Working with Windows

Windows 98/XP/Vista

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Before we can dig into the really fun and productive applications for the computer, we must first learn some basics about "driving" your computer. For most people this means the Windows. Even if you are new to computers, you won't find this a difficult task. To learn ALL about Windows would be a course in itself. We will be touching on just enough to get you started.

Be sure to read the page Before you start..., and the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

What you need

• Computer: A computer running some version of Windows. Win98, WinXP, and Windows Vista are discussed particularly.

Be aware that security updates and support are not available forever. Older versions of Windows like Win95 and Win98 are no longer supported by Microsoft. Use at your own risk!

• Removable File Storage: A USB drive or other removable storage media (recommended) or several floppy disks.

You need removable storage for a working copy and a backup copy of your documents and so you can work on your documents in class and at home. For these lessons about Windows you do not need large capacity but if you go on to other lesson units, you will need the equivalent of several floppy disks.

If you have a computer of your own, keep an up-to-date copy of your work on your home computer, too. Start good backup habits early and you won't kick yourself later when your files are lost or corrupted.

USB drive: Recommended
Called by many different names: flash drive, flash pen,  thumb drive,  key drive, jump drive, and mini-USB drive. A USB drive is an excellent choice for storing your class work. It plugs directly into a USB port on your computer. Your data is much safer on a USB drive than on a floppy disk.

Before you buy a flash drive:
Check the following for both the classroom computer AND your home computer-

• Computer does have USB ports.
• You are allowed to use one of the USB ports.
• You can physically get to the USB port.
  Some are on the the back of the computer case.
• Operating system will recognize a USB drive.
  Windows 200, Windows Me, WinXP, and Windows Vista will automatically recognize your USB drive. For Win95 and Win98, you must install drivers.
• Physical arrangement of USB ports - Are they side by side? one above the other? Is the port indented from the rest of the case?
  Some USB drives are wider or thicker than others and may not fit all port arrangements, especially if a neighboring USB port has something plugged into it. You can use a short extension cable in such situations.

If you do not have a computer at home, consider buying 2 USB drives so that you can use one to keep a backup copy of your work. Don't lose them both at the same time!

Floppy disks: Cheaper; Not as reliable
You will need at least   two blank 3½" floppy disks at a time to store the documents you create. One you will use to save your documents as you work and on the other you will make a backup copy of the first disk. Keep a third blank floppy on hand as a spare in case of floppy disasters.

You'll need more than 2 floppy disks if you don't delete any of the documents you create.  After you have put more than one document on the floppy, keep that spare blank floppy disk handy. It is no fun at all to do a lot of work and then find that the changed file won't fit on the disk!

Floppy disks are cheap and handy but it is easy to lose the data on them from magnetic damage and physical damage when you are carrying them around all day. Be careful and have several backup copies.

More on caring for floppy disks and caring for data

How to handle a full disk

Icons

 A footprint marks the hands-on topics, where you are to follow Step-by-Step directions.

marks a tip - something you might find useful to know.

marks a warning about possible problems.

marks directions for what to do in case of trouble

Windows

Windows 98

Windows XP

Windows Vista

~~  1 Cor. 10:31 ...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  ~~

Last updated: 22 Jan 2008