Which part of a computer takes the text and pictures on your screen and prints them onto paper?

A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper, usually to standard-size, 8.5" by 11" sheets of paper. Printers vary in size, speed, sophistication and cost. In general, more expensive printers are used for more frequent printing or high-resolution color printing.

Personal computer printers can be distinguished as impact or non-impact printers. Early impact printers worked something like an automatic typewriter, with a key striking an inked impression on paper for each printed character. The dot matrix printer, an impact printer that strikes the paper a line at a time, was a popular low-cost option.

The best-known non-impact printers are the inkjet printer and the laser printer. The inkjet sprays ink from an ink cartridge at very close range to the paper as it rolls by, while the laser printer uses a laser beam reflected from a mirror to attract ink (called toner) to selected paper areas as a sheet rolls over a drum.

Different types of printers

There are many different printer manufacturers available today, including Canon, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, Xerox and Lexmark, among many others. There are also several types of printers to choose from, which we'll explore below.

• Inkjet printers recreate a digital image by spraying ink onto paper. These are the most common type of personal printer.
• Laster printers are used to create high-quality prints by passing a laser beam at a high speed over a negatively charged drum to define an image. Color laser printers are more often found in professional settings.
• 3D printers are a relatively new printer technology. 3D printing creates a physical object from a digital file. It works by adding layer upon layer of material until the print job is complete and the object is whole.
• Thermal printers produce an image on paper by passing paper with a thermochromic coating over a print head comprised of electrically heated elements and produces an image in the area where the heated coating turns black. A dye-sublimation printer is a form of thermal printing technology that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials.
• All-in-one printers are multifunction devices that combine printing with other technologies such as a copier, scanner and/or fax machine.
• LED printers are similar to laser printers but use a light-emitting diode array in the print head instead of a laser.
• Photo printers are similar to inkjet printers but are designed specifically to print high-quality photos, which require a lot of ink and special paper to ensure the ink doesn't smear.

Older printer types

There are a few first-generation printer types that are outdated and rarely used today:

• Dot matrix printer: Dot matrix printing is an older impact printer technology for text documents that strikes the paper one line at a time. Dot matrix printers offer very basic print quality.
• Line printer: A line printer prints a single line of text at a time. While an older form of printing, line printers are still in use today.

Features to look for in a printer

The four printer qualities of most interest to users are:

• Color: Most modern printers offer color printing. However, they can also be set to print in black and white. Color printers are more expensive to operate since they use two ink cartridges -- one color and one black ink -- or toners that need to be replaced after a certain number of pages are printed. Printing ink cartridges or toner cartridges are comprised of black, cyan, magenta and yellow ink. The ink can be mixed together, or it may come in separate monochrome solid ink printer cartridges, depending on the type of printer.
• Resolution: Printer resolution -- the sharpness of text and images on paper -- is usually measured in dots per inch (dpi). Most inexpensive printers provide sufficient resolution for most purposes at 600 dpi.
• Speed: If a user does a lot of printing, printing speed is an important feature. Inexpensive printers print only about 3 to 6 sheets per minute. However, faster printing speeds are an option with a more sophisticated, expensive printer.
• Memory: Most printers come with a small amount of memory -- typically 2-16 megabytes- that can be expanded by the user. Having more than the minimum amount of memory is helpful and faster when printing out pages with large images.

Printer I/O interfaces

The most common I/O interface for printers had been the parallel Centronics interface with a 36-pin plug.

Nowadays, however, printers and computers are likely to use a serial interface, especially a USB or FireWire with smaller and less cumbersome plugs.

Printer languages

Printer languages are commands from the computer to the printer to tell the printer how to format the document being printed. These commands manage font size, graphics, compression of data sent to the printer, color, etc. The two most popular printer languages are Postscript and Printer Control Language.

Postscript

Postscript is a printer language that uses English phrases and programmatic constructions to describe the appearance of a printed page to the printer. Adobe developed the printer language in 1985, and introduced new features such as outline fonts and vector graphics which can be printed with a plotter.

Printers now come from the factory with (or can be loaded with) Postscript support. Postscript is not restricted to printers. It can be used with any device that creates an image using dots such as screen displays, slide recorders and image-setters.

Printer Control Language (PCL)

PCL (Printer Control Language) is an escape code language used to send commands to the printer for printing documents. Escape code language has its name because the escape key begins the command sequence followed by a series of code numbers. HP originally devised PCL for dot matrix and inkjet printers.

Since its introduction, PCL has become an industry standard. Other manufacturers who sell HP clones have copied it. Some of these clones are very good, but there are small differences in the way they print a page compared to real HP printers.

In 1984, the original HP LaserJet printer was introduced using PCL, which helped change the appearance of low-cost printer documents from poor to exceptional quality.

Fonts

A font is a set of characters of a specific style and size within an overall typeface design. Printers use resident fonts and soft fonts to print documents.

Resident fonts

Resident fonts are built into the hardware of a printer. They are also called internal fonts or built-in fonts.

All printers come with one or more resident fonts. Additional fonts can be added by inserting a font cartridge into the printer or installing soft fonts on the hard drive. Resident fonts cannot be erased, unlike soft fonts.

Soft fonts

Soft fonts are installed onto the hard drive or flash drive and then sent to the computer's memory when a document is printed that uses the particular soft font. Soft fonts can be downloaded from the internet or purchased in stores.

The first personal computers or PCs were introduced in the 1970s. PCs came into widespread use in the 1980s as costs decreased and machines became more powerful.

In recent years, notebook-size laptop computers and hand-held Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have become popular.

Parts of the Computer a computer is made up of several different parts.

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case, pictured below, is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor.

The front of the case usually has an on/off switch and two or more drives. (You'll learn more about the CD ROM drive and 3 1/2" Floppy drive in later modules.)

On the back of the computer case are connection ports made to fit only one type of plug-in device. The ports include monitor cable port, keyboard/mouse ports, network cable port, microphone/speaker/auxiliary input ports and printer port (SCSI or Parallel). There's also a place for the power cord plug.

The trackball, touchpad, and touchscreen are alternatives to the mouse. A trackball is similar to a mouse, but the ball that helps maneuver the cursor is on top instead of underneath. When using a touchpad or touchscreen, you can use your finger or a tool called a stylus to move around the screen.

The mouse and keyboard can also be used together to navigate around the computer screen.

More Computer Parts The printer is a machine that prints a paper copy of what you see on the monitor.

A modem allows you to connect to the Internet and communicate with other computers via a telephone line. An external modem plugs into the computer and sits on the desk. Most new computers come with an internal modem.

Input Devices Input devices are connected to the computer through ports or sockets. Some of these peripheral devices are used to enter information into the computer. They include keyboards, scanners, joysticks and digital cameras.

Let's look more closely at these tools:

The Keyboard

·                     The main part of a computer keyboard has alpha-numeric (letter and number) keys similar to a typewriter. However, the keyboard also features keys that cause the computer to perform specific tasks.

• The Escape key, labeled Esc, allows you to stop a function or action. For example, if your computer suddenly freezes up, you may be able to resume by pressing Esc.
• The Function keys, along the top of the keyboard, are labeled F1, F2, up to F12. These shortcut keys allow you to quickly complete a specific task within certain programs. For example, F1 opens Help in Microsoft Office.
• The Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause/Break keys are at the far right end of the keyboard. The Print Screen key takes a "picture" of your screen that you can edit or save using a graphics program.
• The Enter key carries out commands. For example, while on the Internet, you can type in a website address, called a URL, and press Enter to go to the site.
• The Control (Ctrl), Alternate (Alt), and Shift keys are designed to work with other keys. For example, if you press Ctrl + S at the same time, you can save a file.
• The Backspace key erases the character to the left of the cursor.
• To the right of the regular keys is the cursor control pad. At the bottom are four arrow keys. Pressing any one of these keys moves the cursor in the direction of the arrow.

  There are six keys above the arrows:

• The Delete key erases the character to the right the cursor.
• The Insert key switches between the insert mode and overtype mode. The insert mode is the normal mode for word processing.
• The Home key moves the cursor to the left or beginning of the current line.
• End moves the cursor to the right end of the current line.
• Page Up and Page down take you to the top or bottom of the screen.
• The Number pad, at the far right end of the keyboard, resembles a calculator keypad. Similar to the curser keys, you can use the arrow keys on this keypad to move the cursor.

Using the Mouse The mouse is the hand-held device that lets you point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.

To properly use the mouse:

• Using your right hand, place your thumb on the desk or table top on the left side of the mouse
• Your index (pointer) finger should rest on the left button of the mouse.
• Place your middle finger on the right button of the mouse.
• Your ring finger and little finger should rest on the right side of the mouse.
• The base of your wrist should rest on the mouse pad or desktop, for stability.

Left-handed computer users sometimes use their right hand to maneuver the mouse. However, if you're left-handed and want to use your left hand, the mouse buttons can be switched.

To Switch the Mouse Buttons for a Left-Handed User:

• Click Start.
• Choose Settings Control Panel.
• Double-click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel window.
• Click Left-handed.
• Click OK.

There are four techniques for using the mouse:

To properly use the mouse:

• Click. Select an object on the screen by pressing the left mouse button down with your index finger and then release the button.
• Drag an object on the screen by pressing and holding down the left mouse button with your index finger while moving the mouse. When the object is where you want it, release the button.
• To double-click, rapidly press and release the left mouse button with your index finger.
• To right-click, press and release the right mouse button with your middle finger.

Scanners

A scanner allows you to copy an image into your computer. It comes in handy if you want to email pictures of the kids to grandma.

