An Introduction to ComputersAn Introduction to Computers

Understanding My ComputerUnderstanding My ComputerFiles, Folders, Disks and ProgramsFiles, Folders, Disks and Programs

FilesFiles• All information on a computer disk is stored in files.• Examples of files:

– A word processing document– A picture– A program file – A piece of music (a sound file)

• In Windows, files are represented by pictures called icons:

Windows icons

FoldersFolders

• Files on a disk are grouped together in folders to keep them organised.

• Another name for a folder is a “Directory” or “Subdirectory”.

• A folder may contain other folders, with more files and folders inside them, etc.

• A folder icon looks like this:

Disks and PartitionsDisks and Partitions• Disks are referred to by letters, e.g.

A: - the floppy disk driveB: - second floppy disk (if one is fitted)C: - the hard disk

• A hard disk may be divided into several partitions. C: - First partitionD: - Second partitionetc.

• More than one hard disk can be fitted to a PC• A CD-ROM acts as another disk drive (e.g. E:)

Types of fileTypes of file• Files can be divided into three types:

–Data files• E.g word document, music and videos

–Program files• E.g MS Word program, Internet Explorer

–System files• E.g Files inside folder Windows (mostly

computer drivers)

Windows 3.1 file namesWindows 3.1 file namesWindows 3.1 and DOS use “short” filenames, e.g.

MYFILE.DOC

name: up to 8characters (nospaces).

extension: upto 3 characters(no spaces).

Indicates the type of file

dot: separatesname fromextension

Windows file namesWindows file namesWindows uses “long” file names, e.g.

School Meeting Minutes.doc

name: includes spaces.

dot: separatesname fromextension

extension: normally 3 characters, but can be more. Windows can “hide” this - it uses different icons to indicate file types

File PathsFile PathsA file path specifies both it’s name and where it’s stored...

C:\DOC\REPORTS\JANUARY.DOC

This file ison drive C:

The file is in a folder calledREPORTS, which is inside thefolder called DOCS

The file’s name isJANUARY.DOC

Finding a FileFinding a File

• Right Click Start Menu and click Find• A screen will come out and ask what particular file that

we want to find• We have to know what the file was called, simply type it in and

the computer will find it

My Computer andMy Computer andWindows ExplorerWindows Explorer

• My Computer “contains” the disks on the computer• Disks can be opened to show files and folders• Windows Explorer gives another view of My Computer• Start Windows Explorer…

– From the start menu– By right clicking a folder and choosing Explore

Moving files aroundMoving files around

• Files can be moved or copied…– To another folder– To another disk– To the desktop

• There are two methods:– drag and drop– cut and paste or copy and paste

• Several files may be moved or copied at the same time by selecting them first.

• If a folder is moved or copied, all of the files inside it are also moved or copied.

Drag and DropDrag and Drop

• To drag and drop, click on the file or files and hold the mouse button down whilst you move it.

• Using the left mouse button…– Copies if dragging to another place on the same disk– Moves if dragging to a different disk

• Using the right mouse button gives a menu with a choice of the above options.

Cut and PasteCut and Paste• This works by putting files on the clipboard• To cut and paste…

– Select the file or files– Choose Cut or Copy (from a toolbar or menu)– Find the destination folder– Choose Paste

• You can usually find the cut, copy and paste options– on the right click menu– on the Edit menu– on the toolbar

Renaming filesRenaming files

• There are several methods. One of the easiest is:– select the file (click using the left mouse button)– Pause– Click on the filename using the left mouse button.– Type the new name.

• The pause is required so that Windows does not interpret the two clicks as a double click.

Deleting FilesDeleting Files

• Deleted files are put in the Recycle Bin• The easiest methods are:

– Drag them to the Recycle Bin– Select them and hit the Delete key

• Deleted files can be recovered from the bin provided:– The bin has not been emptied– The file was not deleted too long ago

Creating New FoldersCreating New Folders

• A folder can be created:– On the Desktop– On a disk in My Computer (e.g. A: or C:)– Inside another folder

• To create a new folder:– Right click where you want the new folder– Select New from the menu. Another menu appears– Select Folder from this menu. A folder appears– Type a name for the folder and press return

Different Views in "My Computer"

and "Windows Explorer"

– The icons in a "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" window can be displayed in several different views. You can choose between:

• Large icons • Small icons • A vertical list of icons • A details view which tells you file sizes and dates

– To change between these views, you can use one of three methods:

• The View menu at the top of the window • Right click on some space inside the window and

choose "View"

Tips And TrickTips And Trick

Changing the Wallpaper and Screen Saver

Moving the taskbar

Clearing the Desktop (Minimize to desktop)

Few tips we can use: