The Visibooks Guide to Windows XP

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Table of Contents Getting Started ............................................... 1 Start programs ....................................................................................... 3 Close programs...................................................................................... 9 Use Desktop icons ............................................................................... 11 Turn off the computer.......................................................................... 14

Manipulating windows .................................. 17 Move windows...................................................................................... 18 Minimize windows................................................................................ 24 Restore windows.................................................................................. 25 Resize windows.................................................................................... 28 Scroll in windows................................................................................. 31 Maximize windows ............................................................................... 32 Switch between programs................................................................... 34

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Working with Documents ..............................41 Create documents ............................................................................... 42 Save documents .................................................................................. 46 Open documents ................................................................................. 50 Copy...................................................................................................... 55 Paste ..................................................................................................... 59 Cut......................................................................................................... 64 Delete.................................................................................................... 67 Print ...................................................................................................... 70

Managing Files ..............................................75 Employ Windows Explorer ................................................................. 76 Select a file........................................................................................... 82 Copy a file ............................................................................................ 83 Select multiple files ............................................................................. 91 Create a folder ..................................................................................... 99 Move files ........................................................................................... 108 Rename a file ..................................................................................... 113 Delete files and folders ..................................................................... 117 Restore deleted items ....................................................................... 122 Find files and folders......................................................................... 124 View file details .................................................................................. 131 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Empty the Recycle Bin ...................................................................... 134

Using Windows Utilities.............................. 137 Defragment the hard drive ................................................................ 138 Use the Help and Support Center ..................................................... 142 Use program help............................................................................... 150

Customizing Your Computer ....................... 157 Change the Desktop .......................................................................... 158 Change font size ................................................................................ 169 Change Taskbar settings .................................................................. 173 Add and delete users......................................................................... 176

Using the Web ............................................. 187 View a Web site .................................................................................. 188 Search the Web .................................................................................. 194 Save a favorite web page .................................................................. 201 Set your own Home page .................................................................. 205 Visit a favorite Web page................................................................... 208 Change browser text size.................................................................. 210

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Using E-mail.................................................215 Configure an e-mail account ............................................................ 216 Send an e-mail message ................................................................... 224 Send an e-mail message ................................................................... 225 Check for new mail ............................................................................ 233 Reply to a message ........................................................................... 237 Send an attachment........................................................................... 239 Delete messages ............................................................................... 243

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Getting Started In this section, you’ll learn how to: • Start programs • Close programs • Use Desktop icons • Turn off the computer

GETTING STARTED

1

1.

Turn on the computer. The screen should look something like this:

This is called the Desktop.

2

GETTING STARTED

Start programs 1.

On the Taskbar, click the

button.

Taskbar

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3

2.

4

When the menu appears, place the cursor on All Programs.

GETTING STARTED

Tip: The cursor is the arrow used to point at things on your

computer’s screen:

A menu is a list of things to do or look at:

GETTING STARTED

5

3.

6

When the next menu appears, point at Accessories.

GETTING STARTED

4.

Move the cursor straight across, then to Notepad.

GETTING STARTED

7

5.

Click Notepad. The Notepad program should open and look like this:

8

GETTING STARTED

Close programs 1.

In the Notepad window, click its

button.

The Notepad program should disappear. The Desktop should contain no windows:

GETTING STARTED

9

Practice 1 1.

Open the Paint program. Tip: It’s under Accessories.

2.

Close the Paint program.

Practice 2

10

1.

Open the Calculator program.

2.

Close the Calculator program.

GETTING STARTED

Use Desktop icons 1.

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.

GETTING STARTED

11

The Recycle Bin window should open:

12

GETTING STARTED

2.

Click its

button.

The Recycle Bin window should close.

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13

Turn off the computer

14

1.

On the Taskbar, click the

2.

When the menu appears, click Turn Off Computer.

GETTING STARTED

button.

3.

When the Turn Off Computer window appears, click Turn Off.

The computer should shut down.

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Practice: Getting Started

16

1.

Turn on the computer.

2.

Open the Recycle Bin.

3.

Close the Recycle Bin.

4.

Open the Internet Explorer program.

5.

Open the WordPad program.

6.

Close both programs.

GETTING STARTED

Manipulating Windows In this section, you’ll learn how to: • Move windows • Minimize windows • Restore windows • Resize windows • Scroll in windows • Maximize windows • Switch between programs

MANIPULATING WINDOWS

17

Move windows

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1.

On the Taskbar, click the

2.

When the menu appears, click Help and Support.

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button.

The Help and Support Center window should open:

Tip: If the window takes up the entire desktop, click its

button.

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3.

In the Help and Support Center window, place the cursor on its Title Bar. Title Bar

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4.

Hold down the left mouse button, then move the mouse left. Left mouse button

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21

5.

Release the mouse button. The computer screen should now look like this:

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Practice 1.

Open the Paint program.

2.

Drag the Paint window to the bottom left of the Desktop.

3.

Drag the Paint window to the center of the Desktop.

4.

