Chapter One

Basics of PC and Windows

1.1

Microsoft Window:

Microsoft window is a graphical user interface operating system. It is an operating system that
Microsoft has produced for use on personal computers.
The oldest of all Microsofts operating system is MS-Dos (Microsoft disk operating system).It is
a text based operating system (users have to type commands). MS-Dos is a very powerful
operating system.

1.2

History of Windows operating system

19751981: Microsoft boots up:

In 1975, Gates and Allen form a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft
begins small, but has a huge visiona computer on every desktop and in every home. During the
next years, Microsoft begins to change the ways we work.
Microsoft founders: Paul Allen and Bill Gates

The dawn of MS-DOS

In June 1980, Gates and Allen hire Gates former Harvard classmate Steve Ballmer to help run
the company. The next month, IBM approaches Microsoft about a project code-named "Chess."
In response, Microsoft focuses on a new operating systemthe software that manages, or runs,
the computer hardware and also serves to bridge the gap between the computer hardware and
programs, such as a word processor. Its the foundation on which computer programs can run.
They name their new operating system "MS-DOS."
When the IBM PC running MS-DOS ships in 1981, it introduces a whole new language to the
general public. Typing C: and various cryptic commands gradually becomes part of daily
work. People discover the backslash (\) key.
MS-DOS is effective, but also proves difficult to understand for many people. There has to be a
better way to build an operating system.
19821985: Introducing Windows 1.0

Microsoft works on the first version of a new operating system. Interface Manager is the code
name and is considered as the final name, but Windows prevails because it best describes the
boxes or computing windows that are fundamental to the new system. Windows is announced
in 1983, but it takes a while to develop. Skeptics call it vaporware.
On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft ships Windows 1.0.
Now, rather than typing MS-DOS commands, you just move a mouse to point and click your

way through screens, or windows. Bill Gates says, It is unique software designed for the
serious PC user.
There are drop-down menus, scroll bars, icons, and dialog boxes that make programs easier to
learn and use. You're able to switch among several programs without having to quit and restart
each one. Windows 1.0 ships with several programs, including MS-DOS file management, Paint,
Windows Writer, Notepad, Calculator, and a calendar, card file, and clock to help you manage
day-to-day activities. Theres even a gameReversi. Windows 1.0 requires a minimum of 256
kilobytes (KB), two double-sided floppy disk drives, and a graphics adapter card. A hard disk
and 512 KB memory is recommended for running multiple programs or when using DOS 3.0 or
higher.
19871990: Windows 2.02.11More windows, more speed

On December 9, 1987 Microsoft releases Windows 2.0 with desktop icons and expanded
memory. With improved graphics support, you can now overlap windows, control the screen
layout, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work. Some software developers write their
first Windowsbased programs for this release.
Windows 2.0 is designed for the Intel 286 processor. When the Intel 386 processor is released,
Windows/386 soon follows to take advantage of its extended memory capabilities. Subsequent
Windows releases continue to improve the speed, reliability, and usability of the PC.

In 1988, Microsoft becomes the worlds largest PC software company based on sales. Computers
are starting to become a part of daily life for some office workers. Control Panel makes its first
appearance in Windows 2.0.

19901994: Windows 3.0Windows NTGetting the graphics

Windows 3.0
On May 22, 1990, Microsoft announces Windows 3.0, followed shortly by Windows 3.1 in 1992.
Taken together, they sell 10 million copies in their first two years, making this the most widely
used Windows operating system yet. The scale of this success causes Microsoft to revise earlier
plans. Virtual Memory improves visual graphics. In 1990 Windows starts to look like the
versions to come.
Windows now has significantly better performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and
improved icons. A new wave of 386 PCs helps drive the popularity of Windows 3.0. With full
support for the Intel 386 processor, programs run noticeably faster. Program Manager, File

Manager, and Print Manager arrive in Windows 3.0. Windows software is installed with floppy
discs bought in large boxes with heavy instruction manuals. The popularity of Windows 3.0
grows with the release of a new Windows software development kit (SDK), which helps
software developers focus more on writing programs and less on writing device drivers.
Windows is increasingly used at work and home and now includes games like Solitaire, Hearts,
and Minesweeper. An advertisement: Now you can use the incredible power of Windows 3.0 to
goof off.
Windows for Workgroups 3.11 adds peer-to-peer workgroup and domain networking support
and, for the first time, PCs become an integral part of the emerging client/server computing
evolution.
Windows NT
When Windows NT releases on July 27, 1993, Microsoft meets an important milestone: the
completion of a project begun in the late 1980s to build an advanced new operating system from
scratch. "Windows NT represents nothing less than a fundamental change in the way that
companies can address their business computing requirements," Bill Gates says at its release.
Unlike Windows 3.1, however, Windows NT 3.1 is a 32-bit operating system, which makes it a
strategic business platform that supports high-end engineering and scientific programs. The
group that develops Windows NT was originally called the "Portable Systems" team.
19951998: Windows 95the PC comes of age (and don't forget the
Internet)

