The Desktop Introduction to the Desktop 3/4 So normally, when you run Windows for the first time, you will find these items on your desktop. As I mentioned before, the Windows Desktop is very similar to your home/office desktop. The back of your Desktop is called a Background, what's cool about it is that you can put your favorite pictures there. We will learn how to personalize Windows later on in this tutorial. The Desktop has everything you need: At the bottom right of the screen, you can tell what time is it; by putting your mouse over the clock, you'll get the date. You can also control the sound by clicking on the speaker icon. Later, you'll learn how to turn your computer into a multimedia machine: listen to music, watch video clips, even TV on your computer.

As you go through the Tutorial you'll gain more experience. In the next pages you will learn more about the basics: Files and Folders, common tasks-open, close, minimize, maximize...

Tutorial Index

1p What is Windows: What's exactly windows98, a brief description
2p Getting your Copy : Get your original copy of Windows98
6p Installing/Upgrading: Install using floppies, Cd-rom, Hard drive, Network
2p Final word on installation: Settings up your hardware (mouse, cd-rom, printer)


4p The Desktop:
Intro and short description <go>
Desktop Items (My Computer, IE) <go>
Time, Date, Sound <go>
Where everything Starts: the Start menu <go>

6p Windows Basics:
Exploring Files and Folders <go>
Double-Click, what are extensions... <go>
Click, Right-click uses <go>
Shut Down your computer <go>
Windows common tasks (open, close) <go>
Scroll Box-Why is a window better than a piece of paper <go>

9p Inside My Computer
A Brief Introduction to My Computer <go>
The Properties Window <go>
My Computer's Components <go>
The Control Panel <go>
Easier Navigation <go>
Common Actions <go>
Selecting and Naming Files/Folders <go>
Cutting the distances <go>

12p Windows Applications
Brief Introduction to Windows Applications <go>
NotePad <go>
WordPad <go>
Paint <go>
Phone Dialer <go>
Imaging <go>
Calculator <go>
ActiveMovie Control and Media Player <go>
CD Player <go>
Sound Recorder <go>
Volume Control <go>
Games and Final word <go>

5p Network/Internet
Brief Introduction <go>
Get a modem and Internet account <go>
Configure a Dial-up connection <go>
Signing up to your Internet Provider <go>
Windows and the Internet <go>

14p Network/Internet: Outlook Express
First time run... <go>
Description of Outlook Express <go>
First clicks... <go>
Compose your first message <go>
Store email addresses in the Address Book <go>
More about sending email <go>
Working around <go>
Looking around: find text, messages, people <go>
Printing your messages <go>
Format and Personalize your message <go>
Changing Outlook Express Default options <go>
Make your life easier <go>
Sharing Outlook Express <go>
Keeping Outlook Express in shape <go>
Switch to Outlook Express <go>