Windows basics tutorial for beginners
Let’s Learn about windows Explorer
An Operating system provides a platform through which a user a can interact with the Hardware using software. When the user gives an instruction through software, it is passed on to the operating system.
It then uses this instruction and determines how the hardware and software of a computer should be utilized in the best possible way.
Some popular operating systems are windows, DOS, UNIX, Linux, and iOS, Operating Systems are categorized into two types:
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Microsoft Windows is a Graphical User (GUI) based operating system creates a user-friendly environment, which allows the user to interact with a computer using graphical symbols, the most widely used GUI operating system.
Character User Interface (CUI) operating system lets you interact with the computer by typing commands. MS DOS is one of the best examples of CUI.
WINDOWS DESKTOP
When you switch on the computer, the Windows operating system automatically starts. The first screen that appears on the monitor after booting is known as the Desktop.
It contains small graphical symbols known as Icons and a long horizontal bar at the bottom called Taskbar. Start button is the most frequently used button on the desktop clicking on the Start button displays various options in the form of a menu.
Files and Folders
Data and information are stored in a computer in the form of files and folders. Each file, folder, application, or any other item is represented by an icon. Clicking on these icons allows the user to quickly access the corresponding files, folders, or programs.
The files and folders stored in a computer need to be managed properly. This helps the user to work efficiently.
File: A file is a collection of related data and information stored in a computer memory. A file is saved with a name related to the content, because it makes locating a file easier. When a file is created in a specific program, it is known by the application name for example, a document created in Word is known as a Word file.
Folder: A collection of similar or related files are stored in a folder. It acts like a container of files. A folder plays a vital role in storing and organizing files. Unlike a file, a folder can hold another folder in it. A folder within a folder is known as a subfolder. For example, you have saved created a folder with the name ‘India’ and within this folder, you have saved three more folders with the names of your India states such as ‘Utter Pradesh’ , ‘Delhi’ , Mumbai’, and ‘Rajasthan’. These folders are the subfolders of the India.
You would have seen the school librarian arranging and managing the books on the library book shelves regularly. In the same way, you need to manage the files and folders stored in your computer time and again.
Windows Explorer
It also helps in searching, arranging copying, moving, deleting, and renaming files and folders.
Windows explorer is an application that lets you access files and folders stored in computer.
To open Windows Explorer, follow these steps:
- Click on the start button.
- Click on all program
- Click on Accessories
- Click on Windows Explorer.
Components of Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer open with the Libraries folder selected by default. Let us see the various component of the Windows Explorer Window.
Windows Explorer window is divided in two parts – Left Pane and Right Pane.
Left Pane Displays the disk drives and folders. It is also known as the Navigation pane. Apart from the local disks, it also shows the external dives attached to the computer.
Right Pane is present on the right side of the window. It is bigger than Navigation pane and occupies most of the Explorer window. It is also known as the Details pane, since it display the contents of the Disk drive or folder that is selected in the Navigation pane.
Windows Explorer
In Windows managing files is different from windows. In Windows explorer is called File Explorer. Let is see how can open it.
Select the start button and find file explorer on the Start menu.
Press Windows logo key + E to open file Explorer
Select the folder icon on the taskbar
File Explorer in Windows is divided into two parts – left pane (navigation pane) And right pane.
Navigation Pane gives access to libraries of documents and pictures, as well as storage devices. Frequently used folders and network devices and also featured here.
Right pane is divided into Frequent folders and Recent files section. The Frequent folders section features the folders you have worked on frequently, and allows quick access to them.
The Recent files section in the lower part of the window features files and documents that you have opened recently.
The Ribbon in File Explorer contains buttons and commands for the most common tasks File, Home, Share, and Views. Tasks that can be performed from the organize menu of the Home tab are:
Moving files and folders to another location
Copying files and folders to another location
Deleting a file or folder permanently or sending it to the Recycle Bin
Renaming a file or folder
Libraries Folder
It is special type of folder which helps you access all the content of one particular type through a single folder. It centralizes the data of one type. For example, you can store all the video files and folders in one library called Videos.
In windows there are four default libraries, which are as follows:
Documents
Music
Pictures
Videos
Updates on Windows
Libraries folder
In windows libraries do not show up unless you want them to. To add Libraries folder to the left Pane, follow these steps:
- Select the View tab.
- Click on the Navigation pane.
- From the drop-down menu, click on show libraries.