Lesson 2: Operating System & Windows Basics

 

📘 Lesson 2: Operating System & Windows Basics

2.1 What is an Operating System (OS)?

An Operating System (OS) is the main software that manages the computer’s hardware and software resources. It acts as a bridge between the user and the computer.

  • Functions of OS:
  • Starts the computer (booting process).
  • Provides a user interface (Desktop, Icons, Menus).
  • Manages files and folders.
  • Runs applications like MS Word, Excel, Paint.
  • Controls devices (keyboard, mouse, printer).

👉 Example: Without Windows, you cannot open MS Word or Paint.

2.2 Windows Interface

When you switch on your computer, the first screen you see is the Windows Desktop.

(A) Desktop

  • Background screen of Windows.
  • Contains Icons (small pictures representing files, folders, or programs).
  • Example: Recycle Bin, My Computer, MS Word shortcut.

(B) Icons

  • File Icon: Represents a document or image.
  • Folder Icon: Represents a collection of files.
  • Application Icon: Represents software like Word, Excel, Paint.

(C) Taskbar

  • Located at the bottom of the screen.
  • Shows Start Button, Search Box, Pinned Programs, and System Tray (time, date, Wi-Fi, volume).

(D) Start Menu

  • Accessed by clicking the Start Button.
  • Contains list of programs, settings, and power options (Restart, Shut Down).

2.3 File Management

(A) Create a File

  • Open Notepad → Type text → Save As → Give name → File saved.

(B) Rename a File

  • Right-click file → Select “Rename” → Type new name.

(C) Delete a File

  • Right-click file → Select “Delete” → File goes to Recycle Bin.

(D) Restore a File

  • Open Recycle Bin → Right-click file → Select “Restore”.

(E) Copy & Paste

  • Select file → Press Ctrl + C (Copy).
  • Go to location → Press Ctrl + V (Paste).

2.4 Shortcut Keys

Shortcut keys make work faster and easier.

  • Ctrl + C → Copy
  • Ctrl + V → Paste
  • Ctrl + Z → Undo
  • Ctrl + S → Save
  • Alt + Tab → Switch between programs
  • Windows + E → Open File Explorer

👉 Example: Instead of right-clicking to copy a file, press Ctrl + C and then Ctrl + V.

2.5 Practical Exercise

  1. Create a folder named My Practice on Desktop.
  2. Inside it, create a Notepad file named Notes.txt.
  3. Copy the file to another folder named Backup.
  4. Rename the file to Notes1.txt.
  5. Delete the file and then restore it from Recycle Bin.

2.6 Review Questions

  1. What is an Operating System?
  2. Name the four main parts of Windows interface.
  3. What is the difference between File and Folder?
  4. Write the shortcut keys for Copy, Paste, and Undo.
  5. How do you restore a deleted file?

2.7 Summary

In this lesson, you learned:

  • Operating System is the main software that manages computer functions.
  • Windows interface includes Desktop, Icons, Taskbar, and Start Menu.
  • File management involves creating, renaming, deleting, copying, and restoring files.
  • Shortcut keys save time and make work faster.
  • Practical exercises help you apply these skills.

 

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