There are three main types of scanners:

• Hand-held scanners work like scanning guns used at department stores.
• Sheet-fed scanners look like a printer and can scan only loose, single pages.
• Flatbed scanners look and act like a copy machine.

• Once you scan a picture, you can save it in different formats.
• A JPEG format, which has the file extension .JPG, is easy to email or use on the Web. The picture loses some detail when you save it in this format so it takes up less of your system's memory.
• A TIFF format, which has the file extension .TIF, is the best if you plan to print an image because no details are lost from the original. However, this format uses more hard drive space.

Microphones and Joysticks

A microphone is another type of input device. Connect the microphone to the computer and use the computer to record sound. (Some computers have internal microphones.) You can also use a microphone to teleconference with another computer user.

A joystick is a lever used while playing a computer game. There are a variety of different joysticks. If you're looking for a joystick, consider your system's requirements, and whether or not you have a USB port or a gameport.

Digital Camera

A digital camera lets you capture a picture in digital (computer-readable) form and lets you transfer that image directly from the camera to the computer. It's a handy tool for taking those pictures you want to email to friends or put on the Web.

A digital camera is similar to a standard 35 mm camera, but it doesn't use film. Instead, it uses an image sensor to capture hundreds of thousands of tiny squares called pixels. These pixels make up a photo.

When you use a digital camera, you can also preview your pictures before printing them. If you don't like what you see, you can edit or delete them.

Storing Your Images

Separate devices are used to record and store digital images. Older cameras have built-in fixed storage that can't be removed or increased. This limits the number of pictures you can take before having to erase to make room for new ones.

Almost all newer digital cameras use some type of removable storage, usually flash memory cards or small hard disks, and even a floppy disk. Flash memory uses chips to store your image files.

All of these devices can be removed from the camera and plugged into the computer or printer to transfer the images.

Output Devices

Output devices, such as computer monitors, deliver information to the user. Speakers, earphones, and printers are also output devices. They allow you to hear sound and print pages, respectively.

Let's look more closely at these peripherals:

Printers

There are three main types of printers:

• Dot matrix printers produce characters and illustrations by striking pins against an ink ribbon. It's the least expensive printer and doesn't provide the same high quality as that of an ink jet or laser jet printer. However, it can print multi-page forms - a task laser and inkjet printers can't do.
• Ink jet printers shoot tiny drops of ink onto paper. They provide good quality printing and can print in color.
• A laser printer usually costs more than an inkjet. It produces better quality black text documents and usually turns out more pages at a lower cost per page than inkjets.

Monitors The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to allow you to see images and text on the screen. Monitors come in different sizes, including 15, 17, 19 and 21-inch. Most new computers come with a monitor the size of a small TV. However, you can buy a less bulky but more expensive flat panel monitor.

Your monitor has an on/off button and control buttons (visible or behind a small panel) that allow you to change your monitor's display. To sharpen, brighten or center your display, check the manual that came with your monitor.

Speakers and Earphones Speakers are devices that connect to a computer and make sound and music audible. Speakers, like the one pictured below, often come in sets of two or may be built into a computer monitor.

Earphones are output devices. Plug earphones into your speaker, monitor, or case to listen to music, movie clips and other media.

The Central Processing Unit the Central Processing Unit (CPU), called a microprocessor, is the brain of the computer. Its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU. Located inside the computer case, this silicon chip is about the size of a fingernail.

The microprocessor determines how fast a computer can execute instructions. A microprocessor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHZ), or millions of instructions per second. So, the higher the megahertz, the faster the computer can process instructions.

Intel, Cyrix and AMD are the three main CPU manufacturers for PCs. The PowerPC microprocessor, developed by Apple, Motorola, and IBM, is used in Macintosh personal computers.

Storing Informationx (Random Access Memory)RAM is your system's short-term memory. Data is temporarily stored here until you save your work to the hard disk.

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off, so always save your file before turning off the machine. When you save a file, you are saving it to long-term storage.

The more RAM you have, the faster you computer performs. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB).

To understand megabytes and gigabytes, you need to know about bits and bytes. A bit is the smallest unit of data in computer processing. A byte is a group of eight bits. A megabyte is about one million bytes. A gigabyte is 1,024 megabytes.

To put this into perspective, consider that a printed page of single-spaced text contains about 3,000 characters. One MB holds about 400 pages of single-spaced text.

More About Storing Information

The hard disk drive (also called the hard disk) on your computer is where information is stored permanently. This is long-term storage.

When you use a word processing program, the computer loads the instructions from long-term storage (your hard disk) into short-term memory.

The hard disk drive is the data center inside of the computer. All of your programs are stored here. Hard disk speed determines how fast your computer starts up and loads programs. The hard disk is called the C drive on most computers.

Floppy Disk Drives, CD-Rom Drives and More

You can also use your floppy disk drive and other drives for long-term storage.

The floppy disk drive, a slot on the computer case, is used for data transfer and software installation. The floppy disk drive, known as A Drive, is also used for storing data. The floppy disk is the tool used for these tasks. Sometimes called a diskette, it can store 720 KB to 1.44 MB of data. That's about 360 to 720 pages in a book. These drives are becoming outmoded as CD-R drives become more common.

A CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) drive accesses information on a CD-ROM similar to how a CD player accesses music from a CD. CD-ROMs hold much more information than floppy disks - up to 650 MB or the equivalent of about 450 average size books.

ROM (Read-only memory) means you can access the programs or data stored on CD-ROMs but you can't write or store your own data or programs on them. (Recording information on a compact disk requires a special type of drive.)

A CD writer is a device that can write CD-RW (Compact Disk ReWritable) and CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable) discs, and read CD-ROM discs. CD-RW discs may be written, erased and rewritten, while CD-R discs may be written only once. The terms CD-RW and CD-R may also refer to the CD writer itself.

DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory), refers to the DVD media itself, or to the disk drive. DVD-ROM drives can read DVD discs, all types of CDs, and can display movies from digital video discs.

A Zip drive stores 250 megabytes on disks similar to floppy disks, but Zip drives cannot read or write standard floppy disks. Various versions of the Zip can connect to the computer via the parallel port, SCSI port, USB, IEEE 1394 (Firewire) or internally via the IDE interface. Expansion-bay versions of the Zip drive, compatible with many laptop brands, are also available.

Types of Computers During this unit, we've primarily discussed personal computers. However, there are many other computers that serve a variety of purposes.

Server A server is a computer or device that manages a network of computers. It's typically used by businesses or organizations.

Laptops

A laptop computer, sometimes called a notebook computer because of its size, is a battery or AC-powered personal computer. It's easy to carry and convenient to use in such places as airports, libraries, and coffee shops.

Laptops usually cost more than desktop computers because of design and manufacturing costs. While some models are full desktop replacements, others can be "transformed" into a desktop computer with a docking station, which supplies connections for peripherals.

Laptops users typically don't use a mouse to navigate around the screen. Instead, they use a touch pad, trackball or stylus. A serial port does, however, allow a mouse to be attached.

Personal Digital Assistants and Email-Only Devices

In recent years, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have also become popular.

The two major types of PDAs are the Palm OS Handhelds, and the Microsoft Pocket PC.

The Palm can help you easily organize appointments, addresses, and to-do lists.

The Pocket PC, designed as a near replacement for a laptop computer, can also easily manage appointments, addresses, and to-do lists. You can add software to both models.

Small, email-only machines, marketed to home users, are dedicated to sending, receiving, and managing email. Users typically must pay an access fee to use these devices.

What is Software?

When you want your computer to perform a task, you give it instructions using software. Software is the name for the applications or programs that run on your computer.

Two common types of software are system software and application software.

The operating system (OS) or system software is the most important program that runs on a PC. Operating systems recognize input from the keyboard, send output to the monitor, keep track of files and directories, and control peripheral devices such as printers.

An operating system lets you use different types of application software. For example, you can use a word processing application to write a letter, and a spreadsheet application to track your financial information. To learn more about operating systems, see the GCF Global Learning modules on Windows. To learn more about applications, see the GCF Global Learning modules on Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Types of Software What you want to do with your computer determines the type of programs installed on it. Here are some business software commonly used in an office or home:

Word processing programs such as Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect allow you to create and edit documents, such as letters, reports, and resumes.

A spreadsheet application allows you to store information, perform complex calculations, and get printed output. Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 are two popular spreadsheet applications.

Database management software organizes specific information in one or more tables. Databases utilize tables, created by the user, to retrieve data for a variety of purposes. For example, if you are a business owner, you might use Microsoft Access to analyze your customer information and ordering data. Retrieve data by asking questions, sorting or filtering, and creating reports.

Presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint and Corel Presentations is designed for creating on-screen presentations, reports, overhead transparencies, and slideshows. It allows you to combine text and graphics in a single document.

Desktop publishing software, also known as publishing software, offers tools for precise control over text and graphics placement, and some image editing functions. This software can often handle layout for newsletters and other publications. Adobe PageMaker, Quark Express and Microsoft Publisher are desktop publishing applications.

There's a World of Software Out There There's software for completing just about any task or for engaging in any pastime you can imagine including needlepoint, quilting, landscaping, home design, architecture, astrology, and genealogy.

Computer game software allows you to play interactive games on your computer, including card and board games, and flight simulation.

With educational software, your computer becomes a virtual teacher covering such topics as reading, writing, math, geography, foreign languages, and science.

Beta software is a version of commercial software that's released before the full version. Software companies use beta software to test the product in the real world and to find and correct bugs before the final release hits the stores. Betas often expire after a period of time, usually when the full version or the next beta is released. Developers sometimes have private beta testing that you can apply to join. Or, they may have an open beta available to download.

