NOTES

Software Overview
Computer hardware is virtually useless without computer software. Software is the programs that are needed to
accomplish the input, processing, output, storage, and control activities of information systems.
Computer software is typically classified into two major types of programs: system software and application
software.
Software is just a wake-up call for business running. It is essential for any business to use software to run smoothly
if they face any problem. It helps to ease the financial issue to manage the employee. Like an inventory software
that helps to manage all the inventory of the factory in which we know about the material/product quality or
quantity, or measurement. Just like a class management software help to manage the class, martial arts
management software helps to schedule, online registration, data management many more tasks.
Software (with Hardware ) itself is a need for many of our tasks. It can (in simple terms):
 Wake us up in the morning,
 Help us finish our routine
 Take us anywhere we want to go to
 Become your friend when nobody’s there
 Let you understand what’s really going on in the world and what has been
 Let you share your thoughts and ideas around the world and makes you knowledgeable from other’s
ideas and thoughts
You can list out many things that play around you, having software in it. Without software there would have been
no such thing called ‘Google’ or may be, we wouldn't have known ‘Any better way to exchange knowledge through
internet as a medium’. A software can be written by anyone, who wants to see something that can work for every
other person in this world. ‘Look around! Its software running behind’.

System Software
Systems software are programs that manage the resources of the computer system and simplify applications
programming. They include software such as the operating system, database management systems, networking
software, translators, and software utilities.
System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application
programs. If we think of the computer system as a layered model, the system software is the interface between
the hardware and user applications. The operating system (OS) is the best-known example of system software. The
OS manages all the other programs in a computer.
Other examples of system software include:
The BIOS (basic input/output system) gets the computer system started after you turn it on and manages the data
flow between the operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard,
mouse and printer.
The boot program loads the operating system into the computer's main memory or random access memory
(RAM).
An assembler takes basic computer instructions and converts them into a pattern of bits that the
computer's processor can use to perform its basic operations.
A device driver controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer, such as a keyboard or a
mouse. The driver program converts the more general input/output instructions of the operating system to
messages that the device type can understand.
Additionally, system software can also include system utilities, such as the disk defragmenter and System Restore,
and development tools, such as compilers and debuggers.
System software and application programs are the two main types of computer software. Unlike system software,
an application program (often just called an application or app) performs a particular function for the user.
Examples include browsers, email clients, word processors and spreadsheets.

Application Software
Application software are programs that direct the performance of a particular use, or application, of computers to
meet the information processing needs of end users. They include Aoff-the-shelf@ software such as word
processing and spreadsheet packages, as well as internally or externally developed software that is designed to
meet the specific needs of an organization.
Software trends have been away from custom-designed one-of-kind programs developed by the professional
programmers or end users of an organization toward the use of Aoff-the-shelf@ software packages acquired by
end users from software vendors.
Applications software is capable of dealing with user inputs and helps the user to complete the task. It is also called
end-user programs or only an app. It resides above system software. First user deal with system software after
that he/she deals with application software. The end user uses applications software for a specific purpose. It
programmed for simple as well as complex tasks. It either be installed or access online. It can be a single program
or a group of small programs that referred to as an application suite. Some examples of Application Software
are Word processing software, Spreadsheets Software, Presentation, Graphics, CAD/CAM, Sending email etc.
Types of Application Software: According to the need of users it is categorized into following types.
1. Presentation Software
2. Spreadsheet Software
3. Database Software
4. Multimedia Software
5. Simulation Software
6. Word Processing Software
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Programming Languages and their Translators

Much of the applications software used in an organization needs to be programmed or customized.
Programming languages are the languages which computer programs are written int. A programming
language allows a programmer or end user to develop the sets of instructions that constitute a
computer program. These languages have evolved over four generations and can be grouped into five
major categories:
1. Machine languages
2. Assembler languages
3. High-level languages
4. Fourth generation languages
5. Object-oriented languages
Machine Languages:
Machine languages are the most basic level of programming languages. They were the first generation
of machine languages.
Disadvantages of machine languages:
1. Programs had to be written using binary codes unique to each computer.
2. Programmers had to have a detailed knowledge of the internal operations of the specific type of CPU
they were using.
3. Programming was difficult and error-prone
4. Programs are not portable to other computers.

