Using Windows 7

Using Windows 7

The “Start” button is one of the most important features in Windows, as it is the starting point for most features on your computer. To use your computer, you need to start application programs and access files you have created using these applications. As you learn more about Windows 7, you will find there are many ways to perform the same task.

The list of programs on the Start menu is divided into two parts. The first part is the “Pinned Items List”. The programs on the pinned items list remain there and are always available for you to click to start them. You can add programs to the pinned items list.

The next part is the “Most frequently used programs list”. Programs are added to the most frequently used programs list when you use them. Programs you have not recently used are removed from the list and replaced with the more recently used programs.

Pointing to an item in the “Start” menu moves the selection cursor to the item and displays a pop-up description. Clicking an icon in the “Start” menu starts a program or accesses an item or feature immediately. When you point to an item with an arrowhead symbol, a submenu with additional options is displayed.

Documents Pictures:

“Documents” is your personal folder. It is a convenient place to store documents, graphics, or other files you want to access quickly.

Pictures: The “Pictures” folder in Windows 7 offers a variety of options for viewing and managing your digital pictures. From within “Pictures”, you can view photos at different sizes, rotate them, view a slide show, print photos or copy photos to a CD.

Music: The “Music” folder is the place where Windows automatically saves all the audio clips you download from the Internet or save on your hard drive with Windows Media Player. To play a particular audio file that you have saved, simply double-click on it.

Computer: This item in the “Start” menu is used to access drives, printers and other hardware, the “Control Panel” and other system applications.

Network: “Network” displays shortcuts to shared computers, printers, and other resources on the network. The shortcuts are created automatically whenever you open a shared network resource, such as a printer or shared folder.

Control Panel: Using the Control panel, you can access many support applications that enable you to customize the appearance and functionality of your computer system. From the Control Panel, you can access hardware settings for the keyboard, mouse, printers and modem; as well as settings for the monitor display and sound.

You can click “Help and Support” to learn how to use Windows 7, obtain troubleshooting information, receive support and more.

All Programs: Clicking “All Programs” opens a list of programs currently installed on your computer.