Week 3:  Customization, Security & Accessibility

Using Your Windows Computer - Part 3

Customization, Security, and Accessibility - Spring 2025

Introduction

Welcome to Part 3 of our Windows course! Today we'll learn how to make Windows work better for you through customization, while keeping your computer secure and accessible. Think of this as making your digital workspace truly your own.

Understanding Windows Settings

Windows Settings is your control center for personalizing and managing your computer. You can access it by pressing the Windows key + I or clicking the gear icon in the Start menu.

Display and Visual Settings

Your computer screen should be comfortable to view and use. Let's explore how to adjust it:

Display Settings (Settings → System → Display)

1. Night Light: Reduces blue light in the evening

   • When to use: Evening computer work

   • How to set: Choose hours or let Windows adjust automatically

2. Scale and Layout: Makes everything easier to see

   • Increase text size for better readability

   • Adjust resolution for clearer display

Practice: Try adjusting Night Light settings for evening comfort

Personalizing Your Windows Experience

Colors and Themes (Settings → Personalization)

Understanding Color Modes:

• Light mode: Better for bright environments

• Dark mode: Easier on eyes in low light

• Custom colors: Match your preference

Creating Your Perfect Desktop:

1. Background Options

   • Personal photos

   • Solid colors

   • Slideshow of images

2. Theme Settings

   • Changes multiple elements at once

   • Includes sounds and mouse cursors

   • Can save your custom themes

Customizing the Start Menu

The Start menu is your gateway to everything on your computer. Let's make it work for you:

Start Menu Layout (Settings → Personalization → Start)

1. Basic Layout Options

   • Choose between more or fewer pinned items

   • Show recently added apps

   • Show most used apps

2. Folder Configuration

   • Select which folders appear

   • Quick access to important locations

   • Customize for your workflow

Practice: Arrange your Start menu for maximum efficiency

Sound Settings for Better Audio

Good audio makes your computer more enjoyable to use. Let's understand the settings:

Audio Control (Settings → System → Sound)

Output Devices:

• Speakers or headphones

• Volume levels and balance

• Testing and troubleshooting

Input Devices:

• Microphone settings

• Input level adjustment

• Recording device selection

Advanced Options:

• App volume control

• Sound enhancement features

• Device preferences

Try This: Test different audio outputs and adjust volumes

Keeping Windows Updated and Secure

Regular updates keep your computer running smoothly and securely.

Windows Update (Settings → Windows Update)

Understanding Update Types:

1. Feature Updates

   • Major changes and new features

   • Usually twice per year

2. Security Updates

   • Important safety fixes

   • Install these promptly

Setting Updates:

• Choose active hours

• Configure restart options

• View update history

Best Practice: Check for updates weekly

Managing Storage Effectively

Keep your computer running efficiently by managing storage space.

Storage Settings (Settings → Storage)

Storage Sense:

• Automatically frees up space

• Removes temporary files

• Manages OneDrive files

Cleanup Recommendations:

1. Large or unused files

2. Temporary files

3. Previous Windows installations

Activity: Review your storage usage and free up space

Account Security and Backup

Protecting your information is crucial in today's digital world.

Account Settings (Settings → Accounts)

Sign-in Options:

• Facial recognition (Windows Hello)

• Fingerprint

• PIN or password

Account Protection:

1. Microsoft Account vs Local Account

2. Family safety settings

3. Passkey management

Backup Settings (Settings → Accounts → Windows Backup)

Creating a Backup Strategy:

1. Choose what to back up

   • Personal files

   • Windows settings

   • App preferences

2. Select backup location

   • External drive

   • OneDrive cloud storage

3. Set backup schedule

   • Daily, weekly, or monthly

   • Automatic or manual

Critical Task: Set up regular backups today

Accessibility Features

Windows offers many ways to make your computer easier to use.

Accessibility Settings (Settings → Accessibility)

Visual Aids:

• Text size adjustment

• Magnifier for zoom

• High contrast themes

• Narrator for screen reading

Physical Access:

• Keyboard shortcuts

• Mouse settings

• Speech recognition

• Eye control

Explore: Try different accessibility features to understand their benefits

Language and Regional Settings

Customize Windows for your language and location.

Time and Language (Settings → Time and Language)

Language Options:

• Add new languages

• Set preferred formats

• Configure keyboard layouts

Speech Settings:

• Voice recognition

• Text-to-speech

• Dictation features

Practice Exercises

Take time to try these important customizations:

1. Display and Theme

   • Set up Night Light

   • Create a custom theme

   • Adjust text size

2. Security

   • Check Windows Update

   • Configure backup

   • Review sign-in options

3. Accessibility

   • Test Magnifier

   • Try voice commands

   • Explore keyboard shortcuts

Next Session Preview

We'll explore:

• Advanced taskbar features

• Problem-solving techniques

• Task Manager essentials

• System maintenance