Introduction to Working with Windows Operating System: -

The Windows Operating System (OS) is one of the most widely used operating systems for
personal computers (PCs), developed and sold by Microsoft Corporation. It provides an
interface between the user and the computer's hardware, making it easy to manage files,
run programs, and connect to the internet, among many other functions. Understanding
how to work with Windows effectively is important for both casual and professional users.
Versions of Windows OS: -
Microsoft has released multiple versions of Windows since its inception in 1985. Some of the
most popular versions include:
• Windows XP (2001)
• Windows 7 (2009)
• Windows 8 (2012)
• Windows 10 (2015)
• Windows 11 (2021)
Each version brought significant improvements in performance, security, and user interface.
User Interface (UI) of Windows: -
Windows OS is known for its graphical user interface (GUI), which allows users to interact
with the system through visuals like icons, windows, and menus, rather than relying on text-
based commands.
• Start Menu: The main gateway to access installed programs, settings, and power
options. In Windows 10/11, the Start Menu can also feature live tiles.
• Taskbar: A bar at the bottom of the screen that shows open applications, system
icons (like volume, network), and the clock.
• File Explorer: A tool to navigate and manage files and folders.
• Desktop: The main workspace where icons, files, and shortcuts can be placed.
Key Features of Windows:-
Windows provides a wide range of features to simplify everyday computing tasks:
• File Management: Through File Explorer, users can create, delete, copy, move, and
search files and folders.
• Multitasking: Windows allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously and
easily switch between them using the Alt+Tab shortcut or by clicking on the taskbar.
• Control Panel/Settings: Allows users to manage system settings, install software, and
configure devices like printers and audio systems.
• Security: Built-in features like Windows Defender, firewall, and frequent security
updates keep the system protected from viruses and malware.
• Search: Windows provides a powerful search function to find files, settings, or
applications. In Windows 10/11, users can also use Cortana, a virtual assistant.

The Desktop: -

The desktop is the primary screen or workspace that appears when you start your windows
computer. It acts as a virtual space where you can place shortcuts to files, folders,

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applications for easy access. It’s one of the central elements of the Graphical User Interface
(GUI), allowing you to interact with the system visually, without needing to use commands.
Desktop Layout
The Windows desktop is designed to provide quick access to important resources and tools.
The layout typically includes:
• Background (Wallpaper): The wallpaper is the image or color that appears on the
desktop. You can customize this in Settings to display your favorite picture or a solid
color.
• Icons: These are small graphical representations of files, folders, applications, and
system shortcuts. Examples of common desktop icons include:
o This PC (or My Computer): A shortcut to access drives, devices, and
connected storage.
o Recycle Bin: Where deleted files are temporarily stored before being
permanently erased.
o Application Shortcuts: Icons to quickly launch programs like Word, Chrome,
or games.
• Taskbar: The taskbar is located at the bottom of the desktop and contains:
o Start Button: Opens the Start Menu, where you can access installed
programs, settings, and more.
o Search Bar: Allows you to search for files, applications, and settings on your
computer or the web.
o Pinned Applications: Quick-launch shortcuts to frequently used apps.
o Notification Area: Displays system notifications, the clock, and icons for
background-running apps like volume, network, and antivirus software.

Windows Explorer (File Explorer) in Windows OS: -

Windows Explorer, now called File Explorer, is the built-in file management application in
Windows. It allows users to browse, manage, and organize files, folders, and drives on their
system. It's one of the most essential tools in the Windows operating system, as it provides
access to the underlying file system where all data, including documents, media, and
software, is stored.

Common File Explorer Operations

File Explorer is primarily used for managing files and folders on your system. Some of the
key operations include
a. Navigating Through Folders
b. Creating Folders
c. Copying, Moving, and Deleting Files
d. Renaming Files and Folders
e. Searching for Files
f. Sorting and Viewing Files

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File and Folder Operations in Windows: -
Windows provides various tools and methods for managing files and folders. These
operations are essential for organizing data, maintaining the system, and ensuring efficient
access to information.

1. Creating Files and Folders

a. Creating a New Folder
Folders are used to organize files. You can create a folder in any directory or on the desktop.
Steps:
1. Right-click on an empty area in the directory or on the desktop.
2. Hover over New, and select Folder.
3. Type a name for the folder and press Enter.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N to create a new folder.
b. Creating a New File
To create a new file, you typically need to open an application (e.g., Word, Excel) and save
the file in the desired folder. Some file types can be created directly from File Explorer.
Steps:
1. Right-click in an empty space inside a folder.
2. Hover over New.
3. Select the file type you want to create (e.g., Text Document, Word Document, Excel
Workbook).
4. Name the file and press Enter.

2. Copying Files and Folders

Copying files or folders creates a duplicate in another location, leaving the original intact.
Methods:
• Using Right-click:
1. Right-click the file or folder you want to copy.
2. Select Copy.
3. Navigate to the target folder, right-click, and choose Paste.
• Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
1. Select the file or folder by clicking on it.
2. Press Ctrl + C to copy.
3. Navigate to the destination folder, and press Ctrl + V to paste.

