The System Boot Process

In order for a computer to successfully boot, its BIOS, operating system and hardware
components must all be working properly; failure of any one of these three elements will likely
result in a failed boot sequence.
When the computer's power is first turned on, the CPU initializes itself, which is triggered by a
series of clock ticks generated by the system clock. Part of the CPU's initialization is to look to
the system's ROM BIOS for its first instruction in the startup program. The ROM BIOS stores
the first instruction, which is the instruction to run the power-on self test (POST), in a
predetermined memory address. POST begins by checking the BIOS chip and then
tests CMOS RAM. If the POST does not detect a battery failure, it then continues to initialize the
CPU, checking the inventoried hardware devices (such as the video card), secondary storage
devices, such as hard drives and floppy drives, ports and other hardware devices, such as
the keyboard and mouse, to ensure they are functioning properly.
Once the POST has determined that all components are functioning properly and the CPU has
successfully initialized, the BIOS looks for an OS to load.

The BIOS typically looks to the CMOS chip to tell it where to find the OS, and in most PCs, the
OS loads from the C drive on the hard drive even though the BIOS has the capability to load the
OS from a floppy disk, CD or ZIP drive. The order of drives that the CMOS looks to in order to
locate the OS is called the boot sequence, which can be changed by altering the CMOS setup.
Looking to the appropriate boot drive, the BIOS will first encounter the boot record, which tells
it where to find the beginning of the OS and the subsequent program file that will initialize the
OS.
Once the OS initializes, the BIOS copies its files into memory and the OS basically takes over
control of the boot process. Now in control, the OS performs another inventory of the system's
memory and memory availability (which the BIOS already checked) and loads the
device drivers that it needs to control the peripheral devices, such as a printer, scanner, optical
drive, mouse and keyboard. This is the final stage in the boot process, after which the user can
access the system’s applications to perform tasks.
Basic parts of a desktop computer
The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer
case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part
plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

Computer case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains
the main components of the computer, including the
motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and power supply.
The front of the case usually has an On/Off button and one or
more optical drives.

Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop

case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it.
A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the
floor. All-in-one computers come with the internal components
built into the monitor, which eliminates the need for a separate
case.

Monitor

The monitor works with a video card, located inside the

computer case, to display images and text on the screen. Most
monitors have control buttons that allow you to change your
monitor's display settings, and some monitors also have built-in
speakers.

Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display)

or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These can be made very
thin, and they are often called flat-panel displays. Older
monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors
are much larger and heavier, and they take up more desk space.

Keyboard
The keyboard is one of the main ways to communicate with a
computer. There are many different types of keyboards, but most
are very similar and allow you to accomplish the same basic
tasks.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the

different parts of the keyboard.

If you want to learn how to type or improve your touch-typing

skills, check out our free Typing Tutorial.

Mouse
The mouse is another important tool for communicating with
computers. Commonly known as a pointing device, it lets
you point to objects on the screen, click on them,
and move them.

There are two main mouse types: optical and mechanical.

The optical mouse uses an electronic eye to detect movement
and is easier to clean. The mechanical mouse uses a rolling ball
to detect movement and requires regular cleaning to work
properly.

Inside a computer
Have you ever looked inside a computer case, or seen pictures
of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated, but
the inside of a computer case isn't really all that mysterious. This
lesson will help you master some of the basic terminology and
understand a bit more about what goes on inside a computer.

Watch the video below to learn about what's inside a desktop

computer.
 Motherboard

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a

thin plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard
drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and
audio, and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB
ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every
part of the computer.

CPU/processor

The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor, is

located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is
sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to
carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the
mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the
CPU.

The CPU is usually a two-inch ceramic square with a silicon

chip located inside. The chip is usually about the size of a
thumbnail. The CPU fits into the motherboard's CPU socket,
which is covered by the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat
from the CPU.

A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz), or

millions of instructions per second; and gigahertz (GHz), or
billions of instructions per second. A faster processor can
execute instructions more quickly. However, the actual speed of
the computer depends on the speed of many different
components—not just the processor.

