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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:
Open Task View (Windows key + Tab)
Click "New Desktop" at the top
Switch between desktops by clicking them
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:
Cloud Status Icons:
Blue clouds: Syncing
Green checkmarks: Available offline
Gray clouds: Online only
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:
Network Controls
Wi-Fi connections
Bluetooth devices
VPN settings
Airplane mode
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:
Processes Tab
See all running programs
Check resource usage
End unresponsive programs
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:
Right-click Windows icon
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:
Search for "disk cleanup"
Select drive to clean
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:
Identify the Problem
What changed recently?
When did it start?
What's different from normal?
Basic Troubleshooting
Restart the computer
Check for Windows updates
Verify internet connection
Look for error messages
Advanced Solutions
Use Task Manager
Check Device Manager
Run disk cleanup
Update drivers
Get Help If Needed
Windows Help system
Microsoft Support website
Email instructor: mburns@sdccd.edu
Congratulations on completing this Windows course! You now have the skills to:
Navigate Windows efficiently
Customize your experience
Manage files and programs
Solve common problems
Use advanced features
Continuing Your Learning
Practice Regular Maintenance:
Keep Windows updated
Run regular backups
Perform disk cleanup
Monitor system health
Explore Advanced Features:
Virtual desktops
Windows shortcuts
Cloud integration
Accessibility tools
Build Confidence:
Help others learn
Try new features
Solve problems independently
Stay current with updates