and remove it as well, or re-position it on the storyboard. You can change the size and length of a movie, one way is by using the playback indicator, and another way is by using the Trim Tool. I learned how to adjust and modify audio settings, and preview and save a project. Then finally publishing the movie, weather its indeed a YouTube account, or just to have on your computer to share it as well to a DVD. I also learned about deleting the unneeded files and concluding the chapter, log-gin off and shutting down the computer.
This concludes what I learned in Chapter 9.

Chapter 8 Mastering Digital Pictures and Music

In this chapter, I learned how to I learned how to use the Windows Live Photo Gallery. Which included, how to open windows live gallery, copy date files, add folders to the gallery, view my photos in the gallery, view photos with a live preview as well as viewing videos as well in the gallery. I learned different ways i can view my pictures or videos, includes, by date taken, by tags, which i use alot, you can view them in thumbnail mode with date taken, also using details view. You can arrange, sort, and filter your pictures. Rename groups  of pictures, make copies of pictures,correct red eye, and crop photos. I also learned how you can Print a picture right from your own printer, and High quality glossy photo printer is best to use when printing pictures. You can also create black and white pictures as well. If you screw up a photo, you can also revert back to the original which is pretty cool. I also learned how to use windows dvd maker to create a dvd of files, to use as a backup and to share with others, which was pretty cool too. Basically the same principal as the live gallery, only using videos. You can create cool styles, and transitions, effects, and even a slideshow, as well you can burn the video to a dvd. I also learned how to use the Windows Media Player. Filter settings, add ratings, rip cds, burn cds, and the different audio files types there are. You also can add pictures to the playlist as well, and delete a playlist or a song from the player library. Then finally, logging off and shutting down the computer.
This concludes what I learned in Chapter 8.

Chapter 7 Advanced File Searching

In this chapter, I have learned various different ways to search for files. One way to search files is using the Boolean operators. Another method of searching is using specialized properties, using an exact phrase, or key search words. You learn how to search a custom scope. You also learn how to search using natural language. You learn how to Filter files. One way is to filter using a file list heading. I also learned how to create and add a folder or file for Indexing. I learned how to add tags to files, which helps a lot when it comes to searching, as well as searching using a tag property, author, file size, non- index searching, picture properties, music properties, video properties, and date properties. There a very many ways to Search files and folders with windows 7. I find it a bit confusing though at times. So i stick to keyword searches. I also learned how to save a search, delete a search, open the searches folder, and search for saved files. I also learned how to expand my search through the Start Menu.

This concludes what I have learned through this chapter.

Customizing Your Computer Using the Control Panel

Chapter 6

In this chapter I learned about how to make use of the Control Panel and how to use and customize my settings, including Parental Controls, Adding and Removing User Accounts, User settings and accessing, and learning about the different permissions and levels. I also learned how to change the date and time settings. How to change my control panel view, keyboard and mouse settings, including the click lock setting, and device settings. Also, how to add or delete a printer.
I also learned about the Network and Sharing Center, Device Manager, Properties, and Updating Drivers. Also, Installing and Uninstalling updates, and Installing and Uninstalling Programs.
I learned how to use the Windows Experience Index and how its used and scored. You can also see and print your full windows system information. I also learned about the Security and Maintenance settings which is located in the Actions center, and how important a firewall is and why it should always be Turned ON. I learned about the Accessibility access settings for ease of use, for those who have either a vision, hearing, or mobility issue. Changing the Contrast helps people who have impaired vision. As well, i learned about data format, and adding a second clock and logging off the computer.

This concludes what I have learned from Chapter 6.

Personalizing Your Work Environment, Chapter 5

Chapter 5

In chapter 5, I learned about the many ways to personalize my computer using windows 7. 

That includes, how to change my desktop background, as well a the theme and its settings. 