RAM (random access memory)

RAM is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your

computer performs calculations, it temporarily stores the data in
the RAM until it is needed.

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is

turned off. If you're working on a document, spreadsheet, or
other type of file, you'll need to save it to avoid losing it. When
you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive, which acts
as long-term storage.
RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB).
The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can
do at the same time. If you don't have enough RAM, you may
notice that your computer is sluggish when you have several
programs open. Because of this, many people add extra RAM to
their computers to improve performance.

Hard drive

The hard drive is where your software, documents, and other

files are stored. The hard drive is long-term storage, which
means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or
unplug it.

When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies

some of the data from the hard drive onto the RAM. When
you save a file, the data is copied back to the hard drive. The
faster the hard drive, the faster your computer can start
up and load programs.
 Power supply unit

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from

the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It
sends power through cables to the motherboard and other
components.

If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, make
sure to unplug the computer first. Before touching the inside of
the computer, you should touch a grounded metal object—or a
metal part of the computer casing—to discharge any static
buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted through the
computer circuits, which can seriously damage your machine.

Expansion cards
Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that
allow you to add various types of expansion cards. These are
sometimes called PCI (peripheral component interconnect)
cards. You may never need to add any PCI cards because most
motherboards have built-in video, sound, network, and other
capabilities.
However, if you want to boost the performance of your
computer or update the capabilities of an older computer, you
can always add one or more cards. Below are some of the most
common types of expansion cards.

Video card

The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor.
Most computers have a GPU (graphics processing unit) built
into the motherboard instead of having a separate video card. If
you like playing graphics-intensive games, you can add a faster
video card to one of the expansion slots to get better
performance.

Sound card
The sound card—also called an audio card—is responsible
for what you hear in the speakers or headphones. Most
motherboards have integrated sound, but you can upgrade to a
dedicated sound card for higher-quality sound.
 Network card

The network card allows your computer to communicate over a

network and access the Internet. It can either connect with
an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection (often
called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network
connections, and a network card can also be added to an
expansion slot.

What is an operating system?

An operating system is the most important software that runs
on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of
its software and hardware. It also allows you
to communicate with the computer without knowing how to
speak the computer's language. Without an operating system, a
computer is useless.
Watch the video below to learn more about operating systems.

The operating system's job

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of
the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time,
there are several different computer programs running at the
same time, and they all need to access your computer's central
processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating
system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets
what it needs.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer
you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with
their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change
operating systems. The three most common operating systems
for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X,
and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface,

or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to
click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly
displayed on the screen using a combination
of graphics and text.
Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if
you switch to a different operating system it may seem
unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are
designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are
the same.

What is an application?
You may have heard people talking about using a program,
an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean?
Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you
to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop
computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while
those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.
When you open an application, it runs inside the operating
system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more
than one application open at the same time, which is known
as multi-tasking.

Watch the video below to learn more about applications.

App is a common term for an application, especially for simple

applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for
free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even
some TVs.

Desktop applications
There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into
several categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft
Word), while others may only do one or two things (like
a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of
applications you might use.

 Word processors: A word processor allows you

to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many
other types of documents. The most well-known
word processor is Microsoft Word.
 Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you
use to access the Internet. Most computers come
with a web browser pre-installed, but you can
also download a different one if you prefer.
Examples of browsers include Internet
Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome,
and Safari.
 Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or
watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to
use a media player. Windows Media
Player and iTunes are popular media players.

 Games: There are many types of games you can

play on your computer. They range from card
games like Solitaire to action games like Halo.
Many action games require a lot of computing
power, so they may not work unless you have a
newer computer.

Setting up a computer
So you have a new computer and you're ready to set it up. This
may seem like an overwhelming and complicated task, but it's
actually a lot easier than you might think! Most computers are
 set up in a similar way, so it doesn't matter what brand of
computer you have.

