Chapter Notes: GUI Operating System: An Introduction

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. User Interface
3. Windows 10
4. Switching on a Computer
5. Working with Windows 10
6. Changing the Screen Saver
7. Live Tiles
8. Shutting Down a Computer
9. Normal Mode and Safe Mode
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Introduction

• Software that manages and controls computer parts and other software.
• Helps the computer perform multiple tasks at once.
• Common operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac.

User Interface

The way users interact with a computer using input devices and software.
Two main types: Command Line Interface (CLI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI).

• CLI: Users type text commands using the keyboard to perform tasks.
• GUI: Users interact through graphics or pictures, using mouse clicks to perform actions.

Windows 10

• A widely used GUI-based operating system by Microsoft.
• Users interact with it using graphics and mouse clicks.
• Versions of Windows include XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
• Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015.

Switching on a Computer

• Step 1: Turn on the main power supply.
• Step 2: Press the UPS button.
• Step 3: Press the CPU power button.
• Step 4: Turn on the monitor to see the Windows welcome screen.

Working with Windows 10

• The main screen after starting the computer is called the desktop.
• A login screen may appear, requiring a user ID and password.

Desktop

• The main screen of Windows 10 with frequently used programs and items.
• Contains icons and a Taskbar.
  

Icons

• Small graphics or pictures on the desktop representing programs, files, or folders.
• Clicking an icon highlights it; double-clicking opens it in a new window.
  

Selecting an Icon

• Step 1: Move the mouse pointer to the icon.
• Step 2: Click the left mouse button to select it (color changes).

Deselecting an Icon

• Step 1: Move the mouse pointer away from the selected icon.
• Step 2: Click the left mouse button once to deselect (color returns to normal).
  

Selecting Adjacent Icons

• Step 1: Click the first icon to select it.
• Step 2: Hold the Shift key and click the last icon.
• Step 3: Release the Shift key to select all icons in between.

Selecting Non-adjacent Icons

• Step 1: Hold the Ctrl key.
• Step 2: Click each icon you want to select.
• Step 3: Release the Ctrl key to select all chosen icons.

Arranging the Icons on Desktop

• Step 1: Right-click on a blank desktop area to open the Shortcut menu.
• Step 2: Select the View option.
• Step 3: Click Auto arrange icons from the submenu.
• Step 4: Icons will be neatly arranged.

Sorting the Icons

• Step 1: Right-click on a blank desktop area to open the Shortcut menu.
• Step 2: Select the Sort by option.
• Step 3: Click Name in the submenu.
• Step 4: Icons will be arranged alphabetically.
  

Opening a Program

• Method 1: Double-click the program's icon.
• Method 2: Single-click the icon and press Enter.
• Method 3: Click Start, type Run in the Search box, press Enter, type the program name in the Run dialog box, and click OK.

Taskbar

• A horizontal bar at the bottom of the desktop.
• Contains the Start button, Middle Section, and Notification Area.

Start Button

• Located on the Taskbar, it opens a menu for various tasks.
• Tasks include opening programs or documents, searching files/folders, and shutting down the computer.
  

Middle Section

• Shows programs currently in use.
• Common programs like Paint, Word, and Internet Explorer can be added.
• Highlighted icons indicate active programs.
• Click an icon to open its program.
  

Notification Area

• Located on the right side of the Taskbar.
• Includes the clock and icons showing notifications for programs in use.
  

Changing the Desktop Background

• Step 1: Right-click on a blank desktop area.
• Step 2: Select Personalise from the menu.
  
• Step 3: The Settings window opens with Background selected.
• Step 4: View the current background preview in the right pane.
  
• Step 5: Click the Background drop-down list.
  
• Step 6: Choose Picture, Solid colour, or Slideshow.
• Step 7: Select a picture from the Choose your picture section.
• Step 8: Click Browse to choose a picture from your computer.
• Step 9: Select a layout from the Choose a fit list box or pick a background color.
• Step 10: Preview the selected background.
  
• Step 11: The chosen background will appear in the 'Preview' box.
• Step 12: The image you select will become the desktop background.

Changing the Screen Saver

A screen saver is an image that appears when the computer is idle.
Restore the original screen by moving the mouse or pressing a key.

• Step 1: Right-click on a blank desktop area.
• Step 2: Select Personalise from the menu.
  
• Step 3: Scroll down and select Screen saver settings.
• Step 4: Open the Screen Saver Settings dialog box.
  
• Step 5: Click the drop-down arrow in the Screen saver section to choose a screen saver.
  
• Step 6: View a mini preview in the Preview box.
  
• Step 7: Click the Preview tab for a full-screen preview.
• Step 8: Move the mouse to return to the Screen Saver Settings.
  
• Step 9: Set the idle time in the Wait box using the up/down arrows.
• Step 10: Click Apply, then OK to save changes.
• Step 11: To access the Screen Saver Settings, move the mouse. 
• Step 12: Adjust the time in the 'Wait' box using the up arrow to increase or the down arrow to decrease. Click 'Apply,' then 'OK.'
  

Live Tiles

Windows 10 features live tiles in the right pane of the Start menu, displaying real-time updates like global events, weather forecasts, and email notifications without opening apps. These tiles can be customized by rearranging, resizing, or moving them as needed.

Pinning Tiles to the Start Menu

To add an app to the Start menu, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Right-click the app you want to add.
3. Choose the "Pin to Start" option.
4. The app will appear as a tile in the right pane of the Start menu.

Moving and Grouping Tiles

• Drag tiles in the Start menu to reposition them.
• Step 1: Drag a tile to the bottom of the right pane in the Start menu.
• Step 2: A horizontal bar with the heading Name group appears, with two lines on the right.
• Step 3: Click Name group to add a group name and add tiles to it.
• Step 4: Drag the two lines to move the entire group.

Shutting Down a Computer

• Step 1: Click the Start button.
• Step 2: Click the Power button and select Shut down.
• Step 3: Turn off the monitor.
• Step 4: Turn off the UPS.
• Step 5: Turn off the main power supply.

Power Button

• Located in the Start menu, it offers three options:
• Sleep: Keeps the computer on in low-power mode, allowing users to resume work.
• Shut down: Closes all programs and turns off the computer.
• Restart: Closes programs, turns off the computer, and turns it back on.

Normal Mode and Safe Mode

Normal Mode

• The default working mode of Windows.
• All drivers (graphics, sound, network, etc.) load automatically for full functionality.
• Displays full colors and high resolution.
• No Safe Mode label appears on the screen.

Safe Mode

• A diagnostic mode to detect, repair, and troubleshoot issues.
• Loads only essential files and drivers for basic functioning.
• Uses limited colors and lower resolution.
• Displays "Safe Mode" on all corners of the desktop.

Computer Etiquette

• Keep your eyes relaxed while working on the computer.

Tech Terms

• Operating system: Software that manages computer functions.
• User interface: The way users interact with a computer.
• Desktop: The main screen of Windows.
• Icons: Small graphics representing programs, files, or folders.
• Taskbar: A horizontal bar at the bottom of the desktop.
• Screen saver: An image displayed when the computer is idle.
• Normal mode: The default working mode of Windows.
• Safe mode: A diagnostic mode for troubleshooting issues.