www.dataservice.org
Data Service Center
March 2000
478-8957
Compiled by:
Katey Semmel
Property of the Data Service Center, Wilmington, DE
For Use Within the Brandywine, Christina, Colonial & Red Clay Consolidated Public School Districts Only
Table of Contents
What Is Windows? .......................................................................................................................... 3
Terms and Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 4
Working with Windows ................................................................................................................... 5
Maximize Button.................................................................................................................. 5
Restore Button .................................................................................................................... 5
Minimize Button................................................................................................................... 6
Restoring Minimized Programs........................................................................................... 6
Moving Windows................................................................................................................. 6
Changing the Windows Size............................................................................................... 6
Control Menu Button ........................................................................................................... 6
The Close Button ................................................................................................................ 6
Starting Programs ........................................................................................................................... 7
Working with Menus........................................................................................................................ 8
Working with Dialog Boxes ........................................................................................................... 10
Basic Editing Features .................................................................................................................. 12
Selecting Text ................................................................................................................... 12
Moving/Copying Information ............................................................................................. 13
Lesson 1: Changing the Font............................................................................................ 14
Lesson 2: Copying Text .................................................................................................... 14
Lesson 3: Cutting Text ...................................................................................................... 14
Customizing the Desktop .............................................................................................................. 15
The Taskbar.................................................................................................................................. 17
Shutting Down Windows............................................................................................................... 18
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
2
What is Windows?
Windows is an operating system that provides a user-friendly interface to the programs and files
in your computer. One of the most powerful features of Windows is the taskbar and Start button.
With the Taskbar, you always know which programs you have open and you are able to get to
them quickly allowing you to take advantage of the multitasking benefits of Windows. The Start
button allows you to easily start the various programs you use during the course of your day. In
addition to the Taskbar and Start button, Windows offers a Desktop that you can customize to
include your favorite programs and files in order to access them easily.
There are several versions of Windows in use today. The latest version is Windows 2000 the
Millennium edition. There are not many on screen differences between Windows 95, Windows
98 and Windows 2000. Most of the enhancements are behind the scenes making your
computer run faster and more efficiently. The following is an example of the Windows Desktop:
Program Icon
Start Button
Notification Area
Task Bar
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
3
Terms and Definitions
Taskbar: Shows you what programs you have started. Each time you start a program, a button
will appear on the taskbar representing that program. Clicking once on the button on the taskbar
opens a program.
Start Button: Clicking on the start button reveals a menu from which you can make a selection
to start a program.
Program: Software that carries out a specific task such as a word processor or calculator.
Icon: A graphical representation of each program.
Folders: In Windows, a folder is a directory on a drive.
My Computer: Double clicking on the My Computer icon shows you all of the folders, programs
and files you have on your computer.
Windows Explorer: Windows Explorer is another way to view the folders, programs and files on
your computer arranged in a hierarchical or tree format.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
4
Working with Windows
Each window in Windows has four buttons. Three of these buttons are located at the upper right
corner of the window and one is located at the upper left corner of the window. Each button is
described below.
Control Menu Button
Minimize Button
Maximize Button
Close Button
Maximize Button
Located in the center of the three buttons at the upper right corner of the windows, the
maximize button is a square with a darkened top line. Clicking on the maximize button enlarges
the windows so it covers the entire computer screen.
Note: If other windows are opened, they will be covered by a maximized window.
Activity: Maximize Solitaire.
Restore Button
Located in the center of the three buttons at the upper right corner of the windows, the
restore button replaces the maximized button when a window is maximized. Clicking this button
restores a window to its previous size.
Activity: Restore Solitaire.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
5
Minimize Button
The first button at the upper right hand corner of a window, the minimize button
has a single line towards the bottom of the button. Clicking the minimize button
reduces the window to a button on the Taskbar.
Activity: Minimize Solitaire
Restoring Minimized Programs
To restore a minimized program, click on its button on the taskbar.
Activity: Restore Solitaire
Moving Windows
You can move a window by clicking on the title bar, holding the mouse button down and
dragging the mouse. When you release the mouse button the window will move to the new
location. As you drag the mouse, you will see an outline of the window move across the screen.
Activity: Move the Solitaire Window to a new location.
Changing the Window Size
You can change the size of a window by moving the mouse pointer to any edge of a window until
the pointer turns into a doublesided arrow. Click, hold and drag the mouse to another location.
When you release the mouse the size of the window will change.
Activity: Change the size of the Solitaire Window.
Control Menu Button
Located at the upper left corner of a window, the control menu allows you to perform all of the
above functions as well as close a program or window by selecting close from the menu or
double-clicking on the control menu button. Double-clicking the control menu closes the
Window. Clicking once brings up a menu including options for: Restore, Move, Size,
Minimize, Maximize and Close. In Windows, the control menu button is an icon that
represents the contents of the window. (We will see examples of the different control
menu buttons as we progress through the activities.)
Activity: Click once on Solitaire’s control menu button to show the menu
The Close Button
Located at the upper right corner of a window, the close button closes a program or
window.