Before you buy software, check its hardware requirements to make sure its compatible with your computer. If possible, try software before you buy it. You can sometimes download a demo from a manufacturer's website or visit a computer store to see it in action.

Licensing Basics

When you buy software, you are actually buying a license to use the product, not the programs themselves.

A software product license gives you the legal right to run a software program on your computer. When you buy software at a store, the license comes in the box or appears online when you install the software.

To use the software legally, you must comply with the End User License Agreement (EULA). That's the agreement that appears during the installation process.

What is a Virus? A virus is a piece of programming code, usually disguised as something else, that causes harm to your computer. It is often designed to automatically spread to other computer users, who unknowingly spread it to others. Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to email, as downloads, or be on a diskette or CD.

Some viruses can erase data or damage your hard disk. You can take steps to protect your PC from viruses.

Windows XP is an operating system that lets you use different types of applications or software. For example, it allows you to use a word processing application to write a letter, and a spreadsheet application to track your financial information.

Windows XP is a graphical user interface (GUI). It has pictures (graphical) that you use (user) to communicate (interface) with the computer. This type of system is popular because it's logical, fun and easy to use.

This operating system has multitasking capabilities, meaning it can run several applications at the same time. Multitasking allows you to view this module on the Internet at the same time that you practice using other applications with Windows XP.

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

• Discuss the parts of the Windows XP desktop
• Discuss the parts of the Start menu
• Locate the Taskbar
• Locate the Recycle Bin
• Log off and switch users
• Restart and Turn off the computer properly

Like previous versions of Windows, Windows XP uses a desktop for the standard interface. Think of the desktop as a workspace where you can access everything you need to operate your computer, such as system components, applications, the Internet, etc.

The desktop contains:

• Start button: one of the most important tools you will use while working with Windows XP. The Start button allows you to open menus and start applications.
• Taskbar: primarily used to switch between open windows and applications. Learn more about using the Taskbar in a later module.
• Icons (or graphical pictures): represent applications, files, and other parts of the operating system. By default Windows XP provides you with one desktop icon, the Recycle Bin. Learn more about the Recycle Bin in a later module.

Your desktop's appearance may vary from the example shown below, especially if you bought a computer with XP preinstalled.

The Start Menu

To begin exploring Windows XP, click the Start button.

When you click the Start button, the Start menu appears. The Start menu is your gateway to the applications that are on your computer. The left side of the Start menu lists programs, and the right side allows access to common Windows folders (My Documents, for example). It also provides access to Help and Support, Search, and Run.

If you select All Programs, a pop-up menu appears. Pop-up menus like this are called cascading menus. If a cascading menu is available, a small black triangle appears next to the name of the application or function.

In the example below, the Word program has been selected.

To explore the Start menu:

• Click the Start button.
• Move the mouse pointer to each option, and view the various cascading menus.
• Click (or roll your mouse pointer over) All Programs.
• Move the mouse pointer to the right and view other cascading menus.
• To exit the menus, click outside the menu area or press Esc on your keyboard.

The Start menu remembers items you've recently opened and places the icon on the Start menu so you can easily open it next time you open the Start menu. For example, if you recently opened Microsoft Word using Start All Programs Microsoft Word, the next time you open the Start menu, simply click the Word icon on the left side of the Start menu.

Understanding Icons

The small pictures on the desktop are called icons. One type of icon is an object icon. Examples of object icons are My Computer, Recycle Bin, and Internet Explorer. These icons allow you to open files and programs on your computer.

Shortcut icons allow you to open an application quickly. These icons appear on your desktop and with little arrow in the left corner. Desktop shortcuts are links to files and programs. You can add or delete shortcuts without affecting the programs on your computer. You'll learn about creating shortcuts in a later module.

To open a program using an icon:

• Place your mouse over the icon.
• Text appears identifying its name or contents.
• Then, double-click the icon.

Understanding the Taskbar

The taskbar is the small blue bar you see at the bottom of your desktop. It contains the Start menu and the Quick Launch bar, which contains icons for Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Show Desktop. Click an icon to open a program. Click Show Desktop to quickly view your desktop without closing any programs or windows.

The box on the right is called the Notification Area. Here, you'll find the clock and several other icons depending on what you have installed on your computer. Other icons appear in the Notification Area detailing the status of your activity. For example, when you're printing a document, a printer icon appears. Microsoft also uses the Notification Area to remind you when software updates are available for download.

When you open or minimize a window or program, a rectangular button appears on the taskbar that shows the name of the application. These buttons disappear when you close a window. Learn more about switching between windows in module 4.

Log off and Switch Users

More than one person may use your computer. For example, many family members may use the same computer at home while several coworkers may be able to access your computer on a computer network. Windows XP allows everyone who uses your computer to have separate computer accounts. A computer accounts tracks each person's unique settings, documents, and email accounts.  Windows XP even enables you to log off the computer so someone else can log on without having to restart the computer.

To log off/switch users:

• Click the Start menu and click Log Off.
• A dialog box appears asking you if you want to Switch User or Log Off.
• Switch User allows someone else to log on to the computer. If you choose to Switch User, your applications will continue to run in the background while the new user logs on.
• If you choose Log Off, your applications will close.
• In any case, you're taken to a Windows XP logon screen where you're prompted to enter your username and password.

Turn Off and Restart the Computer

When you've finished using Windows XP, be sure to turn off (or shut down) the computer correctly.

To turn off the computer:

• Click the Start menu.
• Click Turn Off Computer.
• A dialog box opens. Click Turn Off.

If you're experiencing computer problems or have installed something new, you can simply restart your computer.

To restart the computer:

• Click the Start menu.
• Click Turn Off Computer.
• A dialog box opens. Click Restart.

Always turn off or restart your computer using this method. Do not turn off your computer by switching the power off and on. If you do so, you may damage Windows XP.

Exploring Programs

Programs enable you to do work on the computer. For example, a word processing programs such as Microsoft WordPad allows you to create a basic document. You can easily open a program from the Start menu using the All Programs button.

To open a program using the Start menu:

• Click Start.
• Click All Programs and slide your mouse pointer until you've selected the program you want to open (it turns blue).
• Click to open the program you've selected. (Remember, programs with small black arrows beside them will open another cascading menu. Simply drag your mouse pointer to make your selection.)
• To close a program, click the located at the top right of the window.

Launching Internet Explorer from the Start menu

Internet, another choice on the Start menu, opens Internet Explorer; the web browser that comes bundled with Windows XP.

To launch Internet Explorer from the Start menu:

• Click Start.
• Choose Internet.
• Click to open Internet Explorer.
• To close a program, click the located at the top right of the window.

Note: You must be connected to the Internet for Internet Explorer to open a web page.

Windows XP Bars and Buttons

Windows XP got its name from one its most basic elements: the window. The rectangular work area for a program, file, or other task is called a window.

Below is an example of a Microsoft Word window. While Word is a word-processing program, the example below features many of the elements common in Windows.

The workspace is the white area inside the window. This is where you do your work with a program, such as writing a letter. Depending on what program you're working with, the workspace will appear differently.

More Windows XP Bars and Buttons

Windows XP offers several tools, menus, and commands that make the operating system easy-to-use.

The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window. It's displayed as white text on blue background by default.

The Control menu button is the icon at the far left end of the title bar. The Control menu button opens a menu you can use to control the window.

The Close button is at the far right end of the title bar. It looks like a box with an X in it. Click the Close button to close a window or to exit a program. Next to the Close button, you'll see the Minimize and Maximize buttons. Learn more about these buttons in the next module. More Windows XP Bars and Buttons

The menu bar is the below the title bar. It contains several menus, which let you see a list of commands.

Some menu options are followed by ellipsis, or... Choosing a menu option followed by an ellipses will open a dialog box, which feature helpful tools to help you perform tasks.

Some Windows XP programs have toolbars across the top of the window. The toolbar buttons allow you to print, cut, paste, or do other tasks. The options vary depending on the program.

To review taskbar functionality, see a module 1.

Scrolling The scroll bar appears at the right side or the bottom of a window when all the information in that window can't be seen at the same time. Use the scroll bar to view hidden information.

The scroll bar features scroll arrows that allow you to move easily through a document. It's especially convenient when viewing a long document.

To scroll:

• Click the arrow to scroll up.
• Click the arrow to scroll down.
• Click the arrows to scroll up one page at a time.
• Click the arrows to scroll down one page at a time.
• Click the button to open a browse menu.

OR

• Click and drag the scroll bars to view your document.

Minimizing, Maximizing, and Restoring Windows

Windows allows you to easily enlarge, hide, or shrink a window using the Minimize, Maximize, and Restore buttons.

The Minimize button is among the three buttons at the right end of the title bar. This button has a small dash (or minus sign). The Minimize button shrinks the window and places it on the taskbar while leaving the program running.

The Maximize button, which looks like a small window, is used to enlarge a window to cover the entire desktop.

After a window is maximized, the Maximize button changes to the Restore button. It looks like two windows near one another. If you click the Restore button, the maximized window shrinks to its previous size (the size it was before you maximized it).

Sizing Windows

Sizing window is slightly different from minimizing, restoring, or maximizing. Note: You cannot size a window if it's been maximized.

To change the size of a window:

• Hover the mouse pointer over any corner of the window. (You can also place the pointer over the borders of the window.)
• The mouse pointer changes into a double-headed arrow.
• Clickand hold down the left mouse button.
• Drag the arrow out or in to make the window larger or smaller.
• Release the mouse button when the window is the size you want.

Make sure the mouse pointer change into a two-headed arrow before you try to size the window.

Moving a Window Using the Title Bar

Sometimes a window may obscure an item you want to click on or view.

