Discover PC & Windows Basics

An interactive productivity tool for users of PCs and Microsoft Windows XP



Windows XP delivers a new standard in reliability, security, performance, and ease of use. Topics include what is a computer, hardware, Windows XP basics, file management, applications, the Internet, help resources, and computer ergonomics.

DiscoverWare products combine audio,  animation, and software simulation with a unique user interface to make the "discovery" of computer programs both effective and entertaining. The program is also designed to help users learn about software at their own pace, providing the control to let them repeat topics or jump to anywhere in the course.

The Main Menu displays all the categories within the Discover PC & Windows Basics.  Within the various topics under each category, users are provided with detailed explanations and examples, as well as hands-on exercises, so they can practice what they're learning.  After completing all the topics in a category, users can find out how much they've learned by taking the Category Self Test. They can also test their overall knowledge by choosing Self Test from the Main Menu.

DiscoverWare's unique Multimedia Glossary provides a quick reference of computer terms. In many cases, users can jump directly to the exact portion of the course for a more detailed explanation.  A detailed Help function is always available to ensure users never lose their way.

What is a Computer?

  The Personal Computer

• Understand Computers

• History Of The PC

• Advancements

• The First PCs

• The PC Today

  Portable Computers

• Laptops & Notebooks

• Handheld PCs & Palmtops

Hardware

  Components You Can See

• Hardware

• Monitor

• System Unit

• Keyboard

• Pointing Devices

  The System

• What Is A System?

• System Case

• Power Supply

• Motherboard

• CPU

• Video Output

• Sound

• Connections

  The CPU

• Central Processor

• Processor Speed

• Memory

• Memory

• RAM

• ROM

• Storage Devices

• Storage

• Hard Disk Drive

• Zip Disks & Diskettes

• CDs

• DVDs

  Peripheral Devices

• Ports

• Printer

• Speakers & Headphones

• Fax/Modem

• Scanner

• Network Interface Cards

The Windows XP Operating System

  An Operating System

• Operating System

• Your Operating System

  The Windows XP Desktop

• Desktop Icons

• The Taskbar

• The Start Menu

  Log On And Off

• Log On To Windows XP

• Log Off Options

  Device Drivers

• Devices

• Device Drive
• Plug & Play

Networks

  Network Basics

• What Is A Network?

• How A LAN Works

• Intranets, Extranets, & The Internet

  Network Security

• What Is Network Security?

• Change Your Network Password

• Firewalls

  My Network Places

• Access Resources On A Network

Work with Applications

  What Is An Application?

• Types of Applications

• What Is A Software Suite?

• Work With Words

• Work With Numbers

• Manage Data

• Work With Others

• Communicate With E-Mail

  Install An Application

• Use AutoPlay

• Install An Application

• Install A Downloaded Application

  Uninstall An Application

• Use Add/Remove Programs Feature

  Run An Application

• Use Programs Menu & Windows Explorer

• Switch Between Applications

File Management

  Files & Folders

• Disks & Disk Drives

• Files & Folders

• Use My Computer

• File Names & Extensions

• Use Windows Explorer

• Shortcuts

  Format A Disk

• Format A Floppy Disk

• Use My Computer To Format A Floppy Disk

  Organize Files & Folders

• Create Files & Folders

• Copy & Move Files & Folders

• Delete & Restore Files

  Work With Files

• Open & Close Files

• Save Files

• Rename Files

• Find Files

• Print Files

The Internet

  Introduction To The Internet

• What Is The Internet?

• Who Can Use The Internet?

• How The Internet Works

• Types Of Internet Connections

  Using The Internet

• Communicate With Others

• Access Information

• Transfer Files

• Netiquette

• Business On The Internet

  E-Mail

• Using E-Mail

• Send E-Mail

• Receive E-Mail

  The World Wide Web

• What Is The World Wide Web?

• How The Web Works

• HTML

• Web Browsers

• URL

• What Is A Home Page?

  Search The Web

• Information On The Web

• Search Engines

• Perform A Query Search

  Other Internet Resources

• Download Files

• Zipped Files

• Plug-ins

Optimize Your PC

  Customize Your PC

• Customization Tools

• Customize the Mouse

• Customize the Desktop

  PC Security & Maintenance

• Computer Viruses

• Anti-Virus Software

• Back Up Files

• Back Up Files In Windows XP

• System Tools

• Disk Defragmenter

Main Menu
Move through hours of in-depth exercise – all easily accessible from the menu.  DiscoverWare is hot-linked to the Help Menus of many software products, making it an ideal reference tool.

Self Test
DiscoverWare’s test feature helps you learn more about your software.  Assess your proficiency at the start, as you progress, or after completing DiscoverWare.  Your results are saved for future reference. Tests are available for individual categories, as well as the entire course.

Glossary
Need a term defined? This unique glossary will also show examples of how many terms are used. The ultimate in “just-in-time” reference, DiscoverWare’s Glossary is what on-line help and tutorials should have been in the first place.

Help
Click the ? for a ‘user-friendly’ explanation of any feature or function of DiscoverWare.

Auto Memory
By displaying your progress, DiscoverWare tracks which topics and exercises you’ve completed. Each time you return to DiscoverWare, Auto Memory lets you start from the beginning or from where you left off.

Exercises
Practice makes perfect! Hands-on lessons, seamlessly integrated into DiscoverWare’s explanations, acquaint you with many software features.  DiscoverWare’s interactive exercises provide step-by-step instruction, making any software

Controls
Easier to learn - move forward or back, repeat entire topics or just a section.  DiscoverWare’s Show Me feature guides you through complicated tasks. A progress bar illuminates as you advance through exercises.

• Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT 4, XP 
• Pentium processor or higher
• RAM - according to operating system requirements
• 10MB of available Hard Drive space
• 16 bit color depth (thousands of colors) or higher
• CD-ROM drive
• Sound Card and speakers (or headphones)