Chapter 9a: Windows User Interfaces

Application Windows and Dialog Boxes

Application windows opened by programs such as Microsoft WordPad

Computer Management

A three-pane console window containing things like Event viewer, Device Manager, and Disk Management

Sidebar and Gadgets

A window pane on the side of the desktop used only in Windows Vista. Used to house gadgets that are mini-applications

Run command

Accessed by pressing Windows+R

MMC

Contains all console windows together into one master console window known as the Microsoft Management Console

Administrative Tools

Contains tools to configure advanced options for the computer

Network

Network window shows computers and other devices on the network

Quick Launch

Directly to the right of the start button, always visible and houses shortcuts

Library

Essentially a folder for folders, that organizes things in the folders that are inside of it

GUI

Graphical User Interface, uses a display to interact with the user and the OS

Start Menu

Main menu launched from the start button. you can get anywhere in windows from the start menu`

Command Prompt

Microsoft's command-line interface. Text-based interface in which you can issue commands concerning files and folders, networking, services

Icons

Small, clickable pictures you see on the desktop, from entire programs to shortcuts

Taskbar

The bar that spans the bottom of the desktop, and houses the start menu, quick launch, any open applications, and the notification area

Notification Area

To the far right of the taskbar, displays the clock and whatever applications are running in the background

Desktop

What you see on the screen, the face of Windows

Windows Explorer

Works much like Computer, and brings the user to the Libraries view

Control Panel

Where a user would go to make system configuration changes

Computer

Window shows up as a two-pane window, and you can browse through your computer to access data on the hard disk, DVD, and CD-ROM

Windows Aero

Windows visual experience featuring translucent windows, window animations, three-dimensional viewing of windows, and a modified taskbar