Close the Paint window.

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Minimize windows 1.

In the Help and Support Center window, click its

The screen should now look like this:

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button.

Restore windows 1.

On the Taskbar, click the

button.

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25

The window should be the same size and in the same location it was before you minimized it:

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Practice 1.

From the Desktop, open the Recycle Bin.

2.

Minimize its window.

3.

From the Taskbar, restore the Recycle Bin window.

4.

Close the window.

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Resize windows 1.

Drag the Help and Support Center window back to the center of the screen.

2.

Move the cursor to the bottom edge of the window. The cursor should turn into a double-headed arrow:

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3.

Click and drag the bottom edge of the window upwards, until the window is about half its height:

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4.

Release the mouse button. The window should now look like this:

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Scroll in windows 1.

Click the window’s Scroll Bar and drag it downward:

The contents at the bottom of the window should appear:

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31

Maximize windows 1.

In the window, click its

button.

The window should again take up the entire Desktop.

Leave the Help and Support Center window open.

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Practice 1.

Resize the Help and Support Center window so it’s about 3 inches tall by 3 inches wide. Tip: You can resize the window to make it narrower the same

way you made it shorter. Put the cursor on a side edge of the window, then drag.

2.

Drag the window up to the top left of the screen.

3.

Scroll up and down the window to see its contents.

4.

Maximize the window.

5.

Close the window.

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Switch between programs

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1.

On the Taskbar, click the

2.

When the menu appears, click Search.

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button.

The Search Results window should appear:

Tip: If the Search Results window takes up the entire desktop,

click its

button.

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3.

On the Taskbar, click the

button.

The Help and Support Center window should be on top:

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4.

button.

On the Taskbar, click the

The Search Results window should be on top:

5.

Close both windows: click their

buttons.

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Practice 1.

Open the Help and Support Center window.

2.

Resize the window to make it about six inches square.

3.

Drag the window to the middle of the screen.

4.

Use the scrollbar to view all the text inside it.

5.

Leave the Help and Support Center window on screen and open the Paint program. Tip: It’s in the Accessories menu. If the Paint window takes up the entire Desktop, click its button.

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6.

Resize the Paint window to ¼ of the screen size, then drag it to the upper left corner of the screen. When you’re done, the screen should look like this:

7.

Maximize both windows, then close them.

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Practice: Manipulating Windows

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1.

Open the Help and Support Center window.

2.

Resize the window to take up ¼ of the Desktop.

3.

Drag it to the upper right corner of the Desktop.

4.

Minimize the Help and Support Center window.

5.

From the Desktop, open the Recycle Bin.

6.

Resize its window to take up ¼ of the Desktop.

7.

Drag it to the upper left corner of the Desktop.

8.

Minimize the Recycle Bin.

9.

Restore the Help and Support Center window.

10.

Restore the Recycle Bin.

11.

Minimize both windows.

12.

Close both windows.

MANIPULATING WINDOWS

Working with Documents In this section, you’ll learn how to: • Create documents • Save documents • Open documents • Copy • Paste • Cut • Delete • Print

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Create documents 1.

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Click the

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button, then All Programs.

2.

When the next menu appears, click Accessories.

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3.

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When the next menu appears, click WordPad.

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4.

In the WordPad window where the cursor is blinking, type: Dear Mom, This is just a quick note to thank you for the sweater. I love the color.

Tip: Notice how the cursor changes from

to | when you’re

working in a document.

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Save documents 1.

On the WordPad Toolbar, click the

icon. Toolbar

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WORKING WITH DOCUMENTS

2.

When the Save As window appears, type: Note to Mom in the File name box.

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Tip: Make sure the My Documents folder appears in the Save in box.

If it doesn’t, click the down arrow next to the Save in box, then click the My Documents folder.

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3.

Click the

4.

Close WordPad.

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button.

Practice 1.

Open WordPad.

2.

In the blank window, type: Dear Sis, I’m coming home next week. Let’s go to that movie you wanted to see.

3.

Save the document as Dear Sis in the My Documents folder.

4.

Close WordPad.

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Open documents

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1.

Open WordPad.

2.

In the WordPad window, click File.

3.

When the next menu appears, click Open.

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The Open window should appear, with the My Documents folder in the Look in box:

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4.

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Click the document titled Note to Mom.

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5.

Click the

button.

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The document Note to Mom should open:

Keep the document open.

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Copy 1.

Place the cursor anywhere in the paragraph.

2.

Click the left mouse button quickly 3 times. This should highlight the entire paragraph.

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Tip: If you have trouble triple-clicking, you can highlight the

paragraph this way: Place the cursor in front of the first letter of the paragraph.

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Click and hold down the left mouse button. Drag the cursor straight down the paragraph, and over to the end, until the entire paragraph is highlighted.

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3.

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On the Toolbar, click the

WORKING WITH DOCUMENTS

icon.

Paste 1.

Place the cursor at the end of the paragraph, then press the ENTER key on the keyboard twice. This should put the cursor on a new line.

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2.

