Class 1 Curriculum

Topics Covered

What is Windows 10?
The Desktop, TaskBar, and Start Menu
Applications
Google Chrome

What is Windows 10?

Windows 10 is a type of software known as an operating system, created by a company called Microsoft. It’s what makes your computer work and allows you to use different programs and applications, like sending emails, browsing the internet, and watching videos.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Control Center: Windows 10 is like the control center of your computer. It manages all the hardware and software, making sure everything runs smoothly.
User-Friendly: It has a user-friendly interface with icons and menus that make it easier to navigate and find what you need. Think of it like the dashboard of a car, where you can see and control everything.
Security: It helps protect your computer from viruses and other threats, keeping your personal information safe.
Updates: Microsoft regularly updates Windows 10 to add new features and improve security, so your computer stays up-to-date and runs efficiently.

If you’ve used other versions of Windows before, like Windows 7 or Windows XP, Windows 10 has many similarities but with improvements and new features. It’s designed to be easy to use, even if you’re not very familiar with computers.

What is the Desktop?

The desktop on a computer is like the top of a physical desk where you can see and access important items easily. Here’s how it works:

Background Image: Think of the background image as the wallpaper or surface of your desk. It can be a picture of your choice or a simple color.
Icons: The icons on the desktop are like shortcuts to different tools and folders, similar to having important papers or tools on your desk. For example:
- Recycle Bin: This is where deleted items go, like a trash bin on your desk.
- Program Shortcuts: These are icons that let you quickly open your favorite programs, like a shortcut to your email, internet browser, or a document you’re working on.
Folders and Files: You can also have folders and files on your desktop, just like having folders and documents on your desk. You can open, move, or organize them as needed.

The desktop is designed to be a convenient place to keep important items within easy reach, just like your physical desktop at home or work.

What is the Taskbar?

The taskbar on a computer is like a drawer or toolbar that helps you access and manage your programs and notifications easily. It’s located at the bottom of the screen. Here’s how it works:

Start Menu Button: On the left side, there’s a button that opens the Start Menu. The Start Menu is like a catalog of all the programs and features on your computer, allowing you to find and open what you need.
Open Programs: The taskbar shows icons for programs that are currently open. These icons are like tabs in a binder, helping you switch between different programs quickly.
Pinned Programs: You can “pin” your favorite programs to the taskbar, so they’re always within easy reach. It’s like keeping frequently used tools in a drawer right at the front.
Notifications Area: On the right side of the taskbar, there’s a small section for notifications or alerts, such as reminders, updates, or messages. It’s like a little bulletin board for important notices.
Clock and Calendar: This section also shows the current time and date, just like a clock on your desk.

The taskbar is designed to help you manage and access your programs and notifications quickly and efficiently, much like a handy drawer or toolbar in your workspace.

What is the Start Menu?

The Start Menu on a computer is like a catalog or a directory that helps you find and open programs, files, and settings. It’s usually accessed by clicking the button on the bottom-left corner of the screen. Here’s how it works:

All Programs List: The Start Menu shows a list of all the programs installed on your computer, like a catalog listing everything you have. You can scroll through this list to find and open any program you need.
Search Bar: There’s a search bar at the top where you can type in the name of a program, file, or setting you’re looking for. It’s like asking a librarian to help you find a specific book or item in a large library.
Pinned and Recently Used Programs: The Start Menu often shows your most frequently used programs and any that you’ve pinned for quick access. This is like having a few favorite tools or items right at the front of your catalog for easy access.
Settings and Power Options: You can also find important settings and power options in the Start Menu. This includes options to shut down, restart, or put your computer to sleep, similar to having a quick access guide for managing your device.
Tiles or Shortcuts: Depending on your settings, you might see tiles or shortcuts to different programs and apps. These are like bookmarks or quick links to your favorite and most-used items.

The Start Menu is designed to be an easy and organized way to access everything you need on your computer, similar to how a well-organized catalog helps you find and use various items efficiently.

Applications

Applications, often called “apps” or “programs,” are software tools that let you do specific tasks on your computer or other devices. Think of them like tools or appliances you use in your daily life. Here’s how they work:

Purpose-Specific: Each application is designed to help you with a specific task, much like how a coffee maker is designed to brew coffee. For example:
- Email Applications: These apps help you send, receive, and manage emails, similar to how a mailbox works.
- Web Browsers: These let you browse the internet, like using a map to explore different places.
- Word Processors: Programs like Microsoft Word help you write and edit documents, like a digital typewriter.
Easy to Use: Applications have user-friendly interfaces, which means they have buttons, menus, and icons that make them easy to navigate and use, just like how appliances have buttons and dials.
Installation: You can add new applications to your computer by downloading and installing them, similar to how you bring a new tool or appliance into your home.
Updates: Applications often receive updates to add new features or improve security, just like how you might upgrade your tools or appliances to newer models.
Accessibility: You can usually access and open applications from your desktop, taskbar, or Start Menu, much like how you keep your tools in a toolbox or on a workbench for easy access.

Applications are essential for making your computer useful and productive, allowing you to perform a wide variety of tasks efficiently and effectively.

What is Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a web browser, a type of application that lets you access and navigate the internet. Here’s a simple way to understand it:

Web Browser: Google Chrome is a tool for exploring the internet. Think of it like a vehicle that takes you to different websites, which are like destinations or places you visit online.
User-Friendly: Chrome is designed to be easy to use, with a simple interface. It has an address bar at the top where you can type in website addresses (URLs) or search terms. It also has tabs, so you can have multiple websites open at the same time, similar to having different pages open in a book.
Speed: Chrome is known for its speed. It loads websites quickly, helping you get the information you need without long waits.
Security: It has built-in features to help protect you from online threats like viruses and phishing scams. It’s like having a security system for your internet browsing.

How to Open Google Chrome

There are 3 ways to open Google Chrome on your laptop.

Desktop: Locate the Google Chrome logo shown above on your desktop and move your cursor over and double-click the application to open it
Taskbar: On the bottom bar of your screen locate your Taskbar. Find the Google Chrome logo and click it to open
Start Menu: Click either the Windows Logo (4 squares in the bottom left corner of your screen) or press the Windows Logo on your keyboard. Once the menu is open, either look for the Google Chrome logo in the application sidebar or begin typing with your keyboard to prompt the “search” feature.

Once you have Google Chrome open, maximize the window by clicking the square in the top right corner of the Title Bar

Next Steps

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