What all windows information a NHT should have.The basics of windows which are required to be performed and known by a proadvisor to troubleshoot the error.
11. What is Windows?
Windows is an operating system designed by Microsoft. The operating system is
what allows you to use a computer. Windows comes preloaded on most new
personal computers (PCs), which helps to make it the most popular operating
system in the world.
12. Windows makes it possible to complete all types of everyday tasks on your
computer. For example, you can use Windows to browse the Internet, check your
email, edit digital photos, listen to music, play games, and do much more.
13. Windows is also used in many offices because it gives you access to
productivity tools such as calendars, word processors, and spreadsheets.
15. Getting started with Windows
Whether you're new to computers or just Windows, it's important to learn the
basics of using your computer. If it all seems a little overwhelming right now,
don't worry! We'll take you through it step by step and show you some of the
most fundamental things you'll need to know, including how to work with the
desktop, open and close windows, and turn off your computer.
16. The desktop
Once your computer has finished starting up, the first thing you'll see is the desktop. You can
think of the desktop as the main workspace for your computer. From here, you can view and
manage your files, open applications, access the Internet, and much more.
17. Working with applications
An application—also known as a program—is a type of software that allows you
to complete tasks on your computer. Windows comes with many built-in
applications you can use. For example, if you want to browse the Internet, you
can use Microsoft Edge (or Internet Explorer if you're using Windows 8 or
earlier).
18. The desktop
Once your computer has finished starting up, the first thing you'll see is the desktop. You can
think of the desktop as the main workspace for your computer. From here, you can view and
manage your files, open applications, access the Internet, and much more.
19. Working with applications
An application—also known as a program—is a type of software that allows you
to complete tasks on your computer. Windows comes with many built-in
applications you can use. For example, if you want to browse the Internet, you
can use Microsoft Edge (or Internet Explorer if you're using Windows 8 or
earlier).
20. To open an application:
Using your mouse, click the Start button, then select the desired application. If you
don't see the one you want, click All Programs to see a complete list of applications.
In our example, we'll open Microsoft Edge.
22. Parts of a window
Minimize – Maximize – Restore and Close
23. To move a window:
Click and drag the top of the window to move it to the desired location on the screen. When you're
done, release the mouse.
The window will appear in the new location.
24. To resize a window:
Hover the mouse over any corner of the window, then click and drag the mouse to
make the window larger or smaller. When you're done, release the mouse.
25. Shutting down your computer
When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly.
The procedure will vary slightly depending on which version of Windows you're
using.
26. To shut down your computer:
If you're using Windows 10, click the Start button, then the Power icon, then
click Shut down.
27. Windows 8,
click the Start button to access the Start screen, click the Power icon near the
upper-right corner, and select Shut down. If you don't see this option, it means
you'll need to upgrade to Windows 8.1.
28. Windows 7 or earlier,
Click the Start button, then select Shut down.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. To open a file:
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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
Click and drag the file to the desired location.
38. To move a file:
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.
39. To create a new folder:
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.
40. To create a new folder:
The new folder will appear. Type the desired name for the folder and press
Enter. In our example, we'll call it School Documents. The new folder will be
created. You can now move files into this folder.
41. 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.
Click the file or folder, wait about one second, and click again. An editable text field
will appear.
Type the desired name on your keyboard and press Enter. The name will be
changed.
42. To rename a file or folder:
You can also right-click the folder and select Rename from the menu that
appears.
44. Common places to look for files
If you're having a difficult time finding a file, there's a good chance you can find it in one of the following places:
Downloads: By default, your computer will place downloaded files in a specific folder, known as the Downloads folder. If you're
having trouble finding a file you downloaded from the Internet, such as a photo attached to an email message, this is the first place
you should look. To view the Downloads folder, open File Explorer, then locate and select Downloads (below Favorites on the left
side of the window). A list of your recently downloaded files will appear.
45. Default folders: If you don't specify a location when saving a file, Windows will place
certain types of files into default folders. For example, if you're looking for a Microsoft
Word document, you could try looking in the Documents folder. If you're looking for a
photo, try looking in the Pictures folder. Most of these folders will be accessible on
the left side of the File Explorer window.
46. Recycle Bin: If you deleted a file by mistake, it may still be in the Recycle Bin.
You can double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop to open it. If you find
the file you need, click and drag it back to the desktop or to a different folder.
47. Searching for files
Let's say you recently downloaded a few photos that were attached to an email
message, but now you're not sure where these files are on your computer. If you're
struggling to find a file, you can always search for it. Searching allows you to look for
any file on your computer.
