Windows XP

Hardware, Software, and Information Technology (IT)

Your desk probably contains a jumble of equipment commonly known as a computer. But what is
all that stuff? What does a computer do? Unlike many other tools or appliances that have definite
purposes, a computer can do any number of things:
• Write letters
• Browse the Internet
• Send e-mail messages to people around the world
• Play games
• Help you balance your budget

and that's not even the beginning of what you can do with a computer!
Two basic things make up a computer: hardware and software. You simply can't have one without
the other. So let's see the following terms:

Hardware:
A computer item you can physically see or touch.

Software:
A computer program that tells computer hardware how to operate.

IT:
Information Technology is the broad subject related to computers and managing and processing
information. Many large companies have departments full of computer techies called IT
departments.

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Computer Overview

Computers are not really as complicated as they initially seem. They are separated into three
categories .

Types of Computer Systems:

There are several different types of computer systems out there. Here's a very brief description of
the most common one's:

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Laptop
A laptop, or notebook, is a lighter and more
portable version of a PC that can run on
batteries.

PC
A PC is a personal computer, designed by
IBM way back in 1981. Many different
companies make PCs, but all of them are
IBM-compatible. Used as home PC's,
offices, school's.

Palmtop/PDA
A PDA (Personal Data Assistant) is a
handheld computer that is generally used to
keep track of appointments and addresses.

Networked Computer
A network is a group of computers that are
connected so that they can share equipment
and information. Most people on a network
use workstations, which are simply PCs that
are connected to the network. A server is a
central computer where users on the network
can save their files and information.

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The Front of a Computer and Peripheral Devices

Here will we show you the peripherals for the computer:

• System Unit or Computer Case
A plastic or metal case with slots, buttons, and lights in the front
and holes in the back. This is the most important part of a
computer because it contains the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

• Storage Devices:

 Floppy Drive: Reads and writes to 3.5-inch floppy disks. it can store about 1.5 MB.
 Hard Drive: The computer's main, long-term store device. Which you cannot remove
it.
 CD-ROM or DVD Drive: CD-ROMs and DVDs for your computer can store lots of
information. The only real difference between a CD-ROM and a DVD is how much
information they can store. A CD-ROM can store information less than DVD. Most
CD-ROMs and DVD are read-only, meaning you can't write information to them. You
can buy special CD-ROM and DVD drives that can write or burn information to special
CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, and DVDRW discs.

• Input Devices:

 Keyboard: Is the thing you type on to tell your computer what to do

 Mouse: Like the keyboard, the mouse is another input device that you use to
communicate with your computer
 Scanner: it's work like photocopiers, except the image is translated into a Digital
image in your computer rather than copied onto paper

• Output Devices:

 Monitor: Is where the computer displays information

 Speakers: Most computers can make sounds, just like a stereo system
 Printer: is where it's write down information or output, onto paper, or a hardcopy
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The Back of a Computer (Ports)

When you look at the back of a computer, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by all the slots and
holes. Fortunately, manufacturers have added some fairly standard icons and color coding to help
you identify what should be plugged into your computer and where.
Before long, you'll recognize those icons and colors, and the configuration won't seem so
mysterious. This lesson will review each item piece by piece so you won't get completely lost.

Compare Figure 1-6 to What's on the Back of a Computer Case? The back
of your computer may be arranged differently but should include the same
elements:
Keyboard & Mouse
The keyboard and mouse jacks look identical on most PCs, so look for
colors and icons to help you with plugging in these devices. Some mice
and keyboards use USB ports. Older mice may use a serial port.
Serial or COM
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Serial (or COM) ports are a very versatile type of port. Some of the things you can plug into a
serial port include: a mouse, modem, scanner, or digital camera. Most computers have two serial
ports: COM1 and COM2.
Parallel or Printer
You plug your printer into the parallel (or printer) port. Many newer printers may use a USB port.
USB
Designed to replace older Serial and Parallel ports, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) can connect
computers with a number of devices, such as printers, keyboards, mice, scanners, digital cameras,
PDAs, and more. Better yet, the USB port supports plug-and-play, so you can simply plug in a
USB device and start using it. Most computers come with Many USB ports.
Video or Monitor
You plug your monitor into the video port.
Line Out
Plug in your speakers or headphone into the Line Out jack.
Line In
The Line In jack allows you to listen to your computer using a stereo system.
Microphone
You can plug a microphone into this jack to record sounds on your computer.
Joystick or Game
If you have a joystick, musical (MIDI) keyboard, or other gaming device, this is where you plug it
in.
Phone or Modem
The phone or modem jack is where you plug your computer into a phone line.
Network or Ethernet
You can connect your computer to a network by plugging in an Ethernet cable in this port.

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Monitor

There is two types of monitor: Flat panel or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors, like the one
in Figure 1-12. A flat panel monitor is the same type of display that is found in laptop computers.
Flat panel monitors are thin, lightweight, and use a lot less electricity. in fact a 15- inch flat panel
monitor has almost the same viewing area as a 17-inch traditional monitor!

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Inside the computer case, there is the computer’s main chip known as the brain of the computer
while others describe it as the heart. The CPU does all the work IT:
1. calculates
2. processes
3. keeps things running smoothly.
Intel makes most CPUs. In fact, Intel is the company that came up with the name Pentium.
However, AMD and VIA Technologies are two other well-known CPU manufacturers.
A CPU’s speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) or, for newer models, in gigahertz (GHz). A
megahertz equals millions of cycles per second; a gigahertz equals billions of cycles per second.
Higher numbers equate to higher speeds. The CPU can get hot! Most CPUs have a built-in fan to
keep them from burning out. Another common measure of a CPU is how many bits it can handle at
a time.

Memory

There are two main types of memory:

1. RAM: Random Access Memory. Which is temporary memory
2. ROM: Read Only Memory. Which is a permanent memory

Computers function based on the binary system:

• On is represented by a one (1).
• Off is represented by a zero (0).
• Ones and zeros are digits, known as bits.
Bit: is the Shortest for binary digit and Smallest memory unit, when combine eight bits it's give
one byte
Byte: One byte equals one character (letter, number, or symbol)
Kilobyte (K or KB): 1,024 bytes
Megabyte (M or MB): 1.024 Kilobytes
Gigabyte (G or GB): 1.024 Megabytes
Terabyte: 1,024 Gigabytes

MB is an abbreviation for megabyte. GB is an abbreviation for gigabyte.

