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.