WINDOWS DESKTOP - USING A WORDPAD

Next we’ll explore Wordpad, a basic Windows application. We won’t focus on learning all the features of this application. Rather, we’ll explore those features that are common to all Windows applications. We’ll open a document and learn about different cursors. We’ll also create, edit, and save a document.

(a) Launching Wordpad

Word processing is a basic computing task used to create documents such as letters and reports. Wordpad is a simple word processing program. We’ll use it to create and edit a document.

Wordpad can be launched, or opened, several different ways. We’ll open it from the Start menu.

1.      To access the Start menu,

Since the program we want is not displayed, we will have to open the All Programs menu.

2.      To access additional programs,

You see subfolders that organize types of applications.

A shortcut to Wordpad is usually contained in the Accessories subfolder, but not all computers are set up the same way. If Wordpad is not located in the Accessories folder on your computer, it may be necessary to search for it. You may see a folder with a similar name, such as Accessories-Utilities. If so, open this folder and look for Wordpad.

3.      To launch Wordpad,

Wordpad opens. Because we have not opened or saved a file yet, you see a blank document. Most applications open to a blank document by default.

(b) Understanding the Wordpad Main Window

Let’s examine the components of the Wordpad main window. Notice the Title bar, Menu bar, and Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons. The following diagram and table explain other components of the main window:

 

 

Component	Function
Menu bar	Contains the main commands used in the application, grouped into categories
Main toolbar	Contains shortcuts for standard commands such as Open and Save
Format bar	Contains shortcuts for formatting text, such as color and alignment
Ruler	Displays margins
Status bar	Contains information related to program
Workspace	Displays document content

(c) Understanding Toolbar Buttons

The icons on toolbar buttons may not clearly illustrate the button’s function.

Let’s see how to determine a toolbar button’s function.

1.      To determine a button’s function, on the Main toolbar,

You see the button’s function in a tool tip:

This process can be used to determine any button’s function in a Window’s application.

(d) Typing Text

When typing a paragraph, it is not necessary to press any key to move to the next line. Wordpad will automatically wrap text. This means that when text reaches the edge of the document, it continues on the following line. Keep in mind that margins define the printing area of the document.We’ll type a title and paragraph. We want the title to be centered so let’s use a Format bar button.

1.      To position the cursor, on the Format bar,

2.      To create a document title followed by two blank lines, type:

Now let’s type a paragraph. Before we begin, let’s left align the cursor.

3.      To position the cursor, on the Format bar,

You see the blinking cursor at the left margin.

4.      To create a paragraph, type:

Please fill out an online evaluation after the workshop. During this class, we will discuss the features of Windows. Do not hesitate to ask questions as we work. We hope you will find the session useful.

Notice that once the text reached the right margin, it wrapped to the following line.

(e) Repositioning the Cursor

You have already seen the pointer and blinking cursors, and now you’ll see another. Most word processing programs utilize the I-beam cursor(), which is used to select text. The arrow keys can be used to move the blinking cursor one character or one line at a time. The position of the blinking cursor can also be changed using the I-beam cursor.

Let’s see how this works.

1.      To change the position of the cursor within the text, press:

The position of the blinking cursor changes.

Now let’s use the I-beam to change the cursor position.

2.      To position the cursor,

You see the I-beam cursor.

3.      To reposition the blinking cursor,

The blinking cursor is in a new position.

Keep in mind that the arrows and I-beam cursor can only be used when space has been created in a document.

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