Week 1: Computer BasicsLesson 12: Work on the Desktop

•You can create shortcuts on the desktop to files or folders that you use frequently. A shortcut is an icon that is a direct link to a file or folder. For example, most desktops already have shortcut icons that lead to My Documents, My Computer and the Recycle Bin.

•A good tip is to try to keep the desktop free of clutter. If you have too many shortcuts, it will become difficult to find what you are looking for, thus defeating the purpose of the shortcut.

In this activity we will create, rename, and move files on the desktop instead of in Windows Explorer.

• Step 1: On the desktop, right-click you mouse. A pop-up menu appears.

Step 2: In the menu, choose New and click Folder. A box named New Folder appears.

Step 3: In the New Folder box, type “Your Name” then press the Enter key.

Step 4: Open Windows Explorer by right-clicking the Start button and clicking Open Windows Explorer.

Step 5: Open the folder Your Name Sample Pictures from the My Documents folder.

Step 6: Copy the file, Your Name File, then Close Windows Explorer.

Step 7: Right-Click on the Desktop and choose Paste.

Step 8: The Your Name File now appears on the desktop.

Step 9: Click Your Name File and hold down the left mouse button.

Step 10: Drag the Your Name File on top of your Your Name folder. Let go of the mouse button when the two folders overlap. The Your Name File is now inside you’re the Your Name folder.

Step 11: Double-click your Your Name folder to Open it, then click the Your Name File once.

Step 12: Click the File menu, then choose Rename. A box appears around the file name.

Step 13: Type “Sample” in the box and press the Enter key.

Step 14: Click the Close button to return to the desktop.

Step 15: Right-click the Your Name folder on the desktop, then choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

Step 16: Click the General tab and note the folder’s type, location, size, and date it was created.

Step 17: Close the Properties box, then right-click the Your Name folder.

Step 18: Click Delete, then choose Yes. The folder disappears from the desktop.