Intro to Windows 10 and MS Office

• The chapter introduces Windows 10 and MS Office, focusing on different types of software.

Windows 10 introduction

• Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft.
• Windows provides a user-friendly graphical interface for interacting with computer hardware and software.

Key features of Windows:

• Ease of Use: Provides a simple graphical interface with intuitive navigation.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports a vast range of applications and hardware.
• Customization: Offers settings for personalization and accessibility.
• Regular Updates: Delivers security patches and new features over time.

Windows evolution history:

• Windows 1.0 (1985): The first graphical user interface (GUI) by Microsoft.
• Windows 95 (1995): Introduced the Start Menu, Taskbar, and Plug & Play.
• Windows XP (2001): One of the most stable and widely used versions.
• Windows 7 (2009): Improved performance and UI, also introduced Aero design.
• Windows 8 (2012): The first OS with touchscreen optimization, but it lacked a Start Menu.
• Windows 10 (2015): Brought back the Start Menu and introduced virtual desktops and Cortana. Improved speed and security.
• Windows 11 (2021): Redesigned UI improved performance, better multitasking, and support for Android apps.

Key terms

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): A system allowing users to interact with the computer via visual elements instead of text-based commands.
• Windows: The ability to have multiple applications open in separate screen areas.
• Notepad & Paint: Early simple programs for text editing and simple drawing.

Windows 95

• Start Menu: Provides quick access to programs, settings, and files.
• Taskbar: Horizontal bar showing running applications for easy switching.
• Plug & Play: Automatically detects and configures new hardware.

Windows XP

• Stability: The ability of an OS to run for long periods without crashing.
• User Interface (UI): The design and layout of how the user interacts with the OS.
• File System: XP used NTFS, improving security/efficiency over FAT32.

Windows 7

• Performance Improvement: faster boot, better memory management compared to Vista.
• Aero Design: A transparent, glass-like visual effect.
• Security Enhancements: Featured BitLocker, encrypting files to protect user data.

Windows 8

• Touchscreen Optimization: Designed for tablets and touch laptops to allow direct tapping, swiping, and pinching.
• Metro UI: Replaced the traditional desktop Start Menu with a tile-based one.
• No Start Menu: The removal of the traditional Start Menu frustrated many users.

Windows 10

• Start Menu Return: The familiar Start Menu was brought back due to complaints in Windows 8
• Virtual Desktops: A feature for creating multiple desktops to organize different tasks.
• Cortana: A digital assistant that supports searches, reminders, and voice commands.

Windows 11

• Redesigned UI: Introduced rounded corners, a centered taskbar, and new icons.
• Multitasking Enhancements: Features like Snap Layouts allow multiple windows to be organized.
• Android App Support: Users can install and run Android apps directly via the PC's Microsoft Store.

Basics of Windows

• Windows authenticates users and manages multiple user accounts on the same device.

Logging in:

• Click the user icon on the sign-in screen, which displays a Password text box, or it will display the Windows Start screen if no password was set.
• Click the Submit button to sign in and display the Windows Start screen.
• Access the internet button if you have a logged-in Microsoft account to reset a forgotten password/PIN.
• On-screen keyboard access to deal with broken keyboard issues.

User accounts:

• Create multiple users without sharing data.
• Go to Setting > Accounts > Family & other users.
• Under Add another user, select Add account.
• Enter account information or make a guest account.
• Connect personal and school accounts on the same device for easy file, email, and app access.
• NDU provides free access to Microsoft Office 365 and 5TB OneDrive storage.

Desktop and File-Explorer:

• The Desktop shows after signing in.
• The Desktop allows you to use the main GUI to show its usability.
• Access file management system through File Explorer to:
• Organize and pin files for quick access.
• Sort and group files and make sections.
• Create Folders, Subfolders and Shortcuts.
• Understand file extentions and their default applications.
• Search for files using File Explorer.
• Quick Access: press WinKey + E

Other operatons

• Creating, moving, renaming, deleting files/folders.
• Using Ctrl + C (copy), Ctrl + X (cut), Ctrl + V (paste).
• Using Shift + Delete permanently deletes files.
• Restoring deleted files from the Recycle Bin.
• Knowing file extensions and Marcel.txt, VS.exe associations.
• Changing wallpaper, themes, and icons.
• Adjusting screen resolution and scaling for better visibility.
• Using multiple screens (duplicate versus extend mode).

