Training at Georgetown: Handouts -- Microsoft Vista Overview

Microsoft Windows Vista will not allow you to skip logging into your computer. Users must have an Active Directory account (normally your NetID and NetID password). Once you type in your information correctly, Vista will begin.

Your Desktop consists of a Start Button (circle in the bottom left-hand corner), Task Bar and smaller icons. The Task Bar can also be used as a Quick Launch Toolbar. Here, you can store additional shortcuts to programs that are frequently used.  

To locate any program, directory, or file, there is a search window within the Start Menu. Some of the newer programs you might see when you click on your start button include: the Windows Center, Windows photo gallery and the Windows DVD Maker. There will also be a panel on your right with a listing of documents, pictures, music, etc.

SIDEBAR

One of the newer features of Microsoft Vista is the Sidebar. The sidebar consists of various interactive programs to assist and inform users on a regular basis. Standard Features include a clock, calendar, contacts, currency, current headlines, notes and many more.  In order to open the Windows Sidebar, go to your start window and type Sidebar in the Start Search box (above). Click on the Windows Sidebar and a Gadget box will appear with options for your sidebar. As you select these options, double clicking with your left mouse button will make them available on your desktop.

The items you choose will appear on your desktop.

COMPUTER

No longer do you have a My Computer Icon automatically on your desktop. To view the items in your Computer, click on the Start Button (circle) and the Computer icon will appear on the right side.

A window will automatically open to reveal all of the drives you have available on your computer.

Listed on your computer are (1) the C Drive (Hard Drive), (2) the DVD/CD-RW Drive (where you insert CDs or DVDs for recording or reading, and (3) if you have a Memory Stick (USB Stick) and you insert it, an additional drive will appear once the drive has been detected. Upon detection, you should receive a note like the one below offering a choice to scan and fix the drive, or continue without scanning (we recommend scanning).

MAPPING A DRIVE

Many offices and departments have shared phoenix drives. In order to connect to those drives, go to the Computer option in the Start menu

You will see the option to map a network drive on the second area.

An additional window will open. Be sure to write the appropriate context of the mapped drive space (ex. \\phoenix\EFS1).

If you are authorized, the drive mappings should appear once you click on OK. If you want your mapping to move to a specific folder, follow the path to the information you need.

NEW AND IMPROVED FILE MENU

Opening documents is a much easier task to perform:

1. Type in the name of the document (same as the search above), OR
2. Open the application (example, Microsoft Word). Go to the Start circle   in the upper left-hand corner (where you will find many of the previous 'File' menu commands) and click on open.

Once you have selected open, a window similar to the one below should appear.  This window is used for general information about your documents. Information such as; the name, when it was last modified, the type of document, etc.   

One helpful way to find your document(s) is by using the search box located in the upper right hand corner of the picture above (top red arrow). This tool is good to use if you remember the name of your document(s).   Once you have selected the document of your choice and it is highlighted, use the open button (lower red arrow) to open the document(s) of your choice.

This open window can also be used to create folders to help you to better organize your documents.

SHUTTING DOWN

To turn off your computer, simply go to your start window and all the way across to the opposite side. When you click on the arrow, you will see the option to shut down.

Reminder: Please shut down your computer at least once a week to install updates .

NOTE: This information is based on a Georgetown University standard computer. Pictures and information may vary depending upon the version of the Operating System you own.