To move a window:

• Place the mouse pointer over the title bar (at the top of the window).
• Click and hold down the left mouse button. (You cannot move a window that has been maximized other than to use the Minimize button.)
• Drag the window to the place where you want it and release the mouse button.

Tiling and Cascading Windows

Sometimes, moving and sizing multiple windows can create confusion. To keep better track of multiple windows, try cascading or tiling the windows.

Cascading windows are layered on top of each other.

Tiled windows are next to each other. Windows can be tiled horizontally or vertically. If windows are tiled horizontally, they appear one above another. If windows are tiled vertically, they appear side by side.

To cascade or tile windows:

• With two or more windows open, right-click on a blank area of the taskbar.
• Choose Cascade Windows, Tile Windows Horizontally, or Tile Windows Vertically.

To return to your previous window arrangement:

• Right-click on a blank area of the taskbar.
• Select the Undo command.

To show the desktop:

• Right-click on a blank area of the taskbar.
• Choose Show the Desktop.

Switching Using the Keyboard Method

When you have more than one window open, you can also switch between them using the keyboard.

To switch between window using the keyboard method:

• Open more than one program or window.
• Press and hold down the Alt key while pressing the Tab key.
• A menu featuring file and program icons appears.
• Tab to the window you want to view. Once it's outlined with a box, release both keys.

Introduction to the Control Panel

You don't have to be a computer genius to use Windows XP, but if you know something about how to set up some basic features and functions, it will do a lot more for you. Windows XP makes this easier than ever with the Control Panel. The Control Panel features a number of tools that will help you control how Windows XP features look and act. But first you must learn how to access the Control Panel.

To access the Control Panel:

• Click Start.
• Click Control Panel.
• The Control Panel opens.

OR

• Type Control Panel in the Address dialog box found on any Windows XP window.

OR

• Many folders feature a link to the Control Panel in the See Also dialog box (only in XP view).

No matter how you get to the Control Panel, it will look like this upon first viewing:

Navigate the Control Panel

The Windows XP Control Panel is divided into Categories. If you click a Category, the window presents a List of Tasks and related Control Panel icons.

Note: Task and Control Panel icons perform basically the same functions. For example, notice that you can "Choose a screen saver" in the Pick a Task list. Clicking this link opens the Display Properties dialog box. However, if you were to choose the Display icon, the Display Properties dialog box opens.

If you look at the left side of the window, you'll notice that the See Also and Troubleshooters dialog boxes provides several more related options.

To access ALL of your Control Panel tools, you must switch to Classic View.

To switch to Classic View:

• Click the Classic View link on the left side of your Control Panel.
• Click the Switch to Category View link to switch back.

Use the menubar and toolbar buttons to navigate and further explore Control Panel options.

Set the Time and Date

In the following pages, we'll explain how to perform some common Control Panel tools.

To change the time and date:

1. Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
2. Under Pick a Category, click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.
3. Under Pick a Task, click Change the date and time.
4. The Date and Time Properties dialog box opens.
5. Use the drop down box to set the month and year.
6. Click the correct date on the calendar.
7. Click and select the current time to make a change.
8. If necessary, click the Time Zone tab and use the drop down box to change the time zone.
9. Click OK to close the dialog box.

OR

1. Right-click the time in the lower right on your desktop.
2. Choose Adjust Date/Time.
3. The Date and Time Properties dialog box opens.
4. Follow above steps 5-9.

Changing the Wallpaper

Wallpaper is the background image that appears on your desktop. Windows XP offers many wallpaper choices.

To change the wallpaper:

• Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
• Under Pick a Category, click Appearance and Themes.
• Under Pick a Task, click Change the desktop background.
• The Display Properties dialog box opens with the Desktop tab selected.
• In the Background box, click or use the arrow keys to view the choices.
• Use the drop down boxes to alter wallpaper position or color.
• Click OK to close the dialog box.

Advanced Users:

• Click Browse to choose a picture from the My Pictures folder (or navigate to a picture located in another folder.)
• Click the Customize Desktop button to alter your desktop icons or display a web page on your desktop.

Changing the Screensaver

In the early days of computing, screen savers helped prevent images from being burned into the monitor. Now, screen savers entertain us, provide some privacy, and enhance or work or home environment. Windows XP comes with several screen savers.

To change the screensaver:

• Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
• Under Pick a Category, click Appearance and Themes.
• Under Pick a Task, click Choose a screen saver.
• The Display Properties dialog box opens with the Screen Saver tab selected.
• Click the arrow to open a drop down box. Click or use the arrow keys to view the choices. Or, click Preview to view each option on your computer screen. Press any key on your keyboard to return to the dialog box.
• Click Settings to customize the appearance or your chosen screen saver.

(A dialog box will notify you if your choice doesn’t have any options.

• In the Wait box, determine how many minutes should pass before your screen saver turns on.
• Click OK to close the dialog box.

Customizing the Taskbar

You already know about the Taskbar, but did you know you can customize its appearance?

To customize the Start menu:

• Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
• Under Pick a Category, click Appearance and Themes.
• Under Pick a Control Panel icon, click Taskbar and Start Menu.
• The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box opens with the Taskbar tab displayed.
• Use the checkboxes to customize its appearance and click OK.

Click the Start Menu tab to switch between the XP Start menu and Classic Start menu. Classic Start menu is the Start menu featured in older versions of Windows.

What is a File?

Files are collections of information. In fact, almost all of the information stored in a computer is stored in a file. There are many different types of files, including operating system files, program files, and your own files.

Different types of files store different types of information. Each file is given a filename and has a three-letter filename extension that identifies the file type. (The filename and filename extension are separated by a period.) For example, a document created using WordPad might have the file name, letter to John.doc.

Some common file name extensions are:

• doc: Word or WordPad document
• txt: Notepad text file
• eml: Email file
• xls: Excel spreadsheet
• htm or html: HTML file (web page)
• ppt : PowerPoint presentation
• mbd: Access database

Creating, Renaming, and Deleting Files

With Windows XP, you can create a file using different programs such as WordPad or Notepad.

To create a file using Notepad:

• Click Start.
• Choose All Programs Accessories Notepad.
• Notepad opens.
• Type, "This is my new document."
• Choose File Save from the menu bar (Ctrl + S).
• The Save As dialog box appears.
• Save your file to the desktop.
• Name your document new document.
• In the Save as type drop down box, be sure your document is saved as a text document.
• Click Save. Your file is now saved to the desktop.

Once you've created a file, you can rename it.

To rename a file:

• Locate your file (in this case, the file is located on the desktop).
• Right-click the file icon.
• Choose Rename.
• The filename is highlighted in blue, ready to be retyped.
• Type a new name and press Enter.
• The file is renamed.

You can also delete files.

To delete a file:

• Locate your file (in this case, the file is located on the desktop).
• Right-click the file icon.
• Choose Delete.
• A Confirm File Delete dialog box appears asking you if you are sure you want to send the file to the Recycle Bin.
• Choose Yes.
• The file is moved to the Recycle Bin.

Get in the habit of periodically saving changes to documents your working in case of power outages or other problems. To learn more about Save and Save As, see GCF Global Learning's Office 2000 course.

What is a Folder?

When you first start using Windows XP, you may only create a few files. Over time, you'll create MANY files. To keep your files organized, create folders. Windows XP uses various folders to store and manage files. To become more familiar with the structure of a Windows XP folder, let's open a folder called My Documents.

To open and view the contents of the My Documents folder:

• Double-click the My Documents icon on the desktop.
• The My Documents folder opens.

OR

• Right-click the My Documents icon (on the desktop).
• Choose Open.

OR

• Open the Start menuand choose My Documents.

Your My Documents folder looks something like this:

All Windows XP folders include the following features:

• Title bar:contains the name of the folder
• Menu bar: contains the File, Edit, View, Favorites, Tools, and Help menus.
• Navigation bar: contains the Back, Forward, Up, Search, Folders, and Views buttons.
• Address bar: shows current folder location. Use the drop down arrow to navigate your computer's places.
• White space: displays contents of the folder (folders and files)
• File and Folder Tasks list: a convenient list of tasks
• Other Places: convenient list of your computer's places
• Details: describes the folder

Learn more about My Documents in the next module.

Creating, Renaming, and Deleting Folders

At some point, you may want to create a folder within a folder. Here, practice creating a Job Search folder in the My Documents folder.

To create a new folder in the My Documents folder:

• Open My Documents.
• Choose File New Folder.
• A new folder icon appears in My Documents, with its name highlighted. (The default is New Folder.)
• Type a new, more descriptive name and click Enter.

OR

• Open My Documents.
• Choose the Make a New Folder link from the File and Folder tasks menu.

To rename a folder:

• Locate your folder.
• Right-click the folder icon.
• Choose Rename.
• The folder name is highlighted in blue, ready to be retyped.
• Type a new name and press Enter.

OR

• Open your folder.
• Click the folder icon.
• Choose Rename this folder from the File and Folder Tasks menu.

To delete a folder:

• Locate your folder.
• Right-click the folder icon.
• Choose Delete.
• A Confirm Folder Delete dialog box appears asking you if you are sure you want to send the file to the Recycle Bin.
• Choose Yes.
• The folder is moved to the Recycle Bin.

OR

• Open your folder.
• Click the folder icon.
• Choose Delete this folder from the File and Folder Tasks menu.

What is a Drive?

A drive, or disk drive, is hardware on which you can store files and folders. Disk drives are assigned a letter.

• Your hard drive (the drive inside your computer) is known as the (C:) drive.
• Your floppy disk drive is known as the (A:) drive.
• If your computer has a CD ROM drive, it is usually called (D:)

Choose where you'll save your files during the Save As process. Most computer users store their files on the (C:) drive. Learn more about Save As in our Office 2000 course.