Computer Performance

Wondering why your neighbor's computer is so much faster than your computer? There are a
number of reasons why a computer may run faster or slower. You will learn about each of them by
reading the factors that Affect Computer Performance:
• CPU Speed
Arguably the single most important factor that determines a computer's performance is the
speed of its CPU. The faster the CPU, the faster the computer.
• Amount of RAM
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 The amount of RAM, or memory, is another very important factor in a computer's
performance. Generally, the more RAM a computer has the better its performance.
• Type of Video Card
Video cards have their own processor and memory, just like the computer does. The faster
the processor and the more memory a video card has, the faster it can draw images on the
monitor. Video card performance is especially important if you're interested in playing
newer, 3D computer games.
• Hard Drive Speed
A hard drive's average access time is how fast it can find information. Average access time
is measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the access speed, the faster the hard drive.
• Free Hard Disk Space
Not only do you need a fast hard drive, you have to make sure that is has plenty of free
storage space. Microsoft Windows uses this hard disk space to create a cache on the hard
drive where it stores temporary information.
• Hard Disk Fragmentation
Normally a computer stores a file in the same location on a hard drive. Over time, a hard
drive can be come fragmented, and instead of storing a file in the same location it begins
storing parts of it all over. When the computer needs to read a fragmented file, it must read
several different parts of the hard drive instead of just one. Defragmenting a hard drive puts
the fragmented files back together in one place. You should defragment your computer's
hard drive about once a month.
• Multitasking Considerations
When Microsoft Windows run more than one program or task at a time--the most programs
or tasks you throw at Windows, the longer it takes to complete each one, and hence a drop
in computer performance.

Understanding Graphical User Interfaces

Originally, the information on a computer screen was strictly text, and that text was manipulated
using a keyboard. Then computers started using graphical images on the screen to represent a
program or file. Those images are called icons. Along with the introduction of icons came the
development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs). GUIs allow computer users to point at pictures
and icons and then click the icon to manipulate that program or file, thus the phrase point and
click. Obviously, the mouse is a manifestation of this point-and-click mentality because the mouse
controls the onscreen cursor.

The following information's describe some of the most common icons you’ll see in the Windows
XP GUI.
Close Object
Click the Close button to close the current You use the arrow or pointer to point and
window or program. click at things.
My Computer Recycle Bin
Double-click My Computer to access the The Recycle Bin stores your deleted files.
drives and files on a computer.
Start
Minimize Click the Start button to access the programs
Click the Minimize button to temporarily on a computer.
hide a window or program.

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Double-click the CD-ROM Drive to play or Double-click the Hard Drive to access the
run the contents of the CD-ROM. hard drive’s folders and files.

Thumbnail
A thumbnail displays a tiny preview of a Maximize
digital picture or photograph. Click the Maximize button to expand a
window or program to fill the entire screen.

Folders
Folders hold files and subfolders, just like a
filing cabinet.
CD-Rom

Types of Software

Before we delve into the world of software we need to ask and address a few basic questions:

• What is an operating system?

An operating system is a software program that loads automatically and controls just about
everything on your computer. There are a number of operating systems out there, including MS-
DOS and Microsoft Windows XP.

• What is an application program?

An application program helps you accomplish a certain task, such as writing a letter, browsing the
Internet, or playing a game. Examples include word-processing programs, spreadsheets, databases,
and games.

• Why are new versions of software released year after year?

Software manufacturers will tell you need a new version of their program because it has new
features and fewer bugs. Other people will tell you it’s so the software manufacturers can continue
to make money year after year. Each software release is given a new name or number, such as
Windows 95, Windows 98, to help distinguish the software from older versions.

Operating Systems

Here’s what an operating system can do:

• Controls Your Computer’s Hardware
• Runs Your Computer’s Programs
• Organizes Files

Examples of available Operating System:

1. Windows XP: Professional and Home editions
2. Windows Vista: Basic, Business, ultimate

Application Programs
Word Processing
Perhaps the most widely used and recognized computer application, word processing software
lets you create letters, reports, and many other documents on a computer.

• Create Letters and Documents

• Format Text
• Create Tables
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 • Add Images
• Perform Mail Merges
Example of word processing program is Microsoft Office 2003 Word .
Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet programs are super-powered calculators. You probably could be using a spreadsheet
program to make working with numbers faster, easier, and more accurate. You can also analyze
data and make it into charts with a spreadsheet.

• Perform Calculations
• Manage and Organize Information
• Format and Present Information
• Create Charts

Example of spreadsheet program is Microsoft Office 2003 Excel

Presentation Software

A presentation program turns your ideas into professional, convincing presentations, or slide
shows. A presentation program lets you create slides that include text, graphics, charts, and even
digital movies! Once you have created a presentation, you can display it as an electronic slide
show on any computer.

• Create Professional Presentations

• Add Drawings, Charts, and Illustrations
• Outline What You Want to Say

Example of presentation program is Microsoft Office 2003 Power

Point

Web Browsing

Web addresses and pages are everywhere—on television advertisements, in magazine and
newspaper articles, and even on business cards. Together, these Web pages make up what is know
as the World Wide Web (WWW) or Web for short. To view a Web page you’ll need a piece of
software called a Web browser. Luckily you won’t need to buy a Web browse, since it comes
standard on most computers. In fact, Microsoft has spent a considerable amount of money and time
in court determining that Windows is actually a Web browser.

• Browse and View Web Pages

• Find Information
• Download Files
• Shop

Example of Web browsing program is Internet Explorer

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Starting and Logging On to Windows

Windows should automatically start after you turn on

your computer. Here are the steps of starting windows:

1. Turn on your computer’s monitor. The On/Off

switch for most monitors is located just below the
monitor’s screen. Most monitors won’t display
anything until the computer is turned on.

2. Turn on your computer. Your computer should make

a whirring sound and several clicks and/or beeps after
you turn it on and as it powers up.
NOTE: If nothing happens when you turn your computer on, first check the computer’s power
cord—is it plugged into to the wall or power strip? Check the other end of the power cord— is it
securely plugged into the back of the computer? If your computer is plugged into a power strip or
surge protector (it really should be) check and make sure that the power strip is turned on.
Eventually you should see the Welcome to Windows dialog box.

3. If necessary, press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete> to start the log on procedure.

4. Enter your user name and password and press <Enter>. depending on how your computer is
setup, the Getting Started with Windows XP dialog box may appear. Here’s how to close it:

5. If the Getting Started with Windows XP dialog box appears click the Exit button to close it.

Understanding the Windows XP Screen

We will discuss the Major Parts of the Windows XP Screen:

Desktop
This is the large,
background area
of the Windows
screen. You can
customize the
desktop by adding
shortcuts to your
favorite programs,
documents, and
printers. You can
also change the
look of the
desktop to fit your
mood and
personality.