I also learned how to change the window color to my desktop. I like using the green window color

with a medium transparency. Which you can do by selecting to the color you would like the window to be and then moving color intensity slider left or right. This intensifies the transparency of the color. I really like this feature. You can also change the color scheme by using the color mixer. This is used to change things like the hue, brightness, and saturation of the color scheme. There are other options as well you can choose from under the advanced appearance settings. 

I also learned how to view and change the sound scheme. Which i always play around with. I like variety. 

I learned what a screen saver is and does, and how to use, save, disable, enable, preview, and change how I use a Screen Saver. Which I usually just have my laptop set to shut of the display instead after a certain amount of time of inactivity, which is also something that I read and learned more about in this chapter.

I also learned how to change, save, and remove a theme. Also how to change and remove desktop icons.

As well, I learned how to pin, unpin, customize, move, and open a pinned item from the taskbar, as well as how to search and use an address/taskbar. I also learned about folder options, Displaying windows and programs, and resetting back to default settings and also I learned about the Notifications Area, and its settings. 

This concludes what I learned from Chapter 5.  

Chapter 4, Personal Information Management and Communication

In this chapter, I have learned how to use the Windows Live Essentials software.

I have learned how to open, create, reply, forward, save, delete, and print an email using Windows Live Mail, as well as opening an attachmentt, saving and closing an attachment, attaching to an email, and the formats of an email.

I also learned I can Instant Message anyone in my Windows Live Contacts ( where you store a list of contacts, including, name, address, phone number, birth date, etc ) list using Windows Live Messenger, but only if they have the software downloaded and an open account with a registered Windows Live I.D.  Included in the Windows Live Essentials.

You also can create tasks and events and store them on the Windows Live Calendar.

Below you can see your Email, Calender, Contacts, Feeds, and Newsgroups,

within Windows Live Mail.

                                                      

Windows Live Mail

                                     

Windows Live Messenger

You can get Windows Live Essentials free through the Microsoft website. I highly recommend it. It is very useful to have with Windows 7.

 I also learned how to subscribe, save, delete, modify, and view a RSS feed. Which also is very useful information to know. You can view your RSS feeds in the Favorites Center as well, making it easier to locate.                                                 

RSS feeds in Windows Live Mail View

I also learned about other communication methods which include, blogs, groups, newsgroups, and chat rooms.

This concludes what I have learned in chapter 4, Personal Information Management and Communication.

Chapter 03 - File and Folder Management

What I have learned through out chapter 3.

In this chapter, I have learned how to use and manage my files and folders, which includes, how to view a computer folder and its contents, Local C: Hard Drive and its Properites, and switching between folders using the Address Bar.

I have learned the different ways you can view windows on the desktop. My personal favorite is the Side by Side View. Then you have your Cascading View and your Stacked View as well to choose from. Below is an ex.of a Side by Side View.

I also learned how to locate and use the Picture Library and Music Library . I have learned how to create folders in the Libraries and how to locate and use it's properties. I use Windows Photo Viewer as my default to view my pictures. To listen to my music files, I prefer to use a different program other then the Windows Media Player by default.

An addition to music files, I also learned the difference from free downloads and illegal downloads, copyright's, and what would happen if caught downloading illegally. Such files can also contain virus's that can damage your computer, so its always better to download from a trusted and legit legal source.

I have also learned how to back up files to a USB Flashdrive and an Optical Disc. Restore files from a backup and how to safely remove the usb device. I have made the mistake before, and removed my USB Flash Drive and when I inserted it back in, my work wasnt on there. So its very important to alwasy Safely Remove your USB drive.

I prefer to use the USB Flashdrive to back up my files. I find it a bit faster and easier to do and use.
Its more compact to carry around and wont scratch, crack, or warp like Optical Discs do sometimes. Plus, you can just plug it in and unplug it, which makes it also convienent as well.
Ending the chapter, I also learned how to Log Off and Shut Down my computer.

This concludes what I have learned in Chapter 03 File and Folder Management.