iti 18 April 2025

🖥️ Familiarization with Windows Operating System Desktop

📘 Introduction

Microsoft Windows is a widely used operating system. Understanding its desktop interface helps users navigate and operate the system efficiently. This practical helps students get hands-on experience with desktop elements, icons, buttons, and customization.

🖼️ Windows Desktop Overview

The desktop is the first screen you see after logging in to Windows. It acts as a workspace where files, folders, and applications can be accessed.

  • Icons: Small graphical representations of files, folders, or applications (e.g., Recycle Bin, This PC).
  • Taskbar: Located at the bottom; includes Start Menu, quick launch icons, open applications, and system tray.
  • Start Menu: Central location to access installed programs, settings, and shutdown options.
  • Notification Area: Shows system notifications, battery status, network status, and clock.

🖱️ Using Icons and Buttons

✅ Common Desktop Icons

  • This PC: Gives access to hard drives, USB drives, and files.
  • Recycle Bin: Stores deleted files and allows restoring or permanent deletion.
  • Control Panel / Settings: Used to configure system settings.

🖱️ Mouse Actions

  • Single Click: Selects an item.
  • Double Click: Opens files or applications.
  • Right Click: Shows context menu with options like Rename, Delete, Properties, etc.
  • Drag and Drop: Move or copy items on the desktop or between folders.

⚙️ Customizing the Desktop

🎨 Change Desktop Background

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
  2. Choose a background image or slideshow.
  3. Click Apply or Save Changes.

🔢 Changing Icon Size and Arrangement

  1. Right-click on the desktop.
  2. Select View and choose Large, Medium, or Small icons.
  3. Use "Auto arrange" or "Align icons to grid" to tidy up the layout.

🛠️ Adding or Removing Desktop Icons

  1. Right-click the desktop > Click Personalize.
  2. Click on Themes > Desktop icon settings.
  3. Select or uncheck icons like Computer, Recycle Bin, etc.
  4. Click Apply.

🚀 Pinning Items to Taskbar or Start Menu

  1. Right-click on any program or app.
  2. Select Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start.

🧪 Practice Activities for Students

  • Open and close the Start Menu.
  • Create a new folder on the desktop.
  • Rename and delete desktop icons.
  • Change desktop wallpaper.
  • Pin Notepad or Calculator to the taskbar.

📌 Summary

  • Windows Desktop provides access to files, folders, and applications.
  • Icons and buttons help users interact with the system.
  • Customization options make the desktop user-friendly and personalized.
  • Familiarity with desktop navigation is the first step towards efficient computer usage. 🧠💻