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Starting off with Windows 7
(PDF, 20 page, 1.7MB) |
An operating system such as Windows 7 provides a range of tools, programs and resources that help you and your computer to work together. It provides the interface between what your computer can do and your data. |
Using Programs
(PDF, 11 pages, 790KB) |
There are thousands of different programs available for Windows 7. In essence, programs are the tools that you use on your computer to complete your tasks. You will need to use a range of programs depending on your tasks. |
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Working with programs
(PDF, 9 pages, 765KB)
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Windows 7 makes it easy to manage program installation and updates. Windows 7 also provides methods to deal with program ‘crashes’ and the like so that your valuable data is not corrupted or lost. |
Data Storage
(PDF, 8 pages, 690KB) |
Windows 7 relies on storage devices, such as the hard drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, network drives and so on, to store files and folders safely. There are several ways to access and work with drives, folders and files in Windows 7. |
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Working with folders
(PDF, 14 pages, 1MB)
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Folders are used to organise your data so that you can locate your files later. The folders on your computer are like those in filing cabinets, allowing you to place data files into them for safekeeping and for easy and convenient access at another time. |
Working with files
(PDF, 17 pages, 1MB) |
Files appear throughout your computer. Whenever you save your data you create a file. Whenever you download information from the internet it downloads into files. The ability to manage files is critical to working effectively on your computer. |
Working with Libraries
(PDF, 11 pages, 820KB) |
A library is a virtual folder that stores links to folders. So, if for example, you have your favourite photos in different locations, by accessing the Pictures library, you can immediately view all of your photos without having to search to find them. |
The Recycle Bin
(PDF, 8 pages, 490KB) |
The Recycle Bin acts as a ‘holding bay’ for deleted items until you are ready to delete them permanently. Deleted items can be recovered from the Recycle Bin if required, but there are exceptions. |
Favourite locations
(PDF, 7 page, 350KB) |
Favourites in Windows 7, not to be confused with saving your favourite websites in Internet Explorer, is an area in Windows Explorer designed for you to create shortcuts to frequently-accessed locations, such as folders, drives and libraries. |
Searching in Windows 7
(PDF, 14 page, 950KB) |
Have trouble finding your files? Windows 7 uses indexing to search the file names and contents of your files, and also provides a range of other useful searching, sorting and filtering tools to find that important file when you need it. |
Personalising Windows 7
(PDF, 12 page, 830KB) |
Windows 7 uses a graphical interface – lots of colours and other visual effects – that can be infinitely personalised to suit your temperament and mood. |
Desktop icons
(PDF, 7 page, 400KB) |
Windows uses icons to graphically represent items, such as programs and folders. This is part of Windows GUI (graphical user interface). Icons appear everywhere throughout Windows, and are really just pictures that depict the type of items they represent. |
Printing
(PDF, 12 page, 1MB) |
A printer allows for the output of processed data. Windows 7 makes that output possible by communicating with the printer’s driver. We won’t get too technical here, but will introduce you to the way that Windows 7 manages your printers and printing jobs. |
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User accounts
(PDF, 11 page, 840KB)
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A user account is a collection of settings and permissions, specific to a user, that determines what a user can and cannot do on the computer. These settings are also used to protect the user’s files and folders from access by other non-authorised people. |
Security and protection
(PDF, 8 page, 610KB) |
Keeping the computer and valuable data safe from harm is an ongoing problem for all of us. For all the benefits that the internet brings us, security is a major issue. Windows 7 has several features available to help to keep your computer and data secure. |
Help and Support
(PDF, 8 page, 630KB) |
Windows Help and Support is designed to give you information on pretty much anything Windows-related, as well as providing step-by-step instructions for completing almost any task in Windows 7. The Help and Support Centre is there when you need help. |
Learner files
(ZIP, 3.2MB) |
If you want to try out the exercises in the learning guides above you'll need to unzip these files into your My Documents area on your desktop. |