If you're setting up a new computer that's still in the box, you'll

probably find a how-to guide that includes step-by-step details.
Even if it didn't include instructions, you can still set up the
computer in a few easy steps. We'll take you through the
different steps needed to set up a typical computer.

Setting up a desktop computer

Step 1
Unpack the monitor and computer case from the box. Remove
any plastic covering or protective tape. Place the monitor and
computer case on a desk or work area.
Be sure to place your computer case in an area that is well
ventilated and has good air flow. This will help to prevent the
computer from overheating.

Step 2
Locate the monitor cable. There are several types of monitor
cables, so the one for your computer may not look like the one in
the image below.

If you're having trouble finding your monitor cable, refer to the

instruction manual for your computer. (If you have an all-in-
one computer that's built into the monitor, you can skip to Step
4).

Step 3
Connect one end of the cable to the monitor port on the back of
the computer case and the other end to the monitor. If you're
using a VGA cable like the one in the picture below, you'll want
to tighten the screws on the monitor cable to secure it.
Many computer cables will only fit a specific way. If the cable
doesn't fit, don't force it or you might damage the connectors.
Make sure the plug aligns with the port, then connect it.

To figure out which cables belong in which ports, try

our Connecting Cables interactive.

Step 4
Unpack the keyboard and determine whether it uses
a USB (rectangular) connector or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it
uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the
back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into
the purple keyboard port on the back of the computer.
 Step 5
Unpack the mouse and determine whether it uses
a USB or PS/2 connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into
any of the USB ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a
PS/2 connector, plug it into the green mouse port on the back of
the computer.
If your keyboard has a USB port, you can connect your mouse
to the keyboard instead of connecting it directly to your
computer.

If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to

connect a Bluetooth dongle (USB adapter) to your computer.
However, many computers have built-in Bluetooth, so an
adapter may not be necessary.

Step 6
If you have external speakers or headphones, you can connect
them to your computer's audio port (either on the front or back
of the computer case). Many computers have color-coded
ports. Speakers or headphones connect to the green port,
and microphones connect to the pink port. The blue port is
the line in, which can be used with other types of devices.

Some speakers, headphones, and microphones have USB

connectors instead of the usual audio plug. These can be
connected to any USB port. In addition, many computers have
speakers or microphones built into the monitor.

Step 7
Locate the two power supply cables that came with your
computer. Plug the first power supply cable into the back of
the computer case and then into a surge protector. Then, using
the other cable, connect the monitor to the surge protector.

You can also use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS),

which acts as a surge protector and provides temporary power if
there is a power outage.

Step 8
Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may
also need to turn on the surge protector if it has a power switch.
If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer
directly into the wall. However, this is not
recommended because electrical surges can damage your
computer.

Step 9
If you have a printer, scanner, webcam, or other peripherals,
you can connect them at this point. Many peripherals are plug
and play, which means they will be recognized by your
computer as soon as they are plugged in.

Other peripherals may include software that needs to be

installed before you can begin using them. Use the instructions
included with the device to install it if necessary.
Generally, peripherals are optional, and you can add new ones
at any time; you don't have to add all peripherals during the
initial setup of your computer.

Setup complete!
 Working with files
File basics
Understanding how to work with files and folders is an
important part of using your computer. Once you understand
how files and folder work, you'll use them all the time. In this
lesson, we'll show you the absolute basics of working with
files, including how to open files, move your files into folders,
and delete files.

Watch the video below to learn more about using files and
folders in Windows.

What is a file?
There are many different types of files you can use. For
example, Microsoft Word documents, digital photos, digital
music, and digital videos are all types of files. You might even
think of a file as a digital version of a real-world thing you can
interact with on your computer. When you use different
applications, you'll often be viewing, creating, or editing files.

Files are usually represented by an icon. In the image below, you

can see a few different types of files below the Recycle Bin on
the desktop.
 What is a folder?
Windows uses folders to help you organize files. You can put
files inside a folder, just like you would put documents inside a
real folder. In the image below, you can see some folders on the
desktop.

