MODULE NUMBER: 2

TOPIC: Getting Started with Windows 7

ALLOTED TIME: 9 Hours
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Windows 7 is simpler and easier to use. It has better ways to find and manage
fileslike Jump Lists and improved taskbar previewsto help you speed
through everyday tasks. It's designed for faster and more reliable
performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to. With 64-bit support,
you can take full advantage of the latest powerful PCs. And great features like
Home Group, Windows Media Center, and Windows Touch make new things
possible.

Course Outline:
I. Definition of Windows and Windows 7
II. Getting Around the Desktop
III.

Personalizing Your PC

IV.

Finding Your Files

V. Sharing Files with Home Group

VI.

Changing Windows Setting

I. Definition of Windows and Windows 7

I.1.What is Windows?
The most widely used operating system for desktop and laptop computers. Developed by
Microsoft, Windows primarily runs on x86-based CPUs, although some versions run on Intel's
Itanium CPUs. Windows provides a graphical user interface and desktop environment in which
applications are displayed in resizable, movable windows on screen.

Windows comes in both client and server versions, all of which support networking, the
difference being that the server versions are designed to be dedicated servers. The client versions
of Windows may also share data over the network and can be configured to grant access to all or
specific files only. Windows PCs are used to access a variety of servers on the network,
including Windows servers, Unix, Linux and NetWare servers, as well as mainframes.

I.2.What is Windows 7?
The current client version of Windows and successor to Windows Vista. Introduced in October
2009, Windows 7 was designed to be more user friendly. For example, multitouch capability is
included, which is similar to Microsoft's Surface computer and Apple's iPhone.
Following are the client versions of Windows 7. Except for Starter, all versions are available in
32- and 64-bit versions.

Windows 7 Starter
A 32-bit version for PCs outside the U.S. No support for Aero interface and limited user
customization.
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Windows 7 Home Basic

Similar to Windows 7 Home Premium, but available only in emerging markets outside the U.S.
Not all Aero functions are provided.

Windows 7 Home Premium

Supports full Aero interface, Media Center and multitouch.

Windows 7 Professional
Adds Remote Desktop, backup utility, XP Mode for running earlier Windows applications and
support for domain-based company networks. Counterpart to the Business version in Windows
Vista.

Windows 7 Enterprise
Same as Professional plus BitLocker encryption, support for multiple languages and Unix
applications. Available only through enterprise licensing.

Windows 7 Ultimate
For PC enthusiasts. Combines Professional and Enterprise versions.

II. Getting

Around the Desktop

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II.1.Pin a program to the taskbar

You can pin a program directly to the taskbar so that you can open it quickly and conveniently,
rather than having to look for the program in the Start menu each time. Heres how:
1. If the program isn't running, click the Start button, click All Programs, find the program
you want, right-click it, and then click Pin to Taskbar.
2. If the program is already running, right-click the program button on the taskbar, and then
click Pin this program to taskbar.

II.2.Rearrange buttons on the taskbar

You can rearrange and organize program buttons on the taskbar so they appear in the order you
prefer.
1. To rearrange the order of program buttons on the taskbar, just drag a button from its
current position to a different position on the taskbar.

II.3. Using Jump Lists

Jump Lists are lists of recent items, such as files, folders, or websites, organized by the program
that you use to open them.
You can open programs, recent items, and favorite items using Jump Lists so that you can
quickly get to the items you use every day. Here are some ways to use Jump Lists:

II.4.To open an item from a Jump List

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You can view the Jump List and then open items both from the taskbar and the Start menu.
Heres how:
1. Right-click the programs icon on the taskbar, and then click the item.
- or 2. Click the Start button, point to a pinned program or recently used program, point to or
click the arrow next to the program, and then click the item.

II.5.To pin and unpin an item to a Jump List

You can pin a favorite item to a Jump List, so it will always appear at the top of the list. That
way, youll be able to get to the file quickly and easily. Heres how:
1. To pin an item to a Jump List, open the program's Jump List, point to the item, click
the pushpin icon, and then click Pin to this list.
2. To remove an item from a Jump List, open the program's Jump List, point to the item,
click the pushpin icon, and then click Unpin from this list.

