Navigating and Understanding Your Computer
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derejeNavigating and Understanding Your Computer
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dereje📘 Lecture Note: Additional Topics –
Navigating and Understanding Your
Computer
1. User Account Management
User accounts allow personalized and secure use of the same computer by multiple individuals.
🔹 Types of Accounts:
Administrator: Has full access to system settings, can install/uninstall software, and
manage other accounts.
Standard User: Has limited access, cannot change major system settings or install apps.
🔹 How to Manage Accounts:
Open Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
Click Add someone else to this PC.
Choose Microsoft account or create a local account.
Set a password or PIN for added security.
Switch users via the Start Menu > Account Icon > Sign Out.
2. Control Panel vs. Settings
Windows has two interfaces for managing configurations:
🔹 Control Panel:
Legacy system tool used since Windows 95.
Contains categories like:
o System and Security
o Hardware and Sound
o User Accounts
o Network and Internet
🔹 Settings App:
Modern interface introduced in Windows 10.
Easier navigation for general users.
Categories include:
o System, Devices, Network & Internet, Personalization, Accounts
💡 Tip: Use the search bar in either interface to find specific settings.
3. Notifications & Windows Updates
🔹 Notification Center (Action Center):
Located at the far-right of the taskbar.
Displays messages related to:
o Security warnings
o System updates
o App messages
You can turn off or customize notifications in:
Settings > System > Notifications & Actions
🔹 Windows Updates:
Keeps your computer secure and functioning.
Access updates through:
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
Options:
o Check for updates manually
o Set automatic update schedule
o View update history
4. Multitasking Features in Windows
Windows allows users to work on several tasks at once.
🔹 Task View
Use Windows + Tab to open all active windows.
Allows quick switching between apps.
🔹 Snap Assist
Drag a window to the side of the screen to “snap” it.
Use Windows + Left/Right Arrow for fast snapping.
🔹 Virtual Desktops
Use Windows + Ctrl + D to create a new desktop.
Use Windows + Ctrl + ←/→ to switch between desktops.
This is useful for organizing work (e.g., one desktop for browsing, another for Word documents).
5. File Backup and Cloud Storage
Keeping a backup ensures your data is safe from damage, loss, or theft.
🔹 Local Backup Methods:
Use external hard drives or USB flash drives.
Copy important files manually or use Windows Backup tools.
🔹 Cloud Storage Services:
Automatically sync files to the internet.
Accessible from any device with an internet connection.
Popular cloud options:
o OneDrive (built into Windows)
o Google Drive
o Dropbox
o iCloud
🔹 Why Backups Matter:
Protects you from accidental deletion.
Enables file recovery after crashes or malware attacks.
Supports version control of documents.
6. Summary
In this extended lecture, we explored important functions for understanding and managing your
computer more effectively:
Creating and managing user accounts
Comparing and using Control Panel vs. Settings
Managing system notifications and keeping Windows updated
Multitasking using Task View, Snap Assist, and Virtual Desktops
Backing up files locally and through cloud services
By mastering these tools, users gain better control, efficiency, and data safety on their
personal or office computers.
📘 Lecture Note: Additional Topics – Navigating and
Understanding Your Computer
1. User Account Management
User accounts allow personalized and secure use of the same computer by multiple individuals.
Types of Accounts:
Administrator: Full access to system settings, can manage other accounts.
Standard User: Limited access, suitable for general use.
How to Manage Accounts:
Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
Click “Add someone else to this PC”.
Choose a Microsoft or local account.
Set a password or PIN.
Use the Start Menu > User Icon > Sign Out to switch users.
2. Control Panel vs. Settings
Windows offers two configuration interfaces:
Control Panel: Legacy interface with full system control over users, devices, and
network.
Settings: Modern interface with a simpler layout for ease of use (System, Devices,
Network, etc.).
Both can be used depending on preference and complexity of the task.
3. Notifications & Windows Updates
Notification Center:
Found at the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.
Displays updates, alerts, tips, and app notifications.
Windows Updates:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Options include: Check for updates, View update history, Schedule restarts.
Important for security patches and feature enhancements.
4. Multitasking Features in Windows
Task View:
Shortcut: Windows + Tab
View and switch between open windows.
Snap Assist:
Snap windows to screen sides using drag or Windows + Left/Right Arrow.
Virtual Desktops:
Shortcut: Windows + Ctrl + D to create a new one.
Switch using Windows + Ctrl + ←/→.
Helpful for organizing different types of tasks.
5. File Backup and Cloud Storage
Local Backup:
Save copies of your data to USB drives or external hard drives.
Manual or automated backup options are available.
Cloud Storage:
OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox allow online access to your files.
Files auto-sync and can be restored from any device.
Offers version history and file sharing.
6. Summary
This module taught you:
How to create and manage user accounts.
The difference between Control Panel and Settings.
How to manage updates and notifications.
How to use Windows multitasking tools.
Backup methods and cloud storage options.
These tools and skills help you operate computers confidently and efficiently.
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