3.9. Graphics and Multimedia
A rudimentary image editor, used to create and modify .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .tif, .ico, and .png image files.
To open Start  All Programs Accessories Paint Command Prompt mspaint
Description Paint is a basic image editor (often called a "paint program") capable of creating and modifying most Windows Bitmap (.bmp), Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg), Compuserve Graphics Interchange Format (.gif), Tagged Image File Format (.tif), and Portable Network Graphics (.png) image files. It can open icon (.ico) files but cannot save graphics in the .ico format. In essence, Paint is to image files as Notepad is to text files.
Capture, annotate, and save screen captures.
To open Start All Programs Accessories Snipping Tool Command Prompt snippingtool
Description The Snipping Tool, new to Windows Vista, lets you capture any portion of your screen, annotate that screen capture, and then copy it to the Clipboard or save it as a .mht, .png, .gif, or .jpeg file. When you run the Snipping Tool a small screen appears. The rest of your screen dims, and your cursor turns into a big + sign. If you want to snip a rectangular area, use the cursor to define the area. You can instead capture a freeform area, the entire screen, or a screen or object such as the Taskbar. To do that, click New in the Snipping Tool and make your choice of screen captures.
Create DVDs that you can watch on a TV.
To open Start All Programs Windows DVD Maker Command Prompt dvdmaker
Description Windows DVD Maker is a simple program for creating DVDs that you can play on a TV. It features a wizard-style interface and walks you through two screens to create a DVD.
Play and record media of all types, including TV.
To open Start All Programs Windows Media Center Command Prompt  ehshell (only when youre in C:\Windows\ehome\)
Description The Windows Media Center, previously available only in a special edition of Windows XP, ships with every copy of Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate. It uses an interface unlike any other program built into Windows, and it dispenses with menus, toolbars, and the usual screen elements you've grown used to in Windows; you instead navigate and choose features by using your mouse or arrow keys, or if you have one, a remote control. In fact, it looks more like it's been designed to be used with a remote control, rather than the keyboard. Microsoft has been trying to make the Windows Media Center the center of home entertainment systems, and it has been designed to connect to TVs. Because it is supposed to have its place in the living room and has been designed to be accessed via remote control, it's simple and intuitive to use, so there's no need to delve into its general use in any great detail here. The Windows Media Center interface is self-explanatory. Scroll to the kind of media you want to watch or record (Pictures & Videos, Music, TV & Movies, and so on) and select Program Library, or Recorded TV, to view a library of all the media in that category. Then select it to view it. The Windows Media Center uses the familiar VCR-like controls along the bottom of the screen (e.g., Play, Stop, etc.) to control your playing. You can also watch TV and play DVDs.
Play back a wide variety of video and audio media files, such as .mpg movies, .mp3 songs, .wma Windows media songs, audio CD tracks, .dvr-ms recorded TV shows, media files, and other streaming media.
To open Start All Programs Windows Media Player Double-click on any associated media file. Command Prompt wmplayer (note: you have to be in Description Windows Media Player is the default application used to open and play most of the types of video and audio media supported by Windows Vista. You can open Windows Media Player from the Start menu, as well as by double-clicking on a supported media file or clicking on a link in a web page to open that video or audio clip and play it. The program isn't configured or enabled until you launch it for the first time, at which point a simple configuration screen will appear. Basic operation of Windows Media Player is fairly straightforward, with the standard VCR-like controls along the bottom of the screen (e.g., Play, Stop, etc.), the current view of your media or operations in the large, middle part of the screen, and navigation on the left part of the screen. This basic view, however, changes according to your current activity.
Capture and edit video, and create video clips.
To open Start All Programs Windows Movie Maker Command Prompt moviemk (you must be in the Description Windows Movie Maker has been significantly beefed up from its Windows XP incarnation, and it is now a full-featured program for creating videos. The Windows XP and Windows Vista versions of it have become popular for creating videos uploaded to video-sharing sites such as YouTube (http://www.youtube.com).
Organize, view, and edit pictures and video clips.
To open Start All Programs Windows Photo Gallery Command Prompt windowsphotogallery (you must be in the Description Windows Photo Gallery is an organizational, viewing, and editing tool for handling digital pictures and video clips. It won't replace more powerful editing programs, but for most basic tasks such as viewing and organizing your clips, as well as for basic photo-editing tasks such as eliminating red eye, it's perfectly serviceable. |