Click the

icon.

Tip: Any time you copy or cut something, it stays in the

computer’s memory until you cut or copy something else. You can then paste that item as many times as you want.

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3.

Press the ENTER key twice, then click the

icon again.

You should see the two paragraphs at the bottom of the document:

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Practice 1.

Open the document titled Dear Sis in the My Documents folder.

2.

Copy the paragraph 2 times below itself.

3.

Delete the bottom paragraph. The document should look like this:

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4.

Save the document as Dear Sis 2 in the My Documents folder.

5.

Close WordPad.

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Cut

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1.

Open WordPad.

2.

Open the document Note to Mom.

3.

Place the cursor at the beginning of the third paragraph.

4.

Click and drag the cursor down and to the right to highlight the paragraph.

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5.

On the Toolbar, click the

icon.

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The last paragraph should disappear:

Keep this document open.

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Delete 1.

Place the cursor at the beginning of the second paragraph.

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2.

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Highlight the paragraph.

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3.

Press the DELETE key on the keyboard. The second paragraph should disappear:

Tip: Delete does the same thing as Cut, except:

When you Cut something, you can Paste it later. When you Delete something, you can’t paste it. Keep this document open.

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69

Print 1.

On the Toolbar, click the

icon.

You will see a window flash that says the document is printing. Tip: If no printer is connected to the computer, you will get a

message asking if you want to install a printer. If you don’t have a printer connected, click the No button, then the Cancel button in the Print window.

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2.

Click the

icon.

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3.

Click the

button to close the document Note to Mom.

The Desktop should now be blank.

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Practice: Working with Documents 1.

Open WordPad.

2.

In the blank document window, type the following text: Fruit Salad ½ cup cantaloupe ½ cup vanilla yogurt

3.

Copy the line 1/2 cup cantaloupe and paste it 3 times below itself.

4.

Change the second cantaloupe to honeydew.

5.

Change the third cantaloupe to pineapple.

6.

Change the fourth cantaloupe to grapes.

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7.

At the end, type: Cut up the first three fruits into small chunks. Mix all ingredients together and serve chilled. The document should look like this:

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8.

Save the document in the My Documents folder as Fruit Salad.

9.

Close WordPad.

WORKING WITH DOCUMENTS

Managing Files In this section, you’ll learn how to: • Employ Windows Explorer • Select a file • Copy a file • Select multiple files • Create a folder • Move files • Rename a file • Delete files and folders • Restore deleted items • Find files and folders • Empty the Recycle Bin

MANAGING FILES

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Employ Windows Explorer What is Windows Explorer? Windows Explorer is the program on your computer used to organize folders and files. Think of it as your computer’s filing cabinet.

1.

On the Taskbar, place the cursor on the

2.

Click the right mouse button.

button.

Right mouse button

3.

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When the menu appears, click Explore (with the left mouse button).

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Windows Explorer should appear:

4.

Make sure the

icon is clicked.

Tip: You can go directly to your My Documents folder in

Windows Explorer by clicking the Documents.

5.

button, then My

If Windows Explorer does not take up the entire screen, click its button.

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6.

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In the left pane, double-click the My Documents folder.

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You should see a list of the folders within the My Documents folder:

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In the right pane, you should see the contents of the My Documents folder:

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Tip: If the files and folders look different than above, click View on the Menu Bar. Menu bar

When the menu appears, click List.

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Select a file 1.

In the right pane, click the file Note to Mom. It should now be highlighted:

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2.

Double-click the file to open it.

3.

When the Note to Mom window appears, click its close the file.

MANAGING FILES

button to

Copy a file 1.

Right-click the file Note to Mom.

2.

When the menu appears, click Copy (with the left mouse button).

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3.

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Right-click in the white space below Note to Mom.

MANAGING FILES

4.

When the menu appears, click Paste.

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Copy of Note to Mom should appear:

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MANAGING FILES

5.

Right-click the file Copy of Note to Mom.

6.

When the menu appears, click Copy.

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7.

Right-click in the white space below Copy of Note to Mom.

8.

When the menu appears, click Paste.

MANAGING FILES

Copy of Copy of Note to Mom should appear at the bottom of the list:

Keep Windows Explorer open.

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Practice 1.

Open Windows Explorer.

2.

View the contents of the My Documents folder as Large Icons. Tip: On the Menu Bar, first click View.

3.

Make 2 copies of the file Dear Sis in the My Documents folder.

4.

Change the view in the My Documents folder to Details. When you’re done, it should look like this:

5. 90

Close Windows Explorer.

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Select multiple files Select all 1.

Open Windows Explorer.

2.

View the contents of the My Documents folder.

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3.

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On the Menu Bar, click Edit, then Select All.

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In the right pane, all the folders and files should be selected (highlighted):

All these files can now be moved, copied, deleted, etc. at the same time. Keep Windows Explorer open.

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SHIFT-click 1.

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Click Note to Mom to select it.

MANAGING FILES

2.

Press and hold down the SHIFT key on the keyboard.

3.