Assembler Languages:
Assembler languages are the second generation of machine languages. They were developed to reduce
the difficulties in writing machine language programs. Assembly language is also a low-level language
(refers to machine resources, such as registers and memory addresses), it is also specific to a computer
model or a series of models.
An assembly language program is translated into a machine language by a simple translator called
an assembler. Assembly languages are used today only when tight control over computer hardware
resources is required, such as in certain systems programs, particularly those for real-time computing.
Advantages:
1. Uses symbolic coded instructions which are easier to remember
2. Programming is simplified as a programmer does not need to know the exact storage location of data
and instructions.
3. Efficient use of computer resources is outweighted by the high costs of very tedious systems
development and by lock of program portability.
Disadvantage:
1. Assembler languages are unique to specific types of computers.
2. Programs are not portable to other computers.
High-Level Languages (procedural)
High-level languages are the third generation programming languages. These languages provide
statements, each of which is translated into several machine-language instructions. High-level languages
include COBOL (business application programs), BASIC (microcomputer end users), FORTRAN (scientific
and engineering applications), and more popular today are C, C++, and Visual Basic.
Advantages:
1. Easier to learn and understand than an assembler language as instructions (statements) that resemble
human language or the standard notation of mathematics.
2. Have less-rigid rules, forms, and syntaxes, so the potential for error is reduced.
3. Are machine-independent programs therefore programs written in a high-level language do not have
to be reprogrammed when a new computer is installed.
4. Programmers do not have to learn a new language for each computer they program.

Disadvantages:
1. Less efficient than assembler language programs and require a greater amount of computer time for
translation into machine instructions.

Beyond High-Level Programming Languages

The fourth-generation languages (4GLs) specify what needs to be done rather than detailing steps to
doing it. 4GLs include a variety of programming languages that are more nonprocedural and
conversational than prior languages.
Advantages:
1. Simplified the programming process.
2. Use nonprocedural languages that encourage users and programmers to specify the results they
want, while the computers determines the sequence of instructions that will accomplish those results.
3. Use natural languages that impose no rigid grammatical rules
Disadvantages:
1. Less flexible that other languages
2. Less efficient (in terms of processing speeds and amount of storage capacity needed).
A number of languages could lay claim to belonging to the fifth generation. The following types of
programming languages are likely to influence the development of such a new paradigm:
1. Object-oriented programming (OOP) languages tie data elements and the procedures or actions that
will be performed on them, together into objects. Examples include Smalltalk, C++, Visual Basic, Java,
Turbo C++, C++, Object C+
2. Languages that facilitate parallel processing in systems with a large number of processors.
3. Functional languages (such as LISP), based on the mathematical concept of computation as an
application of functions.
4. Limited subsets of natural languages which can be processed thanks to the progress in artificial
intelligence.
Advantages:
1. OOP languages are easier to use and more efficient for programming the graphics-oriented user
interface required by many applications.
2. Programmed objects are reusable.
Translators: Compilers and Interpreters
A variety of software packages are available to help programmers develop computer programs. For
example, programming language translators are programs that translate other programs into machine
language instruction codes that computers can execute. Other software packages called programming
tools help programmers write programs by providing program creation and editing facilities. Language
translator programs (language processors) are programs that translate other programs into machine
language instruction codes the computer can execute. These programs allow you to write your own
programs by providing program creation and editing facilities.
Programming language translator programs are known by a variety of names.
Assembler: translates the symbolic instruction codes of programs written in an assembler language into
machine language instructions.
Compiler: translates (compiles) high-level language statements (source programs) to machine language
programs.
Interpreter: translates and executes each program statement one at a time, instead of first producing a
complete machine language program, like compilers and assemblers do.
5.5 Fourth-Generation Languages: (4GL's)
4GL's include a variety of programming languages that are more nonprocedural and conversational than
prior languages. The use of fourth-generation languages permits a severalfold increase in productivity in
information systems development.
Categories of Fourth-Generation Languages and their Role in End-User Computing
The distinguishing feature of 4GLs is that they specify what is to be done rather than how to do it.
Characteristics of 4GL's include:
1. The languages are nonprocedural
2. They do not specify the complete procedure for accomplishing the task (this is filled in by the
software translator for the 4GL).
3. About one-tenth of the number of instructions are required in 4GL as compared to procedural
languages. [Figure 5.12]
4. Principal categories of 4GLs are query languages, report generators, and application generators -
5. Query languages and report generators make it unnecessary to develop certain applications by
providing direct access to a database. Application generators make it relatively easy to specify in
nonprocedural terms a system for such access.
6. 4GLs also have software generators for producing decision support and executive information
systems.
Three categories of 4GLs are:
1. Query language
2. Report generators
3. Application generators
Query Languages
Query languages enable end users to access databases directly. Characteristics of query language
include:
1. Used online for ad-hoc queries, that is, queries that are not predefined
2. Result of the query is generally not formatted since it is displayed in a default format selected by the
system itself.
3. Interaction is usually simple, only very simple computations are involved.
4. Most query languages also make it possible to update databases. With many query languages, it is
possible to request a graphical output to a query.
Six primary styles for querying a database:
1. Form fill-in
2. Menu selection
3. Command-type query language, such as SQL
4. Query by example (QBE)
5. Direct manipulation
6. Restricted natural language
Query languages are appropriate for:
1. Automatic teller machines
2. Electronic kiosks
Report Generators
A report generator enables an end user or an information systems professional to produce a report
without detailing all the necessary steps, such as formatting the document.
Characteristics of report generators include:
1. Offer users greater control over the content and appearance of the output than a query language.
2. Specified data may be retrieved from the specified files or databases, grouped, ordered, and
summarized in a specified way, and formatted for printing as desired.
Application Generators
An application generator makes it possible to specify an entire application, consisting of several
programs, without much detailed coding. Characteristics of application generators include:
1. Most generators produce (generate) code in a procedural language. This code may then be modified
to meet the precise needs of the application.
2. Generators targeted toward end users are simple to use. They are targeted to a limited application
domain. They produce the code mostly from a specification of the structure of files and databases and
from the given layouts of screens and reports. The requisite processing is specified in terms natural to
the end users.
3. A screen-painting facility makes it possible to specify the graphical user interface for the system under
development.
4. Powerful application generators require the expertise of information systems professionals, and are
general-purpose tools. They often may run on mainframes and minicomputers.
5. Application generators are increasingly integrated into computer-aided software engineering (CASE)
environments.