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My Documents
Is a special folder that provides a convenient place
to store files and documents you create on your computer.

My Computer
My Computer lets you see everything on your computer. Double-click the My
Computer icon on the desktop to browse through your files and folders.

My Network Places
If you’re on a network, the My Network Places icon will appear on your
desktop. You can double-click the My Network Places icon to browse through
the computers in your workgroup and the computers on the network. If you’re
connected to the Internet, the My Network Places icon will on your desktop,
since the Internet is actually a network too.

Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin stores all the files you delete from your computer. You can use
the Recycle Bin to retrieve files you’ve accidentally deleted and to create more
disk space by emptying the Recycle Bin.

Taskbar
The Taskbar usually appears at the bottom of your screen, and contains the famous Start button,
which you use to start your programs. Whenever you open a program, document, or window, an
icon for that program appears on the taskbar. This lets you see which programs are currently
running and allows you to easily switch between them.

Start Button
The Start button lets you quickly open your programs and documents. You can also use the Start
button to find files and change the settings for Windows.

Quick Launch Toolbar

The Quick Launch Toolbar gives you quick access to your most frequently used applications.
Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, the Windows desktop, and several Web sites, called channels,
are already included on the Quick Launch Toolbar by default. Don’t worry if you find some of
these things confusing at first—they will make more sense after you’ve actually had a chance to
use them in the upcoming lessons.

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Using the Mouse: Dragging and Dropping

You can move items around your computer screen by dragging and dropping them with the mouse.
To drag and drop something, you:
1. Move the mouse pointer over the object you want to move, then click and hold down the mouse
button.
2. While you are still holding down the mouse button, move the mouse until the pointer is over the
place you want to put the object, then
3. Release the mouse button.

You can do this: You can do this:

Scroll a window to see something located off-
screen
By dragging this:
Drag the scroll box (the little elevator) up or
down the scroll bar and drop it in a new
location.
You can do this:
Move just about anything on your computer’s
screen
By dragging this:
Point to the object, click, and hold down the
mouse button, drag the object to a new place,
and then release the mouse button.
Move a window to a new location on the
screen
By dragging this:
Drag the window by its title bar and drop it in
a new location on the screen.
You can do this:
Move a file to a new folder
By dragging this:
Drag the file and drop it in the desired folder.
You can do this:
Change the size of a window
By dragging this:
Drag the borders or corners of the window.

Exiting Windows and Turning off Your Computer

To properly shutdown the computer

• Save any files you may have been working on.

• Close any open applications.
• Use the Turn Off Computer (accessed via the Start button) command to close down the system.

Then select the Turn Off button.

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Shut Down Windows Options:

Stand by Use Stand by if you have a laptop and are going to leave your computer briefly but want
to conserve as much energy as possible while you are away. After you return your computer to its
original running state, you will be able to pick up exactly where you left off. (Make sure you save
everything you were working on first!)

Turn off Use this option if you want to turn your computer off.

Restart Saves any Windows settings, writes any information stored in your computer’s memory to
the local disk, and restarts your computer. Use this option if Windows or your Windows-based
programs start acting flaky. You often have to restart your computer after installing new software.

Shut Down button Other Ways to Shut Down:

• Press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>. A dialog box will appear, and you can choose to shut down.

To customize the Windows Desktop

• The Windows Desktop can be fully customized to display a color or image of your choice.
• If necessary close or minimize any programs which may be running.
• Right-click on an empty part of the Windows Desktop (i.e. the screen). This will display a popup
menu, from which you need to click on the Properties command (using the normal, left-hand
mouse button).

• Clicking on the Properties command will display the Display Properties dialog box.

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To set screen resolution and color quality settings

• Right click on the Windows Desktop and select Properties.

• When the Display Properties dialog box is displayed, select the Settings tab.

• To set the screen resolution: The screen resolution is the number of dots which are used on the
screen to display a picture. The greater the resolution, the greater the number of dots and hence the

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better the picture quality. Use the slider control within the Screen resolution section of the dialog
box.

• To set colors used: Click on the down arrow within the Color quality section of the dialog box.
If you use a 32 bit setting this will give you a higher quality display when viewing pictures.

Clicking the Advanced button on the Settings tab enables

you to configure additional monitor display properties
on the (Multiple Monitors) and video adapter property
sheet (where video adapter is the name of your computer’s
video adapter).

To modify screens appearance

• Right click on the Windows Desktop.

• Select Properties.
• When the Display Properties dialog box is displayed, select the Appearance tab. You can then
use the dialog box controls to modify the screen appearance as required.

Configuring Advanced Appearance Options

The Effects button brings up a property sheet that enables you to configure the visual effects used
by menus and windows. For example, you can configure transition effects for windows, configure
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whether a shadow appears around windows, and configure whether you can see the contents of a
window while dragging it. Note that enabling these options requires more memory.

The Advanced button brings up the Advanced Appearance property sheet, which enables you to
configure the color of windows, the desktop, and other items such as borders and title bars.
Configuring options on this page will override the selection for windows and buttons on the
Appearance tab.

To change the Desktop background or to apply a theme

• Right click on the Windows Desktop.

• Select Properties.
• You can select the Desktop tab apply a picture or effect
to the Windows Desktop (background).
• Alternatively, you can select the Themes tab apply a
'theme' your computer. This theme will apply to
backgrounds, icons, sounds and other elements to give a
consistent, 'themed ' appearance to your computer.

Why use a screen saver?

• The purpose of a screen saver is to change or blank the screen after certain period of inactivity.
Before the idea of screen savers caught on images which were displayed constantly often became
permanently burnt into the monitor.
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To select a screen saver

• Right click on the Windows Desktop.

• Select Properties.
• When the Display Properties dialog box is displayed, select the Screen Saver tab.
• Select a screen saver from the Screen Saver drop down list box and then click on the OK button.