While holding down the SHIFT key, click Copy of Copy of Note to Mom. All three files should be selected.

4.

Click in white space to deselect the files.

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Select non-consecutive files

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1.

Click Copy of Copy of Note to Mom.

2.

Press and hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard.

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3.

While holding down the CTRL key, click Note to Mom. The two files should be selected:

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Practice

98

1.

In the right pane used to view the contents of the My Documents folder, select every other file or folder in the list.

2.

Deselect the files.

MANAGING FILES

Create a folder 1.

In the left pane, click the My Documents folder.

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2.

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Right-click on white space in the right pane.

MANAGING FILES

3.

When the menu appears, click New (with your left mouse button).

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4.

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When the next menu appears, click Folder.

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When the new folder is created, the words New Folder should be highlighted.

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5.

Type the words: Course Documents

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Then press the ENTER key on the keyboard. Tip: When text is highlighted and you begin typing, the old text is automatically deleted—you don’t need to press the DELETE

key. The folder should now be named Course Documents.

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Practice

106

1.

Create a new folder inside My Documents named Family Documents.

2.

Close Windows Explorer.

MANAGING FILES

Rename a folder 1.

Open Window Explorer and view the contents of the My Documents folder.

2.

Click the Course Documents folder.

3.

Click the words Course Documents. The words Course Documents should be highlighted, and the cursor should be blinking.

4.

Type the words: Win XP Stuff

5.

Press the ENTER key on the keyboard. The folder should now be named Win XP Stuff.

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Move files

108

1.

In the left pane, click the My Documents folder.

2.

In the right pane, drag Copy of Copy of Note to Mom over to the left pane and place it on top of the Desktop folder.

3.

Release the mouse button.

MANAGING FILES

4.

In the left pane, click the Desktop folder. Copy of Copy of Note to Mom should appear in the right pane. It’s now contained in the Desktop folder.

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5.

Click and drag Copy of Copy of Note to Mom to the left pane, and place it on top of the My Documents folder.

Release the mouse button.

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MANAGING FILES

6.

Click the My Documents folder. Copy of Copy of Note to Mom should appear in the right pane. It’s now back in the My Documents folder.

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Practice

112

1.

Move the Dear Sis document to the Family Documents folder.

2.

Move the documents Copy of Dear Sis and Copy of Copy of Dear Sis to the Family Documents folder.

3.

Move the documents Copy of Note to Mom and Copy of Copy of Note to Mom to the Family Documents folder.

4.

Open the Family Documents folder to make sure the files are there:

5.

Close Windows Explorer.

MANAGING FILES

Rename a file 1.

Open Windows Explorer and view the contents of the Family Documents folder.

2.

In the right pane, click Copy of Copy of Note to Mom.

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3.

Click the words Copy of Copy of Note to Mom.

The words Copy of Copy of Note to Mom should be highlighted, and the cursor should be blinking:

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MANAGING FILES

4.

Type the words: Template for Notes then press the ENTER key on the keyboard. The file should now be named Template for Notes.

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Practice

116

1.

View the contents of the Family Documents folder.

2.

Change the name of the file Copy of Copy of Dear Sis to My Dear Sister.

MANAGING FILES

Delete files and folders Delete a file 1.

View the contents of the Family Documents folder.

2.

Click Copy of Note to Mom to select it.

3.

Press the DELETE key on the keyboard.

4.

When the Confirm File Delete window appears, click the button.

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The file Copy of Note to Mom should be gone:

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Practice 1.

Open the Family Documents folder.

2.

Delete the file My Dear Sister.

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Delete a folder

120

1.

In the left pane, click the Win XP Stuff folder.

2.

Press the DELETE key on your keyboard.

MANAGING FILES

3.

When the Confirm File Delete window appears, click the button.

4.

Close Window Explorer.

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Restore deleted items 1.

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On the Desktop, double-click the Recycle Bin.

MANAGING FILES

2.

When the Recycle Bin window appears, click Restore all items.

3.

Close the Recycle Bin window.

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Find files and folders 1.

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On the Taskbar, click the

MANAGING FILES

button, then Search.

2.

When the Search Results window appears, click All files and folders.

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3.

In the All or part of the file name box, type: Note to Mom

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4.

Click the

button.

The screen should show the search results:

5.

Close the Search Results window.

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Practice 1 1.

Find files or folders named Family. When you’re done, the Search Results window should look like this:

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MANAGING FILES

Practice 2 1.

Find all files or folders with names beginning with the letter “f.” Tip: Type f* in the All or part of the file name box. When you’re done, the Search Results window should look like this:

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2.

Close the window.

How does an * work? The *, or asterisk, character serves as a “wild card” in searches. It stands for any letter or combination of letters. So if you searched for files or folders named B*, you might come up with: Bandicoot Bebop Bump Bo

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MANAGING FILES

View file details 1.

On the Taskbar, right-click the Explore.

2.

In the left pane, click the My Documents folder.

button, then click

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3.

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On the Menu Bar, click View, then Details.