Advantages:
1. Simplified the programming process.
2. Use nonprocedural languages that encourage users and programmers to specify the results they
want, while the computers determines the sequence of instructions that will accomplish those results.
3. Use natural languages that impose no rigid grammatical rules

Disadvantages:
1. Less flexible that other languages
2. Programs written in 4GLs are generally far less efficient during program execution that programs in
high-level languages. Therefore, their use is limited to projects that do not call for such efficiency.

5.6 Object-Oriented Languages

The idea of object-oriented programming (OOP) is to build programs of software objects, in order to tie
data elements and the procedures or actions that will be performed on them, together into objects.
Examples include Smalltalk, C++, Turbo C++, Object C+, Java.
Characteristics of OOP include:
1. OOP, objects combine (encapsulate) the data with the operations that act on the data.
2. OOP support class definition and inheritance, creating objects as instances of classes, sending
messages to the methods in these objects during program execution, and other features of OOP.
3. OOP simplifies design of multimedia systems and of graphical user interfaces.
Three fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming are:
1. Objects
2. Classes
3. Inheritance
Objects: are the basic components of which programs are built. In software, a program component that
models a real-world object by encapsulating data and instructions that work with these data.
Class: is a template from which objects are created. Classes can be defined in a hierarchy.
Inheritance: in object-oriented programming, classes lower in the hierarchy inheriting properties
(attributes and methods) of the classes higher in it.
Advantages:
1. OOP languages are easier to use and more efficient for programming the graphics-oriented user
interface required by many applications.
2. Saves much programming, since inheriting properties means programmed objects are reusable.
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Operating Systems
The most important system software package for any computer is its operating system. Every computer
system runs under the control of an operating system. Operating systems for computers that are shared
by many users are considerably more complex than operating systems for personal computers.
What Does an Operating System Do?
The operating system is the software that controls all the resources of a computer system.For example
it:
1. Assigns the needed hardware to programs
2. Schedules programs for execution on the processor
3. Allocates the memory required for each program
4. Assigns the necessary input and output devices
5. Manages the data and program files stored in secondary storage
6. Maintains file directories and provides access to the data in the files
7. Interacts with the users
Multiprogramming is the capacity of a computer to executing several programs concurrently on the
same processor by having one of the programs using the processor while others are performing input or
output.
Multiprogramming requires that the active parts of the programs competing for the processor be
available in main memory. Virtual memory is the seemingly expanded capacity of the main memory of
the computer, and achieved by keeping in the main memory only the immediately needed parts of
programs, with the complete programs kept in secondary storage.
Modes of Computer System Operation
Operating systems enable the system they manage to operate in various modes. These include batch
processing, time sharing, and real-time processing.
Batch processing Processing programs or transactions in batches, without a user's interaction.
Time Sharing Systems providing interactive processing by allocating a short time slice for the use of the
server to each user in turn.
Real-time Processing Systems that respond to an event within a fixed time interval; used for example, in
manufacturing plants or to collect data from several pieces of equipment in a laboratory.
With the move toward multiprocessors, in which several (or even many) processors are configured in a
single computer system, multiprocessing operating systems have been designed to allocate the work to
the multiple processors. These systems also support multiprogramming, which allows many programs to
compete for the processors.
Operating Systems for Personal Computers
The operating systems of personal computers which are dedicated to a single user are vastly simpler
than the operating systems running larger machines, to which hundreds or thousands of users may have
simultaneous access. One important capability an operating system can offer in a personal computing
environment is multitasking: the ability to run several tasks at once on behalf of a user.
The most popular microcomputer operating systems are:
Windows 95 - Windows 95 is an advanced operating system
- graphical user interface
- true multitasking
- network capabilities
- multimedia
DOS - is an older operating system which was used on microcomputers
- is a single user, single-tasking operating system
- can add a GUI interface and multitasking capabilities by using an operating environment such as
Microsoft Windows
OS/2 Warp - graphical user interface
- multitasking
- virtual memory capabilities
- telecommunications capabilities
Windows NT - multitasking network operating system
- multiuser network operating system
- installed on network servers to manage local area networks with high-performance computing
requirements
UNIX - popular operating system that is available for micros, minis, and mainframe computer systems
