This section will help you learn the basics needed to navigate the Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP interface.
Opening Programs
Your Windows desktop will contain several icons. These include My Computer, the Recycle Bin, and more. To open any program on your desktop, simply double-click its icon.
You can also access programs using the Start Menu. To open any program on your computer, click the start menu. A menu containing items such as Programs, Documents, Settings, and more appears. Move your mouse to the Programs menu item. A new menu will appear. Simply locate the program you wish to run from this menu and click it once. The program will open and the Start Menu will disappear.
Using a CD
If you wish to install a program from a CD, simply insert the disc into your computer's CD-ROM drive. The installation program should start automatically. If the CD does not automatically install, double-click My Computer on the Windows desktop. My Computer will contain a group of icons. One of these is your CD-ROM drive. It is marked by an icon of a CD and is normally named D: or E: . Double-click your CD-ROM icon to open the CD. An icon representing the installation program will appear. Double-click it to install the CD. If this does not work, consult the CD's documentation.
If you wish to listen to an audio CD, simply insert the disc into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Your CD player application will launch and the CD will begin playing automatically. If the CD does not automatically play, click the Start Menu and select Programs. Next, select Accessories and then Entertainment. There will be a program called CD Player under the Entertainment menu. Click it to open the application. You can now play the CD by using the program's Play button.
If you wish to access information on a data CD, insert the disc into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Select My Computer from your Windows desktop. My Computer will contain a group of icons. One of these is your CD-ROM drive. It is marked by an icon of a CD and is normally named D: or E: . Double-click your CD-ROM icon to open the CD. A list of files contained on the CD is opened. Double-click any of these files to open them.
Using a Floppy Disk
If you wish to open a file on a floppy disk, insert the disk into your computer's floppy drive. Double-click My Computer from your Windows desktop. My Computer will contain a group of icons. One of these is your floppy drive. It is marked by an icon of a drive and a disk, and is normally named A: . Double-click your floppy drive icon to open the disk. A list of files contained on the floppy disk is opened. Double-click any of these files to open them.
If you wish to save information onto a floppy disk, insert the disk into your computer's floppy drive. Make sure to open the file you wish to save. For example, let's say that you have a Microsoft Word document open and you wish to save it to your floppy. With the document open in Microsoft Word, open the File Menu and select Save As... . This will open a small dialog box. At the top of the box will be a Save In: selection. Click the triangle button to open a list of folders to save in. Near the top of the list will be the icon for your floppy drive. Select your floppy drive and type in a name for the file in the File Name box at the bottom. Click the Save button to save the file. You now have a copy of the file on your floppy disk.
Online Resources
For more help with Windows, visit the following site:
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