MANAGING FILES

The right pane should now look like this:

Keep this window open.

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Empty the Recycle Bin

134

1.

Delete the Win XP Stuff folder.

2.

Minimize all windows.

MANAGING FILES

3.

On the Desktop, right-click the Recycle Bin.

4.

When the menu appears, click Empty Recycle Bin.

5.

When the Confirm File Delete window appears, click the button.

Tip: When you empty files from the Recycle Bin, they are gone

forever.

6.

Close all windows.

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Practice: Managing Files

136

1.

Open Windows Explorer.

2.

Make a copy of the Fruit Salad file in the My Documents folder.

3.

Rename the Copy of Fruit Salad file Fruit Trifle.

4.

Create a new folder in the My Documents folder called Recipes.

5.

Move the Fruit Salad and Fruit Trifle files into the Recipes folder.

6.

Delete the Recipes folder and its contents.

7.

Minimize the Windows Explorer window.

8.

On the Desktop, open the Recycle Bin.

9.

Restore the Recipes folder, then close the Recycle Bin.

10.

Check the My Documents folder to verify that the Recipes folder and its contents have been restored.

11.

Delete the Recipes folder again.

12.

Empty the Recycle Bin and close all windows.

MANAGING FILES

Using Windows Utilities In this section, you’ll learn how to: • Defragment the hard drive • Use the Help and Support Center • Use program help

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Defragment the hard drive Defragmenting your hard drive Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer’s hard drive. This makes your computer work faster. If you notice your computer slowing down a little every couple of months, defragment the hard drive and it’ll speed up again.

1.

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Click the Accessories.

USING WINDOWS UTILITIES

button, then All Programs, then

2.

In the Accessories menu, click System Tools.

3.

In the System Tools menu, click Disk Defragmenter.

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The Disk Defragmenter window should appear:

4.

In the Disk Defragmenter window, click the C: drive.

Tip: Your computer’s hard disk may be assigned a different letter than C:, although that’s not likely.

140

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5.

Close the Disk Defragmenter window. If you wanted to begin, you’d click the

button.

Defragmentation takes a long time, so don’t do it right now.

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Use the Help and Support Center 1.

142

Click the

USING WINDOWS UTILITIES

button, then Help and Support.

The Help and Support Center window should appear:

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143

2.

Click in the Search box.

3.

Type: document in the Search box, then click the

144

USING WINDOWS UTILITIES

button.

The Search Results pane should look like this:

4.

In the Search Results pane, click Print a document. Keep the Help and Support Center window open.

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Use the Index 1.

In the Toolbar of the Help and Support Center window, click Index.

2.

In the Index pane, in the box with the blinking cursor, type: Documents

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USING WINDOWS UTILITIES

The text should scroll, with the word documents highlighted.

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147

3.

Click the word opening.

4.

Click the

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USING WINDOWS UTILITIES

button.

The window should look like this, with instructions on how to open documents in the right pane:

5.

Click the window.

button to close the Help and Support Center

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149

Use program help Help with programs Each Windows application, or program—such as Word, Paint, and Windows Explorer—contains its own help function that tells you how to use the program.

1.

150

Click the Paint.

USING WINDOWS UTILITIES

button, All Programs, Accessories, then

The Paint program will open:

2.

In the Menu Bar, click Help, then Help Topics.

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151

Paint’s help screen should appear:

152

USING WINDOWS UTILITIES

3.

Make sure the Contents tab is on top. If it’s not, click it.

4.

Click Paint.

5.

When the list expands, click Create Pictures.

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153

6.

In the next list, click Draw a straight line.

In the right pane, how-to steps should appear:

7.

154

Close both the Paint program and its help window.

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Practice 1.

Open the Windows Movie Maker program, under Accessories.

2.

Open its help window.

3.

Use the Contents tab to locate Getting Content into Windows Movie Maker. The window should look like this:

4.

Close the Windows Movie Maker program and its help window.

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155

156

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Customizing Your Computer In this section, you’ll learn how to: • Change the Desktop • Change the screensaver • Change font size • Change Taskbar settings • Add and delete users

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

157

Change the Desktop Change the background

158

1.

Right-click in blank space on the Desktop.

2.

When the menu appears, click Properties.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

3.

When the Display Properties window appears, click the Desktop tab.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

159

4.

160

Drag the scrollbar to the top of the Background list.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

5.

In the Background list, click the first item: (None).

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161

The monitor sample screen should be blank:

6.

162

On the keyboard, press the down arrow key  to go to the next background, Ascent.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

The monitor sample screen should now look like this:

7.

Continue pressing the  key on your keyboard, and view the options as they change in the sample screen.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

163

8.

When you get to Windows XP, click the Don’t click the

164

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

button yet.

button.

Change the screen saver 1.

In the Display Properties window, click the Screen Saver tab.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

165

2.

Under Screen Saver, click the drop-down arrow. You should see a list drop down:

3.

166

Click (None) at the top of the list.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

4.

