Unit -01

Windows desktops

GUI :
Definition: A GUI is a visual interface that uses graphical
elements (like windows, icons, menus, buttons) to
represent information and actions.
Purpose: To provide an intuitive, user-friendly way to
interact with a computer or software, eliminating the
need for users to memorize complex commands (as in
Command Line Interfaces – CLIs).

Advantages of GUI:
 Easier to learn.
 More intuitive.
 Visually appealing.
 Allows for direct manipulation.
 Supports multitasking more easily.

Standard of GUI :
 Windows: Rectangular areas on the screen where
applications run and display content. They can be
moved, resized, minimized, and maximized.
  Icons: Small graphical representations of files, folders,
applications, or actions. Clicking or double-clicking an
icon performs an associated action.
 Menus: Lists of options or commands that typically
drop down from a menu bar (e.g., File, Edit, View).
They organize functionalities.
 Pointers: A visual cursor (often an arrow) controlled by
a pointing device (like a mouse or trackpad) to
interact with on-screen elements

GUi -share Data- Desktop Icons and Their Functions

 Small graphical representations (pictures) on the
computer’s desktop.
 They act as shortcuts or direct links to various
computer resources.
 Designed for quick and easy access to frequently used
programs, files, folders, and system functions.
Common Types of Desktop Icons and Their Functions:
1. Application/Program Shortcuts:
 Appearance: Often display the program’s logo
(e.g., a blue “W” for Microsoft Word, a colorful
circle for Google Chrome).
 Function: Double-clicking launches the associated
software application, allowing the user to begin
working with it.
 Examples: Microsoft Word, Excel, Photoshop, Web
Browsers (Chrome, Firefox), Media Players (VLC).
2. Folder Icons:
 Appearance: Typically represented by a yellow
folder graphic.
 Function: Double-clicking opens the folder,
displaying its contents (files, subfolders). Used
for organizing and categorizing data.
 Examples: “My Documents,” “Pictures,”
“Downloads,” custom-created folders.

3. File Icons:
 Appearance: Varies depending on the file type (e.g.,
a “W” for Word documents, an “X” for Excel
spreadsheets, a musical note for audio files, a
picture frame for image files).
 Function: Double-clicking opens the file with its
default associated application (e.g., a .docx file
opens In Word, a .jpg image opens in an image
viewer).
 Examples:“My_Report.docx,”“Family_Photo.jpg,”
“Budget_Spreadsheet.xlsx.”

[Link] Icons (Standard/Default Icons):

 Appearance: Pre-configured icons that come with
the operating system.
 Function: Provide access to core system
functionalities.
GUI Menus
GUI menus are a core part of the Windows interface,
offering a structured way to access commands and
options.
They are graphical representations (like dropdown lists or
pop-up windows) that appear when you interact with
specific elements or buttons.
These menus provide a list of actions you can perform on
the selected item or within the application.
Common GUI Elements in Windows:
 Desktop: The main screen where you see icons, the
taskbar, and other elements.
 Taskbar: Located at the bottom of the screen, it
provides access to programs, files, and settings.
 Start Menu: Accessed by clicking the Windows icon
(or pressing the Windows key), it’s the primary way
to launch programs and access settings.
 File Explorer: Allows you to navigate and manage
files and folders.
 Windows and Dialog Boxes: Used to display
information, settings, and allow user input.

My computer:
How to open My computer:
- From the Desktop, select the My computer icon.
- Double click on the icon using mouse.
 - Following window of My computer is displayed on screen.

-The window displays C, D, E, F drives information and DVD drive, Pen Drive
etc.

User can open the My Computer using Start menu. Steps are as
follows:
- Click on Start menu.
- Select the My computer option from the menu.

Tasks which can perform using My Computer:

-Access files and folders:
When user double clicks on any of the drives’ icon then user is able to access
the folders as well as files stored in it.

