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.

Working with the Windows 7 Desktop

Chapter 02. Working with the Windows 7 Desktop

In this chapter, I have learned how to use WordPad and create, name, edit, save, remove, and restore documents and folders. I've learned how to move a folder or multiply folders to another location.
I also learned how to print documents from WordPad, as well how to save, open, or remove such documents.

You learn about customizing your desktop, with shortcuts, although you don't really want to over due your desktop with these. I prefer to store my documents in a different location, unless its something I absolutely use on a daily basis. Ex. (Internet Explorer).

I've experienced a lot of lag (slower performance) on my computer having too many shortcuts on my desktop. It also makes it really confusing when you have a lot of icons/shortcuts all over the place, at least in my opinion, almost like a collage or "Where's Waldo" book.

I've learned how to Customize my Desktop with Gadgets.

I really don't use the Gadgets often on my computer, but they can be useful at times.
I just prefer a clean desktop look and less background programs running.

You will also get some hands on experience while you continue through this chapter.
I found the hands on part of this chapter to be very easy to do and understand.
I am a big fan of not just reading the material, but actually experiencing it for my self.


Below are examples, I created. Just a few of many things I have learned through out this chapter, using the Snipping Tool.

Ex: 1. Creating Shortcuts on the Desktop:

Ex: 2. Creating a Folder on Desktop:

Ex: 3. Move Multiply Files to One Folder/Location:

Shortcut- is a link to any object on the computer or on a network, as example: Programs, files, folders,Web pages, printers, or on a computer.

Documents Library- displays links to the user's documents and public documents

My Documents- contains particular user documents and folders

File- is data that is identified by a name

Ex: 4.  Documents Library and My Document

* The Documents Library only displays the links of all documents and folders.

* The My Documents folder is where everything is physically stored.

Gadgets- miniprograms used to customize your desktop,(useful tools)

Ex: 5. Using Desktop Gadgets:

Ex: 6. Searching for Gadgets & Removing Gadgets from Desktop.

*Figure 1.on the left is showing where you can find and search for more Gadgets.

*Figure 2.on the right is showing how to exit/remove a Gadget from the Desktop.

Continuing through the chapter, I have also learned how to save data to a USB Flash Drive and receive data from the USB Flash Drive. I tend to use flash drives, or SD cards, when transferring pictures or important information from one computer to another.

Below are two examples: USB Flash Drive & SD Card

Ex: 1. USB Flash Drive:

Ex: 2. SD Cards:

I've also learned how to Display and use the Preview Panel, which I find very helpful.

I've learned how to locate files using the Address Bar and Restore deleted files from

the Recycle Bin and how to Log Off or Shut Down the computer.

Along with reading Chapter 2, I also found very helpful and useful information about Windows 7 Security. I learned that the Action Center is a very useful and essential feature that can help with your computers security. Ex. Firewall settings, automatic updating, Internet security settings, Virus Protection, unwanted software protection, and spyware.

I found all these features are very important to help maintain and keep your computer safe, running, and something everyone should have knowledge about. Virus's can cause many problems for your computer and in most cases, cause it to malfunction and crash. Using a Simple virus protection suite, like AVG or Norton Security can save you a big headache and money in your pocket, at least from personal experience. Over all I learned how to help keep my computer safe from viruses and potential hackers. It was a bit tricky understanding the Security behind Windows 7, but not impossible. Also, keeping your computer always up to date will as well keep it maintained and running smooth.

Malware- malicious software that are made to harm your computer

                (viruses, inappropriate web pages, identity theft, worms)

Virus- a program that attaches itself to another program or file so that it can spread from computer to computer, infecting programs and files as it spreads.

Worm- copies itself, computer to computer, taking advantage of features that transport data and information between computers. Also, being able to travel without being detected, and replicating.

Hacker- individual who uses expertise to gain unauthorized access to a computer with intention to learn more about the computer, and its contents, with out the owners permission.

I found everything I read and did through out this chapter, including Appendix B, was very useful and easy to follow along with. I enjoyed doing the hands on activity too. I feel it helps give a better understanding about what your reading and learning, if you can experience it, hands on as well. Over all, I have learned a few new things, and it also helped refresh my memory with what I already know.

