Introduction to the World of IT Labs
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Lab 1.1 Getting Started in Windows 7
Objective: To be able to use Windows 7 to locate and launch applications
Parts: Windows 7 computer
Procedure: Complete the following procedure and answer the accompanying questions.
Power on the computer and log in. You may need to contact an instructor or a student assistant for the user ID and password.
Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Start button is used to launch applications and utilities, search for files and other computers, obtain help, and add/remove hardware and software. The Start button menu is configurable, as shown in a later lab. Lab Figure 1.1 shows a sample Windows 7 Start button menu.
Lab Figure 1.1 Windows 7 Start button
The left panel of the Start button window contains a list of commonly used applications. An item that has an arrow to the right of the name has a submenu that contains recently used application files that can be accessed by holding the pointer over the right arrow and clicking on the filename in the right panel. A recently used file does not have to be used. You can simply click the name of the application, and it will open.
List one application found in the left panel of the Start button menu.
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There are several other ways to access applications from the Start button menu, especially if it is not shown in the left panel. Explore one way by clicking on the All Programs link at the bottom. The All Programs Start button option contains applications and folders that contain other applications. Notice the scrollbar on the right (see Lab Figure 1.2); it enables you to scroll through the installed applications.
Lab Figure 1.2 Windows 7 All Programs menu
What is the name of the last All Programs application or folder shown on your computer?
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Examine the available applications located throughout the list.
Which application do you think you might use the most?
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To access an application within a folder, you must first click on the folder and then click on the application. Locate and select the Accessories folder.
List three applications found in the Accessories folder.
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Another way of accessing applications is through the Search programs and files textbox, accessed from the Start button. Click on the Start button, and right above the Start button you can see this textbox. Click once inside the textbox and start typing the word NOTE. At the top of the screen you see a couple of programs that have the word “note” in them.
List one application found using the keyword “note.”
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Click on the Notepad application at the top of the list. The Notepad application opens.
Notice the three buttons in the top-right corner. These three buttons, which are common in windows, are shown in Lab Figure 1.3. Lab Table 1.1 details the purpose of these buttons.
Lab Figure 1.3 Windows 7 window buttons
Lab Table 1.1 Windows top-right window buttons
Button
Purpose
Minimize (straight line)
Keeps the program running but removes it from being active on the screen. Use the
buttons to re-access the app.Maximize/Restore Down (rectangle)
Used to make the window that holds the app full screen (maximize) or, if you size the window, restore it to its default size.
Close (X)
Used to close an app.
Click on the far-right close button to close Notepad.
Use the Search programs and files textbox to locate and launch the Calculator application.
Which three menu items are available with the Calculator application?
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Whenever you use an application, the open application icon appears on the Windows 7 taskbar, at the bottom of the screen. The taskbar is customizable, and this skill is taught later in the book. Notice that a small calculator icon appears on the taskbar. Click on an icon, and the corresponding application appears on the desktop.
Minimize the Calculator application by clicking on the Minimize button (straight line) in the top-right corner. Notice that the calculator is still loaded, as indicated by the icon on the taskbar.
Use the All Programs Start button item to locate the Sticky Notes application accessory. Remember that you must first access the Accessories folder to locate the applications within that folder. Notice that the Sticky Notes application icon is on the taskbar.
An easy way to move between applications is by using the
keys. Hold down the 
key. While keeping that key held down, tap once on the 
key. A window with all open applications appears. While keeping the key depressed and tapping the key once, the cursor cycles through the open applications. When it highlights the application you want to re-access, let the and keys go. Use the and keys to re-access the Calculator application.Instructor initials: _____________
Close the Calculator application by clicking the Close button.
Click on the Sticky Notes application icon on the taskbar. Close the Sticky Notes application by clicking the Close button.
Easily access the Windows 7 Start button menu at any time by pressing the Windows key (
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