- multitasking and multiuser system
- installs on network servers
MacIntosh System 7 - multitasking
- virtual memory capabilities
- graphical user interface
User Interface
A user interface is a combination of means by which a user interacts with the computer system. It allows
the end user to communicate with the operating system so they can load programs, access files, and
accomplish other tasks. The three main types of user interfaces are:
1. Command drive
2. Menu drive
3. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 The most popular graphical user interface is that provided by Windows 95. The Windows environment
has become a standard platform for computers.
The Goal of Open Systems
A drive is to use open systems in organizational computing, so that the software and hardware of any
vendor can operate with those of any other, calls for an operating system that would run on any
hardware platform. The term Aopen system@ is used as the opposite of proprietary systems of a
specific manufacturer.
In open systems, organizations want portability, scalability, and interoperability of applications software.
Portable application: can be moved from one computer system to another.
Scalable application: is one that can be moved without significant reprogramming.
Interoperability: means that machines of various vendors and capabilities can work together to produce
needed information.
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CONCEPT OF CUI AND GUI
GUI stands for graphical user interface.
It is a user interface which user interacts with applications by making use of graphics.
In GUI more than one task can run simultaneously.
The user interacts by pointing the applications using devices like mouse.
It is a very user friendly interface.
Example (Windows, Linux)
CUI stands for character user interface.
In CUI user has to interact with the applications by making use of commands.
In CUI only one task can run at a time.
Additional information :-
CUI and GUI are user interface used in connection with computers
• CUI is the precursor of GUI and stands for character user interface where user has to type on keyboard
to proceed. On the other hand GUI stands for Graphical User Interface which makes it possible to use a
mouse instead of keyboard
• GUI is much easier to navigate than CUI
• There is only text in case of CUI whereas there are graphics and other visual clues in case of GUI
• Most modern computers use GUI and not CUI
• DOS is an example of CUI whereas Windows is an example of GUI.
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Installation of windows operating system
1. Insert the installation disk or flash drive. To install a new operating system on Windows, you
must have the operating system's install tool on a DVD or flash drive, and the disk or flash drive
must be inserted into your computer. If you don't have a version of the operating system you
want to download, you can download one for the following operating systems:
 Windows 10
 Windows 8
 Windows 7
2. Restart your computer. Press and hold your computer's Power button to turn it off, wait for a
few seconds, and then press the Power button again to turn the computer back on.
3. Wait for the computer's first startup screen to appear. Once the startup screen appears, you'll
have a very limited window in which you can press the setup key.It's best to start pressing the
setup key as soon as the computer begins to restart.
4. Press and hold Del or F2 to enter the BIOS page. The key you're prompted to press might also
be different; if so, use that key instead. This will load your computer's BIOS page, from which
point you can select your installation disk or drive.
 You'll typically use the "F" keys to access the BIOS. These are at the top of your keyboard, though you
may have to locate and hold the Fn key while pressing the proper "F" key.
 You can look at your computer model's manual or online support page to confirm your computer's BIOS
key.
 5. Locate the "Boot Order" section. This section is normally on the main page of the BIOS, though
you may need to use the arrow keys to navigate over to the "Boot" or "Advanced" tab.
 The "Boot Order" section varies from BIOS to BIOS. If you can't find your BIOS' "Boot Order" page,
consult your motherboard's manual or look up your computer model online to find direct instruction for
your specific BIOS page.
6. Select the location from which you want to start your computer. In this case, you'll be starting
your computer either from the disk drive or from an external drive, such as a flash drive.
 The disk drive option is usually labeled CD-ROM Drive, while external drives will show up as Removable
Devices.
7. Move your selected location to the top of the list. Typically, you'll press the + key with the boot
location you want to use selected until it's at the top of the "Boot Order" list.
 You can double-check the key that you're supposed to use in the legend that's usually on the right side
or the bottom of the BIOS page.
8. Save your settings and exit the BIOS. There should be a "Save and Exit" key listed in the BIOS'
key legend; press the key listed there to save your settings and exit the BIOS.
 You may have to confirm this decision by pressing ↵ Enter with Yes selected.
9. Restart your computer. Once your computer begins to start up again, it will select your disk or
flash drive as the boot location, which means that it will begin installing the operating system.
10. Follow the on-screen prompts. Each operating system will have different steps to take when
installing it, so just follow the on-screen directions to complete the installation.