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

• Discuss My Documents, Windows Explorer, and My Computer
• Navigate between files, folders, and drives
• Move files and folders
• Copy files and folders
• Select more than one file or folder

Introduction to My Documents

My Documents is a folder that provides you with a convenient place to store your important files and folders. Remember, you can quickly reach My Documents in the Start menu or by double-clicking the My Documents icon on your desktop.

The My Documents folder looks something like the example below:

My Documents includes a few default subfolders called My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos. Feel free to use, rename, or delete these folders.

Very important! When you save a file, the file is automatically saved in My Documents unless you've chosen a different folder or drive.

Exploring Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is a file management tool that lets you create, rename, and delete folders. It also allows you to copy, print, move, delete, rename, and manage files.

To open Windows Explorer:

• Open My Documents.
• Click the Folders button on the Navigation toolbar.
• A list of folders opens in the left pane.

To explore Windows Explorer:

• With Windows Explorer open, scroll until you see the Control Panel icon in the left pane.
• Click the Control Panel icon. The contents (of the Control Panel folder) display in the right pane.
• Practice viewing other folders in the list.
• To close Windows Explorer, click the small black X in the upper right of the list OR click the Folder button.

Exploring My Computer

My Computer is another tool you can use to manage files and folders. With this tool, you can create, rename and move folders and copy, print, move, delete and rename files. It also allows you to gain access to other system tools.

To open My Computer:

• Double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.
  
• My Computer opens.

OR

• Right-click the My Computer icon (on the desktop).
• Choose Open.

OR

• Open the Start menu and choose My Computer.

Copying Files and Folders

Windows offers several ways of working with files and folders. Copying and moving are two useful techniques.

To copy a file or folder:

• Open My Documents. Locate the file or folder you want to copy in My Documents or its subfolders.
• Click the file or folder you want to copy. The file or folder darkens when you select it.
• Under File and Folder Tasks, click Copy this file or Copy this folder.
• In the Copy Items dialog box, select the place where you want to copy the file or folder.
• Click the Copy button.

OR

• Choose Edit Copy. (Ctrl + C)

OR

• Right-click the file or folder and choose Copy.

THEN

• Locate the file or folder you want to copy and choose Edit Paste. (Ctrl + V)

OR

• Right-click the file or folder and choose Paste.

Moving Files and Folders

Moving files and folders is relatively easy using My Computer or Windows Explorer.

To move files and folders:

• Open My Documents. Locate the file or folder you want to move in My Documents or its subfolders.
• Click the file or folder you want to move. The file or folder darkens when you select it.
• Under File and Folder Tasks, click Move this file or Move this folder.
• In the Move Items dialog box, select the place where you want to move the file or folder.
• Click the Move button.

OR

• Choose Edit Cut. (Ctrl + X)

OR

• Right-click the file or folder and choose Cut.

THEN

• Locate the file or folder you want to copy and choose Edit Paste. (Ctrl + V)

OR

• Right-click the file or folder and choose Paste.

Selecting More Than One File or Folder

You may need to copy or move multiple files and folders.

To copy or move more than one file or folder:

• Hold down the Ctrl key and click to select the files or folders you want to move or copy.
• The files or folders darken as they are selected.
• Copy or move the file or folder using one of the methods explained on the previous pages.

To select a consecutive group of files, click the first file, press and hold down the Shift key, and click the last file. All of the files will be selected.

Choosing Views

You can choose how you want to display files and folders. Display them as thumbnails, tiles, large icons, small icons, as a list, or as a list with details including size, type and date last modified.

To choose the view for your files or folders:

• Open My Documents.
• Click the Views button.
• A drop down menu appears. Choose your view.
• A large black dot appears next to your current choice.

OR

• Open the View menu and choose your view.

What is a Shortcut?

A shortcut offers a way of doing a task more quickly such as starting a program or accessing a document. The shortcut icon has a small arrow in the left corner to help you distinguish it from the actual icon that represents programs and files.

The icon above is a desktop shortcut for the Things to Do document that's actually stored in this particular user's My Documents folder.

When you delete a shortcut, the original item still exists on your computer in its original location.

Adding a Shortcut

In this module, you will learn three ways to create a shortcut. Choose the one that works best for you.

To add a shortcut to the desktop using Windows Explorer or My Computer:

• Open Windows Explorer or My Computer.
• Double-click a drive or folder.
• Click the file, program, or folder for which you want to make a shortcut. The item darkens when you select it.
• Choose File Create Shortcut.
• Resize the window so you can see the desktop.

• Hover the mouse pointer over the shortcut icon and hold down the left mouse button and drag the shortcut onto desktop (in the left pane).
• Release the left mouse button and a shortcut is moved to the desktop.

Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift while dragging the file to the desktop to create a shortcut.

Right-click to Add a Shortcut

One shortcut creation method works in both My Computer and Windows Explorer. This method requires you to right-click.

To add a shortcut by right-clicking:

• Open Windows Explorer or My Computer.
• Double-click a drive or folder.
• Right-click the file, program, or folder for which you want to make a shortcut.
• A pop-up menu appears. Choose Create Shortcut.
• Resize the window so you can see the desktop.

• Hover the mouse pointer over the shortcut icon and hold down the left mouse button and drag the shortcut onto desktop (in the left pane).
• Release the left mouse button and a shortcut is moved to the desktop.

What is the Recycle Bin?

Sometimes files and folders can clutter your computer. The Recycle Bin, the desktop icon that resembles a wastebasket, is where you put a file or folder if you want to delete it.

You can open the Recycle Bin anytime and see what's inside by double-clicking the Recycle Bin icon located on the desktop or using Windows Explorer.

Inside, you'll see a listing of deleted items.

Placing Files in the Recycle Bin

To move an item to the Recycle Bin from the Desktop, Windows Explorer, or My Computer:

• Click and drag the file or folder to the Recycle Bin.

OR

• Right-click the file or folder you want to delete. .
• When the pop-up menu appears, choose Delete.
• A dialog box appears asking, "Are sure you want to send the file or folder to the Recycle Bin?"
• Click Yes.

OR

To move an item to the Recycle Bin from Windows Explorer or My Computer:

• Click the file or folder you want to delete.
• The file or folder darkens.
• Choose Delete this file (or Delete this folder) from the File and Folder Tasks list.

Retrieving Files From the Recycle Bin

Placing an item in the Recycle Bin doesn't mean you can't retrieve it at a later date. Using the Restore all items link (located in the Recycle Bin Tasks list) will move all files and folders in the Recycle bin back to its original locationon your computer.

To restore all items in the Recycle Bin:

• Click the Restore all items link in the Recycle Bin Tasks list.
• The items are restored to their original location.

To restore one file, click to select the file.

• Restore all items changes to Restore this item.
• Click Restore this item.
• The item is restored to its original location.

Emptying the Recycle Bin

Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently deletes the items. They cannot be recovered. Empty your Recycle Bin periodically to keep your computer running smoothly.

To empty the Recycle Bin:

• Click the Empty the Recycle Bin link in the Recycle Bin Tasks list.

Opening the Search Companion

When you have trouble finding a file or folder on your computer, search for it using Microsoft XP's Search Companion.

To open the Search Companion:

• Open and Start menu and choose Search.

OR

• Open My Documents and click the Search button.

OR

• Open My Computer and click the Search button.
• The Search Companion opens in the left pane and presents the following list of options:

Using the Search Companion

Depending on what option you choose, you're presented with various ways to conduct your search.

Let's say you choose to search for a particular file. The Search Companion prompts you with questions to help you refine your search. It's helpful if you can remember something about the missing file such as all or part of the filename, file type, when you last worked with the file, a word or phrase in the file, or what drive it's on, etc. The more criteria contained in your search, the more refined the search becomes.

To search using the Search Companion:

• Enter as much information as you can remember into the Search Companion.
• Click the drop down arrows to add more criteria.
• Use the Back button if necessary.
• Click Search.

Using the Search Companion (Continued)

• Once you click Search, the Search Companion tells you what it's searching.
• Your search results display in the white space.
• The Search Companion tells you when the search is complete and prompts you with more Search options.
• If your search is complete, click Yes, finished searching.
• Simply double-click the file to open it.

Finding a file can take seconds, minutes or much, much longer depending on the type of search and where you look. If you don't find the file or folder you're looking for on the first try, type in a different name and/or location.

To quickly review files listed in your search results, hover your mouse pointer over the filename. A yellow pop-up window displays, telling you its location, the file type, and size. Double-click the file to open it.

Understanding User Accounts

A user is someone who uses a computer. A user account defines what a user can do using Windows XP. In Windows XP, there are three types of user accounts.

1. Administrator account. The administrator can do everything with the computer and can go anything he or she desires - essentially giving them control over the entire computer, including other accounts. The administrator account can never be disabled or deleted.
2. Standard account. Users with standard accounts can install programs and hardware, change pictures and related personal data, and create, change, or remove his or her password.
3. Guest account. The guest account doesn't require a password, can't add or remove programs from the computer, and is disabled by default. This account type is great for kids or students.

Managing User Accounts

To easily manage user accounts, click the User Accounts icon in the Control Panel.

The User Accounts window presents you with an easy-to-use interface.

Creating a New Account

You can create new user accounts as needed, giving others access to your computer (without sharing your password).

To create a new account:

• Click Create a New Account in the User Accounts window.
• A User Accounts window appears. Enter the name of the new account and click Next.
• The next window asks you to pick an account type. Choose Computer Administrator or Limited by clicking the appropriate radio button.
• If you're not sure, click each one and read the list of actions that can be performed by the account type.
• When finished, click the Create Account button.
• The new account now appears in the User Account window.