Search Files:
From the right hand side of the My computer window, there is option for
“Search”. Using this option, any file can find from selected drive.
Check property:
- User can see the property of selected file, folder or drive. Select the
drive, file or folder and make right click, user is able to see the menu.
Select the Property option. It displays one window. It contains used
space, free space, exact path of the selected area,

My documents

How to Open Documents:

1. Locate the Document:

* Open “My Computer” (or “This PC”) from your

desktop shortcut, Start Menu, or by pressing Windows
Key + E.
* Navigate through your drives (C:, D:, etc.) and folders
to find the document you wish to open.
2. Double-Click:
The most common method. Simply double-click the
document icon. Windows will attempt to open it with the
default program associated with that file type (e.g.,
a .docx file will open in Microsoft Word, a .pdf in a PDF.)
Network neighbourhood
Network Neighbourhood is used to open other computer’s
information to our place.
If your computer is in Network (Connected with other
computers) then using My network place, all opened
computers can be visible and can access. User is able to
access only those files and folders which are shared by
the computer.
Based on the permission given to the user, he is able to
access the files in either read only mode, or in read write
mode.
Perform following steps:
 Select My network Place option from Desktop.
 -Double click on it.
 It opens one window in which many computers’
name (Domain names) are displayed.
 Select any one of the computer and double click on
it.
 It displays all those files and folders which are shared
by selected computer.

If My network place folder is not available on Desktop

then user can access it from the left part of the My
computer window. (My network place or Network)
option is available. Make single left click and user is
able to access the Network’s computers.
Recycle bin

Recycle bin is an icon on the Windows desktop. It

represents a directory where deleted files are temporarily
stored.
This allows you to retrieve files which are deleted by
mistake.
After some time, it is necessary to recycle bin to free up
space on your hard disk.
You can also configure Windows so that it doesn’t use the
recycle bin at all, but then you won’t be able to retrieve
accidentally deleted files.
Items in the Recycle Bin remain there until you
permanently delete them from your computer. These files
can be restored back to their original location.

Perform following steps to restore files:

 Open Recycle bin folder from desktop.
 Select the file which you want to restore.
 Make right click to the file using mouse.
 Select Restore option from menu.
  (Then the file is removed from recycle bin and
forwarded to its original location.)

Quick Launch Toolbar

* Definition: A customizable section of the Windows
taskbar (primarily prominent in Windows 10 and earlier)
that provides one-click access to frequently used
applications, files, and shortcuts.
* Purpose: To enhance user efficiency and productivity by
providing immediate access to essential tools, reducing
the need for navigating through menus or cluttered
desktops.
How it Works (Windows 10/Earlier):
 Creation: Right-click on the taskbar > Toolbars > New
toolbar.
 Folder Link: You then select a specific folder (often
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick
Launch) to populate the toolbar. Any shortcuts placed
in this folder appear on the Quick Launch.
 Adding Items: Drag and drop application shortcuts,
file shortcuts, or even web page shortcuts directly
onto the Quick Launch area.
Windows 11 Equivalent/Simulation:
 Pinned Taskbar Items: The primary method in
Windows 11 is "Pin to taskbar," where individual apps
are pinned directly to the taskbar. This serves a
similar function to Quick Launch for apps.
 Custom Folder Pin (Workaround): You can create a
dedicated folder with shortcuts, then pin that folder
to the taskbar. Clicking the folder icon opens a jump
list or the folder itself, giving access to its contents.
 Third-Party Tools: Some third-party applications can
restore the classic Quick Launch functionality in
Windows 11.
 Key Functions & Benefits:
 One-Click Access: Launches programs, opens files,
or navigates to websites with a single click.
 Time-Saving: Reduces the steps required to access
frequently used resources, speeding up workflow.
 Desktop De-cluttering: Centralizes shortcuts on the
taskbar, minimizing the number of icons on the
desktop.
 Always Available: Resides on the taskbar, making it
readily accessible unless the taskbar is set to auto-
hide.
 Customization:
 Reordering: Drag and drop icons to arrange them
as desired.
 Icon Size: Option to display small or large icons.
 Text Labels: Ability to show or hide text labels and
the toolbar title for a more compact look.
 Resizing: Adjust the width of the Quick Launch
area on the taskbar.
The system tray