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft releases Windows 95, selling a record-setting 7 million copies in
the first five weeks. Its the most publicized launch Microsoft has ever taken on. Television
commercials feature the Rolling Stones singing "Start Me Up" over images of the new Start
button. The press release simply begins: Its here.
This is the era of fax/modems, email, the new online world, and dazzling multimedia games and
educational software. Windows 95 has built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new
Plug and Play capabilities that make it easy to install hardware and software. The 32-bit
operating system also offers enhanced multimedia capabilities, more powerful features for
mobile computing, and integrated networking. At the time of the Windows 95 release, the
previous Windows and MSDOS operating systems are running on about 80 percent of the
worlds PCs. Windows 95 is the upgrade to these operating systems. To run Windows 95, you
need a PC with a 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended) and at least 4 MB of RAM (8
MB of RAM recommended). Upgrade versions are available for both floppy disk and CD-ROM
formats. Its available in 12 languages.
Windows 95 features the first appearance of the Start menu, taskbar, and minimize, maximize,
and close buttons on each window. In 1996, Microsoft releases Flight Simulator for Windows 95
the first time in its 14-year history that its available for Windows.
19982000: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows MeWindows evolves for work and
play

Windows 98
Released on June 25, 1998, Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for
consumers. PCs are common at work and home, and Internet cafes where you can get online are
popping up. Windows 98 is described as an operating system that Works Better, Plays Better.
With Windows 98, you can find information more easily on your PC as well as the Internet.
Other improvements include the ability to open and close programs more quickly, and support
for reading DVD discs and universal serial bus (USB) devices. Another first appearance is the
Quick Launch bar, which lets you run programs without having to browse the Start menu or look
for them on the desktop. Windows 98 is the last version based on MS-DOS.

20012005: Windows XPStable, usable, and fast

On October 25, 2001, Windows XP is released with a redesigned look and feel that's centered on
usability and a unified Help and Support services center. Its available in 25 languages. From the
mid-1970s until the release of Windows XP, about 1 billion PCs have been shipped worldwide.
For Microsoft, Windows XP will become one of its best-selling products in the coming years. Its
both fast and stable. Navigating the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel are more intuitive.
Awareness of computer viruses and hackers increases, but fears are to a certain extent calmed by
the online delivery of security updates. Consumers begin to understand warnings about
suspicious attachments and viruses. Theres more emphasis on Help and Support.
Windows XP Home Edition offers a clean, simplified visual design that makes frequently used
features more accessible. Designed for home use, Windows XP offers such enhancements as the
Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, and enhanced digital
photo capabilities.
Windows XP Professional brings the solid foundation of Windows 2000 to the PC desktop,
enhancing reliability, security, and performance. With a fresh visual design, Windows XP
Professional includes features for business and advanced home computing, including remote
desktop support, an encrypting file system, and system restore and advanced networking
features. Key enhancements for mobile users include wireless 802.1x networking support,
Windows Messenger, and Remote Assistance.
Windows XP has several editions during these years:

Windows XP 64-bit Edition (2001) is the first Microsoft operating system for 64-bit
processors designed for working with large amounts of memory and projects such as movie
special effects, 3D animations, engineering, and scientific programs.

Windows XP Media Center Edition (2002) is made for home computing and
entertainment. You can browse the Internet, watch live television, enjoy digital music and
video collections, and watch DVDs.

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (2002) realizes the vision of pen-based computing. Tablet
PCs include a digital pen for handwriting recognition and you can use the mouse or
keyboard, too. Windows XP is compiled from 45 million lines of code.

20062008: Windows VistaSmart on security

Windows Vista is released in 2006 with the strongest security system yet. User Account Control
helps prevent potentially harmful software from making changes to your computer. In
Windows Vista Ultimate, BitLocker Drive Encryption provides better data protection for your
computer, as laptop sales and security needs increase. Windows Vista also features enhancements
to Windows Media Player as more and more people come to see their PCs as central locations for
digital media. Here you can watch television, view and send photographs, and edit videos.
Design plays a big role in Windows Vista, and features such as the taskbar and the borders
around windows get a brand new look. Search gets new emphasis and helps people find files on
their PCs faster. Windows Vista introduces new editions that each have a different mix of
features. It's available in 35 languages. The redesigned Start button makes its first appearance in
Windows Vista. More than 1.5 million devices are compatible with Windows Vista at launch.

