Windows Operating System Fundamentals

Most of the skills presented in this section make use of the tour, tutorial and resources provided by the Windows Operating System Help and Support Center. If you have not already done so, print out the checklist.  Go to Start Menu > Help and Support. 

You have four options within Windows XP for learning the foundations of the windows operating system. Not every option will teach everything included on the checklist.

• Take the Tour - Best for novice users to start.  Type tour into the search box.  In the Results box on the left, select Take the Windows XP Tour.  You will have the option of doing the tour with or without audio support.  You do not need to go through the entire tour.  Hover your mouse over the boxes that appear and select (double-click) the Windows XP Basics option.  A number of bubbles will appear at the bottom of the screen. See diagram below.  Automatically allow the tour to bring you through these options from left to right or select the areas that you need to learn or review.

• Use the Windows XP Tutorials - Go to the Search box in Start Menu > Help and Support.  Type tutorial as the keyword.  Click on the results and work through the relevant tutorials.  

• Use the Common Help Topics - After taking the tour, select the Home icon from the navigation bar in the Help menu. Select Windows Basics from the Common Help Topics and work through the items listed on the checklist.  Following that search for items in the search menu.  

• Use the Search Function - For all topics not included, use the help menu to search for specific items included in the checklist.

NOTE:  Some functions of Windows are restricted in public computer labs in order to encourage a standard and stable interface with multiple users (e.g. You can't change backgrounds, add a screen saver password, etc.)

Stuck? Check out the FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Last updated July 15, 2004
Contact: rit@calvin.edu