Windows Basics

    Read this chapter to get basic information on how to:

Work on the Windows desktop
Manage files and folders
Work with documents
Use shortcuts
Move data from your old computer to your new computer

    HelpSpot

    For more information on using Windows, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

    About the Windows environment

      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.

      Your desktop may be different from the example shown below, depending on how your computer is set up.

    Desktop items

      Icons are graphic representations of objects on the desktop that you select and open, such as a drive, folder, file, or program. Buttons are graphic representations of controls that you use to open windows or apply changes.

    Desktop icons, buttons, and elements Description

    The My Computer icon provides access to drives and other computer controls. Double-click the My Computer icon to view the drives and folders on your computer.

    My Documents is a folder where you store your personal files. You can create other folders to save files in, but My Documents is easy to find because it is on the desktop. Double-click My Documents to view your personal files and folders.

    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.

    Microsoft Internet Explorer is a program called a browser that lets you view Web sites and Web pages on the Internet. Double-click this icon to open the browser. For instructions on how to access the Internet, see "Learning about the Internet".

    The Gateway.net and America Online Included icons let you connect to the Gateway.net or America Online ISP (Internet Service Provider).

    Double-click either the Gateway.net or America Online Included icon to dial one of the services. For instructions on how to set up an ISP, see "Setting up an Internet account".

    Gateway has provided an easily accessible interactive guide called HelpSpot for use with Windows Me. This guide is designed to provide help information and let you quickly discover and use the features of your computer. Double-click the HelpSpot icon to begin.

    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 (selecting) an item on the menu that opens.

    The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the screen 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 activate the program's window.

    Window items

      When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, files, or program, a window opens on the desktop. This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which opens after double-clicking the Local Disk (C:) icon in the My Computer window.

      Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus, icons, and controls. Most windows include these items:

    Window item Description

    The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows the name of the program.

    Clicking the minimize button reduces the active window to a button on the taskbar. Clicking the program button in the taskbar opens the window again.

    Clicking the maximize button expands the active window to fit the entire screen. Clicking the maximize button again restores the window to its former size.

    Clicking the close button closes the active window or program.

    Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an action such as Print or Save.

    Using the Start menu

      You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for files and folders, and more using the Start menu.

    To open the Start menu:

    Click the Start button on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start menu opens showing you the first level of menu items.

         

      When you move the pointer over any menu item that has an arrow next to it, another menu, or submenu, opens and reveals related files, programs, or commands. Click a file or program to open it.

    Working with files and folders

      You can organize your files and programs to suit your preferences much like you would store information in a file cabinet. You can store these files in folders and copy, move, and delete the information just as you would reorganize and throw away information in a file cabinet.

      HelpSpot

      For more information on working with files and folders, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

      About drives

        Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A computer almost always has more than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local Disk (C:) for the hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) for the diskette drive. You may also have more drives such as a CD/DVD drive.

      To view the drives on your computer:

      Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop.

           

      To see the files and folders on a drive:

      Double-click the drive icon. If you do not see the contents of a drive after you double-click its icon, click View the entire contents of this drive.

           

      About folders and files

        Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They contain files and other folders.

        Files are much like paper documents--letters, spreadsheets, and pictures--that you keep on your computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored in files.

      To create a folder:

        1. Double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop. The My Computer window opens.

        2. Double-click the drive or folder, for example 3½ Floppy (A:) or Local Disk (C:), where you want to put the new folder.
          The drive or folder window opens. If you do not see the contents of the drive or folder, click View the entire contents of [this drive or this folder].

        1. Select File, then New, then Folder. The new folder is created.

        2. Type a name for the folder, then press Enter. The new folder name appears under the folder.

           

      Copying and moving files and folders

        The skills you need to copy and move files are copying, cutting, and pasting.

        When you copy and paste a selection, you place a copy of the file you selected on the Windows clipboard, which stores it. Then, when you decide what folder you want the copy to go in (the destination folder), you paste it there.

        When you cut and paste a selection, you remove the file from its folder and place the file on the Windows clipboard. When you decide where you want the file to go, you paste it there.

        Important

        The clipboard stores whatever you cut or copy until you cut or copy again. Then the clipboard contains the new information only. Therefore, you can paste copies of a file into more than one place, but as soon as you copy or cut a file again, the old file is deleted from the clipboard.