Press the  key on your keyboard to go to the next item, 3D FlowerBox. The monitor sample screen should look like this:

5.

Continue pressing the  key to view the different screen saver options. When you get to Starfield, the screen should look like this:

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

167

6.

Click the

7.

In the Wait field, click the up or down arrow to set the wait time to 30 minutes.

8.

Click the Don’t click the

168

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

button.

button. button yet.

Change font size 1.

In the Display Properties window, click the Appearance tab.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

169

2.

Under Font size, click the drop-down arrow.

3.

In the Font size list, click Large Fonts.

4.

Click the

button.

A Please Wait window will appear, then disappear as the font size changes.

170

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

5.

Click the

button.

The Display Properties window should look like this:

6.

Click the

button.

The Display Properties window should close.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

171

Practice

172

1.

Open the Display Properties window.

2.

Set the Font size back to Normal.

3.

Close the Display Properties window.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

Change Taskbar settings 1.

Right-click on an empty spot on the Taskbar.

2.

When the menu appears, click Properties.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

173

3.

174

When the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window appears, click the Taskbar tab if it isn’t already on top.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

4.

Make sure all the boxes except the Auto-hide the taskbar box are checked.

5.

If the

button is not grayed-out, click it.

Tip: The

button becomes active only after you make a change in a window. If you don’t need to make any adjustments, it will be grayed-out.

6.

Click the

button.

The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window should close.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

175

Add and delete users Add a new user 1.

176

Click the

button, then Control Panel.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

2.

If the window is filled with icons like below, click Switch to Category Views.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

177

3.

Under Pick a category, click User Accounts.

The User Accounts window should appear:

178

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

4.

Under Pick a task, click Create a new account.

5.

When the User Accounts window appears, type: Alexis in the new account box.

6.

Click the

button.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

179

180

7.

When the next window appears, under Pick an account type, click the Limited radio button.

8.

Click the

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

button.

The User Accounts window should now contain an account for Alexis:

Keep the User Accounts window open.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

181

Delete a user

182

1.

In the User Accounts window, under Pick a task, click Change an account.

2.

Under Pick an account to change, click Alexis.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

3.

Under What do you want to change about Alexis’s account?, click Delete the account.

4.

In the next screen, Do you want to keep Alexis’s files?, click the

button.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

183

5.

When the Are you sure you want to delete Alexis’s account? window appears, click the

184

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

button.

The User Accounts window should look like this:

6.

Close the window.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

185

Practice: Customizing Your Computer 1.

Change the background to Purple Flower.

2.

Change the screen saver to Windows XP.

3.

Change the font size to Extra Large Fonts. The desktop should look like this:

4.

186

Change the background, screen saver, and font size to what they were before.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

Using the Web In this section, you’ll learn how to: • View a Web site • Search the Web • Save a favorite Web page • Set your own Home page • Visit a favorite Web page • Change browser text size

USING THE WEB

187

View a Web site 1.

Click the Explorer.

button, then All Programs, then Internet

Tip: If the Dial-up Connection window appears, type in your User name and Password, click the Save password checkbox,

then click the

button.

Once you’re connected to the Internet, Internet Explorer should open.

188

USING THE WEB

The home page that appears will be different from the one below:

2.

Click in the Address bar. The text in it should be highlighted:

USING THE WEB

189

3.

Type: www.google.com

4.

190

Click the

USING THE WEB

button.

The window should look like this:

Keep this window open.

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191

Web addresses http://www.google.com This is the Web address (also called a URL, for Uniform Resource Locator) of the Google Web site. http://www.google.com The http:// stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)—a set of rules that enable communication between computers. http://www.google.com The www means this site is on the World Wide Web. http://www.google.com The web site is Google’s. http://www.google.com .com means it’s a commercial Web site. Two other typical extensions are .gov for government and .org for non-profit organizations.

192

USING THE WEB

Practice 1.

In Internet Explorer, go to the microsoft.com web site.

2.

Go back to the google.com web site. Keep this window open.

USING THE WEB

193

Search the Web 1.

On the browser’s Toolbar, click the

icon.

Tip: Internet Explorer is a program used to view Web sites, also

known as a browser.

194

USING THE WEB

The Search Companion pane should open:

USING THE WEB

195

2.

When the window appears with the question “What are you looking for?,” type: cars in the text box.

3.

196

Click the

USING THE WEB

button.

The browser window should look something like this:

USING THE WEB

197

4.

In the right pane, look for a site that contains MSN CarPoint, or a similar link to a Web site about cars. Then click its link.

198

USING THE WEB

A new Web site should appear, such as carpoint.msn.com:

Tip: If you get a pop-up window containing an advertisement,

click its

button to close it.

USING THE WEB

199

5.

Click a link on the Web page.

A new page in that Web site should appear. Keep the Internet Explorer browser open.

200

USING THE WEB

Save a favorite web page 1.

In the browser’s Toolbar, click the

icon.

The Favorites pane should appear:

USING THE WEB

201

202

2.

Click the

3.

When the Add Favorite window appears, click the button.