How to preform an action

• Copy: Duplicates or replicates the selected object.
• Move: Transfers an object to another location.
• Cut: Temporarily removes an object.
• Paste: Inserts copied/cut objects selected destination. -Delete: Removes an object to the Recycle Bin.
• Rename: Modify a file or folder’s name while keeping its data.

Changing settings

• Wallpaper: Change the desktop background image by right-clicking the desktop, then go to "Personalize" and then "Background".
• Themes: preset combinations with settings by going Settings → Personalization →Themes.
• Icons: Customize desktop icons (recycle bin, etc.) via Settings → Personalization → Themes → Desktop Icon Settings, can also be resized with Ctrl + mouse wheel.
• Screen resolution affects clarity and sharpness.
• Go to Settings, go to Display -> Display resolution
• Higher revolutions provides clearer images but may make text and icons smaller
• Scaling helps to exactly fit the size of the screen.

Other Important facts

• Duplicate Mode: Shows same content on both screens.
• Extend Mode: 2nd screen becomes more workspace.
• Windows + P switches between display modes.
• Dark mode reduces eye strain in low-light settings
• Settings → Personalization → Colors → Choose your mode
• The Taskbar is a critical Desktop component.
• Hovering the mouse displays of window previews
• Task Manager can check background applications
• ALT+TAB allows to switch between tabs

Start Menu

• Window logo accesses the app menu or quick search.
• Apps can be pinned/unpinned via Start Menu.
• Find apps using the Start Menu Search Bar, to simply find the name and it'll be show in the menu.
• Access main settings, Control Panel, or lock your computer.

Control Panel and advance settings

• The Control Panel configures system settings and manages hardware and software.
• Many functions were moved to the Settings app in Windows 10 and 11.
• Main content of the Cover Panel are; File Explorer Options, and the proper programs & features.
• File Explorer Options: Controls file visibility & extensions.
• Programs and Features: Uninstalls programs.
• User Accounts: Handles login and authentication.
• System Information: Displays hardware/software details.

File Explorer Options

• System may hide system/protected files
• Enabling show hidden files allows to see them
• Go to View tab, Advanced Settings and enable show hidden files, folders, and drives then apply settings
• Extensions are often hidden for known file types
• Windows hides (.exe, .txt).
• go to View tab, Uncheck "Hide extensions
• Every actual files will be noted separated with a dot to know what they are
• Program and Features uninstalls programs
• Deleting programs can leave registry data. Go to Control Panel and Right-click > Uninstall app
• Advanced tools are external uninstallers for a fee
• Found in Control Panel > System > System Information to find hardware and software details.
• Setting > System > About in current Windows versions will work instead.
• Active Windows is highlighted, receives user inputs and is displayed on the top layer.

Introduction to Microsoft Office

• Microsoft Office 2016 includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, Publisher, OneNote, and OneDrive.

Microsoft Office 2016 Suites types

• Microsoft Office 365
• Microsoft Office Online
• Microsoft Office includes the Office 365, currently in use at NDU.

MS Office Suite

• A suite bundles applications together for essential productivity.
• Microsoft Office 365:
• It's a subscription-based service.
• Always includes the latest Office apps with regular updates.
• Offers cloud-based storage via OneDrive.
• Has personal, business, and enterprise versions.
• Microsoft Office 2016:
• One-time purchase for a fixed version.
• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and often Outlook.
• Lacks cloud storage integration. Microsoft Office Online:
• A free web-based version.
• Lacks advanced features but allows for basic editing and collaboration.
• Accessible from any browser via OneDrive.

Common MS Programs

• In the course, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel will be further discussed
• Microsoft Word is a word processing app for editing, creating, and documents features such as collaboration.
• Microsoft PowerPoint is create slideshows to design engaging presentations.
• Microsoft Excel organizes, analyzes, visualize data.
• Track functions, formulas, and charts for calculations, data, and financial model
• NDU provide a licensed version of Microsoft Office 365.

To Access:

Go to NDU website -> Home Page → Quick Links → Office 365 Sign in with NDU and password Features full Office access, of OneDrive storage, with quick access to email.