Tips for Users of Windows

Questions, suggestions, corrections, and comments are welcome. Send me an email (edit address!).

Buying a Computer?

A few things you should know
and terms you should understand

Getting Started

Part 1: The basics: what you see when you turn on your computer; files and programs; file extensions; the Start menu; drives, directories, folders, and paths; the parts of a window.

Part 2: How to find your files: in other words, an introduction to Windows Explorer.

Part 3: How to copy, delete, move, and otherwise manipulate your files and folders.

Part 4: Managing your desktop: moving and re-sizing windows, switching between running applications (programs).

Part 5: Keyboard Shortcuts: how to do things without a mouse, or what if your mouse stops working.

Getting a Little More Advanced

Part 6: DOS mode: what to do if you are confronted with a command prompt.

Part 7: Standard IRQ Assignments: some useful hardware configuration info.

Not for the Technologically Challenged

Part 8: How to create a bootable disk: if you don't already have one, make one; eventually you, or a technician, or your local guru will need it.

Part 9: Hard Disks and Partitions 1: what to do with a blank hard disk, or what if you want to wipe your hard drive and start all over.

Part 10: Hard Disks and Partitions 2: partitioning and formatting two hard disks.

Part 11: How to install Windows 9x Part 1: from starting Setup to the first desktop.

Part 12: How to install Windows 9x Part 2: running patches and installing device drivers.

Part 13: How to install Windows 9x Part 3: re-running Windows Setup without deleting your hard drive.

Part 14: How to install Windows NT 4.0, Server or Workstation

Part 15: How to install Windows 2000 or XP The process differs mostly in appearance

Part 16: How to install Windows Vista coming soon, when I have the time

Part 17: Multibooting You can run several operating systems on one computer; your hard drive need not be touched.