USING THE WEB

icon.

4.

When the Create New Folder window appears, type: Cars in the Folder name box.

5.

Click the

6.

In the Add Favorites window, click the

button. button.

Leave the browser open.

USING THE WEB

203

Practice

204

1.

In Internet Explorer, search the Web for cats.

2.

Click one of the links to go to the site.

3.

Save this site as a Favorite.

USING THE WEB

Set your own Home page 1.

On the browser’s Menu Bar, click Tools, then Internet Options.

USING THE WEB

205

2.

When the Internet Options window appears, type: www.yahoo.com in the Address bar.

206

3.

Click the

4.

On the browser’s Toolbar, click the

USING THE WEB

button. icon.

The Yahoo home page should now appear in the browser window:

USING THE WEB

207

Visit a favorite Web page

208

1.

On the browser’s Menu Bar, click the

2.

When the Favorites pane appears, click the Cars folder.

3.

When the Cars folder opens, click the MSN Carpoint link.

USING THE WEB

icon.

The browser should display the same page you saved as a Favorite:

4.

Close the Favorites pane, and leave the browser open.

USING THE WEB

209

Change browser text size

210

1.

On the Menu Bar, click View, then Text Size.

2.

When the next menu appears, click Largest.

USING THE WEB

The page should look like this, with all text visibly larger than it was before:

USING THE WEB

211

3.

On the Menu Bar, click View, then Text Size, then Medium.

The text should look like it did before.

4.

Click the

button to close the browser.

If a window appears asking if you want to stay connected, click Disconnect now.

212

USING THE WEB

Practice: Using the Web 1.

Launch the Internet Explorer Browser.

2.

View the web site www.visibooks.com.

3.

Do a Web search for Adobe Acrobat Reader and go to one of the sites listed.

4.

Save the site in a new folder called Computer Sites in the Favorites folder.

5.

Close the browser.

USING THE WEB

213

214

USING THE WEB

Using E-mail In this section, you’ll learn how to: • Configure an e-mail account • Send an e-mail message • Check for new mail • Reply to a message • Send an attachment • Delete messages

USING E-MAIL

215

Configure an e-mail account 1.

Click the

button, All Programs, then Outlook Express.

Outlook Express should open:

216

USING E-MAIL

2.

On the Menu Bar, click Tools, then Accounts.

3.

Click the

button, then Mail.

USING E-MAIL

217

4.

When the Internet Connection Wizard window appears, type: Your Name in the Display name box.

Not this text, of course, but your real name, like Chris Jacobs, or Stan Smith.

218

USING E-MAIL

5.

Click the

button.

When the Internet E-mail Address screen appears, type: [email protected] in the E-mail address box. Not this address, of course, but your real e-mail address.

6.

Click the

button.

USING E-MAIL

219

7.

When the E-mail Server Names screen appears, click POP3 in the drop-down list:

Tip: Most people get their e-mail from POP3 servers.

If you think yours might be IMAP or HTTP, contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator.

220

USING E-MAIL

8.

In the Incoming mail (POP3, IMAP, or HTTP) server box, type the Web address of the server you use to download your e-mail. It’s probably something like pop.yourserver.com or mail.yourserver.com. Tip: If you don’t know the address of your incoming mail server,

contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator.

9.

In the Outgoing mail (SMTP) server box, type the Web address of the server used to send out your e-mail. It’s probably something like smtp.yourserver.com or mail.yourserver.com. Tip: If you don’t know the address of your outgoing mail server,

contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator.

USING E-MAIL

221

The window should look like this:

222

10.

When the Internet Mail Logon screen appears, type your e-mail account user name in the Account name box.

11.

Type your password in the Password box.

USING E-MAIL

12.

Make sure the Remember password checkbox is checked. If it’s not, click it.

13.

Click the

button.

USING E-MAIL

223

14.

When the Congratulations screen appears, click the button. Your new e-mail account should now appear in the Internet Accounts window:

224

USING E-MAIL

Send an e-mail message 1.

button, then the EOn the Taskbar, click the mail/Outlook Express shortcut.

Tip: If a window appears asking if you would like to go online

now, click the

button.

If the Dial-up Connection window appears, click the button.

USING E-MAIL

225

2.

226

On the Outlook Express Toolbar, click the

USING E-MAIL

icon.

3.

When the New Message window appears, type: [email protected] in the To box. Not this address, of course, but your actual email address.

USING E-MAIL

227

4.

In the Subject box, type: First Message

228

USING E-MAIL

5.

In the blank message area, type: This is my first message in the Visibooks Windows XP course The window should look like this:

USING E-MAIL

229

Send a copy 1.

230

Click in the Cc box, then type a friend’s e-mail address in it.

USING E-MAIL

2.

Click the

icon.

Leave Outlook Express open.

USING E-MAIL

231

Verify the message was sent 1.

In the Folders pane, click the Sent Items folder.

The message should be in the list of messages sent.

Keep Outlook Express open.

232

USING E-MAIL

Check for new mail 1.