Working with the Taskbar

The taskbar itself has configurable options; these are contained on the Taskbar tab of the Taskbar
and Start Menu Properties dialog box

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Examining the taskbar

Taskbar is made up of the following three distinct areas:

The taskbar includes buttons for each open document. Because the taskbar can become crowded
when you are working in multiple programs or documents, Windows XP Professional groups the
buttons representing documents from a single program into one taskbar button that is named for
the program. A down arrow on the right of the button indicates that multiple documents from this
program are open, and clicking the button displays a list of documents from which to select.
Quick Launch is a menu that you can add to the taskbar. It contains frequently used programs that
you can open by using a single click. To add this toolbar, right-click an empty area on the taskbar,
point to Toolbars, and then click Quick Launch.
The notification area of the taskbar is where you usually see the time displayed, in addition to
icons indicating status or certain events. For example, you may see an icon representing a new e-
mail message, an icon for network connectivity, or an icon for speaker or volume status. This area
can become crowded with notification icons, so Windows XP Professional automatically hides
inactive icons. You can view the inactive icons by clicking the chevron (<) in the notification area.
Procedure for adding programs to the Quick Launch toolbar

To add frequently used icons to the Quick Launch toolbar for easy, one-click access, perform the
following steps:
1. Right-click an empty area of the Quick Launch bar, and then click Open Folder.
2. On the File menu, click New, and then click Shortcut.
3. Type the location of, or browse to, the desired program. Click Next, and then click Finish.

Alternately, you can drag any program icon onto the Quick Launch toolbar, which will
automatically create a shortcut to the program.

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Customizing taskbar properties

You can easily customize the properties of the taskbar. For example, you can control whether the
taskbar is automatically hidden, whether inactive icons are hidden, and when individual icons
should display in the notification area. To do so right click an empty area in task bar then click on
properties.

Lock the task bar: The taskbar can be locked so stray mouse actions won't alter its placement or
configuration.

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Auto hide: It can be auto-hidden to maximize desktop area; and it can be set to always appear on
top of other maximized windows. Click on properties, properties dialogue box will open.

Check the Auto hide task bar option.

Grouping the similar task bar items: The latest taskbar feature is the automatic grouping of
similar taskbar items. Instead of listing task buttons in their order of launch, they are grouped by
similar interface. For example, if you have Control Panel, My Computer, and Windows Explorer
open, they can appear as a single button. This single button displays a number indicating how
many applications are accessed through it . To do so just check Group the similar task bar
buttons option.

Show or hide clock: You can elect to show or hide the clock and even hide inactive system tray
icons. Check or uncheck show the clock option.

Procedure to customize taskbar behavior

To customize taskbar behavior:

1. Right-click an empty area on the taskbar, and then click Properties.
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2. Make desired changes on the Taskbar tab, click Customize, make desired changes to
individual notification icons, and then click OK twice

Dragging and expanding the task bar

You can drag the taskbar to any edge of your desktop: top, bottom, or sides. You can also still
expand the thickness of the taskbar to allow multiple rows of task buttons. Just hover the mouse
pointer near the edge of the taskbar so that it turns into a double arrow, and drag it up or down.

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Adding toolbars to the task bar

Toolbar Function To customize

Address Provides a Web browser address bar Each time you type a URL into this
into which you can type the URL toolbar, that URL will become part of
(Uniform Resource Locator) to a Web a list from which you can choose.
site that you want to open.

Links Provides a quick way to open Web Drag the Web page’s icon from the
pages, shortcuts, and other items. Address bar directly to the Links bar.
Or drag any link from a Web page,
your Favorites bar, or your desktop
onto the Links bar.
Desktop Provides easy access to all items on the Because this toolbar shows all items
desktop. on the desktop, you can change what
is available on the toolbar by adding or
removing items from the desktop.
Users who do not like a crowded
desktop can hide all items on the
desktop and open them from this
toolbar.
Language Band Provides easy access to text tools such This bar automatically appears when
as IMEs and writing and speech you have any of the appropriate
recognition programs. It also provides a programs installed. The buttons
way to switch between languages and displayed depend on which programs
keyboard layouts. are installed.
New Toolbar Provides a quick link to any folder or Right-click the taskbar, point to
network place on your computer Toolbars, clicks New Toolbar, move
to the desired resource, and then click
OK. The toolbar will be named the
same as the resource, and you will be
able to gain access to everything
within that resource from the toolbar.

Customizing the Start Menu

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As new applications are installed, the All Programs section of the Windows XP Start menu can
become horribly cluttered. Almost every application will create its own Start menu submenu and
propagate it with numerous shortcuts—often to worthless documentation or sales promotions. You
can take control of it

The Start menu is little more than a folder hierarchy full of shortcuts. Changing the layout of the
Start menu (or at least the All Programs section) is just a matter of folder and shortcut
manipulation—easy. Just right-click over the Start button and select Open or Explorer.

You'll be dropped into a My Computer or Windows Explorer interface pointing to the . . .

\Documents and Settings\<username>\Start Menu folder. Any item you add to this folder (that is,
at the same level as the Programs folder) will be displayed above the dividing line within the All
Programs submenu. Any item you add within the Programs folder or any of its subfolders will
appear as you expect in the Start menu hierarchy. Be sure only to create shortcuts within this folder
hierarchy.

You also should be aware that there are actually two Start menus for every user. There is the Start
menu which is associated with your user profile (the one stored in the . . . \Documents and
Settings\<username>\ folder, where <username> is your user account name), and there is the Start
menu stored in the . . . \Documents and Settings\All Users\Start menu folder. The latter Start menu
includes items that appear in every user’s Start menu. When you need to make a change for
everyone on this system, make it within the All Users area. If it is for only one user, make that
change within their personal Start menu.

The Windows Explorer

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The Windows Explorer permits you to explore all aspects of your system using a hierarchical view. In the
example shown the files and folders are displayed in 'Details' view .

The Windows Explorer window is split into two separate views as illustrated above. On the left-hand side
you can see all system folders (both Desktop and file system), whilst on the right-hand side the contents are
displayed.

The Windows Explorer Toolbars

By default the Standard and Address Bar Toolbars are displayed, you can also choose to display the Links
Toolbar.

Standard Toolbar icons

Opens the folder which was previously displayed.

Reverses the effect of the Back icon.

Allows you to display a folder 'one level up'.

Allows you to search your disk.

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 Changes the view as illustrated.

The Windows Explorer Views

The Views icon allows you to set the view to display files. Clicking on the down arrow displays the
following options.

Thumbnails: Displays picture files as a series of small pictures.

Titles: Displays only the file titles.

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Icons: Displays all objects as icons.

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.List: Displays all files/folders in list format split into multiple columns

Details: Display all files and associated file details such as name, size, type, and last accessed date in a
single column.

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Working with folders
To view the contents of a folder (displayed on right)

Within the Windows Explorer single click on the required folder.

