CHAPTER-3
Exploring Window and More
About the Operating System
An Operating System handles the files and folders, the computer components (CPU, Memory) and external devices connected to the computer (printers, CD Drive etc.) and any other application you run on the computer.
About Windows
A Graphical user interface or a GUI consists of icons, files and menus on which a user can simply click to make them work. You do not to remember the complex command lines.
History of the Window Operating System
The Windows operating su=ystem also has an evolution history. It also passed through many generations to reach you today as you are using it. With each generation it became more efficient and user-friendly. In the following table you can read about the major versions of Windows OS which were launched to make learning of computers an easy affair.
Managing the Windows Desktop
When multiple window are open on the Desktop, it becomes difficult to navigate to the desired program. Windows 7 has some very helpful features to assist you with this task.
Aero Peek
Aero Peek allows you to see what is placed on the Desktop behind all the windows.
Aero Shake
In Aero Shake you can shake a window to minimize all other windows except the one that you are shaking.
Aero Peek
Using the Aero Snap feature you can maximize or restore the windows without having to use the Maximize or Restore down button.
Taskbar Previews
Taskbar previews are thumbnail images of the open windows attached to the taskbar icon. When you point to an icon on the taskbar, the thumbnail image of the open window related to that icon appears temporarily.
Ending a Window Session
When you have finished the work on your computer, windows can be shut down. This can be done by simply clicking on the Start button and then on the Shut Down option. Some of the useful option mentioned are:
Shut Down: If we click the Shit Down itself, Windown 7 shuts down the computer completely.
Switch users: If you have more than one user account on your computer, this option provides an easy way for another person to log on the programs and files.
Log off: clicking on this option will close, all of the programs you were using, but the computer is not turned off. After you log off from Windows another user can log in to work on your computer.
Lock: Leave all the active programs as they are and displays the welcome screen. You must click on the user icon to access the application.
Restart: All programs get closed. Windows is shutdown and then it restarts.
Sleep: All the active programs and other operations are saved in the memory and the computer is put into a low power state. The computer can be woken up from this state at any time simply with the click of the mouse or by pressing a key.
Hibernate: Hibernate puts your open documents and programs on your hard disk and then turns off your computer.
Taking care of the Computer
As is the case with other machines, the computer too needs to be taken care of to keep it in perfect working condition. It needs to be defragmented, disk cleanup should also be done periodically and antivirus software should be used to protect it from viruses.
Disk Cleanup
With regular working on the computer, installation of software on its hard disk and usage of Internet, many types of unnecessary files keep occupying precious disk space. The Disk cleanup tool helps free up space on the hard disk by searching the disk for files that can be safely deleted.
Defragmenting the Hard Disk
Defragment is the process of rewriting parts of a file at adjacent places on a hard disk to increase the speed of access to the file.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the scattering of parts of the same file over different areas of the disk.
Using an Anti virus
Before learning about Antivirus Software , lets us learn about computer viruses and spywares.
Computer Virus
Computer viruses are harmful computer programs developed with harmful intentions.
Computer viruses are developed to destroy the data stored on computers. Computer viruses can replicate very fast and have a tendency to attach themselves to other files on the computer.
Spyware
Spyware is software that is installed secretly on personal computer without the knowledge or permission of the user. It gather information about him/her while he/she navigates the Internet.
Worm
Worms are malicious software application designed to spread via computer networks and slows down the computer.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software identifies the virus-infected files on your computer and cleans them up.
LAB
Activity 1 To use the Disk Cleanup option
Click the Start button. In the search box, type disk cleanup, and then, in the list of results, click Disk Cleanup.
The Drive Selection dialog box opens.
From the Drive: drop-down select the drive which you want to cleanup and click on the OK button.
The Disk Cleanup dialog box appears.
Select the file to delete.
Click on the OK button.
….The Disk cleanup will remove the selected unnecessary files.
Activity 2 To start Disk Defragmentation
Click the start button. In the search box, type disk defragmenter, and then, in the list of results, click Disk defragmenter.
The Disk defragmenter window will open.
Select the drive, which you want to defrag
Click on Defragment disk option.
The defragmentation will take place.