Working With Gadgets
Windows 7 lets you add small utilities, called gadgets, to your desktop. Microsoft offers many different gadgets, each of which typically performs a single purpose. For example, the Weather gadget displays weather updates for your location the Clock gadget displays the current time. To add a gadget to your desktop, right-click the desktop and then click Gadgets. When the Gadgets window appears, double-click the gadget you wish to add or click Get More Gadgets Online for a larger selection. To...
Using The Mouse
To use Windows efficiently, you must master a few simple operations, all of which you perform with your mouse. Most mouse operations include pointing and clicking. Normal clicking uses the left mouse button however, some operations require that you click the right mouse button instead. To single-click, position the cursor over the onscreen item and click the left mouse or touchpad button. To double-click, position the cursor over the onscreen item and click the left mouse or touchpad button...
Tip Ovx
Multiple Documents An application with multiple documents open is represented by a stacked taskbar icon. Google Chrome j i Google Desktop Google Earth i Google Updater Restore previous versions Adobe Drive CS4 7 Microsoft Office OnaNateZ007 Ig Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 fS Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 Microsoft Office PowerPoint Viewer Microsoft Office Word 2007 g Re-install MS Office Trial Microsoft Office Tools Microsoft Windows Programs Microsoft Works Mozilla Firefox Mozilla...
Managing Windows With The Control Panel
The Windows Control Panel is used to manage most but not all of Windows's configuration settings. The Control Panel contains links to individual utilities that let you adjust and configure various system properties. Click the Start button to display the Start menu. Click Control Panel to open the Control Panel. Click the heading or link for the category you want to configure. Control Panel Categories Individual settings within the Control Panel are organized by major category System and...
Enabling Public Folder And Printer Sharing
To share files, folders, and printers between multiple PCs enable file and printer sharing in Windows. From the Network and Sharing Center, click Choose Homegroup and Sharing Options. Click Change Advanced Sharing Settings. Share Carefully Be cautious about turning on public folder sharing and file sharing. When you allow a folder to be shared, anyone accessing your network can access the contents of the folder. File Sharing To share files from any folder on your PC, you need to enable file...
Playing A Cd With Windows Media Player
You play audio CDs using your PC's CD-ROM drive and Windows Media Player WMP . You can also use WMP to play songs you've downloaded to your PC from the Internet and if your PC has a DVD drive to play DVD movies. Insert a CD into your PC's CD-ROM drive. Windows will ask what you want to do click Play Audio CD Using Windows Media Player. Online Music Stores You can buy downloadable music at many online music stores, including Amazon MP3 Downloads www.amazonmp3.com , Rhapsody www.rhapsody.com ,...
Info Lon
When the list of matching videos appears, click the video you want to watch. Sharing Videos Find a video you think a friend would like Click the Share link under the video player. Scroll down to the Sent This Video from YouTube section, enter your friend's email address into the To box, and then click the Send button. Favorites To add a video to your list of favorite videos, click the Favorite link under the video player. View your favorites by clicking the down arrow next to your name at the...
Changing Desktop Themes
Most users like to personalize the look of the Windows desktop. To this end, Windows 7 includes a number of preconfigured desktop themes, comprised of selected desktop backgrounds, color schemes, sound schemes, and screensavers. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and click Personalize. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and click Personalize. Click the new theme you want to apply. Desktop Slideshows Some themes include desktop slideshows, where multiple desktop backgrounds are displayed in...
St
Upgrading from Previous Versions If you're accustomed to previous versions of Word, Word 2007 takes a little getting used to. But once you've figured out what's where, the ribbon-based interface is a lot easier to use. Click any tab to display the related ribbon. Click a button or control on the ribbon to perform the given operation. Context-Sensitive Ribbons Some ribbons appear automatically when you perform a specific task. For example, if you insert a picture and then select that picture, a...
