Week 4:  Advanced features and troubleshooting

Using Your Windows Computer - Part 4

Advanced Features and Troubleshooting - Spring 2025

Introduction

Welcome to our final session on Windows essentials! Today we'll explore advanced features that can enhance your productivity and learn how to solve common computer problems. Think of this as adding powerful tools to your digital toolbox while learning to be your own tech support.

Mastering the Taskbar: Advanced Features

The taskbar isn't just a program launcher - it's your command center for advanced Windows features. Let's explore its full potential.

 Virtual Desktops: Your Multiple Workspaces

Virtual desktops help you organize different activities, like having separate desks for different projects.

Creating and Managing Virtual Desktops:

1. Open Task View (Windows key + Tab)

2. Click "New Desktop" at the top

3. Switch between desktops by clicking them

4. Drag windows between desktops to reorganize

Practical Uses:

• Work desktop with productivity apps

• Personal desktop with entertainment

• Project desktop with specific resources

Try This: Create two desktops and practice moving between them

OneDrive Integration: Your Cloud Connection

OneDrive keeps your files available everywhere and serves as a backup solution.

Essential OneDrive Features:

1. Cloud Status Icons:

   • Blue clouds: Syncing

   • Green checkmarks: Available offline

   • Gray clouds: Online only

2. Managing Storage:

   • Choose what to sync

   • Access recycling bin

   • Share files easily

Important: Check your OneDrive storage regularly

Smart Features in the Taskbar

Widgets and Insights:

• Personalized news and updates

• Weather information

• Stock tracking

• Calendar events

Quick Settings:

1. Network Controls

   • Wi-Fi connections

   • Bluetooth devices

   • VPN settings

   • Airplane mode

2. System Controls

   • Sound adjustment

   • Screen brightness

   • Night light

   • Focus assist

Practice: Customize your quick settings for easy access

Troubleshooting Windows: Becoming Your Own Tech Support

Understanding how to solve common problems will make you more confident with your computer.

Task Manager: Your System Control Center

Think of Task Manager as your computer's dashboard - it shows what's running and how well it's performing.

Opening Task Manager:

• Right-click the Windows icon

• Select "Task Manager"

• Or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Using Task Manager Effectively:

1. Processes Tab

   • See all running programs

   • Check resource usage

   • End unresponsive programs

2. Performance Tab

   • Monitor CPU usage

   • Check memory status

   • Track disk activity

   • View network speed

When to Use Task Manager:

• Computer running slowly

• Program not responding

• Unusual resource usage

• Strange background activity

Device Manager: Hardware Problem Solver

Device Manager helps you understand and fix hardware issues.

Accessing Device Manager:

1. Right-click Windows icon

2. Select "Device Manager"

Common Tasks:

• Update drivers

• Check for hardware problems

• Enable/disable devices

• Troubleshoot conflicts

Important Symbols:

• Yellow triangle: Warning

• Red X: Device disabled

• Up-to-date device: No symbol

Disk Management: Storage Solutions

Keeping your storage healthy ensures reliable computer operation.

Disk Cleanup:

1. Search for "disk cleanup"

2. Select drive to clean

3. Choose files to remove:

   • Temporary files

   • Downloaded program files

   • Recycle Bin

   • Windows update files

Disk Management Tool:

• View all storage devices

• Check drive health

• Manage partitions

• Monitor space usage

Problem-Solving Strategies

When encountering problems, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Problem

   • What changed recently?

   • When did it start?

   • What's different from normal?

2. Basic Troubleshooting

   • Restart the computer

   • Check for Windows updates

   • Verify internet connection

   • Look for error messages

3. Advanced Solutions

   • Use Task Manager

   • Check Device Manager

   • Run disk cleanup

   • Update drivers

4. Get Help If Needed

   • Windows Help system

   • Microsoft Support website

   • Email instructor: mburns@sdccd.edu