        To copy a file or folder to another folder:

          1. Right-click the file or folder that you want to copy. A menu opens on the desktop.

          2. Select Copy from the menu.

          3. Open the destination folder.

          4. With the pointer inside the destination folder, press the right touchpad button.

          5. Select Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.

             

        To move a file or folder to another folder:

          1. Right-click the file or folder that you want to move. A menu opens on the desktop.

          2. Select Cut from the menu.

          3. Open the destination folder.

          4. With the pointer inside the destination folder, press the right touchpad button.

          5. Select Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and is removed from its old location.

             

        Deleting files and folders

          When you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file cabinet and put them in a trash can. Eventually the trash can is emptied.

          In Windows, you throw away files and folders by first moving them to the Windows trash can, the Recycle Bin, where they remain until you decide to empty the bin.

          You can recover any file in the Recycle Bin as long as the bin has not been emptied.

        To delete files or folders:

          1. In My Computer or Windows Explorer, select the files or folders that you want to delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders, see Shortcuts.

          2. Select File, then select Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the Recycle Bin.

             

        To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

          1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The Recycle Bin window opens listing the files and folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.

          2. Select the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders, see Shortcuts.

          3. Click File, then Restore. Windows returns the deleted files and folders to their original locations.

             

          If the Recycle Bin was emptied before you decided that you want to restore a file, use Gateway GoBack (if available on your notebook).

        To empty the Recycle Bin:

          Caution

          Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or folders in the bin. These files cannot be restored.

            1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window opens.

            2. Select File, then select Empty Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure that you want to empty the bin.

            3. Click Yes. Windows permanently deletes all the files in the Recycle Bin.

               

          Browsing for files and folders

            A file or folder that you need is rarely right on top of your Windows desktop. It is usually on a drive inside a folder that may be inside yet another folder, and so on.

            Windows drives, folders, and files are organized in the same way as a real file cabinet in that they may have many levels (usually many more levels than a file cabinet, in fact). So you usually will have to search through levels of folders to find the file or folder that you need. This is called browsing.

          To browse for a file:

            1. Double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.

            2. Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder that you want to find.

            1. Continue double-clicking folders and their subfolders until you find the file or folder you want. (If you do not see the contents of a folder, click View the entire contents of this folder.)

               

          Searching for files

            If you are looking for a particular file or folder or a set of files or folders that have characteristics in common, but you do not remember where they are stored on your hard drive, you can use the Search utility in Windows Me or Windows 2000, or the Find utility in Windows 98 to search by:

          Name or part of a name
          Creation date
          Modification date
          File type
          Text contained in the file
          Time period in which it was created or modified

            You can also combine search criteria to refine searches.

            Files and folders found using these utilities can be opened, copied, cut, renamed, or deleted directly from the list in the results window.

          Using the Windows Me or Windows 2000 Search utility

          To find files and folders using the Search utility:

            1. Click Start, then select Search, then For Files or Folders. The search dialog box opens.
            1. If you want to search by file or folder name, type in all or part of the file or folder name in the Search for files or folders named box in the left pane of the window.
          If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of that name.
          If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder names containing the letters you typed.
            1. Click Search Now. When the search is completed, Windows lists the files and folders whose names contain the text that you searched for.

            1. Open a file, folder, or program by double-clicking the name in the list.

               

          Using advanced search options

            Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can select options to narrow your search by clicking Search Options and selecting the options that you want:

          Date searches for files that were created or modified on a specific date or during a specific period.
          Size searches for files of a specific size.
          Type searches for files of a specific type, such as a program or a text document.
          Advanced Options give you access to further search options.

          Using the Windows 98 Find utility

          To find files and folders using the Find utility:

            1. Click Start, then select Find, then Files or Folders. The Find: All Files dialog box opens.
            1. If you want to search by file or folder name, click the Name & Location tab, then type in all or part of the file or folder name in the Named text box.
          If you type all of the name, Find will list all files and folders of that name.
          If you type part of the name, Find will list all of the file and folder names containing the letters you typed.
            1. Click Find Now. When the search is completed, Windows lists the files and folders whose names contain the text that you searched for.

