Windows 10

Introduction
Windows is the most widely used and popular operating system globally. In this
discussion, we will delve into its inner workings to uncover its foundational principles,
master its features, and gain full control over it. Our goal is to understand the underlying
logic that drives its functionality. Rather than simply memorizing how to perform
specific tasks, the key is to learn where to find the right tools and solutions to achieve
your objectives efficiently.

Desktop
The desktop, which is the colored screen that appears shortly after turning on the
computer, is considered the main screen of the operating system. It allows the user to
have complete control over the computer, providing a central interface for managing
and accessing all of its functions.

Elements of the Desktop

 Icons: These are small symbols that represent files, folders, programs, and
shortcuts.
 Start Menu: This provides the user with a list that allows access to turn off the
computer, open all available programs and files, adjust system settings, and explore
other options.
 Taskbar: The taskbar, usually located at the bottom of the screen, includes the Start
button, a command and search tool, an option to add a new desktop, frequently used
applications, running applications, open files and folders, and the notification area.
 Notification Area: This area contains shortcuts to programs and provides important
information about the system’s status, such as time, date, language, sound, network
connections, and more.
Windows
When opening any item (program, folder, or file), it appears in a frame called a window,
the components of which may vary depending on the item being opened. However,
there are fixed elements, such as the close button, maximize button, restore button, and
minimize button. These windows are also movable, alignable, and resizable from all
sides .

Files and Folders Management

Files
A file is the basic unit of storage for the operating system, enabling it to distinguish one
set of information from another. It is a complete collection of data that carries a name,
allowing the user to retrieve, modify, delete, or save it, among other actions.
File Types
The name of any file in the operating system consists of two parts: the first is the file
name, and the second is the file extension, usually composed of three characters in
English. The extension helps determine the type and format of the file. A period (.)
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separates the file name from its extension. Below is a table of file types and some of
their extensions:

Type Extensions
Text txt, doc, docx, pdf, pptx, xlsx, html
Image gif, jpeg, jpg, bmp, png, tif
Sound mp3, mp4, wav, wma
Video wmv, avi, mov, dat
System Files dll, ini, inf, dat
Executable File exe, com
Archive Files zip, rar, iso
Folders
A folder is a container for programs and files, providing a means to organize them on
the disk. Folders can also contain subfolders.
When Windows is installed (on C disk), it creates three system folders:
 WINDOWS: This folder stores most of the critical system files for the operating
system.
 Program Files: This folder is where programs and applications store essential
files for their operation during installation.
 Users: This folder is dedicated to user accounts, with each account containing
subfolders specific to each user, as well as shared folders for all users.

C:

Here is a conceptual visualization of the system folder tree structure:

C:\
├── WINDOWS
│ ├── System32
│ ├── Logs
│ ├── Temp
│ └── Resources
├── Program Files
│ ├── Common Files
│ ├── Installed Programs
│ └── Application Data
├── Users
├── Default
├── Public
└── [User_Name]
├── Documents
├── Downloads
├── Pictures
├── Videos
└── Desktop

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This hierarchy illustrates how the operating system organizes folders and subfolders
to store data and system files systematically.
File Explorer
File Explorer is a core application of the operating system, providing a graphical
interface for browsing and accessing disk partitions, folders, and stored files. It also
enables users to perform various tasks for file and folder management.
Main Components of File Explorer
 Name Bar: Located at the top, it displays the name or title of the folder or file. This
bar is copyable.
 Toolbar: Contains tools organized into tabs (Home, Share, View, and Manage).
These tools allow actions such as creating or deleting folders, accessing help, or
showing/hiding parts of the Explorer interface.
 Forward and Backward Arrows: Used to navigate to folders previously opened
in the current Explorer session.
 Address Bar: Displays the path of the folder or file. This field is also copyable.
 Search Box: A field that allows users to search for items within the current folder.
 Navigation Pane: Displays a hierarchical tree of the computer’s main folders. It
allows users to navigate, expand, or collapse folders to view their contents.
 Items List: Shows the files and folders contained within the selected folder in the
Navigation Pane.
 Preview Pane: Provides a preview of the content of the file selected in the Items
List.
 Scroll Bar: Can be vertical, horizontal, or both. It appears in the Navigation Pane,
Items List, and Preview Pane, enabling users to scroll through content in these
sections.
 Details Pane: Displays information about the selected item in the Items List, such
as its size, type, and date modified.
 Status Bar: Located at the bottom, it shows information about the Items List, such
as the number of items and their total size.

