COMPUTER MANAGEMENT

Background
• Interacting with computers and other ICTs for the first time is one
of the most challenging tasks. However, system developers
invented storage media, system administrative tools, services and
programmes, menus, graphics, commands and most interestingly
voice recognition interfaces to facilitate the interaction and dialog
between the system and the user.
• It is important that the learner is introduced to the general
operating system environment, common files and folders plus their
management, and basic utilities.
• Learning Outcome: The learner should be able to demonstrate
that he can efficiently manage files.
 Presentation Outline
Computer Management
• Sub Topic 2.1 Booting Process
• Sub Topic 2.2 File Management
• Sub Topic 2.3 Common Utilities
• Sub Topic 2.4 Print Management
 Sub Topic 2.1. Booting Process

Sub topic Objectives:

2.1.1. Booting of a computer
• Describing the booting process.
• Identifying types of booting
2.1.2. Computer programme
• Explaining the concept of a computer programme.
• Explaining various ways of starting a programme.
 2.1.1 Booting of a computer

• Booting (also known as booting up) is the initial

set of operations that a computer system
performs when electrical power is switched on.
• Booting is the process of starting up a computer.
During Booting, the operating system (OS) loads
from disk into working memory (RAM) .
• The process begins when a computer or
powered on and ends when the computer is
ready to perform its normal operations.
Steps involved
Steps involvedininthe
the
Boot Sequence
Boot Process 6
 Steps involved in the Boot Process
1. The power supply sends a signal to 5. The BIOS looks for
the components in the system system files on the
unit. boot device.
2. The processor finds the ROM 6. The system files and
chip(s) that contain the the kernel of the
BIOS (Basic input/output system). Operating System load
3. The BIOS performs the POST into RAM from the
(Power-On Self Test) which checks boot device.
components such as the mouse,
7. The OS loads
keyboard and adapter cards. A
configuration
series of messages may display.
information and
4. The results of the POST are
displays the welcome
compared with data in a CMOS
screen.
chip 7
 A series of
A series
beeps of
and
beeps and
messages
messages
may be
may be
displayed
displayed
during a
POST
during a POST

8
 Boot Loader
• A boot loader is a program that loads the
main operating system or runtime
environment for the computer after
completion of self-tests.
• Examples of boot loaders include NTLDR,
BOOTMGR, GNU GRUB, Syslinux, e.t.c.

9
 Boot Drives
• Boot Devices / boot drive is the device/drive from
which the operating system is loaded.
• In most cases, drive C (the hard disk) is the boot drive.
• The computer BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
supports booting from various devices.
• These include the local hard disk drive, optical drive,
floppy drive, a network interface card, and a USB
device. The BIOS allows the user to configure a boot
order.
 Types of Booting
• There are two types of booting: Cold booting and
warm booting.
• Cold booting is the process of starting up a
computer which has been completely off. Usually, it
is initiated by switching on the power supply
buttons on the monitor and system unit /box
respectively.
• Warm Booting is the process of restarting a
computer which is already running. It is also called
rebooting.
•
Reasons for warm booting
New software installations: When you install new
software, often an on-screen prompt instructs you to
restart the computer.
• New hardware installations: When some hardware devices
like disk drives and printers are attached, the computer
might request for a reboot to reload them effectively.
• After Updating Software: Computer software and
operating system can trigger a reboot as well; more
specifically, Microsoft Windows operating systems are
outfitted with automatic updates that can be scheduled to
run at a certain time and date; therefore, a reboot
necessary in this case.

