The operating system

Here we explain what an operating system is and what it is for. Currently there is great variety of operating systems, such as Windows 98, Windows NT, Linux, etc.We are going to work with WindowsXP Home Edition operating system. The operating system is essential for the computer; without it the computer could not work.The most important function of an operating system is being a mediator between us and the physical parts of the computer like screen, keyboard, hard disk, printer etc. making it easier to handle. We don’t need to know at what part of the hard disk our documents saved, the operating systems takes care of it.

The windows

All the windows have the same structure.

All the windows are formed by:

The program name which is currently working the user an dname of open document shown on the TITLE BAR. The minimize,maximize/restore,close buttons are right top corner of the Title bar.

The minimize button shrinks the window it turns it into a button located in the WindowsXP task bar.

The maximize button expands the size of the window to the whole screen.
The restore button restores the window to its original position.

The window can be closed by using Close Button.If the documenmt modified by the user then it will ask to user whether he wants to save it or not.

The MENU BAR has the program functions organized in menus. When we click on File menu, the different operations can be displayed that can be performed with file menu. All the operations that the program allows us to do are positioned within the different menus of this bar. To open a menu with the keyboard, you need to press the Alt key plus the underlined letter of the menu you want to open. For example Alt+F opens the menu File. In no letter is underlined, press Alt key.

If on a menu an option appears with a small arrow pointing to the right it means that option contains other options. If you want to open the menu related to that option, you only need to keep the option highlighted for a few seconds and the menu will appear.

If on a menu you find an option that contains three dots, like Sharing and Security... it means that the option needs more information to be revealed; usually a dialog box will open in which you can place that information.

The TOOL BAR contains icons to instantly perform some of the most regularly used commands. These commands can also be executed from the menu bar.

The SCROLL BARS permit us to move through out the page in a fast and easy manner. Simply drag the bar with the mouse or click on the arrows. There are bars to move along the width of the page and height of the page. The little square with dots on the right is used to change the size of the window. Simply click and drag.
The STATUS BAR provide the particular information to the user. This information varies depending on the window that is opened at the time.