Changing an Account

Any account can be easily edited or changed from the User Accounts window.

To change an existing user account:

• Click Change an Account in the User Accounts window.
• A window appears asking you which account you want to change.
• The next window (figure below) allows you to change the name on the account, change the picture, change the account type, create a password, or delete the account. Make necessary changes.
• Use the Back button to return to the original list to make any additional changes.

Changing User Log on/Log off Procedures

You can also select the way users log on and log off.

To change log on and log off options:

• Click Change the way users log on and off in the User Accounts window.
• You'll see two checkboxes that allow you to enable the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching. Fast User Switching allows you to switch to another user account without closing any programs.

Accessibility and the Accessibility Options Dialog Box

As you know, a computer functions with both input (keyboard and mouse, for example) and output (monitor and printer, for example) devices. In this module, we'll focus on how Windows XP allows you to configure your computer's input and output behaviors to accommodate people with a range of disabilities.

To access the Accessibility Options dialog box:

• Open the Control Panel.
• Click the Accessibility Options link.

• The Accessibility Options window opens.
• Under Or pick a Control Panel icon, click the Accessibility Options link.
• The Accessibility Options dialog box opens.

Adjusting the Keyboard

When you open the Accessibility Options dialog box, notice that it is equipped with five tabs: Keyboard, Sound, Display, Mouse, and General.

The Keyboard tab allows you to change the way your keyboard inputs information into Windows XP.

The following features are especially helpful for users who have difficulty using the keyboard.

StickyKeys. Enable StickKeys so you don't have to hold down several keys at once on the keyboard. For example, if you want to use Control + Alt + Delete, StickKeys allows you to press one key at a time rather than having to hold them down all at once. To use StickKeys, check the Use StickyKeys box and press the Settings button to adjust your personal settings. Once you enable or disable these, you can use them by pressing the Shift key five times in a row.

Filterkeys. Enable FilterKeys to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes. To use FilterKeys, click the Use Filterkeys checkbox and click the Settings button to adjust your personal settings.

Togglekeys. Enable ToggleKeys if you want to hear tones when pressing CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, and SCROLL LOCK. To use ToggleKeys, click the Use ToggleKeys checkbox and click the Settings button to adjust your personal settings.

Adjusting the Sound

The Accessibility Options Sound tab allows you to enable Windows sounds to help you operate Windows XP.

These features are especially helpful for users who are hearing impaired. Choose from two options:

SoundSentry. Windows XP uses sound to alert the user to certain warnings or notices. Sound Sentry enables these warnings to appear on your screen instead of as a sound. To use Sound Sentry, click the Use SoundSentry checkbox. Then choose the kind of visual warning you want to receive.

ShowSounds. Use ShowSounds to tell any programs to show text for any sounds or speech they may use. To use ShowSounds, click the Use ShowSounds checkbox.

Adjusting the Display

The Display tab allows you to use high-contrast colors and adjust the cursor to make reading easier.

These features are especially helpful for users who are visually impaired. Choose from two options:

To enable High Contrast, click the Use High Contrast checkbox. Clicking the Settings button enables the shortcut for High Contrast, ALT+SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN.

Use the sliders to change the cursor blink rate and the width of the cursor.

Using MouseKeys

The Mouse tab allows you to use the numeric keypad on your keyboard to control the pointer. To use MouseKeys, click the Use MouseKeys checkbox. Clicking the Settings button enables the shortcut for MouseKeys, LEFT ALT+LEFT SHIFT+NUM LOCK.

The General Tab

The General tab provides some other accessibility control options.

Automatic reset. If accessibility features are turned on, users can turn off accessibility features after being idle for a specific period of time. Use the drop down menu to select the desired time.

Notification. Receive a warning when turning a feature on or make a sound when turning a feature on or off.

SerialKeys. Turn on SerialKeys so other input devices (other than the traditional keyboard and mouse) can work with Windows XP.

Administrative options. Computer administrators can apply all accessibility options to the logon desktop and apply all accessibility settings for each new user.

What is the Accessibility Wizard?

Wizards are helpful programs that lead you through a series of steps. Usually, each step asks you to input some information and then uses that information to accomplish a certain task. Microsoft Windows XP's Accessibility Wizard allows you to customize your computer with tools designed to help meet your vision, hearing, or mobility needs.

To open the Accessibility Wizard:

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories Accessibility Accessibility Wizard.
• The Accessibility Wizard opens.

OR

• Open the Control Panel.
• Click the Accessibility Options link.
• The Accessibility Options window opens.
• Under Pick A Task, click Configure Windows to work for your vision, hearing, and mobility needs.
• The Accessibility Wizard opens.

While Windows XP provides basic accessibility tools to users with special needs, many users with disabilities purchase additional programs and devices to aid in their daily computer use.

The Text Size Page

Once you've successfully opened the Accessibility Wizard, click Next to beyond the welcome screen.

In the Text Size window, click or use the arrow keys to select the smallest text you can read. Click Next.

The Display Settings Page

On this page, you'll see some checkboxes that allow you to select how your display appears. You can choose to change the font size, use Microsoft Magnifier, and display personalized menus. You may also be able to switch to a lower screen resolution, depending on your computer. Make your selection(s) and click Next.

The Set Wizard Options Page

On this page, select the type of disability that you have so the wizard can help you select some options to meet your needs. For example, if you choose, "I have difficulty using the keyboard or mouse," the next several pages present you with options to best meet your needs. Make your selection(s) and click Next.

Continue using the Accessibility Wizard until you reach a summary screen. Windows XP is now configured for your needs.

The Magnifier

Remember, the Accessibility Wizard, working with your responses, enables such utilities as magnifier, narrator, on-screen keyboard, and utility manager. However, you can also turn them on via the Start menu.

Microsoft Magnifier makes the screen more readable. It creates a separate window that shows a magnified portion of your screen.

To open the Magnifier using the Start menu:

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories Accessibility Magnifier.

Whether you open the Magnifier using the Accessibility Wizard or using the Start menu, the Magnifier Settings window opens.

Here, you can:

• Set the magnification level. The default setting is 2. Use the drop down arrow to select the size that meets your needs.
• Follow the Mouse Cursor. By default, the Magnifier shows whatever you are pointing to with your mouse.
• Follow Keyboard Focus. By default, the Magnifier follows what you do on the keyboard.
• Follow Text Editing. When typing a document, the Magifier follows the cursor and magnifies the text as you type or make changes.
• Invert Colors. Inverts the colors in the magnifier.
• Start Minimized. The Magnifier starts as a minimized option on your computer.
• Show Magnifier. By default, the Magnifier shows at the top of the screen.

The Narrator

The Narrator can read items on the screen to you. However, the Narrator works only in English and may not work with every program installed on your computer. Your computer will also need to be equipped with a sound card and speakers for the narrator to function properly.

To open the Narrator using the Start menu:

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories Accessibility Narrator.

Whether you open the Narrator using the Accessibility Wizard or using the Start menu, the Narrator window opens.

Here, you can:

• Announce events on screen. Narrator announces new windows that appear or system messages.
• Read typed characters. Narrator reads typed characters aloud.
• Move mouse pointer to the active item. Narrator moves your mouse pointer to the active window item for you.
• Start Narrator minimized. Narrator starts as a minimized option.

The Onscreen Keyboard and Utilities Manager

The Onscreen Keyboard opens an onscreen keyboard on your screen. You can use the mouse to click the keys. This is a limited version, but you can learn about other utilities such as this at

The Utilities Manager is a helpful tool that allows you to manage all of the Accessibility tools.

To start the Utilities Manager:

• Hold down the Windows key + U.

OR

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories Accessibility Utilities Manager.
• The Utilities Manager opens.

This window tells you which Accessibility tools are currently running and may help you troubleshoot any problems.

Opening the Help and Support Center

You don't have to remember how to do everything with Windows XP. If you get stumped, Windows XP features an easy-to-use Help and Support Center to assist you.

To access the Help and Support Center:

• Click Start Help and Support.
• The Help and Support Center window opens.
• The home section is displayed.

When you first on the Help and Support Center, you arrive in the home section. Here, you can pick a help topic, pick a task, search, and ask for outside assistance. Notice that the Home section looks and acts much like a web page. As you use Help, notice that some Help files are stored on your computer, whereas others are stored on the Internet.

The Index

Notice the buttons across the top of the home section. The Index option works like any other index, providing you with a fast and easy way to locate topics and resources.

To use the Index:

• Open the Help and Support Center.
• Click the Index button.
• The Index opens. The entire index is displayed in alphabetical order in the left pane.
• Type in a keyword that pertains to the topic you're interested in.
• Double-click a topic you want to explore in the left pane. Information about the topic displays in the right pane or a Topics Found dialog box appears.
• If a Topics Found dialog box appears, click Display or Cancel
• If you click Display, information about the topic displays in the right pane.
• Click Cancel to close the dialog box and begin a new search.

Favorites and History

Favorites
The Favorites option works much like Favorites in Internet Explorer. Whenever you find a help page you want to visit again in the future, click the Add to Favorites button. The page will be added to a Favorites list.

When you want to review your Help Favorites, open the Help and Support Center and click the Favorites button.

History
The History option, as in Internet Explorer, keeps track of all of the Help and Support Center pages you have visited on the Internet. To review pages you've visited in the past, click the History button. Double-click any of the links to display any of the pages.

Support

If you are having trouble with Windows XP that you can't resolve on your own, there is support available to you in the Help and Support Center. To access Support, click the Support button.

