Desktop
Windows 95, 98 and NT
Note: "Folder" and "Directory" are the same. |
Lesson
1
|
Directory |Disclaimer | |
|
|
|
1. This is my opening screen when my computer is turned on. It's called
"Desktop". It contains Short Cut Icons for
programs and files that will open if double clicked. At the top is
desktop toolbar that contains shortcuts to applications and files that
only need one click. At the bottom is a Start Button, "Status
Bar" and "Computer Clock" The color of the desktop is
green but can be changed to a more pleasing background if you wish.
Short Cuts can be added or deleted. Status Bar displays programs that
are running and messages. |
|
 |
|
|
Start"
Button lower left on screen.
Clicking opens menu that display folders you need to get started.(
Image on right.)
As a beginner you should be
concerned with only Four: "Programs", "Find",
"Help" and "Shut Down"
"Programs":
clicking opens another menu that displays short cuts to the
applications that are installed on your computer.
"Find" is an
application that helps you find a file on your computer.
"Help":
is printed documents that helps you with different aspects of
Windows. Unfortunately, the help files often are remiss in
informing you exactly how but do offer clues. Hands on
training, trial and error are more beneficial to a beginner.
"Shut Down" always select when you are
ready turn your computer off. Do not turn off until the
computer tells you to do so.
Note:
next to Start is the beginning of the Status Bar. It says I am
currently running FrontPage, Windows Explorer and Character Map.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
View of Status Bar with
running apps, quick launch and clock at screen bottom
|
|
| Status Bar hosts
selection icons for running programs and messages |
|
Windows 98 has Quick
Launch, customized for Shortcuts. "Desktop" icon
click minimizes running programs and exposes the entire desktop to
view |
 |
|
Clock
plus short cut icons. Reset by Right mouse click, select
"Adjust" |
|
| Quick
Launch is for those that don't have MS Office Shortcut Bar
below. I prefer the shortcut bar and leave the status bar area
for running applications and |
messages.
However, if you don't have, this is an option you may want to
use. Create Desktop shortcut
and drag it to the Quick Launch Section. It's that simple |
|
| Status
Bar is like reading gauges in your car. The Status Bar will
show you all the programs you are currently using.
"Windows 98" Desktop Icon (Paint Brush) on the
status bar "Quick Launch" section is an important timesaver when you have several
programs running and you want to see the desktop that has a specific
shortcut icon you want to get to. Clicking will minimize all the
programs that are running and put them in the status bar
allowing full view of other short |
cut
icons located on your desktop that are hidden by other program
windows. Click program button in status bar to restore program
selected to full size.
Note: If you like to multi
task or run lots of applications at the same time, you need to know how
much RAM your machine has installed. Minimal RAM means your
programs will start running very slow because it has to spool from
virtual memory (swapping from the hard drive rather than direct RAM
memory). |
| Note:
The above picture of my "Status Bar" shows that I'm
running FrontPage, Windows Explorer, Character Map, two
PaintShop Pro applications and Adobe Photoshop. Quick launch
icons on right, discuss later. |
|
|
| View of Desktop
tool bar at the top of the screen (MS Office Utility) |
 |
| These are normally
shortcuts to applications you
would commonly use to create a new file and want quick access to start them. You
can change and customize to meet your needs and add additional
tool bars for specific purposes like your standard forms, both
written and email. Note:
the first icon on my tool bar is Window Explorer. This utility
normally has a shortcut located: "C:\WINDOWS\Start
Menu\Programs\StartUp" Folder that loads when the computer is
turned on or starts. The actual name for the shortcut bar is "MSOffice.exe".
Instruction to customize toolbar, Click
Here. Windows 98 Quick Launch Bar is a similar shortcut bar. |
|
| We covered some
of the definitions and names that are used in reference to the Desktop.
It is not the intent to cover all the configurations that involve
Windows, only those that help you find and move data and the
understanding of existing utilities that favor that goal. I don't
care what background color or theme you use unless it interferes with
work flow. |
|
Now Let's go
to the Windows Explorer!
To open your explorer
click Icon in tool bar or click
Start, select programs, select Windows Explorer in second menu. But
let's go to the next lesson and see samples from the Windows Explorer. |
|
| Do It |
Test | Next
Lesson | |