II.6.To change the order of items in a Jump List

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1. To change the order of either pinned items or recent items, open the Jump List, and then
drag the item to a different position.

II.7.To remove a recent item from a Jump List

1. To remove a recent item entirely from a Jump List, open the Jump List, right-click the
item, and then click Remove from this list.
2. Dont worry, you wont delete the file, youre just removing it from the Jump List. The
next time you open that item, it might reappear in the Jump List again.

II.8. Snap a window to the side

You can use Snap to arrange windows side by side, which can be especially helpful when
comparing two documents or when dragging files from one place to another. Here how:
1. Drag the title bar of a window to the left or right side of the screen until an outline of the
expanded window appears.
2. Release the title bar to expand the window.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with another window to arrange the windows side by side.
To return the window to its original size, drag the title bar away from the top of the desktop, and
then release.

II.9. Snap a window vertically

You can use Snap to expand windows vertically, which can be especially helpful for reading
longer documents. Heres how:
1. Point to the top or bottom edge of an open window until the pointer changes into a doubleheaded arrow.
2. Drag the edge of the window to the top or bottom of the screen to expand the window to the
entire height of the desktop. The width of the window doesn't change.
To return the window to its original size, drag the title bar away from the top of the desktop, or
drag the bottom edge of the window away from the bottom of the desktop.

II.10. Snap a window to the top

You can use Snap to maximize a window, which makes it easier to focus solely on that window with less
distraction from other open windows. Heres how:
1. Drag the title bar of the window to the top of the screen until an outline of the expanded window
appears.
2. Release the title bar to expand the window to fill the entire desktop.
To return the window to its original size, drag the title bar of the window away from the top of the screen.

II.11. Minimize open windows using Aero Shake

You can use Aero Shake to quickly minimize every open window except the one you want. You can then
restore all of your windows just as easily. Heres how:
1. In the window you want to keep open, drag (or shake) the title bar back and forth quickly.
2. To restore the minimized windows, shake the open window again.

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III.

Personalizing Your PC

III.1Change your user account picture

You can change the picture thats shown with your user name on the Start menu. Heres how:
1. Click the Start button, and then click the picture at the top of the Start menu.
2. Click Change your picture.
3. Click the picture you want to use, and then click Change Picture.
or If you want to use a picture of your own, click Browse for more pictures, find the picture you
want to use, click the picture, and then click Open.

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III.2. Change your desktop background

Your desktop background (also called wallpaper) can be a photo from your personal collection or
one that comes with Windows. If you prefer, you can also select a solid color for your desktop
background. Heres how:
1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Click Desktop background.
3. Click the Picture location list to pick the location of your desired picture, or click Browse to
search for the picture on your computer.

4. When you find the picture you want, double-click it. It will become your desktop background.
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5. In the Picture position list, click an item to crop the picture to fill the screen, fit the picture to
the screen, stretch the picture to fit the screen, tile the picture, or center the picture on the screen,
and then click Save changes.

III.3. Create a desktop background slide show

Instead of settling for a single picture on your desktop, you can add some visual variety to your
desktop with a slide show of your favorite photos. Heres how to select an assortment of photos
for your own desktop background slide show:
1. Make sure that the pictures that you want to include in your slide show are all located in the
same folder or the Pictures library (if you want to make a slide show using the entire library).
2. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Personalize.

3. Click Desktop background.

4. Click the Picture location list to pick the location of your desired picture, or click Browse to
search for the picture on your computer.
5. Select the check box for each picture that you want to include in your slide show. By default,
all of the pictures in the folder are selected and will be part of the slide show.
6. To complete the slide show, you can do any of the following:
Click an item in the Picture position list to crop the pictures to fill the screen, fit the
pictures to the screen, stretch the pictures to fit the screen, tile the pictures, or center the
pictures on the screen.
Click an item in the Change picture every list to choose how quickly the slide show
changes pictures.
Select the Shuffle check box to have the pictures appear in a random order.
7. Click Save changes.

III.4. Change your window color

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You can change the color of window frames, the Start menu, the taskbar, and other common
Windows elements to suit your taste and personality. Just do this:
1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Click Window Color.
3. Click the color you want, and then use the slider to vary the intensity of the color.
4. When youve fine-tuned the color, click Save changes.

