Programs: Microsoft Windows 2000: Lesson 1

Lesson 1: In this lesson we will learn the various input functions by using the mouse and keyboard.
By the end of this tutorial, you will:
  • Understand Microsoft Windows 2000imgBoxPro.gif (7703 bytes)
  • Be able to use the mouse and keyboard
  • Understand the Desktop and Start Menu
  • Understand how to use the window
  • Be able to navigate through dialog boxes
  • Learn how to use the Help system
  • Manage disks and files
  • Create and utilize folders
  • Modify files
  • Explore the Internet
  • Learn how to properly shut-down Windows
Lesson 1: The Mouse and Keyboard
Figure 1.1 Input Devices
Input Devices (12556 bytes)

What is an Input Device?
An input device is an tool that can employed by the user to command the computer to carry out desired tasks.

There are countless ways to get information into the computer. The two most common tools you will use are the keyboard and the mouse.

As you will see, both devices have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Figure 1.2 The Mouse
The Mouse

What is a mouse?
The mouse (plural is mice) is a device originally designed to contour the human hand, though modern mice come in all shapes and sizes.

The mouse was designed with a ball and set of sensors that track the movement of the ball forward/backward and left/right.  While many mice have retained this element, some newer mice utilize other tracking methods such as optical sensors.

The original name came from the fact, with it's cord, a mouse resembles the rodent.   Now some mice are wireless and lack this tail.

The mouse is one of the most important navigational tools for a computer.  The position of the mouse is represented by an arrow on your screen.
Figure 1.3 Mouse Arrows
Mouse Arrows

Normal Cursor
This arrow is called a Normal Select Cursor.  It moves across the screen as you move the mouse.

When your computer is working to complete a task, the arrow may turn into an hourglass.

This hourglass can come in one of two forms.
.

Working in Background Cursor
Sometimes while the computer is working, you can complete other tasks with the mouse. If this is the case, you will see the Working in Background mouse icon. This icon shows an arrow plus an hourglass.
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Busy Cursor
If the computer is too busy to complete another task, your pointer arrow will turn into a large hourglass, indicating the computer is busy. Once the computer has completed the task, and is no longer busy, the cursor will revert back to an arrow.
Figure 1.4 The Mouse
The Mouse

All Shapes and Sizes
As we previously discussed, mice now come in all shapes and sizes.

Some mice have a wheel between the left and right buttons, called a ‘scroll wheel’. The scroll wheel functions as an additional tool for navigation. The scroll wheel lets the user scroll up and down in a window.

The mouse is designed with right handed people in mind, however, in Windows 2000, the user can redefine the significance of the right and left buttons, allowing left handed people more convenient control of the mouse.
Figure 1.5 Actions of the Mouse
Actions of the Mouse

Point
Position the arrow over the object you wish to use.
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Click
Press down the left button to select an object.
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Right Click
A right click, or pressing the right mouse button, will open a drop down menu, giving the user access to shortcuts for many important functions.
.

Double Click
Double click, or click twice quickly with the left mouse button, on an object  to open it.

The double click method works for three basic types of icons: the folder, the file, and the program. The Start button and everything on the Start Menu requires only a single click.
.

Drag
Highlight an icon by clicking on it once with the left mouse button. Then, drag the item by clicking and holding the left mouse button down while moving the mouse.
Figure 1.6 The Keyboard
The Keyboard

When to Use the Keyboard
While all tasks can be completed using the mouse, often the keyboard can save you valuable time by completing the same task without interrupting your work flow.

It is important to note, that you do not need to spend time memorizing these keyboard shortcuts.

In the following lessons you will see how Windows indicates there is a keyboard shortcut available.

For the most part, you will find the keyboard shortcuts most valuable when you are already using it to input text. This cuts down on the time spent shifting from the keyboard to the mouse.

Self Graded Review Quiz
[FrontPage Save Results Component]

1.  There is a right and wrong technique to using the mouse and keyboard.
     True   False

2.  Almost every command in Windows can be executed in more than one way.
     True   False

3.  The mouse is not a very important or useful tool in comparison to the keyboard.
     True   False

4.  The keyboard is not a very important or useful tool in comparison to the mouse.
     True   False

5.  There are ten basic operations on the mouse with which all users should become familiar.
     True   False

6.  Besides the mouse and keyboard, what other feature allows you to execute common commands?
A. Scenario Manager
B. Margins Tab
C. Toolbar
D. File Menu

7.  To , point to object, press and release finger on the left mouse button.

8.  Moving the mouse icon on the screen onto an object on the screen is known as
     ing.

9.  Mouse commands can also sometimes be performed on a _________
A. keyboard
B. toolbar
C. a and b
D. none of the above  

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Programs: Microsoft Windows 2000: Lesson 1