Activity: Close Solitaire
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
6
Starting Programs
In Windows, the Start button, located at the bottom left corner of the computer screen,
allows you to start a program. When you click on the Start button, a menu appears.
Each menu item will become highlighted as you move the mouse pointer through the menu
items. Menu items that have an arrow pointing to the right will display a sub-menu when
highlighted. To start a program, click on its title.
Activity: Start Microsoft Word
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
7
Working with Menus
Opening a Menu
To open a menu, click on the menu item name such as File. When you open a menu there are
six types of menu items to be aware of (Please refer to page 9 for graphical examples of most of
the items listed below):
Single Word: When the command appears as a single word, no additional information is
needed and the command is carried out immediately.
Underlined Letters: An underlined letter indicates that you can issue the command by pressing
the n, with n being the underlined letter, rather than clicking on the word. For instance, you may
find it faster to do Alt+f, x to exit rather than clicking on File then Exit. (Pressing Alt opens up the
menus.)
Three Dots: Three dots following a command indicates that the application needs additional
information in order to carry out the command. In these cases a dialog box (covered below) will
appear on the screen.
Grayed Words: If a command is grayed, it is not currently available for use.
Quick Key (Ctrl+n): Quick keys, located to the right of the command, allow you to perform a
specific function quickly. For instance, pressing Ctrl+n for New has the same affect as clicking
on File then New. You will find quick keys helpful when putting information in bold (Ctrl+B),
underline (Ctrl+U) and italics (Ctrl+I).
Check Marks: Check marks to the left of a command indicate that a particular setting has been
turned on. To turn off a command, click on the option and the check mark will be removed.
Right Pointing Arrow (not pictured): Located to the right of a menu command, the right
pointing arrow indicates that there is a submenu from which to select a command.
Note: The above menu items are common to all Windows programs.
Activity: Open the File menu in Microsoft Word
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
8
The following are examples of various menus:
Underline Letter
Three Dots
Quick Keys
Single Word(s)
Grayed Words
Check Marks
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
9
Working With Dialog Boxes
As mentioned previously, a dialog box is used to gather additional information in order for a
command to be carried out. A dialog box can ask for information in a variety of ways. Below is
a graphical representation of a dialog box along with a description of each feature.
Scroll Bar
Buttons
Numeric Value
Buttons
Single Selection
List
Multiple Selection
Boxes
Preview
Box
Radio Button: A radio button is a circle located to the left of each item in a list. When a
certain option is chosen, the radio button will have a black dot in the center. You can
select a radio button option by clicking in the circle. Conversely, you can deselect a radio
button by clicking on the black dot. Typically, when radio buttons are used, you can only
select one item from the list.
Numeric Value Buttons: In some instances you may have to select a numeric value for
such things as line spacing and margin settings. Numeric value buttons are indicated
with two buttons; one with an upward pointing arrow and one with a downward pointing
arrow. Clicking on the up arrow increases the value and clicking on the down arrow
decreases the value.
Note: You can also change a numeric value by double clicking in the text field to
the left of the buttons and typing the value.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
10
Multiple Selection Boxes: These boxes are squares located to the left of each item in a
list. A selected item has a ✔ in the box. You can select or deselect an item by clicking in
the box. Typically, you can select more than one item when multiple selection boxes are
used.
Single Selection List Button: A single selection list is indicated by a downward pointing
arrow. This button is usually located to the right of a text field. Clicking on this button
displays a list of items to choose from. Typically, you can only select one item from this
list. Clicking on an item selects it.
Scroll Bar Buttons: Scroll Bar Buttons allow you to scroll through a list of choices. Scroll
bars are to the right of the list. There are three buttons located on a scroll bar. The first
button is an upward pointing arrow located at the top right of the list, the second button is
a downward pointing arrow located at the bottom right of the list and the third is a blank
button located between the up and down arrows. Pressing the up arrow takes you up the
list, pressing the down arrow moves you down the list and pressing, holding and
dragging the blank button in either direction moves the list in the direction you drag the
button. Clicking on a choice, selects that option.
Blank Text Area: When a blank text area appears in a dialog box, simply type in the
appropriate information. You may need to click in the text area to drop the cursor in the
area in order to start typing.
Buttons, buttons, buttons...
Buttons with Three Dots: Buttons that have three dots after the button name indicate
that another dialog box will appear so you can enter additional information (e.g. the
Default button in Word under Format, Font.)
Buttons with Up and Down Arrows: When you click on the up and down arrows,
located on the right side of the button, you must hold the left mouse button down and
highlight the item you wish to select. Releasing the mouse button causes the list of items
to disappear.
Buttons with a Down Arrow: Clicking on the down arrow to the right side of the button
produces a menu from which you can make a selection.
Activity: 1.
2.
3.
4.
While in Word, open a blank document and type your name
Click on Format then Font to open the Font dialog box
Make desired changes and click OK
Type your name
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
11
Basic Editing Features
The basic editing features of Windows are generic features that are available in any
Windows based application you may be using. For the following activities, you will need to type
the following sentences:
During the summer months, Delawareans flock to the beach for some fun in the
sun. There are many ways to spend a fun filled day at the beach, whether it is
bicycle riding, beach volleyball, or sitting in the sun, it is always a great time!