To expand a branch one level

Within the Windows Explorer double click on the required folder OR single click on the plus sign
next to the folder

To view folder properties

The basic folder display, when using the Details view looks as illustrated.

If you were to right click on one of the folder icons, a popup menu would be displayed, as illustrated. Select
Properties from this menu to display a dialog giving more detailed information about this folder

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 Customizing Folder View
Windows XP offers a wide range of options for customizing how files are displayed through the My
Computer and Windows Explorer utilities. Click on start then All programs then Accessories then Windows
.explorer. Click on View menu

• Toolbars— This control is used to display or hide the standard buttons, address bar, and
links bar. You can also lock the bars (so stray clicks don't alter your layout) or fully
customize the button toolbar.
• Status bar— This control enables the display of an information bar at the bottom of the
utility which shows object details, file size, free space, and so on.
• Explorer bar— This control sets the folder item to be displayed in the right-hand pane. No
selection displays the context-sensitive quick access menus of File and Folder Tasks, Other
Places, and Details. Selections in this control include: search, favorites, history, contacts,
and folders.
• Views— This section allows quick change of the view used to display file objects:
thumbnails, tiles (default), icons, list, and details.
• Arrange Icons by— This command is used to sort file objects by name, size, type, or
modification date. There are also settings for show in groups, auto arrange (maximize
layout starting from upper left corner), or align to grid.
• Choose Details— This command sets the details that appear in ToolTips, details, and Tile
view. The defaults are name, size, type, and modification date. Among the 33 options
included are attributes, owner, subject, company, and file version.
• Customize this Folder— This command is used to define custom attributes for the
selected folder (see next section).
• Go to— This menu is used to navigate back, forward, up one level, to the home page, or to
recently visited locations.

31
Customize a Folder

If you have a complex organizational structure to your personal files, you might find this feature
quite intriguing. Customizing folders allows you to select from six templates designed for a
specific type of file (document, image, or music) or collection of files (all, one artist, one album).
These templates set how the contents of these folders are displayed as well as the context for the
menu commands. Additionally, you can define a custom image for thumbnails and a unique icon
for the folder. All these customizations can help you keep track of what you've got stored where.

Setting Folder Options

Folder Options should be seen as more of a superset of controls over all folders on a system, while
folder customization is on an individual or parent and sub-folder basis. Folder Options is a Control
Panel applet that can also be accessed from the Tools menu of My Computer and Windows
Explorer. This applet is used to set a wide range of file system feature. Click on tools, then folder
options in my computer or windows explorer.

32
General tab

The General tab of the Folder Options dialog box defines whether common tasks are shown in
folders or whether only classic Windows folders are displayed; whether folders are opened in the
same or a new window; and whether single-clicks or double-clicks are used to open items. If you
make changes to this tab, you can always return to the default by clicking the Restore Default
button.

33
View tab

The View tab performs two major functions—folder view management and advanced settings
management. For folder view management, all folders can be reset to their default views, or the
currently selected folder's view can be applied to all folders. Advanced settings management
contains a long checklist of settings.

34
File types tab

The File Types tab is where the registration of file extensions or file types is managed. All
registered file types are listed. Because changing a file type is just defining which application is
used to open or view the file type, you can alter these settings as you see fit. The Advanced button
is used to manipulate more advanced features of file type registration, such as displayed file type
name, icon, and actions (such as open, play, display, install, and so on). New file types can be
created manually. Existing file types can be deleted. In most cases, the registration of file types is
managed by the OS and by applications as they are installed.

Working with Files

To determine file types
35
Within the Windows Explorer window each file will be marked with a small icon, as illustrated. In
the example shown, the first file displays an icon representing Microsoft Word, and if you look
along the line of information about this file, it clearly states (assuming that you are using the
details mode to view the files) that the file is indeed a Microsoft Word Document. The second file
is marked as a Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation file in the same way.

This indicates that somehow Windows knows what a Word file is and what a PowerPoint file is.
This is because when Word and PowerPoint were installed onto the PC the installation program
gave Windows information about files which would be created using these packages.

If you were to double click on the Word file, the Word program would open up, and the data file on
which you double clicked would be displayed within the Word program. To use the jargon, files
created within Word are "associated" with Microsoft Word and all Word document files have a file
extension of .doc.

In some cases Windows does not have detailed information about certain file types. In the example
illustrated, there are two files and the icons used to display them are the generic Windows default
icons. This means that if you were to double click on these files they would not run or be displayed
within a program, for the simple reason that Windows does not know what to do with these files.
There is no "file association" for these particular files.

Some more examples:

The .EXE extension indicates that the file is an executable (program) file.

The .GIF extension means that the file contains an image. GIF files are commonly found
on the Web.

.JPG or .JPEG is another common type of image file.

.HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the format used by Web pages.

.MDB files contain an Access database.

.PDF is used by the Adobe Acrobat program.

.RTF (Rich Text Format) is used for word processed documents. It is used by many
different kinds of word processing application, so it is useful for converting documents from one
program to another.

.TXT files are simple text only files.

36
 .XLS files contain an Excel Workbook..

Audio and video files

Audio files can be stored in a variety of different file formats, such as .WAV files. Video files formats
include: MPG, AVI and MOV.

Compressed files

Compressed files are files which have been compressed using a third party utility such as PKZIP or
WINZIP. They often have a file name extension of .ZIP (or sometimes .RAR). File compression is used to
make file smaller so that they take up less space that they take up less space on a hard disk and can be
transferred faster over a network or the Internet. To be opened they need to be un-compressed first.

Temporary files

Temporary files are created by Windows and also by Windows applications. In some cases, such as after a
system crash (i.e. when Windows freezes and stops working), these temporary files are not automatically
deleted as they are supposed to be (hence the name temporary!). Temporary files often have the file name
extension .tmp or .temp.

Count the number of files, files of a particular type in a folder (including files in sub-
folders).

Start the Windows Explorer program.

Within the left hand side of the dialog box,
select the folder containing the files which
you wish to count up. Right click on the
folder icon and from the popup list
displayed, select Properties. A dialog
box will be displayed. In the Contains
section of the dialog box, you will see
information relating to the total number
of files in the selected location.

Change file status: read-only / locked, read write

Right click on one of the file icons a popup menu would be displayed, as illustrated.

37
Select Properties from this menu to display a dialog box giving more detailed information about
this file, as illustrated.

To write protect a file.