12
 Reasons for warm booting (cont)
• During Troubleshooting: Rebooting may be used by users,
support staff or system administrators as a technique to
work around bugs in software. A warm boot is sometimes
necessary when a program encounters an error from which
it cannot recover.
• Switching operating systems: On a multi-boot system
without a hypervisor, a reboot is required to switch
between installed operating systems.
• When the computer is freezing: A warm boot can be
necessary when the computer is responding slowly
especially when many programs have been loaded into
memory.
13
 Reasons for warm booting (cont)
• When a peripheral or hardware component has failed to
function/work
• When application software fails to work normally
• During/After installation of operating system.
• After changing use control settings(CMOS/BIOS settings)
• When a user wants to clear a programs that are loaded in
memory
• After uninstalling software
• After uninstalling hardware
• After malware/virus scanning
• When a deadlock occurs
14
 2.1.2 Computer programmes
• A computer program is a set of instructions that a
computer uses to perform a specific task, such
as word processing, accounting, or data
management. Also called an application.
• Almost everything you do on your computer
requires using a program. For example, if you want
to draw a picture, you need to use a drawing or
painting program. To write a letter, you use a word
processing program. To explore the Internet, you
use a program called a web browser. Thousands of
programs are available for Windows.
 2.1.2 Computer programmes
Starting a program
• The Start menu is the gateway to all of the
programs on your computer. To open the Start
menu, click the Start button . The left pane of the
Start menu contains a small list of programs.. To
open a program, click it.
• If you don't see the program you want to open, but
you know its name, type all or part of the name into
the search box at the bottom of the left pane.
• To browse a complete list of your programs, click
the Start button, and then click All Programs.
b. Computer programme
 Sub Topic 2.2 File Management
Sub topic Objectives: 2.2.2 Files
2.2.1 Folders – defining a file.
― defining a folder. – creating a file.
― Creating folder on a – identifying file types.
storage medium of a – saving a file in a desired
computer. location.
― moving a folder to a – Using folders and sub folders
desired Location to effectively categorise files.
― deleting a folder.
2.2.3 Desktop
– describing how to customise
the Desktop.
– explaining the major icons on
the desktop.
 File management: Introduction
• In a physical office • Like drawers in a real filing cabinet, they
filing system you may contain several labelled folders to
store files within keep other folders (subfolders) and your
folders in a file files organized. If you create an organized
cabinet which may system of folders, it is easy to find your
have several computer files when you need them.
drawers. If you
organize the system
well, it will be easy
to find files when
you need them.
Computer disk
partitions are like
filing cabinet
drawers.
 File management: Introduction
• File management involves operations on files and folders
on a computers disks.
• File management operations include
• Creating files and folders
• Moving
• Copying
• Selecting single or multiple files (ctrl+click / Shift+click)
• Renaming
• Searching and Sorting by name, date or file extension (type)
• Printing
• Deleting
• Restoring or emptying recycle bin etc.
 2.2.1 Folders
• A folder is a named storage location where related files can
be stored. In contrast, a file is a collection of related data
saved with a given name on a storage medium.