Installation of Printer
1. Read the installation guide for your printer if you have it. Lots of printers can be very finicky,
and if you have an installation guide you should follow its exact instructions before deferring to
these general instructions. You can usually find the installation guide as a PDF file on the
manufacturer's support page for your model.
 You can quickly find the support page for your printer by opening Google and searching for
"manufacturer model support".
2. Plug the printer into your computer. Make sure to plug it into a USB port directly on your
computer, and not a USB hub.
Some printers will need to be plugged into a power source as well.
3. Turn the printer on. You should hear the page feed mechanism start and the printer should light
up.
4. Wait for your operating system to detect and install the printer. All modern versions of
Windows and OS X should be able to automatically detect the printer and install the necessary
drivers for you. You may need to be connected to the internet in order for your operating
system to download the appropriate files. For most users, this should be all you need to do in
order to begin printing from your computer to your new printer. If you are using an older
version of Windows/OS X, or the printer is not automatically detected, read on.
5. Install the software that came with the printer. This will usually install any drivers that weren't
installed automatically by Windows, and may install extra printing software that allow you to
take advantage of additional features on your printer. If you don't have the disc that came with
the printer, and it wasn't automatically detected by your operating system, read on.
 As long as your printer was properly automatically installed, you usually don't actually need to install
anything else.
6. Download the drivers from the manufacturer's website. If you don't have the disc and the
printer wasn't installed automatically, you can download the drivers directly from the
manufacturer. You will need to know your printer's model number, which should be prominent
on the printer itself.
 You can quickly find the support page for your printer by opening Google and searching for
"manufacturer model support".