It is also known as the notification area, on Windows

desktops is a significant component that offers users
quick access to various functionalities and information.
Here are several key points about it:
 Location: It’s typically found on the far right end of
the taskbar, next to the clock and date.
 Purpose: Its primary purpose is to host icons for
programs that are running in the background,
provide notifications, and offer quick access to
system functions.
 Running Background Applications: Many applications,
especially those that run continuously (like antivirus
software, cloud storage clients, or communication
apps), minimize to the system tray rather than fully
closing. This allows them to operate in the
background without cluttering the main taskbar.
 Quick Access and Control: Right-clicking or left-
clicking on a system tray icon often brings up a
context menu with options to control the associated
application, change settings, or access specific
 features without needing to open the full program
window.
 Notifications: The system tray is a central hub for
system and application notifications. These can
range from new email alerts, update availability,
security warnings, to messages from communication
apps. Often, a small pop-up balloon or a change in
the icon’s appearance will indicate a new notification.
 Hidden Icons: To prevent the taskbar from becoming
overly cluttered, Windows hides less frequently used
system tray icons by default. Users can click an “up
arrow” (or similar icon) to reveal these hidden icons.
They can also customize which icons are always
visible.
 System Functions: It provides quick access to
essential system functions like network connections
(Wi-Fi, Ethernet), volume control, battery status (on
laptops), security status, and sometimes quick
settings for display or audio.

Start menu:
Definition: Start menu is located in the centre of the
taskbar and provides access to applications, settings,
and files.
It features a grid of pinned apps and a section for
recommended items, which can be customized.
You can open it by clicking the Start button on the
taskbar or by pressing the Windows key.
Key Features:
 Pinned Apps:
A grid of commonly used or frequently accessed
applications that can be customized by pinning or
unpinning.
 Recommended Items:
A section that displays recently added apps, files,
and other suggestions based on usage.
 Search Functionality:
 A search bar within the Start menu allows users to
quickly find applications, files, and settings.
 Task View:
A feature that allows users to switch between open
applications and virtual desktops.
 Widgets:
A panel that displays dynamic information from
various apps and news sources.

Task bar

Definition : Taskbar is a horizontal bar, typically located

at the bottom of the screen, that provides quick access to
open applications, system settings, and notifications
 The Windows 11 taskbar is the bar at the bottom of
the screen that provides access to the Start menu,
pinned apps, open windows, and system tray
icons.
 It's a central hub for multitasking and accessing
system settings.
 While it can be customized, including aligning
icons and showing/hiding system tray icons, unlike
 previous versions of Windows, the taskbar in
Windows 11 is fixed to the bottom of the screen
and cannot be moved to the top, left, or right.
Here's a more detailed look at the taskbar and its
features:
Key Features:
 Start Menu: Provides quick access to applications,
settings, and files.
 Pinned Apps: Allows users to pin frequently used
applications for easy access.
 Open Windows: Displays icons for all open
applications, allowing users to easily switch between
them.
 System Tray: Displays system icons, such as
network, volume, and battery, providing quick access
to system settings.
 Search: Offers a search bar for finding files,
applications, and other content.
 Task View: Enables users to manage multiple
desktops.

Dialog boxes:

Definition: Dialog boxes are graphical windows that

appear to get input from or provide information to the
user, often within an application.
They can be used to display messages, request
information, or allow users to make choices related to a
specific task or application.
Key aspects of dialog boxes in Windows 11:
Functionality:

Dialog boxes are used to display information, gather

input, and provide feedback to the user.
 Appearance: They are temporary windows, separate
from the main application window, and often contain
controls like text boxes, buttons, and dropdown
menus.
 Common Dialogs: Windows provides predefined
dialog boxes for common tasks like opening files,
saving files, and printing.
 Customization: Developers can create custom dialog
boxes to suit the specific needs of their applications.

Examples:

 Run dialog box: Accessed via Windows key + R,

used to execute commands or open applications
by name.
 System Properties: Accessed by right-clicking the
Start button and selecting “System”, or through
File Explorer.

List box:

Definition:list box is a graphical control element in

Windows desktops that allows users to select one or more
items from a list.

It’s similar to a dropdown list but remains expanded,

showing all items at once.
List boxes can display a scroll bar if there are more items
than can be shown at once.

Key Features and Behavior:

 Single or Multiple Selection: List boxes can be

configured to allow users to select only one item or
multiple items.
 Scrolling: If the number of items exceeds the visible
space, a scroll bar (vertical or horizontal, depending
on configuration) is automatically added.
 Visual Representation: List boxes are visually distinct
from dropdown lists, as they always display their
contents without being collapsed.