Select the file(s) which you wish to write protect and right click over the selected file(s), and from the
popup menu displayed, select the Properties command. Within the Attributes section of the dialog box
displayed, click on the Read-only check box, as required. Click on the OK button to confirm your actions.

38
To change a read-only file to a read/write file

Select the file(s) which you wish to remove a write protect attribute from. Right click over the selected
file(s), and from the popup menu displayed, select the Properties command. Within the Attributes section
of the dialog box displayed, remove the click on the Read-only check box. • Click on the OK button to
confirm your actions.

Sort files by name, size, type, date modified

To sort your Windows Explorer file listing

Open the Windows Explorer program and within the left section of the dialog box, select the folder
containing the files which you wish to view. Click on the View drop down menu, and select the
Details command, which will show you files as a detailed list including name, size and type.

To sort the listing by name, click on the Name header.

To sort the listing by size, click on the Size header.
To sort the listing by type, click on the Type header.
To sort the listing by date modified, click on the Date Modified header.

Understand the importance of maintaining correct file

extensions when renaming files.
Why are file extension names important?

Windows uses the file extension name as a clue to what type of file, the file is. Thus Windows
knows that files which end in .TXT are text files. Files which end in DOC are word-processor
files. Files which end in .XLS are spreadsheet files. If you change the file name extension
Windows will become confused as to what the file format is!

NOTE: By default the file name extensions are not displayed within the Windows Explorer. To
view the file name extensions you will need to customize the display.

Re-name files and directories/folders

To rename files or folders using the Explorer

39
Select the file or folder to be renamed. From the File drop down menu, select the Rename
command OR click once using the right-hand mouse button to display the popup menu, and click
on the Rename command. Enter the new name, and press the Enter key to confirm the change.:

To view file name extensions using the Windows Explorer

Open the Windows Explorer. Click on the Tools drop down menu and select the Folder Options
command, which will display the Folder Options dialog box. • Click on the View tab, within the
Folder Options dialog box. • Within the Advanced settings section, make sure that the Hide
extensions for known file types option is NOT ticked.

Click on the OK button to close the dialog box and apply the changes.

To copy files using the Windows Explorer

Open the Windows Explorer by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Explore from the
popup menu displayed. • Select the file or folder to be copied. From the Edit drop down menu,
click on Copy OR click using the right-hand mouse to display the popup menu, and click on

40
the Copy command. • Select the required destination within the Windows Explorer tree. From the
Edit drop down menu, click on Paste OR click using the right-hand mouse to display the popup
menu, and click on the Paste command.

Shut down a non-responding application

To close down an application which is not responding

If you have an application which is not responding to the keyboard or mouse, then the program
cannot be closed down in the normal way. Sometimes the program will display a message such as
the following.

You should ask your IT support staff whether

they wish you to send this information to
Microsoft. If in doubt, select Don’t Send. The
program should then close down.

Sometimes the program which has frozen

cannot be automatically closed down. In this
case try the following. Press the Ctrl +Alt
+Del keys simultaneously which will display
the Task Manager. Select the Applications
tab. Select the ‘Not Responding’ program
(from a list within the dialog box). Then click
on the End Task button.

NOTE: Closing a program in this way may

result in the loss of data!

To view your “System

Properties” and see the
version of Windows you are using
• Click on the Start button.
• Click on the Control Panel button.

41
. Click on the Performance and Maintenance option.

• Click on the See basic information about your computer

option.

This will display information similar to that shown below.

To change the Date and

Time
• A small clock is displayed at the bottom-right of your screen.

• Double click on this clock to display the Date and Time Properties dialog box.
42
• Modify the date or time as required. Notice that you can also set the Time Zone.

If you are connected to the Internet,

you can synchronize your computer’s
time with that stored on an Internet
site.

43
To configure the volume setting
• Click on the Show Hidden Icons arrow (button-right of your screen), which will display more
icons, as illustrated.

• Click on the Volume icon to display a volume control display. To move the slider, click on the
slider control and while keeping the mouse button depressed, drag up or down.

To set the language used by the keyboard

• Click on the Start menu and from the popup menu displayed, select Control Panel.

44
• Within the Control Panel dialog box, click on Date, Time, Language and Regions Options.

• Then click on Regional and Language Options.

• This will display the Regional and Language Options dialog box..

• Select the Languages tab.

• Click on the Details button. This will display another dialog box.

• Click on the Add button to add or modify the keyboard language used by the computer.
Working with control panel

45
Control Panel is the central location for making system wide modifications to everything from
accessibility options to user profiles. In fact, many of the adjustments you can make from the
Control Panel e.g. the Display settings, system properties, date and time etc.

Opening the Control Panel

One of the most common ways

to access the Control Panel is to
click Start, Control Panel. But
there are several other ways,
such as using the Control Panel
link in the Other Places quick
access menu or, in Windows
Explorer folder view, clicking
on the Control Panel sub-
element of My Computer.

Views of Control Panel

There are two views of Control

Panel: Category view and
Classic view.

By default Control panel has

Category view, you can change
it to category view.

46
 Appearance and Themes Category View
Task Applet Tab
Change the computer's theme Display Themes
Change the desktop background Display Desktop
Choose a screen saver Display Screen Saver
Change the screen resolution Display Settings

Network and Internet Connections Category View

Task Applet Tab/Wizard
Setup or change your Internet Connection Internet Options Connection
Create a connection to the network at your workplace Network Connections New Connection
Set up or change your home or small office network Network Connections Network Setup

Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices Category View

Task Applet Tab
Adjust the system volume Sounds and Audio Devices Volume
Change the sound scheme Sounds and Audio Devices Sounds
Change the speaker settings Sounds and Audio Devices Volume

Performance and Maintenance Category View

Task Applet Tab
See basic information about your computer System General
Adjust visual effects Performance Options Visual Effects
Free up space on your hard disk Disk Cleanup (application)
Back up your data Backup or Restore (application)
Wizard
Rearrange items on your hard disk to make programs Disk Defragmenter (application)
run faster.

