eMachines EL1200 Series manual Using the Windows desktop, Help

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Chapter 2: Using Windows

Using the Windows desktop

After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized work space where you open programs and perform other tasks.

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Help

For more information about the Windows desktop, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type Windows desktop in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.

Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your computer is set up. The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.

Desktop elements		Description

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing the Start button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the taskbar represent programs that are running.

Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.

The Start button provides access to programs, files, help for Windows and other programs, and computer tools and utilities.

Click the Start button, then open a file or program by clicking an item on the menu that opens.

The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and programs that you discarded are stored. You must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete them from your computer. For instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see “Deleting files and folders” on page 12.

The Windows Security Center icon may appear on the taskbar near the clock. The icon changes appearance to notify you when the security settings on your computer are set below the recommended value or when updates are available. Double-click this icon to open the Windows Security Center. For more information, see “Modifying security settings” on page 62.

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Contents Desktop PC User Guide Page Contents Networking Your Computer Iii Contents Chapter Using the eMachines Web site Using Help and Support Thank you for purchasing our computerTip Using online help Contacting eMachinesGetting help for Windows Media Center Getting Help Using Windows Using the Windows desktop HelpUsing the Start menu ShortcutAdding icons to the desktop Identifying window itemsWindow item Description Working with files and folders Viewing drivesCreating folders Copying and moving files and folders Deleting files and folders Using the Windows Search Searching for filesUsing advanced search options Browsing for files and foldersWorking with documents Creating a new documentSaving a document Opening a document Printing a documentShortcuts Do thisUsing Windows Using the Internet and Faxing Setting up an Internet account Learning about the InternetUsing the World Wide Web Accessing your Internet accountConnecting to a Web site Using e-mail Downloading filesSending e-mail Click Create MailUsing Windows Fax and Scan Checking your e-mailSending a fax Click Send/ReceiveUsing the Internet and Faxing Page Setting up your cover page template Canceling a fax Faxing a scanned document or from programsReceiving and viewing a fax Playing and Creating Media Files Playing music and movies Playing audio and video filesPlaying an optical disc using Windows Media Player Playing optical discsIf the disc is not already playing, click play Creating audio files and music libraries Creating music filesRecording audio files Creating WMA and MP3 music files Building a music library Editing track informationCreating a music CD using Windows Media Player Creating music CDs and video DVDsCreating a music CD Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker Creating a video DVDPlaying and Creating Media Files Creating and copying data discs Creating a data discUsing Windows Media Center Starting Windows Media CenterPage Using the Media Center remote control Buttons FunctionsNetworking Your Computer Wired Ethernet networking Introduction to NetworkingEthernet networking Networking terms you should knowClick System and Maintenance, then click System Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet networkSetting up wired Ethernet network hardware Making sure your broadband connection worksWireless Ethernet networking Wireless Ethernet standards Using an access pointEquipment you need for an access point-based network Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware Establishing your Ethernet network connectionNaming the computers and the workgroup Configuring the TCP/IP protocol Connecting to a wireless Ethernet networkPage Testing your network Wireless securityAdding a printer to your network Sharing resourcesPage Using the network Viewing shared drives and foldersCreating a shortcut to a network drive Opening files across the networkBluetooth networking Copying files across the networkPrinting files across the network Help Protecting your computer Startup and hard drive password Hardware securityData security Kensington lock slotUsing Norton Protecting your computer from virusesRemoving viruses and spyware Protecting your computer Updating your virus and spyware definitions Using Windows Security Center Modifying security settingsClick Start, Control Panel, then Click Security Security updates Windows UpdateScheduling automatic updates Click Windows UpdateBigFix Customizing Windows Changing screen settings Changing color depth and screen resolutionLow 8-bit = 256 colors Medium 16-bit = 65,500 colors Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds To change the Windows desktop backgroundSelecting a screen saver Changing gadgets Using a gadget’s control panel Configuring the gadget SidebarSetting up multiple monitors Changing system sounds Changing mouse settings Adding and modifying user accountsUser account tips To add, delete, or modify user accounts Changing power-saving settings Changing the power planClick Save changes Changing accessibility settings Using the Ease of Access CenterSetting up parental controls Using voice recognitionFiltering Internet access Restricting game access Scheduling computer and Internet usePage Restricting specific programs Creating activity reportsAll Rights Reserved Trademark acknowledgmentsChapter Index See DVD HD-DVD Sending fax Page MAN Ecooper USR GDE 11/08