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Introduction to Microsoft Windows operating systems: xp and 7
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| bet | 5/16 | | Sana | 25.03.2020 | | Hajmi | 4.83 Mb. | | #8792 |
Software
The terms software, program, and application refer to a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. The most basic software or set of instructions is called the operating system. The Microsoft Windows operating system uses icons (little pictures) on the desktop that link to computer software programs, files and folders. If the icons don’t appear on the desktop, you can find the programs in the start button menu.
Some common types of software programs for your computer are:
Operating system software
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The most basic set of instructions for your computer. It tells your computer how to do what a computer should do, such as running other software, keeping things organized, etc.
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Word processing software
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Helps you write documents. Microsoft Word is the most common word processing program.
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Virus protection software
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Helps you keep your computer information safe.
Some free virus protection programs are Norton, McAfee and AVG.
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Internet browser software
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Helps you find information on the internet. Common browsers are: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.
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Email software
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Helps you communicate with others and manages your email. Some common email programs are Gmail and Hotmail.
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Spreadsheet software
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Helps you track financial information. Microsoft Excel is the most common spreadsheet program.
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Presentation software
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Helps you present information to others. Like slide shows in the old days, presentations are often projected on screens to large groups of people. Microsoft PowerPoint and Prezi are two different presentation applications.
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There are also software programs for smartphones and tablets. These are different than desktop or personal computer applications. Applications, or ‘apps,’ for a tablet or smartphone.
Common software icons
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Microsoft Word
A word processing application.
It helps you create documents like resumes and letters.
The file extension is .doc or .docx
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Microsoft Excel
A spreadsheet application.
It helps you save information in columns and rows
and is very good for working with numbers.
The file extension is .xcl or .xclx
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Microsoft PowerPoint
A presentation application.
It helps you create “slide shows” to make presentations.
The file extension is .ppt or .pptx
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Folder
Folders hold files, just like a real folders.
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My Computer or Computer
This gives you access to
everything on your computer.
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Recycle Bin is where things go when you delete them.
If you right click on the bin,
you can permanently delete items in the recycle bin.
Or click restore to use the items again.
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You might find an internet browser on your desktop.
Popular browsers are Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Chrome, and Safari.
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You can start the programs by double clicking on the icon or right-clicking on the icon and selecting OPEN from the menu that appears. Microsoft Office is a suite or collection of software that typically includes Words, Excel, and PowerPoint among other applications. The newer versions of Office have an “x” at the end of the file name.
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