File Explorer
You can view and organize files and folders using a built-in
application known as File Explorer (called Windows
Explorer in Windows 7 and earlier versions).

To open File Explorer, click the File Explorer icon on the

taskbar, or double-click any folder on your desktop. A new File
Explorer window will appear. Now you're ready to start working
with your files and folders.

From File Explorer, double-click a folder to open it. You can

then see all of the files stored in that folder.
Notice that you can also see the location of a folder in
the address bar near the top of the window.
 To open a file:
There are two main ways to open a file:

 Find the file on your computer and double-

click it. This will open the file in its default
application. In our example, we'll open a
Microsoft Word document (BdayInvites.docx),
which will open in Microsoft Word.
 Open the application, then use the application
to open the file. Once the application is open,
you can go to the File menu at the top of the
window and select Open.
Moving and deleting files
As you begin using your computer, you will start to collect more
and more files, which can make it more difficult to find the files
you need. Fortunately, Windows allows you to move files to
different folders and delete files you longer use.

To move a file:
 It's easy to move a file from one location to another. For
example, you might have a file on the desktop that you want to
move to your Documents folder.

1. Click and drag the file to the desired location.

2. Release the mouse. The file will appear in the new location. In this
example, we have opened the folder to see the file in its new location.
 You can use this same technique to move an entire folder. Note
that moving a folder will also move all of the files within that
folder.

To create a new folder:

1. Within File Explorer, locate and select the New folder button. You can
also right-click where you want the folder to appear, then select New
> Folder.
2. The new folder will appear. Type the desired name for the folder and
press Enter. In our example, we'll call it School Documents.
3. The new folder will be created. You can now move files into this
folder.

To rename a file or folder:

You can change the name of any file or folder. A unique name
will make it easier to remember what type of information is
saved in the file or folder.

1. Click the file or folder, wait about one second, and click again. An
editable text field will appear.
2. Type the desired name on your keyboard and press Enter. The name
will be changed.
You can also right-click the folder and select Rename from the
menu that appears.
 To delete a file or folder:
If you no longer need to use a file, you can delete it. When you
delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin. If you change your
mind, you can move the file from the Recycle Bin back to its
original location. If you're sure you want to permanently delete
the file, you will need to empty the Recycle Bin.

1. Click and drag the file to the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. You
can also click the file to select it and press the Delete key on your
keyboard.
2. To permanently delete the file, right-click the Recycle Bin icon and
select Empty Recycle Bin. All files in the Recycle Bin will be
permanently deleted.
Note that deleting a folder will also delete all of the files within
that folder.

Selecting multiple files

Now that you know the basics, here are a few tips to help you
move your files even faster.

Selecting more than one file

There are a few ways to select more than one file at a time:

 If you're viewing your files as icons, you

can click and drag the mouse to draw a
box around the files you want to select. When
you're done, release the mouse; the files will be
selected. You can now move, copy, or delete all
of these files at the same time.
 To select specific files from a folder, press and
hold the Control key on your keyboard, then
click the files you want to select.
 To select a group of files from a folder, click the
first file, press and hold the Shift key on your
keyboard, then click the last file. All of the files
between the first and last ones will be selected.

Selecting all files

If you want to select all files in a folder at the same time, open
the folder in File Explorer and press Ctrl+A (press and hold
the Control key on your keyboard, then press A). All of the files
in the folder will be selected.
Ctrl+A is an example of a keyboard shortcut. We'll talk more
about these in our lesson on Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows.
If working with files and folders feels a little tricky right now,
don't worry! Like anything else, working with files and folders is
largely a matter of practice. You'll start to feel more comfortable
as you continue using your computer. In the next lesson, we'll
talk about another important concept: how to find files on your
computer that you can't easily locate.

