Windows

What is Windows 95?

Windows 95 is a software program known as an operating system. It enables you to communicate with your computer hardware and to use other software programs. Operating systems serve as translators between people and computers. Windows 95 communicates with you through windows, pictures, and text written in your language. It communicates your commands – delivered by typing on the keyboard and clicking the mouse buttons – to the computer in a language that it understands.

In the world of computers, "hardware" refers to the physical components of the system – including the processor and memory inside the computer case, printers, CD drives, and many other components. "Software" refers to the programs and applications used on the hardware. "Running" a program and "executing" a program are different ways of saying that you are using the software program.

When would I use Windows 95?

Everything you do on your computer uses Windows 95 if that is the operating system you have on your computer. Other software you want to use must be compatible with the operating system. Read the requirements and specifications when you consider purchasing new software. If the software does not show Windows 95 or Windows 98, it might not work on your computer. When you buy new software, read the package carefully to determine whether it works on your version of Windows.

How do I use Windows 95?

Once you learn to use the mouse, navigating Windows 95 becomes much easier. Clicking icons and selecting items from cascading menus perform most of the functions or commands available in Windows 95.

Windows 95 provides many features to simplify work and play on the computer. Below is a partial list of frequently used features:


Start menu:	List of options acting as a remote control for the entire computer; accessed with the Start button on the taskbar.

Icons:	Small pictures representing programs, files, shortcuts, and printers

Desktop:	Work space filling your screen from the time the computer is turned on to the time it is turned off; provides a place to store and work with icons, desktop components, application windows, and dialog boxes.


Taskbar:	Rectangular bar at the bottom of the screen containing the Start button, buttons for programs running, and a clock. Do not be alarmed if the taskbar is not at the bottom of the screen, as it can be moved to any edge of the screen and resized!

Get help from Windows:

1.     Click the "Start" button on the taskbar.
2.     Click "Help" on the Start menu.
3.     Click the "Contents" tab in Windows Help.
4.     Click a "book" to see the book list of topics.
5.     Click a topic to get assistance on that topic.
6.     Click the "Index" tab.
7.     Type text in the field to see similar topics.
8.     Click "Display" to get assistance on that topic