Lesson 1 What you’ll learn in this lesson: • What you can do with Windows 7 • Activating your copy of Windows 7 TE RI AL • Starting Windows 7 • The Windows 7 desktop • Getting help TE D MA Getting Started with Windows 7 Starting up PY RI GH The public spoke, and Microsoft listened.Windows 7 boasts hundreds of improvements based on feedback from users of previous versions of the Windows operating system.The result: a faster, more intuitive, more reliable, and more streamlined operating system.
1 What you can do with Windows 7 What you can do with Windows 7 The Windows 7 operating system has been designed with productivity in mind. In addition to being streamlined for speed, Windows 7 contains and supports a collection of tools, programs, and other resources to help you: • Get work done.
What you can do with Windows 7 1 • Create and edit pictures. Use Windows 7 to import images from a digital camera, scan images with a scanner, or download images from the Internet. Then view them individually or in slide show format using Windows Photo Viewer.You can also use the Paint program to create images of your own. For even more photo features, use the Windows Live Photo Gallery, which is covered in more detail in Lesson 13, “Working with Images.
1 What you can do with Windows 7 • Play music and other media. The Windows Media Player makes it easy to listen to audio CDs (and burn your own), play digital audio and video clips.You can also watch movies on DVD and tune into Internet radio. Using the Windows Media Center, you can locate and stream your favorite Internet TV shows, record regular TV, if your computer has a TV tuner, and view movies. Use Windows Media Player to enjoy your favorite music and videos. • Get online.
What you can do with Windows 7 1 What is an operating system? A computer’s operating system is a set of programs that enable the computer to perform such basic tasks as recognizing user input from a keyboard or mouse, sending output to the computer screen, keeping track of files on the hard disk, and controlling peripheral devices, such as external hard drives and printers.
1 Activating your copy of Windows 7 4 In the System and Security window, click the System link. The System window opens, displaying the version of Windows 7 installed on your computer, among other things. Click the System link to find out which edition of Windows 7 is running on your computer. You can learn about the different versions of Windows 7 in Appendix A. Activating your copy of Windows 7 When you install Windows 7, you have the option of activating your copy of the software.
Activating your copy of Windows 7 1 In this exercise, you will learn how to activate your copy of Windows 7. If you opted to activate Windows 7 when prompted during the installation rather than waiting until later, skip to the next section. Note that you must be connected to the Internet to complete this exercise. 1 Press the Start button ( ) to display the Start menu. 2 Click Control Panel in the Start menu. 3 In the Control Panel window that appears, click the System and Security link.
1 What’s new with Windows 7 7 Microsoft verifies the product key, then activates the software. When activation is complete, press the Close button ( ) in the upper right corner. Windows 7 verifies the product key, then notifies you when activation is successful. If you don’t have an Internet connection, you can activate your copy of Windows 7 via phone.
What’s new with Windows 7 1 Jump lists offer a handy way to quickly access your most recent files—right from the Taskbar. If you frequently access a particular file, you can pin it to the Taskbar. Right-click a Taskbar button to view a jump list of recent documents. To view a jump list of recent documents right-click a Taskbar button. Windows 7 makes window management a snap—literally.
1 What’s new with Windows 7 Windows 7 also has improved device-management features that enable you to easily connect, manage, and use any devices, such as printers, scanners, cameras, that are connected to your computer. Manage devices connected to your computer from one convenient location.
What’s new with Windows 7 1 If you were one of the countless Windows Vista users frustrated by the seemingly endless stream of pop-up alerts, you’ll appreciate Windows 7’s new notification system. Rather than launching a pop-up, Windows 7 displays a special icon ( ) in the Taskbar’s Notification area. Click the icon whenever you want to open the new Windows 7 Action Center. This special window offers one-stop access to alerts and tasks related to keeping your computer in good form.
1 What’s new with Windows 7 Live from Redmond In the interest of streamlining, Microsoft also omitted some features from Windows 7 that existed in earlier versions of Windows.
What’s new with Windows 7 1 The Windows 7 desktop The Windows 7 desktop serves as the jumping-off point for any task you want to perform using your computer. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the various components of the desktop. A C B D E F G H I A. Shortcut Icon. B. Work area. C. Start Button. D. Quick Launch Program Icons. E. Programs that are currently running. F. Taskbar. G. Notification area. H. Time & Date. I. Show Desktop Button. • The Start button.
1 Getting help • The Notification area. This area displays important information about your computer, such as whether you are connected to a wireless network, whether your laptop is plugged in, and the system volume level. It also displays special alert icons if your system is in need of attention.You can click the icons displayed in this area to view additional information or to make necessary adjustments. • Time and date.Your computer displays the time and date to the right of the Notification area.
Getting help 1 Press the Start button ( ). The Start menu appears. 2 Click Help and Support. 1 Choose Help and Support from the Start menu. 3 The Windows Help and Support window appears. Type a keyword or phrase, for example user account password, in the Search text field and press Enter. Type a keyword or phrase in the Search box and press Enter.
1 Getting help 4 Windows 7 displays a list of links to articles that relate to the word or phrase you typed. Click a link that looks relevant, and Windows 7 displays the article. Click a relevant link, and then read the help article. You can also browse the help articles in the Help and Support Center. Here’s an example of how you might browse for an article. Keep in mind that locating other articles may involve more or fewer screens of subcategories or topics.
Getting help 7 1 A screen containing a table of contents appears. Click a link in the table of contents that relates to what you need help with. In this example, Security and privacy was chosen. Click a link in the table of contents. 8 Windows 7 lists a series of topics and categories to help you refine your search. Click the option that best matches your needs. 9 A list of subcategories appears. Click the one that is most relevant to your inquiry.
1 Shutting down Windows 7 Finding program-specific help Although the Help and Support Center is a great way to get help with Windows 7, it can’t help you with a program that’s not included with the Windows 7 operating system, such as Microsoft Excel or Adobe Photoshop. To access the Help function in these programs, click the Help menu in the specific program window and choose View Help, Help Topics, or something similar (the precise terminology varies). Alternatively, press the F1 key on your keyboard.
Shutting down Windows 7 1 To shut down Windows 7, press the Start button ( ). The Start menu appears. 2 Press the Shut Down button.Windows 7 shuts down your computer. Click the arrow to the right of the Shut Down button to view additional options. 1 Choose Shut Down from the Start menu or click the arrow to the right for additional options. 3 Choose Sleep or Hibernate. Windows 7 puts your computer in Sleep mode or Hibernate mode, depending on which option you choose. Choose Sleep or Hibernate.
1 Self study Self study 1 Click and right-click the various icons currently on display in the Notification area on the right side of the Taskbar, and explore the options and windows that appear. 2 Press the Ask button in the Windows Help and Support window to learn about additional ways to obtain help and support.
