Graphical User Interface

Windows 7 Graphical User Interface

. Supplemental Objectives: List and describe the main components that

make up the graphical user interface used in Windows 7.

Cram Saver

1. The area where the clock and a few select system icons is located on the taskbar is called what?

❍ A. Start menu ❍ B. The Notification Area ❍ C. The Recycle Bin ❍ D. The Sidebar

2. What do you call a list that provides a shortcut to a program and is used to provide quick access to recently opened and pinned items from this list?

❍ A. Jump List ❍ B. Notification list ❍ C. Quick Launch ❍ D. Window list

3. Which feature in Windows 7 enables you to quickly reveal hidden icons and gadgets?

❍ A. Aero Shake ❍ B. Aero Peek ❍ C. Aero Snap ❍ D. Windows Flip 3D

Answers

1. B is correct. The Notification Area is located on the taskbar that has a few system icons that require user attention. Answer A is incorrect because the Start menu is a menu that you open by clicking the Start button to access programs. Answer C is incorrect because the Recycle Bin is used as a temporary area for files that are deleted in Windows. Answer D is incorrect because the Sidebar was a component that held gadgets in Windows Vista but was discontinued in Windows 7.

CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Windows 7

2. A is correct. A Jump List is a list of items you go to frequently. Jump Lists appear on the Start menu next to pinned programs and recently used pro- grams. The Jump Lists can contain recently opened items and items you have pinned to the Jump List. You can also add Jump Lists to the taskbar. Answer B is incorrect because there is no Notification list in the Windows GUI. However, there is a Notification Area located on the taskbar that has

a few system icons that require user attention. Answer C is incorrect because the Quick Launch area was used in Windows XP and Windows Vista was replaced with the Jump Lists. Answer D is incorrect because there is no such thing as a Window list.

3. B is correct. Aero Peek enables you to peer past all your open windows by making the windows transparent to reveal your hidden icons and gadgets. Answer A is incorrect because Aero Shake enables you to cut through a cluttered desktop so that you can quickly focus on a single window. Answer C is incorrect because Aero Snap is a quick way to resize open windows by dragging them to the edges of your screen. Answer D is incorrect because Windows Flip 3D enables you to flip through all open Windows in a three-dimensional stack without having to click the taskbar.

As with previous versions of Windows, the desktop is the main screen area that you see after you turn on your computer and log on to Windows. Like the top of an actual desk, it serves as a surface for your work. When you open programs or folders, they appear on the desktop. You can also put things on the desktop, such as files and folders, and arrange them however you want, as shown in Figure 1.1.

When you run visible programs or processes in Windows, you run them in a rectangular box called a window. The name Windows comes from the ability to run multiple programs or processes at the same time (multitasking) by having multiple Windows open on the desktop.

Windows 7 Graphical User Interface

FIGURE 1.1 Windows desktop with taskbar and several running programs.