Scrolling A Window
Many windows contain more information than can be displayed in the window at once. When you have a long document or web page, only the first part of the document or page is displayed in the window. To view the rest of the document or page, you have to scroll down through the window, using the various parts of the scrollbar. Click the up arrow on the window's scrollbar to scroll up one line at a time. Click the down arrow on the window's scrollbar to scroll down one line at a time. Other Ways to...
Browsing The Web
The World Wide Web is probably the most interesting and popular part of the Internet. Information on the Web is presented in web pages, each of which contains text, graphics, and links to other web pages. A web page resides at a website, which is nothing more than a collection of web pages. The main page of a website is called the home page, which serves as an opening screen that provides a brief overview and a sort of menu of everything you can find at that site. You view web pages with a...
Using Aero Snaps
Windows 7 adds some new ways to manage open windows on your desktop, collectively called Aero Snaps. Aero Snaps let you maximize windows and stack multiple windows side by side with just a few drags of the mouse. To maximize a window, click the window's title bar and drag it to the top edge of the screen, or press Windows up arrow. To snap a window to the left side of the screen, click the window's title bar and drag it to the left edge of the screen, or press Windows left arrow. To snap a...
Setting Up A Notebook Pc
Setting up a notebook PC is much simpler than setting up a desktop model. That's because Connect one end of your printer's USB cable to a USB port on your PC connect the other end of the cable to your printer. Connect one end of your computer's power cable to the power connector on the side or back of your notebook connect the other end of the power cable to a power source. Connect your printer, speakers, and other powered external peripherals to an appropriate power source.
Managing Gmail Messages
Gmail groups original messages and their replies and their replies into connected conversations. You can also organize your messages by applying labels and then search for messages with a given label. To view a previous message in a conversation, click that message's header. To view a previous message in a conversation, click that message's header. To apply a label to an email message, click the Label button and either select an existing label or enter a new one. To view all messages with a...
Tip Vsi
Follow Directions As easy as most USB devices are to connect, you should still read the device's instructions and follow the manufacturer's directions for installation. FireWire Connections Some external devices, such as fast hard drives and video cameras, connect via FireWire, a slightly faster connection than USB. Connecting a device via FireWire is similar to connecting it via USB just connect to your PC's FireWire port. Windows should automatically recognize the new peripheral and install...
Logging On To Windows
Windows 7 launches automatically as your computer starts up. After you get past the Windows Welcome screen, you're taken directly to the Windows desktop, and your system is ready to run. When you start your PC, you see the Windows Welcome screen click your username or picture. Press the Enter key on your keyboard or click the right arrow. Single-User Systems If you have only a single user on your PC and that user doesn't have a password assigned, Windows moves past the Welcome screen with no...
Using The Windows Start Menu
All the software programs and utilities on your computer are accessed via Windows's Start menu, which consists of two columns of icons. Your most frequently used programs are listed in the left column basic Windows utilities and folders are listed in the right column. To open a specific program or folder, just click the menu icon. Click the round Start button to open the Start menu. Click any menu item to launch a program or open a folder. Alternatively, you can enter a program name into the...
Memory Card Reader
Most computers today include a set of memory card readers, typically grouped on the front or side of the unit. Memory cards store photos and movies recorded on digital cameras and camcorders. To read the contents of a memory card, simply insert the card into the proper slot of the memory card reader. SmartMedia xD-Picture Card SD SDHC card SmartMedia xD-Picture Card SD SDHC card
scanners
You can create a digital copy of any photo or document by scanning it into your computer as a digital file. To do this, you use a peripheral called a scanner, which uses an image sensor to scan and digitize the elements of the document. These elements are then converted into the appropriate file format on your computer. Flatbed Scanners Most consumer scanners are so-called flatbed scanners. The item you wish to scan is placed on a flat glass plate the bed . The image sensor moves beneath the...