2009: Windows 7 introduces Windows Touch

Windows 7 is released for the wireless world of the late 2000s. Laptops are outselling desktops,
and it's become common to connect to public wireless hotspots in coffee shops and private
networks in the home.
Windows 7 includes new ways to work with windowslike Snap, Peek, and Shakethat
improves functionality and makes the interface more fun to use. It also marks the debut of
Windows Touch, which lets touchscreen users browse the web, flip through photos, and open
files and folders. Windows 7 is evaluated by 8 million beta testers worldwide before it's released.
2012: Windows 8 features apps and tiles

Windows 8 is a reimagined operating system, from the chipset to the user experience, and
introduces a totally new interface that works smoothly for both touch and mouse and keyboard. It
functions as both a tablet for entertainment and a full-featured PC for getting things
done. Windows 8 also includes enhancements of the familiar Windows desktop, with a new
taskbar and streamlined file management.
Windows 8 features a Start screen with tiles that connect to people, files, apps, and websites.
Apps are front and center, with access to a new place to get appsthe Windows Storebuilt
right in to the Start screen.
Along with Windows 8, Microsoft also launches Windows RT, which runs on some tablets and
PCs. Windows RT is designed for sleek devices and long battery life, and exclusively runs apps
from the Windows Store. It also comes with a built-in version of Office that's optimized for
touchscreens. Power users notices that Windows 8 makes the detection and correction of file
system errors both more transparent and less intrusive.
2013: Windows 8.1 expands the Windows 8 vision
Windows 8.1 advances the Windows 8 vision of providing a powerful collection of apps and
cloud connectivity on great devices; its everything people loved about Windows 8, plus some
enhancements.

Windows 8.1 combines Microsoft's vision of innovation with customer feedback

on Windows 8 to provide many improvements and new features: more Start screen
personalization options that sync across all devices, the option to boot directly to the desktop,
Bing Smart Search so you can find what you're looking for across the PC or the web, a Start
button to navigate between the desktop and Start Screen, and more flexible options for viewing
multiple applications at once on one or all screens. There are also several new built-in apps such
as Bing Food & Drink, Bing Health & Fitness, and great utility apps like Reading List,
Calculator, and Alarms. Many of the great apps shipped in Windows 8 are back and even better,
making your experience more enjoyable right from the start.
In addition to these user experience changes, Windows 8.1includes new and improved features
like Workplace Join and Work Folders that enable Windows devices to connect more easily to
corporate resources. Power users with multi-monitors can now have up to four apps from the
Windows Store per screen appear on each monitor connected to the PC.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is an upcoming release of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Unveiled on
September 30, 2014, it will be released on July 29, 2015. [35] It will be distributed with no charge
to Windows 7 and 8 users for the first year. Announced on 30 September 2014, Windows 10 has
only been released as a test version for keen users to try. The technical preview is very much
still a work in progress.
Windows 10 represents another step in Microsofts U-turn, bringing back the Start menu and
more balance to traditional desktop computer users. Some interesting features include the ability
to switch between a keyboard and mouse mode and a tablet mode, for those computers like the
Surface Pro 3 with a detachable keyboard. Windows 10 despite being the ninth version of
Windows is designed to unify all Windows platforms across multiple devices, including
Windows Phone and tablets, with universal apps that can be downloaded from the Windows
Store and run on all Windows devices.

1.3

Basic features of windows operating system:

1. Windows easy transfer: you can transfer your files and settings from one computer to other
computer using an easy transfer cable, CDs or DVDs, a USB flash drive, a network folder or
an external hard disk.
2. Windows anytime upgrade: allows you to upgrade to any higher windows version available
for your system.

3. Searching and organizing: you can use this feature to find a file in a folder or find folders in
windows when you do not know where a file is actually located or when you want to do an
advanced search. To find a file in a folder, type a part of the file name in the search box.
4. Default Programs: is a features of your windows operating system where you can adjust and
set your default programs, associate a file type with a program, change and set auto play
settings, set program access and computer defaults.
5. Jump Lists: shows a few recently opened items.
6. Aero Snap: a quick way to resize and arrange windows on your desktop by dragging and
dropping it to one of the screen borders.
7. Windows search: find virtually anything on your PC instantly.
8. Windows taskbar:
Displayed at the bottom of the window.
Used to start programs.
Better thumbnail previews.
Used to switch among open programs and open documents.
Easier to see icons and more ways to customize.
When the taskbar has several items on it, it will group the documents for a particular
program together.
The start menu, quick launch toolbar and the notification bar are all elements of the
taskbar.
9. Performance improvements: faster sleep and resume, less memory needs, quicker USB
device detection.