You can get support in a variety of ways:

Ask a friend to help. If you have an Internet connection, you can invite someone you trust to chat with you, view your desktop, and work on your computer.

Get help from Microsoft. Using an Internet connection, you can allow a Microsoft support professional to answer your questions via email, chat, view your screen, or work on your computer.

Go to a Windows Web site forum. Windows Newsgroups are online resources that allow to you to communicate with other Windows users about any problems you may be having.

Help's Search Function

Searching for help topics is perhaps the fastest and most useful way to use the Help and Support Center.

To use search:

• Open the Help and Support Center.
• In the Search box, type in a keyword that pertains to the topic you're interested in and click the green arrow key.

• Your search results are listed in the left pane.

• Click to choose a result that best answers your concerns.
• The explanation will display in the right pane.

The Printers and Faxes Folder

Windows XP stores any information about any printer or fax machines connected to your computer in a Printers and Faxes folder, making it easy to install, manage, and use printers and fax machines.

To view the Printers and Faxes folder:

• Open the Control Panel.
• Under Pick a Category, choose Printers and Other Hardware.
• The Printers and Other Hardware folder opens.
• Under Pick A Task, choose View installed printer or fax printers or Add a printer.
• The Printers and Faxes folder opens.
• In the left pane, you'll see several helpful links.
• In the right pane, you see a list of any printers or faxes that are installed on your machine.

Adding a Printer

Adding a printer is simple using the Add Printer Wizard available in the Printers and Faxes folder.

Before trying to add a printer:

• Make sure your printer is compatible with Windows XP. If buying a new printer, make sure to do your research before you make a purchase.
• Get out your printer's manual or CD-ROM and read it.
• Set up your printer and attach it to your computer using a printer's cable and correct port on your computer.

Note: Many of the latest Plug and Play printers connect through a USB port. If your printer falls into this category, you may not need the Add a Printer Wizard. If you do have to use the wizard and your printer isn't listed in the Windows XP list (which usually displays when you try to add a new printer) you may have to contact the printer manufacturer for a driver. When you get the driver, follow the Add a Printer instructions on your computer.

Having Trouble Printing It?

Perhaps you've written a great report and you want to share it with your boss. The problem is, you're having trouble printing it.

Try these troubleshooting techniques:

• Take care of the basics. Make sure the printer is plugged in, turned on and has paper in it.
• Make sure the printer cable is properly connected to the printer and to the computer.
• Check to see if there is a paper jam. Most printers have a flashing light to indicate a jam. Also, if the paper size selected differs from the one in the paper tray, you will not be able to print. To choose a paper size, select File Page Setup. Click the Paper Size tab.
• Check to see that the printer toner, cartridge or ribbon is fresh and adequate. If not, printed documents may appear streaky, blotchy, or even blank.
• Make sure the printer switched to Online mode. There is usually a button on your printer's control panel. If it is switched to Offline mode, it will not print.
• Make sure the computer knows what printer you are using. Check this by clicking Start Control Panel Printers and Other Hardware View installed printers or fax printers. If an icon for your printer doesn't appear, try restarting your computer. If you printer still doesn't appear, you may need to add it. Click Add a Printer and follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard.

More Printer Troubleshooting Tips

Because so many issues can affect your printer, you should also consider these problem-solving tips:

• If you work in an office environment where several people share a printer, there may be a network problem. Contact your Network Support person.
• If you can find the manual for your printer, read it to see if you can find the solution to the problem.
• If your printer still doesn't work, go to Help and Support Center. Under Pick a Help Topic, click Printing and Faxing. Or, enter the term printer into the Search box.
• Open the Printing Troubleshooter. Answer the questions and follow the instructions so the computer can help you figure out what's wrong.

To open the Printing Troubleshooter:

• Click Start Control Panel Printers and Other Hardware.
• In the left pane, open the Troubleshooters category.
• Click Printing.
• The Printing Troubleshooter opens.

What are Systems Tools?

Do some basic maintenance from time to time to keep Windows XP running smoothly. Luckily, Windows XP provides you with some basic tools to make the maintenance process as painless as possible. You can access these tools via the System Tools menu.

To open the System Tools menu:

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories System Tools.
• A cascading System Tools menu opens.

Disk Defragmenter

All Windows XP computers have at least one hard disk. The hard disk acts as your computer's storage area. Almost everything installed on your computer - applications, files, folders, and operating system - is stored here.

With general use, (creating new files, deleting files, installing new software, etc) your hard disk can become fragmented. This means that parts of the same disk file become scattered over different areas of the disk. A fragmented hard disk slows down your computer and hinders its performance.

To keep your hard disk running smoothly, you must routinely defragment or "defrag" the hard disk. The Disk Defragmenter tool can help you do this.

To use Disk Defragmenter:

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories System Tools Disk Defragmenter.
• The Disk Defragmenter opens.

To open Microsoft Management Console:

• Open Disk Defragmenter.
• Open the Action menu.
• Click Help.
• A Microsoft Management Console opens and explains how to run Disk Defragmenter.

Note: You may need to be logged in as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group to perform some tasks associated with the Disk Defragmenter. Disk Defragmenter should be run every three months.

Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is another tool that helps keep Windows XP operating as it should. It inspects your hard disk and looks for files that can be safely deleted. Deleting unnecessary files frees up valuable disk space.

To run Disk Cleanup:

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories System Tools Disk Cleanup.
• The Disk Cleanup window opens. Click the Disk Cleanup tab if it's not showing.
• Disk Cleanup lists several potential files that can be deleted and the amount of disk space you'll gain by emptying each one.
• To learn more about a file category, click it and click the View Files button. A description appears.
• Click the checkboxes next to the categories you want to delete and click OK.
• A dialog box appears, stating, "Are you are sure you want to perform these actions?" Click Yes or No as appropriate.

Disk Cleanup (Continued)

The More Options tab gives you even more disk cleanup options.

Note: It's recommended that you run Disk Cleanup every three months.

The Scheduled Task Wizard

Fortunately, you don't need to remember to run each of these utilities. Windows XP includes a Scheduled Task Wizard that runs each of them for you.

To open the Scheduled Task Wizard:

• Choose Start All Programs Accessories System Tools Scheduled Tasks.

OR

• Choose Start Control Panel Performance and Maintenance Scheduled Tasks.

THEN

• The Scheduled Tasks folder opens.
• Double-click Add a Scheduled Task.
• The Scheduled Tasks Wizard opens.
• Keep clicking Next to select the program(s) you want Windows to run. If the task you want is not listed, click the Browse button to locate it. Then schedule a convenient time.

Dealing with an Unresponsive Computer

While doing regular maintenance on your computer should keep it running smoothly, your computer may occasionally freeze up or become unresponsive to the click of a mouse or keyboard.

• If your computer freezes, try waiting it out. Sometimes it takes your computer a few seconds to complete a task.

OR

• Press the ESC on your keyboard.

OR

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard. The Windows Task Manager opens. Here, monitor applications, processes, performance, networking, and users. If you need to restart your computer, choose Shut Down Restart. If you need to turn off your computer, choose Shut Down Turn Off.

Notepad is a simple program that comes with every Windows 95/98/2000 computer. It is an editor, which means that it provides the ability to manipulate text (cutting, pasting, etc.) much as Microsoft Word or similar programs do. Notepad, unlike Word, can only be used to work with "plain text" files — it doesn’t permit any formatting such as bold/italic/underline. This limited utility, though, will be perfect for us create Web pages — although Web pages can be quite complex when they appear on your browser, the files that your browser uses to create those displays are quite simple in their design. But more on that later. For now, we'll just look at how to perform the few basic tasks Notepad allows us.

STARTING NOTEPAD

The most foolproof way to start Notepad is click on the Start button (at the bottom left of your screen), then select Run... from the menu that pops up. In the small window that appears after you select Run..., type notepad and then click the OK button.

USING NOTEPAD

As you can see from the lack of menus, buttons, etc., using Notepad isn't very complicated.  You can use the "cut-and-paste" feature you're probably familiar with from using other software, but that's really about it.  That's fine, though, because all we want to deal with is "raw text" -- we're not interested in fancy formatting, because the Web browser will use our Web page description to set up the fancy formatting itself.

SAVING FILES

In fact, the only issue that might possibly take a little thought is saving files (and even here, Notepad works like most other PC software).  The main point to keep in mind is the difference between the Save and the Save As... commands.  The first time you try to save something you're working on, Notepad will ask you to give the file a name and tell it what folder to put the file in.  After that, whenever you say Save, Notepad will automatically update the saved version of the file.  But what if you want to put the file somewhere else? -- say you want to put it on a floppy disk to turn in.  Then you can choose the Save As... Command, which again prompt you for a filename and folder.

SAVING HTML

The only special treatment that HTML files need is with their names.  Notepad will prefer to save your file with a name that ends in .txt (this called the extension), but some browsers and related software expect HTML files to end in .htm or .html, so when saving your file, be sure to type that part in yourself -- for example, don't just call your file hw7, but call it hw7.html.

Microsoft Paint Tutorial

Drawing Lines and Shapes

To draw a straight line

1. Click    in the tool box. 2. To choose the width the line will be, click a line width from the bottom of the tool box. 3. To choose the color the line will be, click a color.

4. To draw the line, drag the mouse pointer.

Tips · Use the left mouse button to draw with the foreground color or the right mouse button to draw with the background color.

· To draw a perfectly horizontal, vertical, or 45-degree diagonal line, press and hold down SHIFT while dragging the mouse pointer.