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 Backup and Restore Operation
File History(Windows 10 )
File History will perform a back-up of the files located in your libraries (Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.) It allows
you to choose a drive, where you can back-up your files and then asks you when to do it.
To configure the File History backup, follow these steps −
Step 1 − Go to SETTINGS and select Update & security.
Step 2 − In the UPDATE & SECURITY window, select Backup.
Step 3 − Click “Add a drive” to choose where to store your backup.
Backup & Restore (Windows 7)
This tool, which was removed in Windows 8 and 8.1, was brought back allowing you to perform back-ups and
restore data from old Windows 7 backups. However, it also lets to back-up your regular documents on Windows
10.
To open the Back-up & Restore, follow these steps −
Step 1 − Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Search bar.
Step 2 − After the Control Panel is open, choose Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 3 − In the Backup and Restore window, you can choose to “Set up backup”.
Step 4 − In the Set up backup window, choose where you want to store your backup.
When choosing any of the listed storage devices, Windows 10 will give you information about that specific device.
After choosing the desired destination, click Next.
Step 5 − In the next window, you can choose what files you want to backup.
Windows default is to store everything in your libraries (Documents, Pictures, etc.) and in your Desktop, but you
can also choose specific files and folders to backup. After making your selection, click Next.
Step 6 − In the last window, you can review the settings of your backup and establish the schedule in which you
want to perform it.
Step 7 − In the end, click Save settings and run backup. The backup will perform at the scheduled time.
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Features of Window
Microsoft Windows includes a wide array of features, tools, and applications to help get the most out of
Windows and your computer.
To learn more about the features included in Microsoft Windows, click a link below.
• Control Panel
• Cortana virtual assistant
• Desktop
• Device Manager
• Disk Cleanup
• Event Viewer
• File Explorer
• Internet browser
• Microsoft Paint
• Notepad
• Notification area
• Power User Tasks Menu
• Registry Editor
• Settings
• Start menu
• System Information
• Taskbar
• Task Manager
• Windows search box
Control Panel
The Control Panel is a collection of tools to help you configure and manage the resources on your
computer. You can change settings for printers, video, audio, mouse, keyboard, date and time, user
accounts, installed applications, network connections, power saving options, and more.
Windows 10 Control Panel.
In Windows 10, the Control Panel is located in the Start menu, under Windows System.
You can also start the Control Panel from the Run box. Press Win+R, type control, and press Enter. Or, you
may press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and then press Enter.
Many of the Control Panel settings are also accessible in the Windows 10 Settings menu.
What is the Control Panel?
Cortana
Cortana is a virtual assistant introduced in Windows 10 that accepts voice commands. Cortana can answer
questions, search your computer or Internet, set appointments and reminders, perform online purchases,
and more. Cortana has similarities to other voice-activated services, such as Siri, Alexa, or Google
Assistant, with the added benefit that it can search the information on your computer.

Cortana in Windows 10.