III.5. Change your system sounds

You can have your computer play a sound when certain events occur on your computer, such as
when you log on to your computer or when you receive new e-mail. Windows comes with
several sound schemescollections of related soundsfor common events. Heres how to
customize your sounds:
To change a sound scheme
1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Click Sounds.
3. In the Sound Scheme list, click the sound scheme that you want to use, and then click OK.
You can get a sense of what a scheme sounds like before you click OK. In the Program Events
list, click events with speaker icons (the icon means that the event has a sound associated with
it), and then click Test to hear how each one sounds in that scheme.
To change a sound
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1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Personalize.

2. Click Sounds.
3. In the Program Events list, click the event that you want to assign a new sound for.
4. In the Sounds list, click the sound that you want to associate with the event, and then click
OK.
If the sound you want to use isn't listed, click Browse to find it.
If you change more than one sound, click Apply after changing each sound, and then click OK
when youre done.
When you change one or more event sounds, Windows automatically creates a new sound
scheme and adds (modified) to the name. For example, if you started by modifying the scheme
called Sonata, the new scheme will be called Sonata (modified). The original sound scheme is
preserved with its original name.

III.6. Save your desktop settings as a theme

You can change individual parts of a theme (the pictures, colors, and sounds), and then save the
revised theme so you can use it again later. You can even share it with other people.

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To save a theme for yourself

To save your revised theme to use just on your own computer, do this:
1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Change the desktop background, window color, and sounds. These will become part of a new
Unsaved Theme. or Click an existing theme to switch to it.
3. Click Save theme.
4. Type a name for your theme, and then click Save.
Youll find this new theme under My Themes.

To save a theme to share with others

To share a revised theme, follow the steps below. You can share your theme in a variety of ways,
including e-mail or by using an external hard disk.
1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Change the desktop background, window color, and sounds. These will become part of the
Unsaved Theme, or click an existing theme to switch to it.
3. Right-click the theme, and then click Save theme for sharing.
4. In the File name box, type a name for your theme, and then click Save.
By default, Windows saves the theme in your My Documents folder. You can share this theme
using e-mail, by copying it to a USB flash drive, or any other method that you find convenient.
Double-click a shareable theme to add it to your collection of themes.
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III.7. Optimize your screen resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on your computers screen. The more pixels,
the sharper your display appears, and the smaller the individual elements on the screen appear.
Heres how to change your resolution setting:
1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Screen Resolution.

2. In the Resolution list, move the slider to the resolution you want, and then click Apply.
3. Click Keep to use the new resolution, or Revert to go back to the previous resolution. If
nothing happens, and the monitor does not appear to work properly with the selected resolution,
wait about 15 seconds and the monitor will revert back to its old resolution automatically.

III.8. Understanding native resolution

LCD monitors, including laptop screens, typically run best at their native resolution. We
recommend that you use your monitors native resolution so that you see the sharpest text and
images possible. How can you tell what your native resolution is? Easy: In most cases, Windows
already knows, and will display (recommended) next to the ideal setting. If theres no
recommended setting, you can check your monitors user guide.

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III.9. Make the onscreen text more readable

After youve adjusted the monitor to its native resolution, the text might be too small to read. No
problem: You can make text and other items, such as icons, larger, without changing the
resolution. Heres what you need to do:
1. Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Screen Resolution.
2. Click Make text and other items larger or smaller.
3. Click one of the following:
Smaller - 100% (default). This keeps text and other items at normal size.
Medium - 125%. This sets text and other items to 125 percent of normal size.
Larger - 150%. This sets text and other items to 150 percent of normal size. This option
appears only if your monitor supports a resolution of at least 1200 x 900 pixels.
4. Click Apply.

To see the change, close all of your programs, log off of Windows, and then restart it.

IV.Finding

Your Files

IV.1.Arrange files in a library

You can arrange the files in a library by different properties. Heres how:

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1. Click the Start button, and then click Documents, Music, or Pictures.
2. In the library pane (above the file list), click the Arrange by menu, and then click a
property. Available properties will differ depending on which library youre in.

