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Welcome to today's edition of the Computer Kindergarten Newsletter.
Today is Monday, April 2, 2001
In this Issue:
Today's Featured Computer Term: EXE file
Today's Topic: What is a Window?
Progressive Learning Series: Keep Dust Away from Your Printer
Today's Featured Website: safeshopping.org
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Today's Featured Computer Term: EXE file
Pronounced ee-ex-ee file, in DOS and Windows systems, an EXE file is an executable file with an .EXE extension.
An executable file is a file in a format that the computer can directly execute. Same as run, execute means to perform an action, as in executing a program or a command. The file that starts up a program is an executable file. Double clicking on an icon on the desktop or opening a program from the start menu opens that program's executable file, which starts up the program.
Unlike source or data files, executable files cannot be read by humans.
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Today's Topic: What is a Window?
Did you ever wonder why Windows is called Windows?
It's because just about everything you see on the screen is in a Window. Many windows have windows in them. For example, this email that you're reading is in a window. That window is in the email program window.
Windows have certain characteristics, depending on the type. The main window of a program is likely to have:
Title Bar: Usually blue, but always some color, the title bar appears at the top of the window. On the left is a small icon; that's the program's logo. When you click on it, the Control menu (Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, Close, etc.) is displayed. On the right there may be three little buttons; those are the Control buttons, Minimize, Maximize or Restore, and Close. Click the rightmost button (the one marked with an X) and the window will close. The button on the left minimizes the window to the Taskbar. The middle button maximizes the window. If the window is already at its maximum size, the middle button will restore the window to its normal size.
Menu: Menus are at the top, and usually have headings like File, Edit, and Help. Click on one to see the choices. Click on a choice to make the program do something.
Toolbar: Toolbars are bars with buttons, drop-down menus, or other items that are used as shortcuts to program features. The toolbar buttons are shortcuts to commands used often in that particular program.
Status Bar: This is the gray bar at the bottom of the window (don't confuse this with the taskbar at the bottom of the screen) - it often has messages about what is currently going on in the program.
The Border: The window border is used to size windows - if they can be sized. Place the mouse cursor on the edge of a window. If it can be sized, the mouse pointer will change into a double-headed arrow. Left click the mouse. Then drag the side of the window to the size you want.
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Progressive Learning Series: Keep Dust Away from Your Printer
Dust can affect the output quality of any printer. If it's allowed to build up, it can eventually cause wear on moving parts and wreck the printing mechanisms. Always protect your printer with a dust cover when it's not in use. Make sure you turn your printer off before covering it to avoid heat buildup.
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Today's Featured Website: safeshopping.org
Brought to you by the American Bar Association, this Website will help you shop safely online.
You'll find clear and concise information on these items of concern: how secure is your transaction, how will you maintain your privacy, how are you paying for the item, what do you know about the seller, what are you buying, what are the legal terms, when can you expect delivery, how should you keep records, to whom can you complain, and other online shopping tips.
http://www.safeshopping.org/ |