47
 Printers and Other Hardware Category View
Task Applet Wizard
View installed printers or fax printers Printers and Faxes (none)
Add a printer Printers and Faxes Add Printer

Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options Category View

Task Applet Tab
Change the date and time Date and Time Date & Time
Change the format of numbers, dates, and Regional and Language Regional Options
times Options
Add other languages Regional and Language Languages
Options

Accessibility Options Category View

Task Applet Tab
Adjust the contrast for text and colors on your screen Accessibility Display
Options
Configure Windows to work for your vision, hearing, and mobility Accessibility (wizard)
needs Options

Control Panel Icons Within Categories

Category Wizard
Appearance and Themes
Network and Internet
Connections
Add or Remove Programs
Sounds, Speech, and Audio
Devices
Performance and Maintenance
Printers and Other Hardware
User Accounts
Date, Time, Language, and
Related Applets
Taskbar and Start menu, Folder Options, Display
Network Connections, Internet Options
Add or Remove Programs
Sounds and Audio Devices, Speech
Administrative Tools, Scheduled Tasks, Power Options, System
Printers and Faxes, Scanners and Cameras, Game Controllers,
Mouse, Keyboard, Phone and Modem Options
User Accounts
Regional and Language Options, Date and Time
48
 Control Panel Icons Within Categories
Category Wizard Related Applets
Regional Options
Accessibility Options Accessibility Options

Control Panel Applets

Applet Description
Accessibility Sets keyboard, mouse, sound, display, and other options for increasing ease of
Options use by those who are visually, aurally, or motor impaired.
Add Hardware Installs or troubleshoots a wide variety of hardware devices such as sound,
video, CD-ROM, hard and floppy disk controllers, SCSI controllers, display
adapters, keyboard, mouse, and ports.
Add or Remove Adds, removes, or modifies applications or Windows XP components from
Programs Microsoft or a third-party. It supports remote application installation over the
LAN.
Administrative Provides shortcuts to the administrative tools—Component Services,
Tools Computer Management, ODBC settings, Event Viewer, Local Security Policy,
Performance, and Services.
Date and Time Sets the current date, time, and time zone for the computer. It can also
synchronize system time with an Internet time server.
Display Sets colors of various parts of Windows display elements, as well as other
display-related adjustments, such as desktop background, screen saver, display
driver, screen color depth and resolution, refresh rate, energy-saving modes,
and color schemes or themes.
Folder Options Sets system wide folder view options, file associations, and offline files.
Fonts Adds and deletes typefaces, and displays examples of system-installed
typefaces for screen display and printer output.
Game Controllers Adds, removes , and configures game controller hardware, such as joysticks
and gamepads.
Internet Options Sets Internet Explorer options.
Keyboard Sets key repeat rate, cursor blink rate, language of your keyboard, keyboard
type, and drivers, and includes keyboard troubleshooting wizards.
Mouse Alters mouse properties such as motion speed, double-click, button orientation,
cursor shapes, and other proprietary settings dependent on your mouse driver.
Network Manages all network connections, including LAN, dial-up, WAN, and VPN.
Connections Networking components (clients, services, and protocols) are configured.
Phone and Adds, removes, and sets the properties of the modem(s) connected to your
49
 Control Panel Applets
Applet Description
Modem Options system. Using this applet, you can declare dialing rules (long-distance
numbers, call waiting, credit card calling, and so on). You also can add and
remove telephony drivers.
Power Options Provides options for setting the Advanced Power Management (APM) and
Advanced Configuration and Power Management (ACPM) functions. Using
this applet, you can set timeouts for monitor, hard disk, system standby, and
hibernation.
Printers and Faxes Adds, modifies, removes, and manages printer and fax devices. Using this
applet, you can manage the print queue for each printer and enable direct
faxing from applications.
Regional and Sets how Windows displays times, dates, numbers, and currency through
Language Options region/country settings and language preferences.
Scanners and Adds, removes, sets properties for, and troubleshoots scanners and digital
Cameras cameras.
Scheduled Tasks Sets up automatic execution of applications, utilities, disk cleanup, and so on.
Sound and Audio Assigns sounds to system events and manages sound devices.
Devices
Speech Sets voice options for text-to-speech translation.
System Examines and changes your identification (workgroup name, domain name,
computer name), installed devices, amount of RAM, type of processor, and so
on. Using this applet, you can add, disable, and remove specific devices using
the Device Manager; set up hardware profiles; set up user profiles; optimize
some parameters of system performance; set environment variables; and set
emergency startup options.
Taskbar and Start Sets the properties for the taskbar and Start menu.
Menu
Users Accounts Adds, deletes, or alters users. Using this applet, you can assign groups, manage
passwords, and set logon mode.

Keyboard
The Keyboard applet in Control Panel lets you fine-tune the way the keyboard behaves, check the
keyboard driver, and perform some keyboard troubleshooting.

50
The main attractions here are the repeat rate, the repeat delay, and the cursor blink rate. By altering
the key-repeat delay (the time after pressing a key before it starts to repeat) and the repeat speed,
you can calm down an ill-behaved keyboard or improve usability for someone with mobility
impairment. Altering the delay before the repeat sets in might be helpful if you use applications
that require extensive use of, say, the PgUp and PgDn, Enter, or the arrow keys (perhaps in a point-
of-sale situation).

You also might want to change the cursor blink rate if the standard blinking cursor annoys you for
some reason. You can even stop it altogether (the setting is "none"). I prefer a non-blinking one
myself.

Mouse
With each passing year, it seems that the mouse, track pad, roller, graphics tablet, or pointing stick
has become more and more the means through which users interact with the computer. The mouse
being a major means of interface with your computer, it behooves you to optimize its functioning.
The Control Panel's Mouse applet (located under the Printers and Other Hardware option in the
Control Panel) lets you do just that, with many aspects of your mouse's operation being adjustable.

51
Changing the Default Logon Mode
Changing the default Logon mode requires the following steps (note: this action can only be
performed if the computer is not a domain member):

1. Click the Start button, and then click on Control Panel. The Control Panel appears.

2. In Category mode or Classic mode, click User Accounts. The User Accounts interface appears.
If the User Accounts interface does not appear, your system probably is configured as a domain
client.

3. Click
on
Change
the
Way
Users
Log On
or Off.

52
4. If you leave the Use the Welcome Screen box checked, the system will continue to use the
Welcome logon screen in which you just choose an account by selecting it from the list of
accounts available to that machine. If you uncheck the box, the system will use the classic
logon method, in which you must type in the account to which you want to log in.

5. If you leave the Use the Welcome Screen check box checked, an additional check box of Use
Fast User Switching is available. This lets users quickly log on and off, while keeping their
programs actively running and operating in the background. It's an easy and efficient way for
people to share a computer.

6. Click OK to save your changes and close the Select logon and logoff options.

7. Click the Red X button on the title bar to close the User Accounts interface and then do the
same to close the Control Panel.

Your changes will take effect the next time you log out and log back in.