IV.2. Use search filters to find a file in the Documents library

When searching a library, you can use search filters to quickly narrow down your results.
1. Click the Start button, and then click Documents.
2. Click in the search box at the top of the window, click a search filter (such as Date modified),
and then click an item (such as a date or date range) to narrow down your search.
3. If necessary, type a word or words into the search box to narrow down your search even
further.
4. In your search results, click the file, and then click the Preview pane button to preview the file
and make sure its the right one.

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IV.3. Include a folder in the Pictures library

If you store some pictures on your computer and others on an external hard drive, you can
include the folder from that drive in your Pictures library to access all your pictures as a single
collection.
1. Click the Start button, click Computer, and then go to the folder stored on your external hard
drive.
2. Right-click the folder, point to Include in library, and then click Pictures. The pictures from
your drive are now part of the Pictures library.

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IV.4. Change a librarys settings

You can customize the general behavior of a library by changing where it saves files and the
order in which the library locations appear.
1. Click the Start button, and then click Documents, Music, or Pictures.
2. In the library pane (above the file list), next to Includes, click Locations, and then do one of
the following:
To change the location where files that are copied or saved to the library are stored, rightclick a library location thats not currently the default save location, and then click Set as
default save location.
To change the order in which the library locations appear, right-click a location, and then
click Move up or Move down.
3. Click OK.

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V.

Sharing Files with HomeGroup

V.1. Share files using public folders

You can share files with others users on the same computer by placing those files in a public
folder. Heres how:

1. Click the Start button, and then, in the search box, type Public.
2. Click See more results, and then, in the list of results, double-click Public.
3. Choose the public folder that best fits the type of file or files you want to share, and then
drag your files and folders into that folder.
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V.2. Create a homegroup

Using a homegroup, you can share files with others on your home network without having to
move them around. If a homegroup doesnt exist on your network, youll have to create one.
Heres how:
1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2. In the search box, type homegroup, and then click HomeGroup.
3. On the Share with other home computers running Windows 7 page, click Create a
homegroup.
4. Select the check boxes of the items youd like to share, click Next, and then click Finish.
5. On the Change homegroup settings page, click Cancel.

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V.3.Join a homegroup
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If a homegroup already exists on your network, you can join it to share files or your printer with
other peopleand even stream music, video, and pictures to others in your homegroup. Heres
how to do this:

1. On a computer that wasnt used to create the homegroup, click the Start button, and then click
Control Panel.
2. In the search box, type homegroup, and then click HomeGroup.
3. On the Share with other home computers running Windows 7 page, click Join now.
4. Select the check boxes of the items youd like to share, and then click Next.
5. On the Type the homegroup password page, type the password you received from the person
who created the homegroup, and then click Next.
6. On the You have joined the homegroup page, click Finish.
7. On the Change homegroup settings page, click Cancel.
Notes
If you dont see the option to join a homegroup, then the homegroup has not been created yet.
If you havent received the password, ask the creator of the homegroup to open HomeGroup on
his or her computer, and then click View or print the homegroup password.

V.4. View shared files

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After youve joined a homegroup (and depending on your permissions), you can view or change files
others have shared. Heres how:

1. Click the Start button, and then click Computer.

2. Under Homegroup, select the computer that has the files you want to view or change.
3. In the library pane (above the file list), click an item in the Arrange by list.

V.5. Stream media

You can send media, such as photos and music, directly to compatible programs and devices on
your network. This is called streaming. Heres how you do it:
1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2. In the search box, type homegroup, and then click HomeGroup.
3. Select the Stream my pictures, music, and videos to all devices on my home network
check box, and then click Save Changes.

7. On another computer joined to your homegroup, open Windows Media Player by clicking the
Start button, clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Media Player.
If the Player is currently open and youre in Now Playing mode, click the Switch to Library
button in the upper-right corner of the Player.