• A folder is also known as a directory in some operating

systems and has the following features / properties:
• A folder has a name
• A folder has a path originating from a special directory called
root directory
• A folder has special access permissions for authenticated users
• A folder or directory may be created inside another folder or
directory. Such a folder or directory is called a subfolder or a
subdirectory.
 2.2.1 Folders
Creating a new folder
• To create a new folder:
• Using my computer icon, on the folder tree on the left
pane, select the location (desktop) in which you want to
create a new folder.
• 1. On the File menu tab, Click new folder
• 2. Type a new name for the folder to Replace the
temporary name, then press Enter key or click the icon
once.
• Or Right Click on the free space on the desktop,
• Point to New, click folder. Type a new name for the folder
 2.2.1 Folders
Renaming a folder or file
• Renaming refers to changing the previous name to a new
name. To rename a file or folder proceed as follows:
• Using My Computer icon, display the Explorer window.
• On the folder tree on the left pane, select the file or folder
to be renamed.
• On the File menu, click Rename. Type the new name, and
then press Enter key.
• Or Right Click on folder or file and choose Rename option
from the pop up menu.
• Or Select the file or folder icon and Press F2 function key,
Type the new name, and then press Enter key.
 2.2.1 Folders
• Deleting a folder or file
• In Windows, when you delete an item from the hard disk, it
is temporarily held in a special folder called the Recycle bin
from where it can be restored if necessary.
• Warning: Items deleted from a removable storage are not
held in the recycle bin and are completely lost.
• To delete a file or folder proceed as follows:
• Using My computer icon, display the Explorer window.
• On the folder tree on the left pane, select the item that is
to be deleted. On the File menu, click Delete.
• A message appears on the screen asking whether you
actually want to delete the item. Confirm by clicking Yes.
 2.2.1 Folders
• Restoring deleted files • Empting the recycle bin
and folders • To completely discard files and
• To restore a file or folders you deleted, you need to
folder from the recycle empty the Recycle Bin. To empty
bin to its original the Recycling Bin proceed as
location proceed as follows:
follows: • Double click the recycle Bin icon
• Double click the on the desktop to open.
Recycle Bin icon. • Choose Empty Recycle Bin from
• Select the deleted File menu.
item(s) to be restored. • Click Yes when prompted to
• Click File then Restore confirm deletion of the files.
 2.2.1 Folders
• Copying files and folders
• Cut or copy command are used to move or create a
duplicate of an item respectively. When you cut or copy an
item, it is temporarily held in a temporary storage location
known as the clipboard. To copy a file or folder:
• Using my computer icon, display the Explorer window.
• Select the file or folder to be copied.
• On the Edit menu, click copy.
• Select the drive or folder where you want the item to be
copied.
• From the edit menu, click paste. Information or item is
pasted to a new location.
 2.2.1 Folders
• To move a file or folder proceeds as follows:
• Using My computer icon, display the Explorer windows.
• On the Edit menu, click Cut.
• Select the drive or folder where you want the item moved.
• From the Edit menu, click paste.
• Move progress dialog will be displayed on the screen.
• Moving a folder
• To move a folder to a desired location:
• Click the folder and hold
• Drag and drop to the desired location
 2.2.1 Folders
To sort files and
folders:
• Right-click any open
space within
Windows Explorer
and select Sort By.
• Choose to sort by
Name, Date More Sorting Options When you opt to
modified, Type, or view More sorting options, you can sort by
Size. dozens of different parameters, all of which
change based on what type of file you’re
• To view more sorting viewing. For example, if you’re viewing
options, click More music files, you can sort by Album, Artists,
Bit Rate, Composers, Genre, and the like
 2.2.1 Folders
Practice Activity: Folder Structures
1. In your user spaceScreate
c h o o lwthe
o rk folder structure shown
below.
M a ths E n g lish H is to ry

2. The History folder needs to be further subdivided

into two folders Notes and Past Exams. Create
these folders in the History subfolder.
3. Rename the folder Schoolwork to Classwork.
4. Delete the Maths Folder and update the diagram by
 2.2.1 Folders
Practice Activity 2: Folder Structures
1. In your user spaceP R create
D e p a rtm e nt the folder structure

shown Ebelow.
v en ts A d v e rt L e afle ts

E a s te r H o lid ay C h ris tm as S u m m e r S pe c ial P o s te rs Y e llo w P a g es