Working with User Accounts

There are three types of local accounts available on Windows XP Pro:

• Computer administrator— Can create, change, and delete user accounts; can make
system level changes; can install programs; and can access all files
• Standard— Can make basic changes to computer settings, can install hardware and
software if the installation does not affect restricted settings, and can access only
personal files
• Limited— A restricted user with only minimal system access and no ability to alter
system configuration

If your system is connected to a network, then when you are logged in to the domain you will
be using a domain-level user account.

There is always at least one user account on Windows XP—namely the Administrator account.
This account is always protected by a password. There is also another default account, the
Guest account. This account has restricted system access and can be disabled, so it may not
always be available for use as a login. Plus, even if it is enabled, you won't be able to make any
system changes or even create other user accounts under its security restrictions.

When performing normal tasks on your system, you should always log in with a standard user
53
account instead of the Administrator account or any account with computer administrator level
access. Why? Because it's too easy to make a system level change that damages or significantly
alters your system. By removing your ability to make sweeping changes you'll limit your
exposure to this risk.

Creating New User Accounts

User account management is performed by the Administrator or any other user account with
computer administrator level access. This access includes creating new users and altering the
settings on existing users. Lets explore new user creation first:

54
acc
ess
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for
the
acc
oun
t.
Sel
ect
the
Sta
nda
rd
radi
o
butt
on,
and
the
n
clic
k
Cre
ate
Acc
oun
t.

6.

Y
ou'l
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retu
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the
Use
r
Acc
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ts
inte 55
Modifying an Existing Account

After you create an account, there are several changes you can make to it that tailor it to that user's
needs. To alter the settings on an existing account from the User Accounts interface

1. With the User Accounts window open (as described in the previous section), click Change an
Account.

2. Click on the name/icon of the account to alter.

3. A menu of options for this account is displayed.

For a standard account, these include

• Change the name

• Change the picture
• Change the account type
• Create a password
• Delete the account

Click on one of these selections and follow the prompts to make the desired change to the
selected account.

4. Once you complete altering the current account, click the Back button. This returns you to the
account to change selection list. If you wish to alter a different account, go back to step 2.

5. If you are finished altering accounts, click the Back button again to return to the User Accounts

56
 interface.

6. Go ahead and click the X button to close the User Accounts windows, and then do the same for
the Control Panel.

Using search
• Click on the Start icon (bottom-left corner), and select the Search command.

• You will see a dialog box displayed.

• Click on All files and Folders.

• This will display the following:

57
 •

• In the All or part of file name section of the dialog box, enter a star (*), followed by a
period (full stop), followed by the file name extension of the type of files you are interested
in. In the example shown we are interested in Microsoft Word document files which end in
.DOC.

• In the Look in section of the dialog box, click on the

down arrow to the right and select the Browse command.

• Navigate to and select the required folder, as in the

example below, and then click on the OK button to continue.
58
• We have now told Windows what to look for and where
to look for it, as below.

• Finally we need to make sure that subfolders will be searched. To do this click on the following:

• Make sure that the Search subfolders option is selected.

• Now click on the Search button to start the search.

Configuring Power Management Options for Mobile

Computing
59
Mobile users have special needs for managing the power that is used by their computers, especially
when they are running the computer on batteries. You can reduce the power consumption of your
computer devices or of your entire system by choosing a power-saving scheme or by adjusting the
individual settings in a power scheme.

To select a power scheme, perform the following steps:

1. In Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then double click Power
Options.
2. On the Power Schemes tab, under Power Schemes, select one of the power schemes described
in the following table.

You can also open the same dialogue box through display
properties. Open the display properties, then click on
screen saver tab and then click on power button.

Preset time settings appear in the Turn off monitor and Turn off hard disks lists of the Power
Schemes tab. You can change these settings by clicking the arrow next to the list and then clicking
the time that you want.

60
Using Power-Saving Options

You can use power-schemes to reduce power consumption, which helps conserve battery life on
portable computers. If you plan to be away from your computer for a short time, you can put your
computer on standby, which puts your entire operating system in a low-power state. If you plan to
be away from the computer for an extended time, you can put your computer in hibernation.
Hibernation saves your desktop to the hard drive, turns off your monitor and hard disk, and then
turns off your computer.

To configure standby on a mobile computer, perform the following steps:

1. Open the Power Options Properties sheet.

2. On the Advanced tab, under Power buttons, select one of the following options that determine
when standby takes effect:

• When I close the lid of my portable computer

• When I press the power button on my computer

• When I press the sleep button on my computer

3. Click OK or Apply.

Enabling hibernation

When you restart your computer for any reason, your desktop is restored to the state in which you
left it. Hibernation is a good choice if you are working in several documents or programs and want
to continue working in them later, without needing to close and then reopen all of them. Because
the Hibernation option saves and restores the computer’s exact state, startup time is slightly longer
when the computer comes out of hibernation mode.

To enable hibernation, perform the following steps:

1. In the Power Options Properties sheet, click the Hibernate tab, select the Enable
hibernation check box, and then click Apply.

2. Click the Power Schemes tab, and then select a time in System hibernates.

The computer hibernates after it has been idle for the time period specified in System hibernates.

To manually put a computer into hibernation:

1. Click Start, and then click Shut Down.

2. In the Shut down Windows dialog box, click Hibernate.

You can use your Windows password to password-protect your computer during standby and
hibernation. To do this, in the Power Options Properties sheet, click the Advanced tab, and then
click Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby

61
Configuring Accessibility Options.

Microsoft has included a wide variety of options to enhance the computing experience for people
who are blind or have low vision, are deaf or hard-of hearing, or have motion disabilities. The
Accessibility tools that are included with Windows XP Professional are intended to provide a
minimum level of functionality for users with special needs and do not require additional software
or hardware.

62
Configuring Regional Options
Many organizations require that their employees use languages or formats other than the defaults
provided in Windows XP Professional. Sometimes the employees must work in more than one
language while using a single computer. The settings that can be changed are collectively known as
Regional settings.

By using Regional and Language Options in Control Panel, you can change the format that
Windows uses to display dates, times, currency amounts, large numbers, and numbers with
decimal fractions. To configure these options, click Start, click Control Panel, click Date, Time,
Language, and Regional Options, select a task, change the appropriate options, and then click
OK.

Each language has a default keyboard layout, but many languages have alternate versions of
keyboard layouts. Even if you do most of your work in one language, you may want to try other
keyboard layouts. In English, for example, typing letters with accents might be simpler if you use
the U.S.-International layout. Changing your keyboard layout affects which characters appear
when you press the keys on the keyboard.

63
64