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8. Under Other Libraries, click the computer that is streaming media, and then double-click a
category to see what media are available.
VI.Changing

Windows Setting

VI.1. Use Control Panel to change settings

Control Panel is the main place to change settings. You can use these settings to control
nearly everything about how Windows looks and works, so that it's just right for you. Heres
how:
1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
There are two ways to find Control Panel items:
Use search. To find a setting you're interested in or a task you want to perform,
type a word or phrase in the search box. For example, type "sound" to find
specific settings for your sound card, system sounds, and the volume on your PC.
Browse. You can explore Control Panel by clicking different categories (for
example, System and Security, Programs, or Ease of Access), and viewing the
tasks listed under each category. Or, under View by, click either Large icons or
Small icons to view a list of all Control Panel items.

VI.2. Search for Control Panel items from the Start menu
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You can also search for Control Panel items in the Start menu. Heres how:
Click the Start button, and then type a search term in the search box. Click a result to go
straight to the setting youre looking for.

VI.3. Control Panel items that have been renamed

Some Control Panel items have been renamed, divided into separate items, or combined into one.
To find them, type the new name in the search box in the Start menu or in Control Panel. Heres
the list: Old name (or names)

Old name (or names)

New name (or names)

Add or Remove Programs

Programs and Features

Appearance and Themes

Display

Appearance and Personalization

Personalize
Display

Sounds, Speech, and Audio

Printers and Other Hardware

Hardware and Sound

System and Maintenance

System and Security

Security Center

Action Center

Accessibility Options

Ease of Access

VI.3. Install, view, and manage devices

To see all the devices connected to your computer, use one of them, or troubleshoot one that isn't
working properly, open the Devices and Printers folder. Heres how:
Click the Start button, and then click Devices and Printers.

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VI.4. Master your devices with Device Stage

A new feature in Windows 7 called Device Stage takes device management a step further.
Device Stage is a simple way to view the status of compatible mobile phones, music players, and
other devices. Heres how to use a device with Device Stage:

1. Turn on your device and connect it to your computer using a using a USB cable or a wireless
connection.
2. Click the Start button, and then click Devices and Printers.
3. In Devices and Printers, double-click the device.
If Device Stage doesn't open, then your device isn't compatible with Device Stage. If your device
is compatible with Device Stage, youll see a list of tasks that you can do. For example, if you
have a compatible smartphone, you can use Device Stage to transfer music, videos, contacts, and
appointments from your computer to your phone and keep them in sync.

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VI.5. Use Action Center to keep your PC running smoothly

Action Center is a central place to view alerts and take actions that can help keep Windows running
smoothly.
Heres how to open Action Center:
Click the flag icon, and then click Open Action Center.

Action Center displays messages about security and maintenance settings that need your
attention. Items with a red marker are labeled Important, and indicate significant issues that
should be addressed soon, such as an outdated antivirus program that needs updating. Items with
a yellow marker are issues that you should consider addressing, like recommended maintenance
tasks.
To view details about issues in either the Security or Maintenance section, click the heading or
the chevron next to the heading to expand the section.
You can quickly see whether there are any new messages in Action Center by pointing to the
flag icon.
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If youre having a problem with your computer, check Action Center to see if the issue has been
identified. If it hasnt, you can also find links to troubleshooters and other tools that can help fix
problems.

VI.6. Find and fix problems on your PC

Troubleshooting in Control Panel contains several programs that can automatically fix some
common problems, such as problems with networking, hardware and devices, using the web, and
program compatibility. Although troubleshooters aren't designed to fix every problem, theyre a
useful thing to try first, as they can often save you time and effort. Heres how to use them:
1. Click the Start button, type troubleshoot in the search box, and then click Troubleshooting.
2. Click the troubleshooter that you want to run.
To see all troubleshooters, click View all.

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VI.7. Back up your PC

By turning on automatic backups, you dont have to worry about losing documents, pictures,
music, videos, and other files on your PC. Heres how to get started:
1. Click the Start button, type backup in the search box, and then click Backup and Restore.
2. Click Set up backup, and then follow the steps in the wizard.
Your backup will automatically include files in common locations such as the desktop and
libraries that contain your pictures, documents, music, and videos. Or you can customize your
backup by selecting the individual drives and folders that you want to back up.
You can also schedule an automatic system image backupwhich is basically a snapshot of your
entire computer. If your hard drive or computer fails, you can restore your files, settings, and
programs on a new computer or hard drive.

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