To access Cortana in Windows 10, press Win+S.
Desktop
The desktop is a fundamental part of the default GUI (graphical user interface) in Windows. It is a space
where you can organize applications, folders, and documents, which appear as icons. Your desktop is
always in the background, behind any other applications you're running.
When you power on your computer and log in to Windows, the first thing you see is your desktop
background, icons, and the taskbar. From here, you can access the installed programs on your computer
from the Start menu, or by double-clicking any application shortcuts you may have on your desktop.
You can access your desktop at any time by pressing Win+D to minimize any running applications.
Note
With the release of Windows 8 in 2012, the desktop was no longer the default GUI, replaced by the Start
Screen. This change was short-lived, and the desktop returned as the default GUI in Windows 10.
Device Manager
The Device Manager lists the hardware devices installed in a computer. It allows users to see what
hardware is installed, view and update hardware drivers, and uninstall hardware through the Device
Manager.
Device Manager
You can open the Device Manager from the Power User Tasks Menu (Win+X, then press M).
Disk Cleanup
The Disk Cleanup utility helps increase free disk space on your computer by removing temporary or
unnecessary files. Running Disk Cleanup can help improve the performance of your computer, and create
additional space to store your downloads, documents, and programs.
Disk Cleanup utility
You can access Disk Cleanup from the File Explorer.
Press Win+E to open an Explorer window.
On the left side of the window, find This PC or My Computer, and select it by clicking once.
Then, on the right side, right-click any disk drive on your computer (C:, for example).
Select Properties.
Under the General tab, click Disk Cleanup.
Event Viewer
The Event Viewer is an administrator tool which displays errors and important events that happen on your
computer. It can help you troubleshoot advanced problems in your Windows system.
Event Viewer can be accessed from the Power User Tasks Menu (press Win+X, then press V).
File Explorer
The File Explorer, also called Windows Explorer, provides you with a view of the files and folders on the
computer. You can browse the contents of your SSD, hard drive, and attached removable disks. You can
search for files and folders, and open, rename, or delete them from the File Explorer.
File Explorer
To open a new File Explorer window, press Win+E. You can have more than one Explorer window open at
the same time, which can be useful for viewing multiple folders at once, or copying/moving files from one
to the other.
Internet browser
Your Internet browser is one of the most important applications on your computer. You can use it to find
information on the Internet, view web pages, shop and buy merchandise, watch movies, play games, and
more. Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 10. Internet Explorer is included as the default
browser in previous versions of Windows, from Windows 95 to Windows 8.1.
Microsoft Edge running on Windows 10.
To open a new Edge browser window in Windows 10, open the Start menu and scroll down to Microsoft
Edge.
Can I have more than one Internet browser installed?
Microsoft Paint
Included in Windows since November 1985, Microsoft Paint is a simple image editor that you can use to
create, view, and edit digital images. It provides basic functionality to draw and paint pictures, resize and
rotate photographs, and save pictures as different file types.
Paint
To open Microsoft Paint in all versions of Windows, press the Windows key, type mspaint, and press
Enter. It's also available in your Start menu: in Windows 10, it's listed under Windows Accessories, Paint.
Notepad
Notepad is a simple text editor. You can use it to create, view, and edit text files. For instance, you can use
Notepad to write a batch file, or a web page written in HTML.
Batch script written in Notepad.
In Windows 10, Notepad is located in your Start menu under Windows accessories. In all versions of
Windows, you can start Notepad from the Run box: press Win+R, type notepad, and press Enter.
Notification area
The notification area, also known as the system tray, displays the date and time, and shows icons of
programs that are started with Windows. It also provides your Internet connection's status and a speaker
icon for adjusting sound volume.
Windows Notification area
Information about the Windows notification area (systray).
Power User Tasks Menu
Available in Windows 8 and Windows 10, the Power User Tasks Menu provides quick access to helpful and
important Windows utilities. From this menu, you can open the Control Panel, Device Manager, File
Explorer, Task Manager, and more.
Sreenshot: Power User Tasks Menu in Windows 10.
To open the Power User Tasks Menu, press Win+X, or right-click the Start menu icon.
Registry Editor
The Registry Editor allows you to view the Windows system registry, and edit registry keys. Computer
technicians may use the Registry Editor to fix problems with the Windows operating system or installed
software.
Windows Registry Editor
In Windows 10, the Registry Editor is located in the Start menu under Windows Administrative Tools. You
can also start it by pressing the Windows key, typing regedit, and then pressing Enter.
Warning
Making changes to the registry can cause your applications or system to stop functioning correctly. Don't
edit the registry if you're not sure what your changing and always back up your registry by exporting it to
a file before making any changes.
Settings
Available in Windows 8 and Windows 10, Settings allows you to change many aspects of Windows. You
can change the desktop background, adjust power settings, review options for external devices, and
more.
Windows 10 Settings.
To open Settings in Windows 10, press Win+I. Or, open the Start menu, and click the gear icon (Small gear
icon).
Start and Start menu
The Start menu is a list of applications and utilities installed on your computer. You can open it by
pressing Start, located on the left side of your taskbar.
Windows 10 Start menu.
From the keyboard, you can open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key.
How do I get the Start button and Start menu back in Windows 8?
System Information
The System Information utility provides information about the computer, including hardware and
Windows details. You can find out details about your computer's hardware, including processor, memory,
video card, and sound card. You can also view and configure environment variables, device drivers,
services, and more.
System Information
In Windows 10, System Information is located in the Start menu, under Windows Administrative Tools.
You can also open it from the Run box: press Win R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
Taskbar
The Windows taskbar shows programs that are currently open, as well as a Quick Launch area that allows
quick access to launch specific programs. The notification area is located on the right side of the taskbar,
showing the date and time, and programs running in the background.
Windows 10 taskbar
Task Manager
The Task Manager gives you an overview of what's running on your computer. You can see how much of
your system resources is being used by each application (task), sorting by CPU, RAM, and disk I/O usage. If
a program is frozen or not responding, you can right-click it in Task Manager and end the task, forcing it to
quit.
To open the Task Manager at any time, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
Windows 10 Task Manager.
Windows search box
The Windows search box is a convenient way to search for documents, pictures, videos, applications, and
more. In Windows 10, the search box is also integrated with Cortana. The feature first appeared in
Windows Vista.
Microsoft Windows 10 search box
The search box is located on your taskbar by default. In Windows 10, if you don't see the search box,
right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Make sure Use small taskbar buttons is Off. Then, right-
click the taskbar again, and select Cortana, Show search box.