Note Lad
CRT Versus LCD Many older computer systems used traditional cathode ray tube CRT monitors. Newer flat-screen monitors use an LCD display instead, which takes up less desk space. To create a hard copy of your work, you must add a printer to your system. The two most common types are laser printers and inkjet printers. Laser printers work much like copy machines, applying toner powdered ink to paper by using a small laser. Inkjet printers shoot jets of ink onto the paper's surface to create the...
Adding Gmail Contacts
You can store frequently emailed addresses in Gmail's Contacts list. Once you've added them, it's easy to send messages to your contacts. Click Contacts from any Gmail page. Click the New Contact button. Enter the name, email address, and other information for this contact. Click Save. Emailing Contacts Once a contact has been added, you can email that contact by opening a new message and typing the person's name in the To box. All matching contacts will appear choose the one you want to email.
System Unit Back
Digital Connections Some newer LCD monitors use a digital video interface DVI connection instead of the older VGA-type connection. If you have a choice, a DVI connection delivers a crisper picture than the older analog connection although a DVI cable is a bit more expensive than a VGA cable. O Connect the green phono cable from your main external speaker to the audio out or sound out connector on your system unit connect the other end of the cable to the speaker. ir l Connect one end of your...
Opening A Program
To view all the programs installed on your PC, open the Start menu and click the All Programs arrow. This displays a new menu called the Programs menu. From here, you can access various programs, organized by type and title or manufacturer. Click the Start button to display the Start menu. Click the All Programs icon to display the Programs menu. Click any folder to expand that item and show its contents Click the icon for the program you want to launch. More Programs in the Folder Most...
Keyboard
A computer keyboard looks and functions just like a typewriter keyboard, except that computer keyboards have a few more keys for navigation and special program functions . When you press a key on your keyboard, it sends an electronic signal to your system unit that tells your machine what you want it to do. S 1 I - 12 3 1567390 - QWERTYUIOPI On a desktop PC, you control your computer's onscreen pointer called a cursor with an external device called a mouse. On a notebook PC, you use a small...
Connecting To The Internet
It used to be that most people bought personal computers to do work word processing, spreadsheets, databases, that sort of thing. But today, many people buy PCs to access the Internet to send and receive email, surf the Web, and chat with other users. The first step in going online is establishing a connection between your computer and the Internet. To do this, you have to sign up with an Internet service provider ISP , which, as the name implies, provides your computer with a connection to the...
Maximizing Minimizing And Closing A Window
After you've opened a window, you can maximize it to display full screen. You can also minimize it so that it disappears from the desktop and resides as a button on the Windows taskbar, and you can close it completely. To maximize the window, click the Maximize button. To minimize the window, click the Minimize button. To close the window completely, click the Close button. Restoring a Window If a window is already maximized, the Maximize button changes to a Restore Down button. When you click...
Setting Up And Using Your Pc
When you first get a new PC, you have to get everything set up, connected, and ready to run. If you're using a desktop PC, setup involves plugging in all the external devices your monitor, speakers, keyboard, and such. If you're using a notebook PC, the task is a bit easier, as most of the major components are built into the computer itself. Whichever type of PC you own, start by positioning it so that you easily can access all the connections on the unit. You'll need to carefully run the...
Adding New Devices To Your System
At some point in the future, you might want to expand your system by adding a second printer, a scanner, a webcam, or something equally new and exciting. Most of these peripherals are external and connect to your PC using a USB cable. When you're connecting a USB device, not only do you not have to open your PC's case, but you also don't even have to turn off your system when you add the new device. Connect one end of the USB cable to your new device. Connect the other end of the cable to a...
replying to an email message
It's easy to reply to any message you receive. Just click Reply, and then enter your new message From the open message, click Reply. Enter your reply text in the message window. Click the Send button to send your reply to the original sender. Quoted Text The text of the original message is automatically quoted at the bottom of the reply message.