Programs and Applications Management

Computer users need essential applications and programs to open various types of files
(e.g., text files, audio files). Some of these applications are included with the operating
system, while others must be installed. Occasionally, users may need to uninstall
programs to free up storage space for personal data.
Key Programs for Different File Types
File Type Programs Used
Text txt: Notepad, WordPad, Journal, Bloc-notes
doc, docx: Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, LaTeX
pdf: Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, Calibre, Chrome
Image Windows Photo Viewer, Paint, Chrome, Windows Media Center
Audio and Video VLC, Media Player, GOM Player, KMPlayer, MP4 Player, Windows Media Player
Compressed WinRAR, WinZip, ISO Manager
Files

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Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a fast and lightweight program for viewing PDF files. It offers many
features and tools, such as the ability to add comments to text, convert PDFs into
editable files, and ensure complete privacy protection against spyware.

Installing and Uninstalling Programs

Installing a program typically requires obtaining its main setup file (e.g., downloading
it from the internet). This file is usually named ‘setup.exe’ or matches the
application's name with ‘.exe’ extension.

The easiest way to install a program is to double-click the setup file. This opens a series
of dialog boxes to select appropriate settings. Once installation is complete, the program
is added to the Start Menu (under "All Programs"), and optionally, a shortcut can be
created on the desktop based on user preference.

If the application is not free, it may also require purchasing an activation key to unlock
its full functionality.

Most programs include an uninstallation file, often named Uninstall, which is

typically found in the Start Menu alongside the program. Running this file removes
the program from the computer.

Compression of Files and Folders

Compressing and decompressing files and folders are common and beneficial
processes. Compression reduces file size, making it easier to store and transfer data,
while also offering an added layer of protection. The most widely used compression
tool is WinRAR. To compress a file or folder:
1. Use the right-click context menu of the mouse.
2. Select the appropriate compression option.
3. Confirm to start the compression process.
Decompression (extracting files) follows the same steps, simply choosing the
extraction option instead.

Task Manager
Windows Task Manager is a built-in tool for managing programs, applications, and
tasks. It provides detailed insights into the computer's performance and the status of
running processes.

Features and Functions of Task Manager

1. Performance Monitoring: Displays usage statistics for the CPU, memory, disk,
and network, allowing users to monitor system performance in real time.
2. Process Management: Lists active applications and background processes, with
the ability to:
o Set process priorities.
o End unresponsive tasks or applications forcibly.
3. User Management: Displays all active users on the system and their associated
resource usage.

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4. System Services: Provides information about system services, including their

status (running or stopped).
5. Advanced System Options: Enables actions such as:
o Shutting down, restarting, or logging out.
o Putting the system into hibernation.
o Reloading the operating system.

The Task Manager is an essential tool for troubleshooting and optimizing system
performance, empowering users to maintain control over their computer's operations.

Windows Task Manager main tabs: (Processes, Performance, Details, and Services).

Control Panel
The Control Panel in Windows serves as

a central hub for accessing tools used to

manage and configure system settings.

These tools are grouped into categories to

simplify navigation and organization.

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Main Categories
 System and Security: Manage system updates, security settings, and system
backups.
 User Accounts: Configure user profiles, change passwords, and manage account
permissions.
 Network and Internet: Set up and manage network connections, and
troubleshoot internet issues.
 Programs: Install, uninstall, or modify installed programs.
 Clock and Region: Adjust time, date, language, and regional settings.
 Hardware and Sound: Manage connected devices, printers, and sound settings.

Display Options
The Control Panel can display its categories in two formats:

1. Category View: Displays tools grouped into broader categories for easier
navigation.
2. Icons View: Lists all tools individually as medium or small icons. This view can
be enabled using the View by option.

