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.