2. Rename the Folder YellowPages to Fliers

3. Copy all the three subfolders inside the
Events folder to the Leaflets folder
4. Delete Summer Special subfolder under
 2.2.1 Folders
Practice Activity 3: Folder Structures
• You are creating a folder structure for a small business with three
departments: Accounts, Personnel, and Marketing
• The personnel department wants to sort its files into three groups:
Wages, Contracts, and Disciplinary
• The marketing department want to sort their fields into two groups:
Clients and Images
• Sketch a suitable folder structure for the above organisation and
create the folder structure as shown in your sketch.
• Open the Folders Pane at the left of Windows Explorer and expand all
folders to show the structure. Take a screenshot of this window and
use any appropriate program to save your screenshot under the
Images folder.
 2.2.2 Files
• Every document, picture, sound or video saved on a
computer’s storage is a file.
• A file is associated with the program that is used to read it,
so if you double-click a file that was created in Notepad, the
Notepad program starts and displays the file.
• For example, you can edit the text in a document or change
the colors in a picture.
• All files have names, and all file names consist of two parts
—the name and the extension—separated by a period. The
type of file or the program in which it was created is
indicated by the extension. The extension is a short
abbreviation of the file type. Its commonly 3 letters.
 2.2.2 Files
• By default, Windows hides common file extensions.
• If you would prefer to see your file extensions, open My
Documents (or any folder) in Windows Explorer, and on the
Tools menu, click Folder Options, and display the View tab.
Clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box,
and then click OK to close the dialog box and apply your
settings.
• Files also have icons, which are graphic representations of
the file type. Depending on the way you’re looking at your
files, you might see a large icon, or a small icon.
 2.2.2 Files
• Creating a new file
• Depending on the programs installed in your computer, you
can create different types of files such as drawings, text
document etc. To create a new text document:
• On the free space on the desktop, right click.
• Point new, click Text Document. From the list available on
application.
• Type a new name for the new file to replace the temporary
name and press Enter key. NB: In windows, file name can
contain up to 255 characters, including spaces but, with no
special symbols such as \|/:*?”<>.
 2.2.2 Files
• Practice Activity 4: Creating Files and Folders
Create a folder by right-clicking a blank area on the Desktop, pointing to New on the shortcut
menu, and clicking Folder.
• A new folder named New Folder appears. Type Works, and press Enter.
• Double-click the Works folder. The folder is empty.
• On the File menu, point to New, and then click Text Document.
• A new file named New Text Document appears in the window.
• Type Adventure Works Mystery Weekends.txt, and press Enter.
• The new file is named.
• Click a blank area in the folder to deselect the file.
• Now create another file named Fall Canoe Trips.txt.
• The Works folder now has two empty text files in it.
• Double-click Fall Canoe Trips.txt.
• The document is opened in Notepad.
• Type Watch for our upcoming schedule of guided canoe trips.
• Click the Close button in the upper-right corner of the Notepad
window, and click Yes to save the changes to the file
 2.2.2 Files
• Selecting Multiple Files
Sometimes, though, you’ll want to select more than one file
at a time. For example, you might need to move a group of
files, or copy several files at once.
There are many ways to select multiple files:
■ Shift+Click If the files you want to select are listed one
after another, click the first file in the group, hold down
Shift, and then click the last file in the group.
■ Ctrl+Click If the files you want to select are not listed
together, hold down Ctrl while you click each file. If you
select a file that you don’t want to include in the group,
hold down Ctrl, and click the file again to deselect it.
 2.2.2 Files
Types of files File Attributes: Every file has
There are three types of files the following details:
namely: i). System files ii). • A file name and an optional
Application files iii). Data files extension. The name and
• System files: contain extension are separated by
information that is critical for a period (.) e.g. Jeff.doc. In
the operation of the this case, the file name is
computer. Jeff and the extension is
• Application files: holds doc.
programs and are executable. • The size in bytes,
• Data files: contains user • date, and
specific data • time the file was created.
 2.2.2 Files
• Table below shows some file extensions and file types.
Extension File type Description

.doc Data Microsoft Word document file.

.xls Data Microsoft Excel document file.
.ppt Data Microsoft PowerPoint document file.
.pub Data Microsoft Publisher document file.
.accdb Data Microsoft Access document file.
.txt Data A plain text file created using note pad editor
.exe Application files The file that launches a particular application, e.g.
winword.exe

.bat System files Files containing a series of commands loaded during boot up.