Shortcuts
If you have a file or folder you use frequently, you can save time
by creating a shortcut on the desktop. Instead of navigating to
the file or folder each time you want to use it, you can simply
double-click the shortcut to open it. A shortcut will have a small
arrow in the lower-left corner of the icon.
 Note that creating a shortcut does not create a duplicate copy of
the folder; it's simply a way to access the folder more quickly. If
you delete a shortcut, it will not delete the actual folder or the
files it contains. Also note that copying a shortcut onto a flash
drive will not work; if you want to bring a file with you, you'll
need to navigate to the actual location of the file and copy it to
the flash drive.

To create a shortcut:
1. Locate and right-click the desired folder, then select Send to Desktop
(create shortcut).
2. A shortcut to the folder will appear on the desktop. Notice the arrow in
the lower-left corner of the icon. You can now double-click the
shortcut to open the folder at any time.

You can also hold the Alt key on your keyboard, then click and
drag the folder to the desktop to create a shortcut.

Cut, copy, and paste

Many applications allow you to copy items from one place and
then paste them to another. For example, if you're working with
a word processor, you might copy and paste text to avoid typing
the same thing over and over. If there's something you want to
move from one place to another, you can cut and paste instead.

To copy and paste:

1. Select the item you want to copy. In our example, we'll select a word in
a document.
2. Right-click the mouse and select Copy from the menu that appears.
You can also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
3. Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then
select Paste. You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.

4. The item will be copied to the new location. Notice how the original
text that was copied has not been moved or changed.
 To cut and paste:
1. Select the item you want to cut. In our example, we'll select a
paragraph of text in a document.
2. Right-click the mouse and select Cut from the menu that appears. You
can also press Ctrl+X on your keyboard.
3. Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then
select Paste. You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
4. The item will be pasted, or moved, to the new location. In our example,
we used the cut and paste commands to move the second paragraph
above the first paragraph.

To copy and paste files:

You can use the cut, copy, and paste commands for a variety of
tasks on your computer. For example, if you wanted to create
a duplicate copy of a file, you could copy it from one folder to
another.

1. Right-click the file and select Copy from the menu that appears. You
can also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
2. Locate and right-click the new location, then select Paste. You can also
press Ctrl+V on your keyboard. In our example, we'll paste the file to
the desktop.
3. The duplicate file will appear. Notice how the original file has not been
moved or changed. Also, note that if you make a change to the original
file, it will not update any copies of that file.
Copying a file is not the same as creating a shortcut. You can
review our lesson on Working with Files to learn more about
using shortcuts.

Undoing changes
Let's say you're working on a text document and accidentally
delete some text. Fortunately, you won't have to retype
everything you just deleted! Most applications allow you
to undo your most recent action when you make a mistake like
this. Just locate and select the Undo command, which is usually
 in the upper-left corner of the window near the Menu bar. You
can also press Ctrl+Z on your keyboard. You can continuing
using this command to undo multiple changes in a row.

Note that the Undo command will work almost all of the time,
but not in every situation. For example, if you empty the Recycle
Bin to permanently delete a file, you can't undo the action.

Adjusting your settings

At some point, you may want to adjust your computer's settings.
For example, you might want to change your desktop
background or modify your Internet settings. You can change
these settings and more from the Control Panel.

However, in Windows 10, the Control Panel has mostly been

replaced by the Settings app. The Control Panel is still
available, but most of the tasks and settings are now also located
in the Settings app.

To open the Control Panel (Windows 7 and earlier):

1. Click the Start button, then select Control Panel.
2. The Control Panel will appear. Simply click a setting to adjust it. In this
example, we'll click Change desktop background to choose a new
wallpaper for our desktop.
What are user accounts?
A user account allows you to sign in to your computer. By
default, your computer already has one user account, which you
were required to create when you set up your computer. If you
plan to share your computer with others, you can create
a separate user account for each person.
 Why use separate user accounts?
At this point, you may be wondering why you would even need
to use separate user accounts. But if you're sharing a computer
with multiple people—for example, with your family or at the
office—user accounts allow everyone to save their own files,
preferences, and settings without affecting other computer users.
When you start your computer, you'll be able to choose which
account you want to use.