48. To search for a file (Windows 10):
In the Cortana Search Box next to the Start button, type to search for a file. The
search results will appear above the search box.
49. To search for a file (Windows 8):
Click the Start button to go to the Start screen, then start typing to search for a file.
The search results will appear on the right side of the screen. Simply click a file or
folder to open it.
50. To search for a file (Windows 7 and earlier):
Click the Start button, type the file name or keywords with your keyboard, and press
Enter. The search results will appear. Simply click a file or folder to open it.
52. The Menu bar
Most applications have a Menu bar at the top of the window. Each menu has a set of commands
that will perform a specific action within the program. While each application is different, there
are some common commands that work the same way, no matter which application you're
using. Whenever you open a program for the first time, try clicking these menus to see the
various options available.
53. File menu commands
You'll find the File menu on the leftmost side of the Menu bar in almost every application. The
File menu will usually have the same type of commands. For example, you can create a new
file, open an existing file, and save the current file, among other functions.
54. 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.
55. To copy and paste:
Select the item you want to copy. In our example, we'll select a word in a document.
Right-click the mouse and select Copy from the menu that appears. You can also press Ctrl+C
on your keyboard.
56. The item will be copied to the new location. Notice how the original text that was
copied has not been moved or changed.
57. To cut and paste:
Select the item you want to cut. In our example, we'll select a paragraph of text in a document.
Right-click the mouse and select Cut from the menu that appears. You can also press Ctrl+X on
your keyboard.
58. Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then select Paste. You
can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
59. 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.
60. 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. Right-click the file and select Copy from the menu that appears. You can also press
Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
61. 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.
62. 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.
63. 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.
65. 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.
66. To open the Settings app (Windows 10):
Click the Start button, then select the gear icon.
67. To open the Control Panel (Windows 10):
Right-click the Start button, then select Control Panel.
68. To open the Control Panel (Windows 8):
In Windows 8, you can open the Control Panel directly from the Start screen.
Using your keyboard, type Control Panel and press the Enter key.
69. To open the Control Panel (Windows 7 and earlier):
Click the Start button, then select Control Panel.
70. 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.
71. Adjusting application settings
You'll also be able to change the settings for different applications on your computer. You will
usually find application settings under File > Options, Tools > Options, or within a separate
Settings menu. Keep in mind that the location will vary, and some applications may not have
any settings you can change.
73. 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.
74. 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.
75. Administrator, Standard, and Managed accounts
Before you create new user accounts, it's important to understand the different
types.
76. 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.
78. 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.
79. 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.
83. Select Family & other users. Scroll down to the Other Users section, then
choose Add someone else to this PC.
84. If the new user already has a Microsoft account, enter the associated email address, then click
Next.
he user can then sign in to the computer with his or her Microsoft account information. Note that
it may take several minutes to configure a user's settings when logging in with a Microsoft
account for the first time.
85. To add a new local user (without a Microsoft account):
From the Account settings, click Add someone else to this PC.
87. The account creation screen will appear. Select Add a user without a Microsoft
account.
88. Enter an account name, then type the desired password. It's important to choose a
strong password—in other words, one that is easy to remember but difficult for
others to guess. For more information, check out Password Tips in our Tech Savvy
Tips and Tricks tutorial. When you're finished, click Next.
The local user can then sign in to the computer with this account information.
89. Signing out and switching users
If you're finished using your account, you can sign out. To do this, click the Start button, select
the current account in the top-left corner, then choose Sign out. Other users will then be able to
sign in from the lock screen.
It's also easy to switch between users without signing out or closing your current apps.
Switching users will lock the current user, so you won't need to worry about someone else
accessing your account. To do this, select the current account, then choose the desired user
from the drop-down menu. You can use this same method to switch back to the other user.
90. Managing user accounts
By default, the user account you created when setting up your computer is an Administrator account. An Administrator account allows you to
make top-level changes to the computer, like adding new users or modifying specific settings. Any users you add are automatically assigned to a
Standard user account, which should meet the everyday needs of most users. You will probably only need one Administrator account on a shared
computer, but you have the option to promote any user to an Administrator account if you want.
From the Family & other users options, select the desired user, then click Change account type.
91. Select the desired option from the drop-down list, then click OK. In this example,
we'll choose Administrator.
94. To add a new user (with a Microsoft account):
From the Start screen, hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to access the
Charms bar, then select Settings.
97. The Users pane will appear on the right. Locate and select Add a user.
98. To add a new local user (without a Microsoft account):
Navigate to the Users pane from PC Settings. Click Add a user.
Locate and select Sign in without a Microsoft account.