.sys System files System files that perform fundamental operations in a computer.
 2.2.2 Files
Saving a file
• After typing the content of the file in the work area, click
file and then click save. Otherwise, if the file will be saved
with a different name or location then: Save As
• 1. Click File menu and then
• 2. From the Save As dialog box, select where the
document is to be saved then type its name.
• 3. Click the save button
 2.2.2 Files
Finding Files
When you are saving your work
you must always be aware of:
1. The drive it is saved on.
2. The folder it is placed in.
3. The file name.
• If you follow these simple rules it
will make finding your files much
easier.
• If you lose a file, you can use the
Search utility in Windows
Explorer to look for the file.
 2.2.2 Files
Practice Activity 4: Creating Files and Folders
1. In your X drive create a folder and name it
with your first and last name.
2. Within this folder create three subfolders
called java, python and php.
3. Within each of the three new folders
create two subfolders – src and images.
By now you should have created ten
folders shown below:-
4. Create a new text file document called
java in the java/src folder.
5. Create a new Microsoft Word document
called Java in the python/src folder.
 2.2.2 Files
7. Create a new Microsoft Paint document called Image in the java/images folder.
8. Try to place a Shortcut file to the new image file created into both the
python/images and php/images folders.
9. Rename the short cut in the php/images folder to “My Shortcut to
image”
10. Edit the text file java in the java/src folder, type your name and save
the file.
11. Place a copy of the file java into the python/src folder.
12. Rename the copied file python.
13. Move the file java from the python/src folder into the java/src folder.
14. Find out the size (in bytes) of the java/src/java document. Create a
new text file called fileSize in the java/scr folder, type the size of the file
and save it.
15. Try to create a compressed zip file for the folder you created in step 1.
 2.2.2 Files
File Specification and File path
• A file specification is the name given to identify a file. The
path is the first part of the file specification. The file name
and extension make up the remainder of the file specification.
Also, In Windows, the folder containing information specific to
one user, including the My Documents, Desktop and the like is
known as the Profile.

• For example, the file specification

C:\Users\Rogers\Desktop\Music\Gospel\
Worship.mp3
identifies the file named Worship.mp3 in the Gospel
subfolder under Music folder on the Desktop (Location)
 2.2.3 Desktop
• The desktop is the main screen area
that you see after you turn on your
computer and log on to Windows or
other operating system with a GUI.
• Like the top of an actual desk, it
serves as a surface for your work.
When you open programs or
folders, they appear on the desktop.
• You can also put things on the
desktop, such as files and folders,
and arrange them however you
want.
 2.2.3 Desktop
Major features of a windows desktop.
 2.2.3 Desktop
• Desktop Background: Windows lets the user to customize
the desktop background by applying favorite themes,
colors, pictures and wallpapers.
• Icons: An icon is a graphical representation of a program on
the screen. Icons are mostly manipulated using a pointing
device e.g. the mouse.
• Taskbar: Taskbar is the band where the buttons of currently
open program windows are displayed. You can switch
between various tasks by clicking their respective buttons
on the taskbar. Whenever the user starts a program or
opens a file, its button appears on the taskbar and stays
there until the user exits the program.
 2.2.3 Desktop
Major features of a windows desktop.
• System tray/Notification area: The notification
area, on the far right side of the taskbar, includes a
clock and a group of icons that communicate the
status of something on the computer or provide
access to certain settings.

Start button: The left most button on the taskbar that

the user clicks to display the start menu.
 2.2.3 Desktop
Key start menu items include: All programs menu, Frequently Used
program icons, The search box, plus key Windows utilities and folders,
(eg Control panel, Computer, Help and Support, Documents, etc)