Administrator, Standard, and Managed accounts

Before you create new user accounts, it's important to
understand the different types.

 Administrator: Administrator accounts are

special accounts that are used for making
changes to system settings or managing other
people's accounts. They have full access to every
setting on the computer. Every computer will
have at least one Administrator account, and if
 you're the owner you should already have a
password to this account.
 Standard: Standard accounts are the basic
accounts you use for normal everyday tasks. As a
Standard user, you can do just about anything
you would need to do, such as running software
or personalizing your desktop.
 Standard with Family Safety: These are the
only accounts that can have parental controls.
You can create a Standard account for each child,
then go to the Family Safety settings in
your Control Panel to set website restrictions,
time limits, and more.
Generally, it's safer to be signed in to a Standard account than an
Administrator account. If you're logged in as an Administrator, it
may actually make it easier for an unauthorized user to make
changes to your computer. Therefore, you may want to create a
Standard account for yourself, even if you're not sharing the
computer with anyone. You'll still be able to
make Administrator-level changes; you'll just need to provide
your Administrator password when making these changes.

Adding and managing user

accounts
The process for adding and managing user accounts is quite
different for each version of Windows. To learn more about
adding and managing user accounts, review the appropriate
lesson from these Windows tutorials:
 With Windows 7, everyone who uses your computer can have their
own user account. This allows each person to have his or her own
settings, and it allows you to set up Parental Controls to limit the types of
games and programs your children are able to use.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create new user accounts, change
account settings, and set up Parental Controls for your children's
accounts.

Setting up multiple user accounts

Why should you have multiple user accounts?

If you wanted to, you could have a single account on your computer that
everyone could use. But having multiple accounts has some advantages.
If each user has his or her own account, then each person will have his or
her own desktop for organizing files and folders. Each person also will be
able to choose a specific desktop background, along with other
personalization features. In addition, parents will be able to set Parental
Controls for each child's account.

Standard vs. administrator accounts

Before you start making new user accounts, it's important to understand the
two types of accounts:

 Standard: Standard accounts are the basic accounts you use for normal,
everyday tasks. As a Standard user, you can do just about anything you would
need to do, such as running software or personalizing your desktop. Also,
Parental Controls can be placed on Standard accounts.

 Administrator: Administrator accounts are special accounts that are used for
making certain changes to system settings or managing other people's accounts.
They have full access to every setting on the computer. Every computer will
have at least one Administrator account.

As you can see, Administrator accounts are more powerful. But for the
same reason, Standard accounts are safer, so they are generally better for
 everyday use. In fact, you can make Administrator-level changes while
logged into a Standard account; you will just need to provide
an Administrator password when making the changes.

To go to your user accounts:

1. Go to the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
2. Click Add or remove user accounts.

3. The Manage Accounts pane will appear. You will see all of the user
accounts here, and you can add more accounts or manage existing ones.

To create a new account:

1. From the Manage Accounts pane, click Create a new account.
 2. Type an account name.

3. Select Standard user or Administrator.

4. Click Create Account.

Changing an account's settings

Once you've created a new account, you may want to add a password or
make other changes to the account's settings.

To create a password:
1. From the Manage Accounts pane, click the account name or picture.
2. Click Create a password.

3. Type a password in the New password field, and retype it in the Confirm
new password field.
 4. If you want, you can type a password hint to help you remember your
password.
5. Click Create password.
6. To go back to the Manage Accounts pane, click Manage another account.

Account passwords are case sensitive, which means capital and

lowercase letters are treated as different characters. For
example, aBc1 is not the same as abc1.

To change your account picture:

You can also change the picture for any account. This picture appears
next to the account name and helps you easily identify the account.

1. From the Manage Accounts pane, click the account name or picture.
2. Click Change the picture.
3. Select a picture, or click Browse for more pictures to select one of your
own.

4. Click Change Picture.