COMPUTER BASICSIntroduction to the Desktop

Students will learn:

What the desktop is The Start Button Icons Taskbar Notification Area Multitasking Hints and shortcuts

What is the Desktop

Work area that covers your monitor’s screen

Desktop has 3 main elements: Background picture Icons Taskbar

Background Picture

Background Picture

Your workspace Customizable Your “tasks” go Contains icons

What is an icon?

A small picture or symbol serving as a representation of: software function file folder.

Icons

Software Icons

Represents software Activate the software by 3 ways:

Double-clicking Right-click, “Open” Select it then tap enter

Function Icons

Normally a gadget/widget

Examples: Recycle Bin Calculator

Perform 1 or 2 tasks

File Icon

Icon that represents a file

The files must be opened up specific applications

File icon has application icon attached

Folder Icon

Folder is a storage location

Folders can be named and renamed

Folders are used to group files, pictures, etc.

Taskbar

Taskbar

Where programs “go” when they are open

Easy and quick access to applications Contains the “START” menu Also contains the “Notification Area”

Start Button

Icon or Button that contains: Applications Folders Files Administrative

Folders

Notification Area

Displays calendar widget Date/time

System Software Applications that

the OS is using We normally don’t

“use” them But we could…

Sound Wifi connection

Taskbar Shortcuts & Hints

Display the Desktop Switch from one application to another

(multitasking) Close an application “Pin” an application “Move” an application

Students will learn:

What the desktop is The Start Button Icons Taskbar Notification Area Multitasking Hints and shortcuts