            1. Open a file, folder, or program by double-clicking the name in the list.

               

          Using advanced search options

            You can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can select options to narrow your search by clicking the Date or Advanced tabs and selecting the options that you want:

          Date searches for files that were created or modified on a specific date or during a specific period.
          Size searches for files of a specific size.
          Type searches for files of a specific type, such as a program or a text document.

          Working with documents

            Documents are commonly word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other similar files. The basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a document apply to most of these types of files.

            The following examples illustrate the concepts for creating, saving, opening, and printing a document in Microsoft® Word. Though these examples use Microsoft Word, similar procedures apply to other programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Publisher.

            For more information about using a program, select Help on the menu bar.

          Creating a new document

            HelpSpot

            For more information on creating a document, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

            To create a new document:

              1. Click Start, then select Programs, then Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word starts and a blank document opens.

              2. Select File, then select New. The New dialog box opens.

              1. Click a tab for the type of document you want to create, select a document template style, then click OK. The document template opens.

              2. Begin composing your document. Use the menus and toolbar buttons at the top of the window to format the document.

                 

            Saving a document

              After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.

              HelpSpot

              For more information on saving a document, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

              To save a document in Microsoft Word:

                1. Select File, then Save. The Save As dialog box opens.

                2. In the Save in list, find the folder in which you plan to save the file.

                3. Type the new file name.

                1. Click Save.

                   

              Opening a document

                To view, revise, or print an existing document, you need to open it. Open the document in the program it was created in.

                HelpSpot

                For more information on opening a document, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

                To open a document in Microsoft Word:

                  1. Click Start, then select Programs, then Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word starts and a blank document opens.

                  2. Select File, then Open.

                  3. In the Look in list, find the folder you want to open.

                  1. Double-click the document file name. The document opens.

                     

                Printing a document

                  To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your computer or have access to a network printer. For more information about installing or using your printer, refer to the printer documentation.

                  HelpSpot

                  For more information on printing a document, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

                  To print a document in Microsoft Word:

                    1. Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.

                    2. Start Microsoft Word and open a document.

                    3. Select File, then Print. The Print dialog box opens.

                    4. Select the print options, then click OK. The document prints.

                       

                  Shortcuts

                    The following table shows a few shortcuts that you can use in Windows and almost all programs that run in Windows. For more information on Windows shortcuts, see your Windows or program documentation.

                  To... Do this...

                  Copy a file, folder, text, or graphic

                  Select the item, then press Ctrl  +  C.

                  Cut a file, folder, text, or graphic

                  Select the item, then press Ctrl  +  X.

                  Paste a file, folder, text, or graphic

                  Select the item, then press Ctrl  +  V.

                  Select multiple icons on the desktop

                  Click the first icon, press and hold down the Ctrl key, then click each of the remaining icons that you want to select.

                  Select multiple items in a list or in an Explorer window

                  Click the first item, press and hold down the Ctrl key, then click each of the remaining items.

                  Select multiple adjacent items in a list

                  Click the first item in the list, press and hold down the Shift key, then click the last item in the list.

                  Permanently delete a file or folder

                  Click the file or folder, then press
                  Shift                    +  Delete. The file is permanently deleted and is not stored in the Recycle Bin.

                  Rename a file or folder

                  Select the file or folder, press F2, type the new name, then press Enter.

                  Close the active window or program

                  Press Alt  +  F4.

                  Switch to a different file, folder, or running program

                  Press Alt  +  Tab.

                  Transferring software and hardware from your old computer

                    If your new computer is replacing an old computer, you may have personal data files, Internet settings, a printer or other peripheral devices, and other unique computer settings that you want to move from your old computer to your new one.

                  Gateway Data Mover Plus kit

                    If both your old and new computers have USB ports, you can use the Gateway Data Mover Plus kit to automatically transfer customized computer settings, such as Desktop settings, sound schemes, Internet and e-mail settings, as well as personal data files, such as documents, spreadsheets, and photographs. This program, with its special USB cable, helps you do this quickly and efficiently. To order the Gateway Data Mover Plus kit, visit the Gateway Accessory Store at www.gateway.com.