99. Enter the user's Microsoft account username, then click Next to continue.
100. The user will be added.
Optional: If the user is a child, check the box to activate Family Safety, which will let
you set parental controls. We'll talk more about parental controls later in this lesson.
Click Finish.
101. It may take several minutes to configure a user's settings when logging in with a
Microsoft account for the first time.
102. To add a new local user (without a Microsoft account):
Navigate to the Users pane from PC Settings. Click Add a user.
Locate and select Sign in without a Microsoft account.
104. Enter an account name, and type the desired password. It's important to choose a
strong password—in other words, one that is easy to remember but difficult for
someone else to guess. For more information, check out Password Tips in our Tech
Savvy tutorial.
Re-enter the password and include a hint, then click Next to continue.
107. Switching users
If you have multiple user accounts on your computer, it's easy to switch between users without
signing out or closing your current apps. Switching users will lock the current user, so you won't
need to worry about someone else accessing your account.
To switch users, click the current user in the upper-right of the Start screen and then select the
desired user from the drop-down menu. The user will then need to enter a password to sign in.
108. Managing user accounts
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.
109. 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.
111. 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.
112. To go to your user accounts:
1 Go to the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
2 Click Add or remove user accounts.
113. 3. Manage Accounts pane will appear. You will see all of the user accounts
here, and you can add more accounts or manage existing ones.
114. 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.
118. Type a password in the New password field, and retype it in the Confirm new
password field.
If you want, you can type a password hint to help you remember your password.
Click Create password.
To go back to the Manage Accounts pane, click Manage another account.
120. Click Will Jr can only use the programs I allow.
Click Check All.
Uncheck the programs you want to block.
121. What are keyboard shortcuts?
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or a combination of keys you can press on your
keyboard to perform a variety of tasks. Using keyboard shortcuts is often faster
than using a mouse because you can keep both hands on the keyboard.
Keyboard shortcuts are also universal, which means you can use many of the
same shortcuts in a variety of applications. For example, you can use the
shortcuts to copy and paste text in a word processor and in a web browser.
123. – Working with text
– Ctrl+X: Cut the selected text.
– Ctrl+C: Copy the selected text.
– Ctrl+V: Paste the copied or cut text.
– Ctrl+A: Select all of the text on the page or in the
active window.
– Ctrl+B: Bold the selected text.
– Ctrl+I: Italicize the selected text.
– Ctrl+U: Underline the selected text.
125. Ctrl+Alt+Delete: Force an unresponsive or frozen program to quit. This keyboard
shortcut opens the Task Manager. You can then select the unresponsive application
and close it.
Delete: Send a selected file or files to the Recycle Bin.
Enter: Open a selected application or file.
Ctrl+N: Create a new file.
Ctrl+O: Open an existing file.
Ctrl+S: Save the current file.
Ctrl+Z: Undo the previous action. If you want to redo the action, press Ctrl+Y.
Windows key: Open the Start menu (or the Start screen in Windows 8).
126. Internet shortcuts
Ctrl+N: Open a new browser window.
Ctrl+T: Open a new browser tab.
Ctrl+D: Bookmark the current page.
Ctrl+B: View bookmarks.
Ctrl+J: View recently downloaded files.
127. Using the Alt key to navigate menus
When you press the Alt key, you will have access to all of the menus in the
current application. This means you can perform almost any task with just your
keyboard. For example, you can type Alt+F+X to quit an application. When
performing these shortcuts, you will not need to hold down the Alt key.
133. From the desktop, right-click the desired file, select Open with, and click Choose
another app from the menu that appears.
134. Select the desired application. If you don't see the one you want, click More
apps or Look for an app in the Store to look for other applications. In this
example, we want to open the file in Windows Photo Viewer. Then check off
Always use this app to open .jpg files and click OK.
135. The file will open in the new application. The next time you double-click a file of
that type, it will open in the new default application.
137. Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer. You should find a USB
port on the front, back, or side of your computer (the location may vary
depending on whether you have a desktop or a laptop).
138. Depending on how your computer is set up, a dialog box may appear. If it does,
select Open folder to view files.
139. If a dialog box does not appear, open Windows Explorer and locate and select
the flash drive on the left side of the window. Note that the name of the flash
drive may vary.
141. If you want to copy a file from your computer to the flash drive, click and drag
the file from your computer to this window.
142. The file will be duplicated, and this new version will be saved to the flash drive.
The original version of the file will still be saved to your computer.
143. If you want to copy a file from your flash drive to your computer, click and drag
the file from this window to your computer.
144. If you want to remove a file from your flash drive, click and drag the file to the
Recycle Bin. A dialog box will appear. Click Yes to confirm that you want to
permanently delete the file.