End User Computing Unit 2

Icons

• Represent programs, folders, files, and shortcuts on a computer screen
• Small pictures (pictograms) that symbolize various components

Interaction with Icons

• Double-clicking a program icon starts the corresponding program
• Double-clicking a folder icon opens a window showing files and folders contained in it
• Double-clicking a file icon starts the associated program and opens the file in it
• Double-clicking a shortcut icon starts the corresponding program, file, or folder

Getting Started

• Icons are small pictures on a computer screen that represent programs, folders, files, and shortcuts.
• Icons can be clicked to start a program, open a folder, or open a file in a corresponding program.
• A shortcut is a file that points to another program, file, or folder on the computer.

Working with Files

• A file is a set of digital data with a name, icon, and extension.
• Files are stored within folders for easier reference.
• Windows Explorer is used to browse files and folders on a computer.
• Windows Explorer displays a hierarchical view of folders and files.
• There are four types of libraries in Windows Explorer: Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos.
• Each file and folder has a path, which is an address of its location.

Storage Devices and Hierarchical Display

• Storage devices have icons, names, and letters in parentheses (e.g., A, B, C, D, E).
• A computer can have one or more Hard Disk Drives (HDD) or partitions.
• HDDs can be divided into partitions, and each partition can have a different drive letter.

Desktop

• A desktop can be contained in a window or take up the entire display area.
• Users can have multiple desktops for different projects or work environments and switch between them.

History of Desktops

• The concept of a desktop has existed since 1984, when Tandy released a text-based desktop called DeskMate.
• Microsoft released Windows 1.0 in 1985, which included a graphical desktop.
• The Windows desktop has evolved over the years, including the introduction of Active Desktop in 1997 and the elimination of the Start menu in Windows 8.

GUI Desktops

• Nearly all modern desktop operating systems, including Windows, Apple macOS, and Linux, include a GUI desktop.
• GUI stands for Graphical User Interface.

Virtual Desktops

• A virtual desktop refers to a desktop operating system that runs on top of an enterprise hypervisor.
• End users access virtual desktops through thin clients, and a remote desktop protocol transmits screen images and keyboard and mouse inputs between the user's device and the server.

Information and Settings

• Windows 10's Settings menu is similar to the Settings charm in Windows 8.1.
• The Settings menu includes various sections, such as System, Devices, Network & Internet, and Update & Security.
• The System tab includes general settings and setup utilities, such as system info, device manager, and storage settings.

Software Installations

• Software can be installed from the Internet or from a CD or DVD.
• Windows 10 apps must be installed through the Microsoft Store.
• It is essential to download and install programs only from trusted publishers and retail websites.