1.4

The Desktop

It is the first thing that is seen when the computer is turned on.
It is the area that is displayed after all programs have been closed.

 It is the basic opening screen in windows.

The desktop is the initial display on which windows, icons, menus and dialog boxes
appear.
All other programs run on top the desktop.
It can contain shortcuts to applications and documents that access frequently.

1.5

The Desktop Elements

A. Start Button:

used to start programs, to search for and find files, to perform many other

operations such as customizing windows.

B. Icons: represent objects in the file system.
C. Task bar: is a container for toolbars and the notifications area.
D. Desktop wallpaper (Themes): is a graphic for show.
E. Gadgets: are tools or utilities like clocks, calendars, mini slideshow of personal pictures or
weather forecasts that you add to the desktop for additional functionality.
F. The Notification area: shows icons of system utilities and can contain icons such as volume,
network, battery power level and the action center.
G. Quick Launch toolbar: can contain related commands or objects that you can place on the
taskbar. Icons to start other programs may be added to this toolbar.
H. Internet Explorer: program that is used to access the internet. It is found on the quick
launch toolbar.

1.6

The start Menu

It is used to start applications, open documents, customize settings, and get help and much more.
The start menu was introduced in Windows 95 and allows for applications to be easily located
and launched.
It is used to begin most tasks in windows. It does the following things:
It displays a list of programs and windows on the system.
It provides easy access to recently used data documents that can be viewed for edit.
It provides a search engine that navigates through all the files looking for the one that is
needed.
It can be used to quickly start installed programs.

In General use the start menu to do these common activities:

Start programs

Get help with the windows operating

system.

Open commonly used folders.

Turnoff the computer.
Search for
programs.

files,

folders

and

Adjust computer settings.

The start menu has three basic parts:

Logoff from windows.

Switch to a different user account.

1. The large left pane shows a short list of programs on your computer.
2. At the bottom of the left pane is the search box which allows you to look for programs
and files on your computer by typing in search terms.
3. The right pane provides access to commonly used folders, files, settings and features. It is
also where you go to logoff from windows or turnoff your computer.
A program, file or folder will appear as a search result if:

Any word in its title, matches or begins with your search term.

Any text in the actual contents of the file matches or begins with your search term.

Any word in a property of the file matches or begins with your search term.

The right pane of the start menu contains:

1. Personal folder: opens your personal folder which is named for whoever is currently logged
on to windows. It contains user specific documents, music, pictures and video folders.

2. Documents: opens the document library where you can access and open text files,
spreadsheets, presentations and other kinds of documents.

3. Pictures: opens the pictures library where you can access and view digital images and
graphic files.

4. Music: opens the music library where you can access and play music and other audio files.

5. Computer: opens a window where you can access disk drives, cameras, scanners, printers
and other hardware connected to your computer.

6. Control panel: opens control panel where you can customize the appearance and
functionality of your computer, install or uninstall programs, setup network connection and

manage

user

accounts.

7. Devices and Printers: opens a window where you can view information about the printer,
mouse and other devices installed on your computer.

8. Help and Support: opens window help and support where you can browse and search help
topics about using windows and your computer.

9. Default programs: opens a window where you can choose which program you want
windows to use for activities such as web browsing.

10. Games: opens the games folder where you can access all of the games on your computer.

1.7

Icons

 Icons can represent files, programs, folders, disk drives, control panel tools, shortcuts, or
the recycle bin. Icons can be classified in to five categories:
1. Folder icons: used to display the contents of the folder.
2. Program icons: used to start the application running in a window.
3. Document icons: used to open documents.
4. Shortcut icons: provide an alternate way to open programs, documents and folders.
5. System icons: are mandatory programs or files that are located on your desktop. User is not
allowed to delete the system icons but can hide the icons. Examples of system icons are
Recycle bin, Computer, Network etc.
Recycle bin: any file that is deleted from the hard disk is moved to recycle bin. The files
stored can be restored to their original location by using restore option and you can delete
the files permanently using the empty the recycle bin option.
Computer: will open window that displays the contents of the computer. All the files and
folders available in the computer can be viewed here. It also allows you to display the
system and hardware information.
Network: displays windows from other computers and resources, like printer connected
to the network.

