Quick summary
An operating system (OS) is the main software that runs a computer. Windows is an operating system from Microsoft. This chapter shows the Windows 10/11 desktop and how to work with files and folders (फाईल व फोल्डर).
Key points
- The OS is the link between the user and the hardware.
- The desktop is the main screen after Windows starts.
- A file contains saved information; a folder holds files and other folders.
- Press F2 to rename a selected file or folder.
- Deleted files usually go to the Recycle Bin and can be restored.
- Shift + Delete permanently deletes a file without putting it in the Recycle Bin.
- Alt + Tab switches between open programs.
- Windows + L locks your computer.
- Windows + E opens File Explorer.
- Save your work before shutting down through Start → Power → Shut down.
What an operating system does
It manages memory, CPU, printer and other hardware. It starts programs, organises files and folders, and helps protect user accounts with passwords. It gives us a graphical user interface (GUI) with icons, menus and windows. This makes the computer easier to use than typing commands for everything.
Desktop and windows
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Icon | Small picture for a program, file or folder |
| Taskbar | Bar, usually at the bottom, showing open apps |
| Start button | Opens the Start menu: apps, Settings and Power |
| Notification area | Right end of the taskbar: time, sound, network, battery |
| Recycle Bin | Holds deleted files temporarily |
Windows 11 usually puts Start near the centre of the taskbar; Windows 10 puts it on the left. The title bar at the top shows the program or file name. At its right are Minimize (hides the window on the taskbar), Maximize (fills the screen) and Close. Alt + F4 closes the active window.
Managing files
File Explorer shows your drives, folders and files. Windows is usually installed on the C: drive. A file extension after the last dot in its name tells you its format.
| Extension | Type |
|---|---|
| .docx | Word document |
| .xlsx | Excel workbook |
| .pptx | PowerPoint presentation |
| PDF document | |
| .jpg | Photo |
| .mp3 | Audio |
| .mp4 | Video |
| .txt | Plain text |
| .exe | Executable program |
| Task | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New folder in File Explorer | Ctrl + Shift + N |
| Rename | F2 |
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Select all | Ctrl + A |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
| Send to Recycle Bin | Delete |
| Permanently delete | Shift + Delete |
| Show desktop | Windows + D |
Copy leaves the original in place and makes another copy. Cut, followed by Paste, moves it. To recover a deleted file from the Recycle Bin, right-click it and select Restore. Press Windows + I to open Settings for display, internet, language and updates. The older Control Panel is also available.
Important terms
- Operating system – system software that runs a computer.
- GUI – Graphical User Interface; work with icons and menus.
- Drive – a storage location such as C: or D:.
- Extension – the part after the last dot in a filename indicating its type.
- Multitasking – running several programs at once.
Practice questions (with answers)
Q1. Which key renames a selected file?
- (A) F5
- (B) F2
- (C) F7
- (D) F1
Q2. Which shortcut deletes a file without moving it to Recycle Bin?
- (A) Ctrl + Delete
- (B) Alt + Delete
- (C) Shift + Delete
- (D) Tab + Delete
Q3. Which shortcut locks your computer?
- (A) Windows + L
- (B) Windows + D
- (C) Ctrl + L
- (D) Alt + F4
Q4. What type of file has the .xlsx extension?
- (A) Word document
- (B) Presentation
- (C) Photo
- (D) Excel workbook
Q5. Which shortcut switches between open programs?
- (A) Ctrl + Tab
- (B) Alt + Tab
- (C) Shift + Tab
- (D) Windows + E
Exam tip
Know the difference between Delete and Shift + Delete, the F2 rename key and the common file extensions.