                  Transferring files

                    You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to removable media, such as a diskette, CD, or Zip disk, or by using a home network. For more information about using a home network, see "Networking Your Home".

                  Finding your files

                    Many programs automatically save your personal data files in the My Documents folder. Look in your old computer's My Documents folder for personal data files. Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files.

                  To find files in the My Documents folder:

                    1. Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop. The My Computer window opens.

                    2. Double-click the C:\ drive icon. The C:\ window opens.

                    3. Double-click the My Documents folder. The My Documents window opens and displays many of your saved personal data files.

                       

                    You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file's extension (the part of the file name following the last period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS extension.

                  File type File usually ends in...

                  Documents

                  .doc, .txt, .rtf, .htm, .html, .dot

                  Spreadsheets

                  .xls, .xlt, .txt

                  Pictures

                  .jpg, .bmp, .gif, .pdf, .pct, .tif, .png

                  Movies

                  .mpeg, .mpg, .avi, .gif, .mov

                  Sound and Music

                  .wav, .cda, .mp3, .mid, .midi

                  To find files using Find or Search:

                    1. Click Start, then select Find or Search, then Files or Folders or For Files or Folders. The Search Results window opens.

                    2. Use Windows Search to locate data files by file name or file type. For help on finding files, click Help, then select Help Topics.

                       

                  Transferring Internet settings

                    You can use different methods to transfer your Internet account from your old computer to your new one.

                  Setting up your ISP

                  If your current Internet Service Provider (ISP) software came preinstalled on your new computer, run that setup program. If it asks to set up a new account or an existing one, choose to reconnect to an existing account.
                  If your current ISP software is not preinstalled on your new computer, locate the original Internet setup program provided by your local ISP, or contact your ISP to see if they have an updated version of their software, and install it on your new computer.
                  If you use MSN as your ISP, or if you know your ISP settings, use the Windows Internet Connection Wizard.

                  To use the Internet Connection Wizard:

                    1. Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, Communications, then Internet Connection Wizard. The Internet Connection Wizard window opens.

                    2. Configure your Internet settings by following the on-screen instructions.

                       

                  Transferring your e-mail and address book

                    Refer to your old e-mail program's online help for information on exporting and importing e-mail messages and the address book. You can often export all of your old e-mail messages or address book to a diskette, then import them from the diskette into your new computer's e-mail program. Alternatively, you may want to consider simply printing the old information or e-mailing it to yourself.

                  Transferring your Internet shortcuts

                    You can export and import your old bookmarks (Netscape Navigator) or favorites (Microsoft Internet Explorer). For more information, refer to your Internet browser program's online help.

                  Reinstalling your old printer or scanner

                    Older printers, scanners, or other peripheral devices may have Windows support integrated (built in), which means you do not need any additional software. Newer devices, however, usually require your original software installation CDs or disks.

                  Reinstalling a USB printer or scanner

                    USB devices may have special installation instructions. Refer to your USB device's installation guide.

                  Reinstalling a parallel port printer

                    You can usually install parallel port printers by following these steps.

                  To reinstall your old printer:

                    1. Exit Windows and turn off your computer.

                    2. Connect your parallel port printer.

                    3. Turn on your printer, then your computer.

                    4. If Windows detects your printer, install your printer by following the on-screen instructions. You are finished.
                      - OR -
                      If Windows does not detect the printer, go to the next step.

                    1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Printers. The Printers window opens.

                    2. Double-click the Add Printer icon. The Add Printer Wizard window opens.

                    3. Install your printer by following the on-screen instructions.

                       

                    Refer to your peripheral device's user guide for installation information and tips. Because most installation software is periodically updated, you should also check the manufacturers' Web site for driver updates.

                  Reinstalling your old programs

                    You probably use some programs that did not come installed on your new computer, such as personal finance software, graphics programs, or games.

                    Spend some time going through your old computer's Start and Programs menus, making note of any programs you want to install on your new computer. Locate your original program installation CDs and installation guides. Your original CDs and guides should contain any serial numbers or product ID keys that may be required for program installation and registration. Remember to check the manufacturers' Web site for important program updates.

                    Tips & Tricks

                    If your new computer comes with a newer version of a program, it is usually best to use the newer version than to reinstall the old one.