This concludes what I have learned from Chapter 2, Working with the Windows 7 Desktop.

Fundamentals of Using Windows 7

Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Using Windows 7

Here is what I grasped and learned from reading Chapter 1.

In this chapter you will get to familiarize yourself with using Windows 7.

You will learn how to log on and off of your computer and setup a user account.
In addition to setting up a log in account, you also learn how to create files, store files, create and delete shortcuts, copy and paste, pin programs to your task bar .

With the video tutorial that was provided , you will learn how to use the snipping tool.

Which is something, I myself found easy to use and really helpful.

It's user friendly and comes in handy. 

Below I created a Screen Capture using the Snipping Tool.

Example- Snipping Tool/Screen Capturing

You will learn how to search, open, close, and start a program and how to use the start menu, search bar, and switch, minimize, maximize, open, close, and restore a previously opened/closed window.

You also learn how to personalize your desktop to your style and needs,

add gadgets, change backgrounds and themes,

and add shortcuts to your desktop, for faster access.

Aero is a great feature in Windows 7, that I find easy to use and customize. It also seems to run a lot smoother and faster, unlike in previous versions of windows, from my experience.

One feature of Aero I like is, "Aero Glass".

In Example 1. You will notice how the window bar below is Solid. (You can't see through it).

This is your Basic Experience.

Example 1.

Basic Experience

In example 2. You will notice its transparency. ( You can see through it)

It's a translucent glass effect around the border of the the window allowing you to partially see items behind windows.

Example 2.

                                       

Using Aero Experience ( the "Aero Glass"effect)

Another great feature of Aero is called,"Aero Flip 3D". I really like this feature. Aero Flip 3D gives a visual and tactile view while switching between programs. So basically, when you open more then one program or window, Aero Flip gives the option to see all the windows open in  3D style on your desktop screen, so it makes it easier to flip through and go back to, making it easier and faster to do tasks or research information, in my own experience. Below is an Example of Aero Flip 3D I created using the Snipping Tool.

Example: Aero Flip 3D Experience

                                                                  

                                                                Normal View

                                                              Aero Flip View

You will learn the importance about Folder Windows, (def.-the key tools for finding, viewing, and managing information on the computer). How to use the command bar and what each command is used for and how it functions. Left pane and Right pane.

 The left pane contains sections about your Favorites, Library, and Computer and Network Folders and the right pane displays the content. 

Clicking and expanding the Computer Folder will show all your folders or "folder tree"stored, while the Library Folder helps manage all your folders and files that are located in different locations so you can easily access them.

Which is great file system vs the old paper filing system in my opinion. 

This simply organizes your folders and files for you, and provides an easier search of files just by using the search box. As well, you learn how to launch programs, use the web browser (which by default is Internet Explorer) to surf the Internet and in addition to that, you will also learn about Double clicking errors and examples of such errors.

Recycle Bin- this is the file/bin where all your files or media etc. you delete go to, just in case you accidentally deleted something you meant to keep or find out you needed later,

 its stored there until you empty it.

Once you empty the recycle bin, you will not be able to recover what was emptied.

Ending the chapter, you will also learn how to use the Help and Support feature provided for use with Windows 7 or any Microsoft product being used in Windows 7. I learned there are 3 different areas and functions provided under the Help and Support page. Basically, 3 different ways you can search for help and support. 

As described in this chapter, these include:

                                        

Find an answer quickly-which is giving you instructions about

finding an answer using Search Help Box.

Not sure where to start?- Which includes links to help you get started and provides information about windows and help topics.

 Each link will take you to a help and support page that relates to your search.

More on the Windows website" search, this will connect you to the Internet and the windows website for more help and support.  

Note: (Must have an active Internet connection) in order to use this search option.

I found using the Help and Support page can be easier to use to find the help you need when it comes to your particular version of windows vs. a browser search.  I have used the help and support page many times, when it came to errors on my computer and how to fix them. In my opinion,

it was very user friendly and is a very useful and fast way to find an answer to most common issues within Windows 7.

This concludes my chapter 1 learning experience with the Fundamentals of Using Windows7.