1.8

Shutdown options

1. Shut down
choosing to shut down your computer will begin the process of turning your computer off. If
you have any programs open, you will be asked if you want to force close them, and
normally be given a short amount of time before they are automatically closed and the
computer turned off. If you are working on documents, or something that requires you to
save your progress, it will not be saved when you allow the programs to be force closed.
Therefore, when you shut your system down, it is a good idea to save all work before you
actually do so.
2. Log off
Logging off will cause all of your open programs to be closed and will bring you to the
Windows login screen. You will then be able to log in as another user if there are other
profiles on your computer. The key here is that logging off is just like shutting down. Your

3.

4.

5.

6.

programs will be closed without any changes made being saved. You will get a warning
about this before your computer logs you off, but it is a good idea to save your work before
you log off.
Switch Users
Switching Users is similar to logging off, in that when you press this option you are taken to
the Windows login screen and able to log in as a different user. The main difference here is
that your programs will not be closed, remaining open. If you have more than one user who
uses your computer, and each has their own profile, switching users is a good option.
However, if one user decides to shut down the computer, all other programs, regardless of
which user has these open, will also be closed. So, it is always recommended to save your
work before switching users in case you lose your work.
Restart
Restarting your computer is similar to shutting it down. All open programs are closed and
your computer shuts down, before restarting after a couple of seconds. You are then taken to
either the login screen (if you have more than one user), or directly to the main desktop.
Again, it is a good idea to save your work before you restart.
Hibernation
This takes everything you have running on RAM, including open windows and apps, and
moves it to a special file on your hard drive. Then your computer shuts down completely.
When you turn your computer back on, it grabs everything saved in that file faster than if
youd shut down the computer normally. This option doesnt consume any power or battery
life because your computer is technically off. This option is best if youre going to be away
from your computer for more than a few hours. The main downside of hibernate is that
hibernating and rebooting your computer takes a lot longer than just letting it fall asleep then
waking it back up. Time is a precious resource, and you dont want to waste it in front of a
booting computer. So, only hibernate your computer if youre going to be away from it for
prolonged amount of time. You will not be able to run any programs while your computer is
hibernating.
Sleep
This is sort of the inverse of hibernation: most of a computers operations (like the hard
drive) are turned off and RAM is placed in a minimum power state. When you wake up
your computer, it boots quickly. This is because your computer is still on and using
power/battery life when its sleeping. Use this option if youre going to be away from your
computer for a couple minutes or maybe an hour, like if you getting lunch or coffee. A
sleeping computer is still a working computer: its still running basic functions and using
electricity. After a while, putting your rig in sleep mode can affect your computers
performance. Give your processor a break from time to time and shut down your computer.
As with hibernation mode, you will not be able to use your computer when its asleep. Yes,
your applications will still be running while your computers asleep, but theyll be in
standby mode, and can be resumed once you wake up your computer.

1.9 Windows Explorer

Windows explorer used to look at your files in a hierarchical structure and used to
navigate and manage the drives, folders and files on computer. It has two panes: Left and
Right. The left pane contains a list of your drives and folders and the right pane displays
the contents of a selected folders.

i. Uses of Windows explorer

Open a document

Copy a file

Rename file or folder

Open a program

Move a file

Create short cut.

ii. Elements of windows explorer

1. Minimize button: minimize your window to a button on your task bar.

2. Maximize button: enlarges your window to completely cover your screen.
3. Close button: closes an open window.
4. Scroll bar: the rectangle at the side or bottom of the window that allows you to guide
through the contents of a window (it will appear when there are many files to display).
5. The Navigation pane: provides quick links to various folders and locations on your
computer.
6. Title bar: refers to the bar at the top of an open window that will tell you what the folder
window is (the title) and contains minimize, maximize and close buttons.
7. The address bar: shows the path of the current folder. It also allows you to navigate up and
down a series of windows by double clicking on a folder.

8. Details pane: allows you to view additional information and add tags and ratings to the
currently selected item.

Using the Mouse:

A mouse is a hand-held device that controls the movement of a pointer on your screen. It is
also used to perform different tasks on your computer. As you move the mouse, a mouse
pointer () moves on your screen. After positioning the pointer over an object, you can press
(click or double-click) the mouse button to perform different actions on the object. You
perform most of the tasks on your computer by pointing at an object on your screen, and then
clicking a mouse button. To point to an object, move the mouse until the tip of the mouse
pointer is over the item or area you want.

There are specific operations that are associated with the Mouse. These are described in the
table below:

Task

WHAT TO DO

Pointing

Move the Mouse to position it over an item on the Desktop

Clicking

Press and release the Mouse button

Double-clicking

Press and release the Mouse button twice quickly

Dragging or

Point to an item

Drag and Drop

Press and hold the left Mouse button

Move the Mouse to a new location

Release the Mouse button

Point to an item

Press and release the right Mouse button

Right-clicking