Shutdown button displays

a menu with additional
options for switching
users, logging off,
restarting, hibernating or
sleep mode.
QN: What's the difference
between these options?
 2.2.3 Desktop
Customizing the Desktop
• Windows lets the user change desktop appearance,
background, screen savers and resolution.
Screensavers display
moving designs on the
computer screen when you
haven’t typed or moved the
mouse for a while.
To set a screen saver,
1. Right-click anywhere on the
desktop and click
Personalize.
2. Click Screen Saver at the
bottom of the window.
3. Select a screensaver from
the Screen Saver drop-down
list.
Click OK when you’re done
 2.2.3 Desktop
Customizing the Desktop
Theme and
background
To apply a new theme or
wallpaper:
1. Right-click anywhere
on the desktop and
click Personalize.
2. Click Desktop
Background at the
bottom of the window.
3. When the next
window opens, select
one of Windows’s
built-in backgrounds
from the list.
4. Click Save Changes.
 Sub Topic 2.3. Common Utilities
Sub topic Objectives:
1. defining a utility programme.
2. listing utility programmes (search utility, file
compression utility, disk defragmenter, antivirus).
3. using search tools to locate files or folders.
4. compressing and decompressing a folder.
5. defragmenting a storage medium.
6. defining an antivirus programme.
7. identifying antivirus programmes.
8. using anti-virus programmes.
 2.3.1 Defining Utility programs
• Utility program is a system software designed to
enhance the working conditions of a computer.
• Utility a program assists in the operation of a
computer but does not do the main work for which
the computer was bought.
• For instance, programs that compress data or
defragment disks are utilities.
• By contrast, word processors, financial programs,
engineering programs, and other programs that do
actual work for the user are called application
programs.
 2.3.2 List of common utility programs
– Search utility: used to locate a file or folder by name located on
any of your hard drives in less than a second.
– File compression utility: reduces the amount of space used by
files stored on that drive.
– Disk defragmenter: consolidates scattered file fragments so that
each file occupies a single, contiguous space on a hard drive. Disk
Defragmenter rearranges fragmented data so your disks and
drives can work more efficiently.
– Screen saver: Takes over screen and displays graphics after some
period of inactivity. Used primarily for entertainment or security.
Prevents CRT from phosphor burn-in (ghosting).
– Anti-virus program is a utility used to prevent, detect, scan and
remove computer viruses from storage devices and memory.
 2.3.3 Using search tools to locate files or
• folders
You can use the search box on the Start menu to find files, folders,
programs, and e‑mail messages stored on your computer.
• To find an item using the Start menu:
• Click the Start button , and then type a word or part of a word in the
search box.
• As you type, items that match your text will appear on the Start
menu. The search is based on text in the file name, text in the file,
tags, and other file properties.
• Note: When searching from the Start menu, only files that have been
indexed will appear in search results. Most files on your computer are
indexed automatically. For example, anything you include in a library
is automatically indexed. Other third party utilities like Ava Find and
Everything can be used to search files faster than the windows search
utitity.
 2.3.4 Compressing Files
• Really big files can be difficult to copy or share. Fortunately,
Windows lets you create compressed folders, which take
big files and compress them in size (called a “zipped” file).
After the file has been transferred, you can then
uncompress / extract the file back to its original state.
• To compress files or folders,
1. Click the file(s) you want to compress. (To select more than one
file, hold down the Ctrl key when clicking.)
2. Right-click the selected file(s) to display the pop-up menu.
3. Select Send To, Compressed (Zipped) Folder.
4. Windows creates a new zipped folder in this same folder that
contains copies of the selected files.
2.3.4 Compressing Files
 2.3.5 Defragmenting a storage medium.
• If you notice that your system takes longer and longer to open and
close files or run applications, it’s probably because little fragments of
files are spread all over your hard disk. You fix the problem by putting
all the pieces of the fragmented files back next to each other—
which is known as defragmenting your disk.
To defragment disks on Windows,
• Click the Start button and select All Programs, Accessories, System
Tools, Disk Defragmenter.
• To manually defragment your hard drive, click Defragment Disk.
• To set up automatic disk defragmenting, click Configure Schedule.
• NB: It Takes Time Defragmenting your drive can take an hour or more,
especially if you have a large hard drive or your drive is highly
fragmented.
2.3.5 Defragmenting a storage medium.
 2.3.6 Using Antivirus Programs
• Computer viruses can be even very damaging, causing data
loss and malfunctioning of the computer. For that reason,
you should install on your PC an antivirus program.
• Examples of the antivirus programs include: as AVG Anti-
Virus Free Edition (free.avg.com), McAfee VirusScan Plus
(www.mcafee.com), Norton AntiVirus
(www.symantec.com), or Zone-Alarm Antivirus
(www.zonealarm.com), Kaspersky, Avast, Avira,
BitDefender, F-Secure, Panda security, ESET nod32. etc.
• One of the more popular antivirus programs is AVG Anti-
Virus Free Edition, download it from free.avg.com, and
install it.
 2.3.6 Using Antivirus Programs
1. Click the Overview tab to view your current protection 2. Click the Computer
status. Scanner tab and click the Edit
Scan Schedule button to
change when the program
scans your computer.

