Windows Operating System

Notes from a "Computer Literacy For Busy Physicians" course taught by Dr. Barrie McCombs at the University of Calgary.  Some information may now be out of date.

Title Bar

• Lists the name of the window
• Right-click on the bar to display a pop-up control menu
• Left click on any blank space to remove the pop-up menu

Window Size Controls

• Located in the upper right corner of all windows
• Minimize (minus sign)
• Maximize (box or boxes)
• Delete (X)
• Drag borders or corners to resize the window

Menu Bars

• Standard features on all windows: File, Edit, View, Help
• Explore each of these later (advanced)

Tool Bars

• Features – application specific
• Purpose: provide rapid access to common functions

Scrolling

Vertical Scroll Bar

• Displayed whenever window contents are too long for the current size
• Arrows at the top and bottom – click to scroll display one line at a time
• "Elevator" icon shows the portion of the window currently displayed
• Click space above or below elevator to scroll display one screen at a time

Horizontal Scroll Bar

• Displayed whenever window contents are too wide for the current size
• Controls are similar to the vertical scroll bar

Page Up & Page Down

• Keyboard buttons scroll display one screen at a time
• Alternate method of scrolling

Multiple Windows

Multi-Tasking

• Two or more windows can be open at the same time
• The one with a blue title bar is the "active" window
• Other open windows have a grey title bar

Cycle through Windows (advanced)

• Hold down the "Alt" key, then press the "Tab" key

Tile Windows (advanced)

• Rearrange all open windows in an overlapping pattern