Week 1: Getting Started

Course Overview

Welcome to Getting Started with Windows! 

What is Windows?

Windows is your computer's operating system - the control center that helps you manage everything on your computer. Think of it as your computer's command center that helps you:

• Open and use programs

• Store and organize files

• Connect to the internet

• Customize how your computer works

The Desktop: Your Digital Workspace

The desktop is your main work area. It has three important parts:

1. Start Button

• Located at the bottom-left corner of your screen

• Opens the Start menu, your gateway to programs and settings

• Looks different in Windows 10 (colorful tiles) vs Windows 11 (simple design)

Important Note: To customize your Start menu, go to: Settings → Personalization → Start

2. Taskbar

Located at the bottom of your screen, the taskbar shows:

• Running programs

• Important tools:

  • Search box for finding files and programs

  • Task view for seeing all open windows

  • Copilot (AI assistant)

  • Internet connection status

  • Sound controls

  • Time and date

Tip: To customize your taskbar, go to: Settings → Personalization → Taskbar

3. Desktop Icons

• Shortcuts to your favorite programs and files

• Can be arranged however you like

• Right-click empty desktop space to add or remove icons

Using Your Mouse or Trackpad

Mouse Skills

• Left Click: Select items

• Double Click: Open items

• Right Click: See more options (context menu)

• Scroll Wheel: Move up and down

Trackpad Skills

• Tap: Select items (like left click)

• Two fingers:

  • Slide up/down to scroll

  • Pinch to zoom in/out

• Three fingers:

  • Swipe up to see all windows

  • Swipe down to show desktop

Managing Windows

Every program window has three control buttons in the top-right corner:

1. Minimize (─)

   • Hides the window but keeps the program running

   • Program appears as a button on the taskbar

2. Maximize (□)

   • Makes the window fill the whole screen

   • Click again to return to original size

3. Close (×)

   • Closes the program completely

   • Remember to save your work first!

Making Windows Comfortable to Use

Adjusting Text Size

1. Open Settings

2. Choose 'Accessibility'

3. Select 'Text size'

4. Move the slider until text is comfortable to read

5. Click 'Apply'

Other Helpful Adjustments

All found in Settings → Personalization:

• Fonts: Change text style

• Colors: Adjust screen colors

• Dynamic lighting: Control screen brightness

Practice Exercises

Try these activities to build your skills:

1. Starting Programs

   • Open three different programs from the Start menu

   • Close each one using the × button

   • Try minimizing and maximizing windows

2. Window Management

   • Open two programs

   • Resize them to see both side by side

   • Practice moving them around your screen

3. Using the Taskbar

   • Open several programs

   • Click their taskbar buttons to switch between them

   • Right-click taskbar buttons to see what options appear

4. Customization

   • Try changing your text size

   • Experiment with different color settings

   • Add or remove desktop icons

Next Session Preview

We'll cover:

• File management

• Creating and organizing folders

• Finding and organizing your documents