The Control Panel remains a vital interface for system configuration, even with the
introduction of newer settings applications in modern Windows versions.

Uninstalling a Program
To uninstall a program in Windows, use the Uninstall a Program tool found in the
Programs category of the Control Panel. The process is as follows:

1. Access the Tool:

o Open the Control Panel and navigate to the Programs category.
o Click on Uninstall a Program to display a list of programs currently
installed on the device.
2. Select the Program:
o Locate the program you wish to uninstall from the list.
o Right-click on the program's name and select Uninstall from the context
menu.
3. Follow the Uninstallation Dialog:
o A series of uninstallation dialog boxes will appear.
o Confirm the uninstallation process by clicking Yes, OK, or Continue, as
prompted.

The program will then be removed from the system. This process frees up storage
space and ensures that unnecessary applications are no longer occupying system
resources.

User Account Management

When a computer is shared among family members or within an organization, certain
challenges inevitably arise. For example, individuals may prefer different settings,

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applications, or files. The best solution to such differences is to create separate user
accounts with varying permissions. This ensures each person can use their account
without compromising others' privacy.

Types of User Accounts and Permissions

Windows offers three primary types of user accounts, each with distinct permissions:

1. Administrators
o Administrators have extensive control over the system, including:
 Installing or uninstalling programs and hardware.
 Managing security settings.
 Creating, deleting, and modifying user accounts.
 Changing account types (e.g., promoting standard accounts to
administrators).
 Accessing and managing most files and the registry.
o Each administrator account can be named and secured with a password.
2. Standard Users
o Standard accounts are limited in their abilities:
 Cannot modify system settings or access other users’ private files.
 Cannot install or uninstall applications.
 Can modify their account picture and create, change, or delete their
own password.
o Standard users operate within the confines of their accounts and can access
files or applications permitted by the administrator.
3. Guest Account
o A guest account is designed for temporary users, such as visitors.
o It offers similar permissions to a standard account but:
 Does not require a password.
 Allows only limited access to the system.
o This account can be enabled or disabled as needed.
4. Super Administrator (Hidden)
o The Super Administrator account has all possible system permissions
and overrides other administrator accounts.
o This account is hidden by default and can be activated or deactivated as
needed.

Creating User Accounts

When installing Windows, a single administrator account is created by default,
allowing the user to set a name and password. Additional accounts can be created later:

1. Using the Control Panel

o Open Control Panel → User Accounts → Manage Another Account.
o The account management page displays icons for all existing accounts.
Clicking an account allows you to modify its settings (e.g., change the
password).
o To add a new account, select Add a User in PC Settings.
2. Creating a Local Account
o In the Family & Other Users section, choose Add Someone Else to This
PC.
o Select I Don’t Have This Person’s Sign-In Information.

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o On the next page, choose Add a User Without a Microsoft Account.

o Provide a name and set the account type (Administrator or Standard).
o Click Create, and the new account will appear on the account
management page.

3. Creating a Microsoft Account

o Select Sign In With a Microsoft Account.
o This requires an internet connection and a Microsoft email (e.g., Outlook
or Hotmail).
o If the user doesn’t already have an email account, one can be created
during the process.
A Microsoft account allows access to Microsoft products and services, offering
additional features and synchronization across devices.

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Desktop ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Elements of the Desktop ............................................................................................................................................................ 1

Windows .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

File and Folder Management........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Files ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 1

File Types .............................................................................................................................................................................. 1

Folders ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

File Explorer ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Main Components of File Explorer ....................................................................................................................................... 3

Programs and Applications Management ....................................................................................................................................... 3

Key Programs for Different File Types ........................................................................................................................................ 3

Foxit Reader .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Installing and Uninstalling Programs..................................................................................................................................... 4

Compression of Files and Folders ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Task Manager............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Features and Functions of Task Manager ............................................................................................................................. 4

Control Panel ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Main Categories ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Display Options ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Uninstalling a Program ............................................................................................................................................................... 6

User Account Management ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Types of User Accounts and Permissions .............................................................................................................................. 7

Creating User Accounts ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

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