Chapter 11: Using the Microsoft Windows GUI

Labs you will perform in this chapter:

• Lab 11.1: Starting Up, Navigating, and Shutting Down a Windows System

• Lab 11.2: Customizing the Windows Desktop

• Lab 11.3: Using Files and Folders

• Lab 11.4: Installing and Launching Applications

The graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to select files, programs, or commands by pointing to pictorial representations on the screen rather than having to recall complicated commands with confusing syntax. The Desktop is the central element of the Windows user interface; all operations start and end at the Desktop.

The Start menu provides a pathway to virtually all programs and features of the operating system. It presents multiple options, and when you pick one, it often leads you to additional options. Navigating the Start menu in Windows is basically a process of choosing options until you reach your destination. Sometimes, the difficult part is remembering which options take you where you want to go. It takes practice to learn where the various tools and applications hide. To simplify this task, many users create shortcuts on the Desktop for the applications and tools they use frequently. Then, all you need to do is double-click on the shortcut icon to open the desired program.

In this chapter, we’ll cover both the command-line and GUI interfaces. Because the test covers some commands, you need to be comfortable with using the command-line interface. Many times it’s easier to perform tasks from the command line rather than use the GUI. In fact, some tools do not have a GUI equivalent, so you are forced to use the command line. So, we’ll discuss the command-line interface, which allows you to operate the computer in a DOS-like mode if you need to. In command-line mode, remember that all commands must be typed with the correct spelling and syntax.

Although the GUIs for Windows 9x and Windows 2000/XP are much alike, there are some differences that we’ll note.

Note

For more information on using the Windows interface, see Chapter 12 of David Groth’s A+ Complete Study Guide (Sybex, 2003).