You can also scan a storage

device on-demand by right
clicking on it and choosing the
appropriate option from the
shortcut menu.
 Sub Topic 2.4. Print Management
Sub topic Objectives:
• 2.4.1 Selecting a printer
• 2.4.2 Printing a document
• To print is to produce a
hardcopy of a document.
• When you’re using a
computer, you might want
to keep a copy of what
you can see on the
screen. If you have a
printer connected to your
computer, or have access
to a network printer, you
can create a “hard copy”
of your work
 2.4.1 Selecting a printer
• The two most common types are laser printers and inkjet
printers. Laser printers work much like copy machines,
applying toner (powdered ink) to paper by using a small
laser. Inkjet printers shoot jets of ink onto the paper’s
surface to create the printed image.
• Installing a printer
• There are several ways to connect a printer to your PC.
Which option you choose depends on the device itself, and
whether you're at home or at the office.
• Always consult the information that came with your model
for specific instructions.
 2.4.1 Selecting a printer

• Local printers: The most common way to install a printer is

to connect it directly to your computer. This is known as a
local printer. If your printer is a universal serial bus (USB)
model, Windows should automatically detect and install it
when you plug it in. If it's an older model that connects
using the serial or parallel port, you might have to install it
manually. You need to install print drivers which are usually
downloadable form the printer manufacturers website.
• Network printers: In the workplace, many printers are
network printers. These connect directly to a network as a
stand-alone device.
 2.4.1 Selecting a printer
• To select a default printer
 2.4.1 Selecting a printer
• To select a default printer
• If you regularly use multiple printers, you can pick one as
your default printer. Windows and other programs will then
automatically use that printer whenever you print.
• 1. Click to open Devices and Printers on the start menu.
• 2.Right-click the printer you want to use, and then click Set
as default printer. (You'll see a check mark on the printer's
icon signifying that it's ready and now your default printer.)
• Tip: A default printer doesn't have to be an actual physical
device. Depending on your computer, you might have the
option to send documents as faxes, or to save them as PDF
or XPS files when you print.
 2.4.2 Printing a document
To print a document;
• Click file menu
• Choose option print. This will
bring the print dialog box
• Select the printer name i.e. HP
Deskjet F4200 series. And
change the necessary
preferences such as A4 paper
size for by clicking on the
preferences button.
• Click Print button when done
 2.4.2 Printing a document
• View, pause, or cancel a print job
• Once your document or photo has started to print, you can pause or
cancel it via the print queue or print spool.
• The print queue shows you what's printing or waiting to print. It also
displays handy information such as job status, who's printing what,
and how many unprinted pages remain.
• Click to open Devices and Printers from the start menu.
• Select your printer's icon and then click See what's printing on the
command bar.
• The print queue
uses the FIFO
principle (First in
First Out)
 2.4.2 Printing a document
Practice Activity: Printing
1. Start the WordPad program.
2. Type the Uganda National Anthem and save it as typing.
3. To print the file, select File and the Print. The Print dialog box
appears.
4. If it’s not already selected, click on the name of the printer you want
to use.
5. Look at the options. You can print more than one copy, or certain
pages or areas of a document.
6. To print a single copy of the typing document, click Print,
7. Close
NB: Ask for permission from your teacher before printing in the
computer Laboratory.