3. Moving Files and Folders

Moving a file or folder transfers it from one location to another, removing it from the original
directory.
Methods:
• Using Right-click:
1. Right-click the file or folder you want to move.
2. Select Cut.
3. Navigate to the target folder, right-click, and select Paste.
• Using Drag and Drop:
1. Left-click and hold the file or folder.
2. Drag it to the desired location, then release the mouse button.
• Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
1. Select the file or folder.

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 2. Press Ctrl + X to cut.
3. Navigate to the target location, and press Ctrl + V to paste.

4. Renaming Files and Folders

Renaming allows you to change the name of a file or folder without affecting its contents.
Steps:
1. Right-click the file or folder.
2. Select Rename from the context menu.
3. Type the new name and press Enter.
Alternatively, you can select the file or folder and press F2 to rename.

5. Deleting Files and Folders

Deleting removes a file or folder from its current location and sends it to the Recycle Bin.
Files in the Recycle Bin can be restored unless they are permanently deleted.
Methods:
• Using Right-click:
1. Right-click the file or folder.
2. Select Delete.
• Using Keyboard:
1. Select the file or folder.
2. Press the Delete key.
• Permanently Deleting: To bypass the Recycle Bin, select the file or folder and press
Shift + Delete. You will be prompted to confirm the permanent deletion.

6. Restoring Deleted Files and Folders

If you accidentally delete a file or folder, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, where you can
restore it.
Steps:
1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
2. Locate the deleted file or folder.
3. Right-click it and select Restore. The file or folder will return to its original location.

7. Searching for Files and Folders

If you don’t remember where a file or folder is located, you can use the search feature in File
Explorer.
Steps:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Type part of the file or folder name into the search box in the upper-right corner.
3. File Explorer will display matching results from the current directory.
You can refine the search by adding filters, such as date modified, file type, and size.

8. Sorting and Grouping Files and Folders

File Explorer allows you to sort and group files and folders to organize them more
effectively.
a. Sorting:

You can sort files by name, date modified, size, and other attributes.
Steps:
1. Right-click in the file list area of File Explorer.

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 2. Select Sort by and choose a sorting criterion (e.g., Name, Date Modified, Type).
b. Grouping:
Grouping allows you to categorize files into sections based on common attributes like date,
file type, or size.
Steps:
1. Right-click in the file list area of File Explorer.
2. Select Group by, then choose how you want to group the files (e.g., Date Modified,
Size).

9. File Compression and Extraction

Windows supports compressing files into a ZIP folder, which reduces file size and groups
multiple files into a single file for easier sharing.
a. Compressing Files (ZIP):
1. Select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to compress.
2. Right-click and select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
3. A new ZIP file will be created with the same name as the original file or folder.
b. Extracting Files from a ZIP Folder:
1. Right-click the ZIP folder.
2. Select Extract All, and choose a destination to extract the contents.

10. File Permissions

Windows allows you to set file and folder permissions to control who can access or modify
them. This is important for multi-user environments.
a. Viewing and Modifying Permissions:
1. Right-click the file or folder.
2. Select Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab.
4. Here, you can see the current permissions. To change them, click Edit, select a user
or group, and adjust the permissions.

11. Hidden Files and Folders

Some system files and folders are hidden by default to prevent accidental modification. You
can choose to view hidden items in File Explorer.
Steps:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on the View tab.
3. Check the box for Hidden items to display hidden files and folders.

Search in Windows: -
The Search feature in Windows is a powerful tool that allows users to quickly find files,
folders, applications, settings, and even web results. Integrated directly into the taskbar and
available throughout the operating system, Windows Search helps streamline tasks, making it
easier to locate and access content.

Windows Search Interface

There are multiple ways to access search in Windows:
a. Search Box on the Taskbar

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 • Located directly on the taskbar (or as a magnifying glass icon), this is the most
convenient place to initiate a search. You can type queries here to search for files,
folders, apps, settings, and web results.
b. Start Menu Search
• Click on the Start Menu (Windows icon), and begin typing. The Start Menu also
doubles as a search box, making it a quick way to find applications and settings.
c. File Explorer Search
• At the top-right corner of the File Explorer window, there’s a dedicated search bar.
This is specifically used to search within the current directory or across different
drives and folders.
Types of Searches in Windows
• Performing a Basic Search
• Refining Your Search
• Searching within File Explorer
• Customizing Search in Windows
• Common Troubleshooting for Windows Search
• Using Cortana for Voice Search

Recycle Bin: -
The Recycle Bin is a system folder where deleted files and folders are stored before being
permanently removed from the computer. Instead of being immediately deleted, items are
moved to this folder, allowing users to restore them if necessary.

The Recycle Bin only holds files that were deleted from local drives. If a file is deleted from
a removable drive (e.g., a USB stick) or through a command that bypasses the Recycle Bin, it
will be permanently deleted immediately.

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