Introduction To Easy Computer Basics Windows Edition
Computers don't have to be scary or difficult. Computers can be easy if you know what to do. That's where this book comes in. Easy Computer Basics, Windows 7 Edition is an illustrated, step-by-step guide to setting up and using your new computer. You'll learn how computers work, how to connect all the pieces and parts, and how to start using them. All you have to do is look at the pictures and follow the instructions. Pretty easy. After you learn the basics, I'll show you how to do lots of...
Shutting Down
When you want to turn off your computer, you do it through Windows. In fact, you don't want to turn off your computer any other way you always want to turn things off through the official Windows procedure. Click the Start button to display the Start menu. Click the Shut Down button at the lower right. Always Use Windows to Shut Down Do not turn off your computer without shutting down Windows. You could lose data and settings that are temporarily stored in your system's memory. V Sleep Mode...
Setting Up A Desktop Pc
You need to connect all the pieces and parts to your computer's system unit before powering it on. Once all your peripherals are connected, you can then connect your system unit to a power source. Just make sure the power source is turned off before you connect Connect the green mouse cable to the green mouse port on the back of your system Connect the purple keyboard cable to the purple keyboard port on the back of your sys Connect the blue monitor cable to the blue monitor port on the back of...
Working With Files And Folders
All the data for documents and programs on your computer is stored in electronic files. These files are then arranged into a series of folders and subfold-ers just as you'd arrange paper files in a series of file folders in a filing cabinet. In Windows 7, you use Windows Explorer to view and manage the folders and files on your system. You open Windows Explorer by clicking the Windows Explorer button on the Windows taskbar. CHANGING THE WAY FILES ARE DISPLAYED You can choose to view the...
Reading An Email Message
When you receive new email messages, they're stored in Gmail's Inbox. To display all new messages, click the Inbox link. Click to show more information about the message On Gmail's main page, click the Inbox link. Click the header for the message you wish to view. The selected message now appears scroll down to read the entire text, if necessary.
Selling Items On Craigslist
The craigslist site is also a great place to sell items you want to get rid of. Just place an ad and wait for potential buyers to contact you Click the name of your city or state. Click the Post to classifieds link. rk Click the category that best fits what you're selling. If necessary, click through to an appro- Selling Locally Selling on craigslist is better than eBay when you have a big or bulky item that might be difficult to ship long distances. Local buyers will pick up the items they...
Using Microsoft Word
When you want to write a letter, fire off a quick memo, create a fancy report, or publish a newsletter, you use a type of software program called a word processor. For most computer users, Microsoft Word is the word processing program of choice. Word is a full-featured word processor, and it's included on many new PCs and as part of the Microsoft Office suite and some versions of Microsoft Works. You can use Word for all your writing needs from basic letters to fancy newsletters and everything...
Buying Items On Craigslist
When you're looking to buy something locally, you can often find great bargains on craigslist www.craigslist.org , an online classified advertising site. Browse the ads until you find what you want, and then arrange with the seller to make the purchase. Click the name of your city or state. Go to the For Sale section and click the category you're looking for. Classified Ads Listings on craigslist are just like traditional newspaper classified ads. All transactions are between you and the seller...
Switching Between Programs
After you've launched a few programs, you can easily switch between one open program and another. In fact, Windows 7 offers several ways to switch programs, including Windows Flip, Flip 3D, and new taskbar thumbnails. To display thumbnails of all open programs Windows Flip , press Alt Tab repeat to cycle through and select a program. To display thumbnails of all open programs Windows Flip , press Alt Tab repeat to cycle through and select a program. To display a three-dimensional stack of all...
Bidding For Items On Ebay
Some of the best bargains on the Web come from other consumers selling items via online auction at eBay www.ebay.com . An eBay auction is a web-based version of a traditional auction. You find an item you'd like to own and then place a bid on it. Other users also place bids, and at the end of the auction the highest bidder wins. Enter keywords describing the item you're looking for into the search box. Click the Search button. When the search results page appears, click the link for the item...