Click the

icon.

USING E-MAIL

233

A message window should appear, indicating a message is downloading:

234

USING E-MAIL

2.

Click the Inbox folder.

You should see the message titled First Message that you sent to yourself.

USING E-MAIL

235

3.

Double-click the message. It should open, and look like this:

Keep the message open.

236

USING E-MAIL

Reply to a message 1.

With the message still open, click the

2.

When the Reply window appears, type:

icon.

This is my reply. In the main message area.

USING E-MAIL

237

3.

In the Subject box, replace the existing text with: Reply to my message

4.

Click the

icon.

Leave Outlook Express open.

238

USING E-MAIL

Send an attachment 1.

Click the

2.

In the New Message window, type:

icon.

[email protected] in the To box. Not this address, of course, but your actual email address.

3.

In the Cc box, type a friend’s e-mail address.

USING E-MAIL

239

4.

In the Subject box, type: Message with attachment

5.

In the blank message area, type: There is a file attached to this email.

240

USING E-MAIL

6.

On the toolbar, click the

7.

When the Insert Attachment window appears, the My Documents folder should appear in the Look in box.

icon.

Click the file Note to Mom.

USING E-MAIL

241

8.

button.

Click the

The attached file should show up in an Attach box:

9.

Click the

icon.

Keep Outlook Express open.

242

USING E-MAIL

Delete messages 1.

Click the

icon.

A window should appear, indicating a message is downloading:

2.

In the Folders pane, click the Inbox folder.

USING E-MAIL

243

3.

Click the message you sent to yourself, titled Reply to my message.

Tip: Click only once to select it.

If you double-click and open the message by mistake, close it and click it once.

244

4.

With the message selected, click the

5.

Close Outlook Express.

USING E-MAIL

icon.

Practice: Using E-mail 1.

Open the Outlook Express E-mail program.

2.

Check for new mail.

3.

Send yourself an email message.

4.

Check for new mail.

5.

Open the message and reply to it. Send a copy of your reply to a friend.

6.

Close Outlook Express.

USING E-MAIL

245

246

USING E-MAIL

Glossary Accessories Additional programs, such as WordPad, included with the Windows operating system. Active window The window you’re currently using. It contains the file or application you’re working with. Application A program that runs on the computer. See the definition for Program below. Button A raised, clickable rectangle with a word command in its center. When clicked, it causes the command to happen. Clipboard A place in computer memory where information that’s been cut or copied is temporarily stored. Copy A command that duplicates selected information. It sends the info to the Clipboard so you can put it somewhere else. Cut A command that removes selected information. It sends the info to the Clipboard so you can put it somewhere else. Defragment The process of consolidating files on the computer’s disk drive. Defragmenting makes the computer run faster. Delete A command that removes a file, folder, or information.

GLOSSARY

247

Desktop The background over which all windows are displayed. Document A file produced in a word-processing program. DSL Digital Subscriber Line. A modem technology that converts existing telephone-lines into high-speed data communications. File A collection of information—under one name—that you can read, look at, or listen to using a computer. Folder A container for files on the computer. Also called a Directory. It works like a manila folder in a filing cabinet. High Speed Internet A cable modem that is connected to your computer allowing you to always be connected to the Internet without having to dial to an Internet Service Provider. Icon A clickable picture. Internet Explorer A program that allows you to view Web pages. Memory The working area of the computer where data and active applications are loaded for use. Menu A list of commands that the user can choose from. Menu Bar A horizontal bar across the top of a window that contains commands. 248

GLOSSARY

Modem Short for modulator-demodulator. A modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. Outlook Express A program that allows you to send and receive e-mail. Paint A program that allows the user to draw pictures and edit graphic files. Program Software that allows you to perform a specific task using the computer. See the definition for Software below. Recycle Bin A temporary storage area in computer memory used to keep deleted files available until they’re permanently removed. Save A command that allows you to name and store a file so it can be retrieved later. Screen Saver A program that draws pictures on your monitor while your computer is turned on, but inactive. Scroll To move a window’s display horizontally or vertically to see all its contents. Select To highlight an object or information in order to do something with it. Software Instructions stored in the computer’s memory that allow you to give commands to the computer and perform tasks with it.

GLOSSARY

249

Taskbar The bar on the Desktop that displays the Start button and buttons for all open programs. Title Bar The horizontal bar at the top of a window that contains the name of the program and/or file being used in it. Window An area of the computer’s video display containing a specific program or file. Windows Explorer A program that lets you view files and folders on the computer. Windows™ Software that allows a computer to operate all its components, respond to human commands, and run other programs. Known as an “operating system.” WordPad A program used to create and edit documents. Included with Windows™.

250

GLOSSARY

Where to Get Visibooks If you liked using this book, and would like to use more like it, visit: www.visibooks.com

Visibooks offers more than 30 titles on subjects such as: • Computer Basics • Microsoft Office • Desktop Linux • OpenOffice.org • Web Site Layout • Web Graphics • Web Programming

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