Selecting Text
Selecting text allows you to perform various functions of Windows based programs. The amount
of information you select is variable. It can be as small as one character to as large as an entire
document. For the purpose of this training, we will discuss selecting words, lines and
paragraphs.
Moving the Cursor
Moving the mouse pointer to a specific word and clicking drops the cursor onto the word at the
location where the pointer was located.
Activity: Move the cursor on the word summer.
Selecting a Word
Moving the mouse pointer to a specific word and clicking twice, highlights or selects the entire
word.
Activity: Select the word summer.
Selecting a Line
In some programs, moving the mouse pointer to a specific line and clicking three times selects
the entire line or sentence. Alternatively, you can move the mouse pointer to the left side of the
line until the pointer changes from a thin I to an arrow and click the mouse button once.
Activity: Select the line containing the word summer.
Selecting a Paragraph
To select a paragraph, move the mouse pointer to the first letter of the first word of the
paragraph. Click, hold and drag the mouse down to select the paragraph.
Activity: Select the entire paragraph.
Deselecting Text
To deselect text, simply click the mouse anywhere and the highlighted area will disappear.
Activity: Deselect the selected text.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
12
Moving/Copying Information
Moving Information
To move information, perform the following steps:
Select the information to be moved
Click on the Cut button
Position the cursor at the desired location
Click on the Paste button
Activity: Cut the word summer and paste it in a different location.
Copying Information
To copy information, perform the following steps:
Select the information to be copied
Click on the Copy button
Position the cursor at the desired location
Click on the Paste button
Activity: Copy the word sun and past it in a different location.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
13
Editing Selected Text
Lesson 1: Changing the Font
Perform the following steps to complete the lesson:
Select the word months
Click on Format from the menu
Click on Font...
Choose a Font
Choose Bold Italics as the Font Style
Choose 20 for the Font Size
Choose any color
Click on OK
Deselect
Copying Selected Text
Lesson 2: Copying Text
Perform the following steps to complete the lesson:
Select the paragraph
Click on Edit from the menu
Click on Copy
Move the cursor below the paragraph
Click on Edit
Click on Paste
Cutting Selected Text
Lesson 3: Cutting Text
Perform the following steps to complete the lesson:
Select the paragraph you just copied
Click on Edit from the menu
Click on Cut
Note: When you have completed these lessons, minimize Microsoft Word.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
14
Customizing the Desktop
Windows provides you with options for customizing the desktop. These options including
changing the background, screen saver, appearance, and mouse options.
To change the background, screensaver, and appearance, perform the following steps:
Click on the Start Button
Highlight Settings
Click on Control Panel
Double click on Display
You will get the following dialog box:
Activity:
(1) Open the Display Properties dialog box.
(2) Make changes to options in dialog box.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
15
To make changes to the mouse, perform the following steps:
Click on the Start button
Highlight Settings
Click on Control Panel
Double click on Mouse
You will get a dialog box similar to the following:
Activity:
(1) Open the Mouse Properties Dialog box
(2) Make changes to the mouse dialog box.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
16
The Taskbar
Windows allows you to have several programs running at the same time. It also allows you to
toggle between these opened programs easily. The Taskbar provides you with the means to
toggle between programs. When you start a program in Windows, a button representing that
program will appear on the Taskbar. The following is an example of the Windows Taskbar. In
this example the following programs are shown to be running:
Word
Excel
Solitaire
Using the Taskbar
Click once on the program button to open that program.
Activity:
(1) Start and minimize Word, Excel, and Solitaire
(2) Open each program using the buttons on the taskbar
Customizing the Taskbar
The default setting for the Taskbar is for it to display on the bottom line of the computer screen.
However, the size and location of the taskbar can be changed.
Changing the Size of the Taskbar
To change the size of the taskbar, perform the following steps:
Move the mouse pointer to the top of the taskbar until the pointer changes to a
double-headed arrow
Click & hold the mouse button and drag & drop the pointer to the desired location
Activity: Change the size of the Taskbar.
Changing the Location of the Taskbar
To change the location of the taskbar, perform the following steps:
Move the mouse pointer to an unused area of the taskbar
Click & hold the mouse button and drag & drop the taskbar to any edge of the
screen
Activity: Change the location of the Taskbar.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
17
Shutting Down
Before turning off your computer, you must go through the proper shut down procedure. As you
are working during the day, your computer is working as well. Going through the proper shut
down procedure will allow Windows to perform some “housekeeping” procedures.
To shut down, perform the following steps:
Click on the Start button
Click on Shut Down
Click on Yes
Note: Some computers will turn off automatically when the shut down procedures are complete.
Other computers will present a message asking you not to turn your computer off until Windows
shuts down. Do not turn your PC off until the computer tells you that it is ok to do so.
Activity: Shut down Windows.
Windows Introduction
S:\Training Manuals\Other Handouts\Windows Introduction.doc
18