To draw a free-form line

1. Click    in the tool box, and then click a color from the color box.
2. To draw the line, drag the mouse pointer.

Tip
· To undo a change, click Edit and then click Undo. You can undo up to three changes.

To draw a curve

1. Click    in the tool box. 2. To choose the width the curve will be, click a line width at the bottom of the tool box. 3. To choose the color the curve will be, click a color. 4. Draw a straight line by dragging the mouse pointer. 5. Click where you want one arc of the curve to be, and then drag the mouse pointer to adjust the curve.

6. Each curve must have at least one arc but no more than two. Repeat this step for a second arc.

Tip
· Use the left mouse button to draw with the foreground color or the right mouse button to draw with the background color.

To draw an ellipse or circle

1. Click    in the tool box. 2. Click a color from the color box for the shape's outline. 3. To fill the shape, click a color by using the right mouse button, and then click a fill style from the bottom of the tool box. 4. To draw an ellipse, drag the mouse pointer diagonally.

5. To draw a perfect circle, press and hold down SHIFT while dragging the mouse pointer.

To draw a rectangle or square

1. Click     in the tool box to create a square-cornered shape, or click     to create a round-cornered shape. 2. Click a color from the color box for the shape's outline. 3. To fill the shape with color, click a color by using the right mouse button, and then click a fill style from the bottom of the tool box. 4. To draw a rectangle, drag the mouse pointer diagonally in the direction you want.

5. To draw a square, press and hold down SHIFT while dragging the mouse pointer.

To draw a polygon

1. Click    in the tool box, and then click a color for the polygon outline. 2. To create a colored fill, click a color by using the right mouse button, and then click a fill style from the bottom of the tool box. 3. To draw the polygon, drag the mouse pointer and click at each corner. Double-click when you're done. 4. To use only 45- and 90-degree angles, press and hold down SHIFT while dragging the mouse pointer.

Putting Text in Pictures

To type and format text

1. Click     in the tool box. 2. Create a text frame by dragging the mouse pointer diagonally, and then click the font, size, and style you want. 3. Click inside the text frame, and then type the text. 4. Move or enlarge the text frame as needed. 5. To change the color of the text, click a color in the color box. 6. To insert the text on a colored background, click  on the tool box, and then click a color with the right mouse button to change the background color.

7. To insert the text into the picture, click outside the text frame.

Tips · You can only paste text when the text tool is selected. You cannot paste graphics when the text tool is selected. · You can enter text into a picture only in normal view. · If the text toolbar obscures part of the Paint menu, you can drag it anywhere on the window.

Working with ColorTo fill an area or object with color

1. Click    in the tool box, and then click a color from the color box. 2. Click the area or object you want to fill. 3. To fill with the foreground color, click the area with the left mouse button.

4. To fill with the background color, click the area with the right mouse button.

Tip

· If the shape being filled has any breaks in its border, the filling color leaks through to the rest of the drawing area. To find and close the opening, click View, point to Zoom, and then click Large Size or Custom.  

1. Click    in the tool box, and then choose a brush shape from the bottom of the tool box. 2. Click a color from the color box.

3. To paint, drag the mouse pointer.

To create an airbrush effect

1. Click    in the tool box. 2. To change the size of the spray area, click a size from the bottom of the tool box. 3. To choose the spray color, click a color.

4. To spray, drag the mouse pointer. Use the left mouse button to spray with the foreground color, or use the right mouse button to spray with the background color.

To create custom colors

1. In the color box, click the color you want to change. 2. On the Options menu, click Edit Colors. 3. Click Define Custom Colors, and then enter new values in either the RGB (red, green, blue) or HLS (hue, saturation, and luminescence) color models.

4. Click Add to Custom Colors.

Tips · To save your custom colors, click the Options menu, and then click Save Colors. · To use your saved colors, click Get Colors.

· For Help on an item, click    at the top of the dialog box, and then click the item.

To use black and white instead of color

1. On the Image menu, click Attributes.
2. Click Black and White.

Caution: Once you have changed a color picture to black and white, you cannot change it back to color. If you change back to color, only new work will be in color.

To invert all the colors in a picture

On the Image menu, click Invert Colors.

Note: Each color is replaced by its color complement. For example, white becomes black, and red becomes blue.

To change the color of an existing line

1. Click    in the tool box. 2. Click a different color in the color box.

3. Position the paint cursor so that it is touching the line, and then click.

Tips · To make sure you only change the line color and not the surrounding area, zoom the picture to a larger size.

· If the line is part of a shape, any connecting vertical and horizontal lines will also change to the new color.

To copy color from one area or object to another

1. Click    in the tool box. 2. Click the object whose color you want to copy.

3. Click the object or area where you want the color.

Tip · To use a color as a background color or to erase with a color that isn't in the color box, click the color in your picture with the right mouse button.

Erasing

To erase a small area

1. Click    in the tool box. 2. To use a smaller or larger eraser, click a shape at the bottom of the tool box. 3. The selected background color shows what color the eraser will leave behind. To change the background color, click a color by using the right mouse button.

4. Drag the mouse pointer over the area you want to erase.

Tips
· To change a specific color (and nothing else), change the foreground color to the color you want to erase and the background color to the color you want to replace it with. Click the eraser, and then use the right mouse button to change the color.

To erase a large area

1. Click    or    in the tool box, and then drag the mouse pointer to select the area you want to erase. The current background color will be used to fill the cleared area. 2. To choose a different background color, click a color in the color box with the right mouse button.

3. On the Edit menu, click Clear Selection.

To undo changes

1. On the Edit menu, click Undo. 2. To undo previous changes, click Undo again.

Working with Part of the Picture

To select part of a picture

1. To select a rectangular area, click    in the tool box, and then drag the cursor diagonally across the area.
2. To select an irregularly shaped area, click    in the tool box, and then drag the cursor around the area.

Tip
· To remove the selection box, click outside the box.

To copy part of a picture

1. Select the area you want to copy by clicking   or    in the tool box and then dragging the cursor to define the area.
2. Click   to insert opaquely.
3. Click    to insert transparently. 4. On the Edit menu, click Copy. 5. On the Edit menu, click Paste. 6. Drag the selection where you want it.

7. To remove the selection box, click outside it.

Tips · To paste multiple copies of an object, press and hold down CTRL while you drag the pasted object to a new location. Repeat as needed. · You cannot paste graphics when the text tool is selected.

· To undo a change, click Edit and then click Undo. You can undo up to three changes.

To save part of a picture into another bitmap file

1. Select an area you want to save by clicking   or     in the tool box and then dragging the cursor to define the area. 2. On the Edit menu, click Copy To. 3. Specify a file name and location.

Changing How Your Picture Looks on the Screen

To change the size of your picture

1. On the Image menu, click Attributes. 2. Click the unit of measurement you want to use for the width and height.

3. Type the width and height.

Notes: Your current picture will be resized. If your current picture is bigger than the new size, it is cut from the right side and bottom to fit within the smaller area.

To zoom in or out of a picture

On the View menu, point to Zoom, and then click Normal Size, Large Size, or Custom.
Note: You can enter text into a picture only in normal view.

To enlarge the size of the viewing area

1. To display only the picture, click the View menu, and then click View Bitmap.
2. You cannot make changes to a picture in this view. To return to your former view, click anywhere in the picture.

Tip
· You can hide the Tool Box, Color Box, or Status Bar by clicking the View menu and then removing the check mark for each item you don't want displayed.

To display grid lines

1. On the View menu, point to Zoom, and then click Custom. 2. Click a Zoom To size of 400%, 600%, or 800%, and then click OK.

3. On the View menu, point to Zoom, and then click Show Grid.

Tip
· To get rid of the grid lines, return to normal view, or repeat step 3 to remove the check mark.

To flip or rotate a picture or object

1. Click   or     in the tool box, and then drag a box around the object or area you want to flip or rotate.
2. Click    below the tool box to flip or rotate opaquely.
3. Click   below the tool box to flip or rotate transparently. 4. On the Image menu, click Flip/Rotate.

5. Click the option you want.

To stretch or skew an item

1. Click    or    in the tool box, and then drag a box around the item you want to change. 2. On the Image menu, click Stretch/Skew. 3. Click the stretching or skewing option you want, and then enter the amount.

4. Click    below the tool box to stretch or skew opaquely.

Printing

To print a picture

On the File menu, click Print.

Tips · To see how the printed picture will look before you print, click the File menu, and then click Print Preview. · To set margins or change orientation, click the File menu, and then click Page Setup.

Using Paint with Other Programs

To copy information into another document

1. In the document that contains the information you want to copy, select the information by highlighting it. 2. On the Edit menu, click Copy. 3. In the document where you want the information to appear, click the place where you want to put the information.

4. On the Edit menu, click Paste.

Tips · You can also link or embed information.

· You can paste the information multiple times.

To copy information into another document

1. In the document that contains the information you want to copy, select the information by highlighting it. 2. On the Edit menu, click Copy. 3. In the document where you want the information to appear, click the place where you want to put the information.

4. On the Edit menu, click Paste.

Tips · You can also link or embed information.

· You can paste the information multiple times.

To insert a bitmap into the current picture

1. Select an area to put the picture in by clicking    in the tool box and then dragging the cursor to define the area. 2. On the Edit menu, click Paste From. 3. Specify the name of the bitmap file you want to insert. 4. Drag the selection where you want it, and then click outside the selection.

Tips and Tricks

To use a picture as the desktop background

1. To cover the screen with repetitions of your bitmap, click the File menu, and then click Set As Wallpaper (Tiled).
2. To put your bitmap in the center of your screen, click the File menu, and then click Set As Wallpaper (Centered).

Note: You must save a picture before you can use it as wallpaper.