Windows Operating System — Patwari Notes
The basics of the Windows operating system — desktop, taskbar, file extensions, file/folder management and essential keyboard shortcuts — explained here at RSCIT level for the Patwari exam.
- RSCIT-level depth
- 8 min read
What is an Operating System and Windows?
An operating system (OS) is the basic software that acts as a bridge between the computer's hardware (processor, memory, hard disk, etc.) and the user. It is the first thing to load when the computer starts, and every other program runs on top of it — opening a file, connecting to a printer, using the internet — everything happens with the help of the operating system. Microsoft Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world, and most computer-literacy courses, including RSCIT, are based on it.
Windows is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) based operating system — meaning the user works by clicking icons, buttons and menus with the mouse instead of typing text commands. This feature is what sets it apart from older text-based (command-line) operating systems like MS-DOS. Besides Windows, macOS (on Apple computers) and Linux are also popular operating systems, but Windows is used the most on government and office computers.
Main Parts of the Windows Desktop
The first screen that appears after the computer starts and you log in is called the Desktop. The desktop has icons — small pictures that represent a program, file or folder; double-clicking an icon opens that program or file.
The bar at the very bottom of the screen is called the Taskbar. The Start button is on its left side; clicking it opens the Start Menu, where you find all installed programs, settings and power options (shut down/restart). Currently open programs appear in the middle of the taskbar, and the far right has the 'System Tray' or 'Notification Area', which shows icons like the clock, Wi-Fi, volume and battery.
The picture in the background of the desktop is called the Wallpaper, which the user can change according to their preference. Right-clicking on any empty spot with the mouse opens a Context Menu, which shows options related to that location (such as creating a new folder or changing the screen resolution).
Common File Types (File Extensions)
| Extension | File Type | Associated Program |
|---|---|---|
| .docx / .doc | Word document | MS Word |
| .xlsx / .xls | Spreadsheet | MS Excel |
| .pptx / .ppt | Presentation | MS PowerPoint |
| Portable document | Adobe Reader / Browser | |
| .jpg / .png | Image (picture) | Photo viewer |
| .mp3 | Audio (sound) | Media player |
| .mp4 | Video | Media player |
| .txt | Plain text | Notepad |
| .zip / .rar | Compressed file | File archiver |
| .exe | Executable (runnable program) | Windows itself |
Questions that ask you to identify a file type from its extension are common in exams — instead of rote-learning them, remember each extension together with its program.
File & Folder Management
A Folder is a container in which files and other folders are organized — like a real-life filing cabinet. To create a new folder, right-click on an empty space and choose 'New' → 'Folder', or use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N.
To rename a file/folder, right-click it and choose 'Rename', or select it and press F2. To make a copy of a file, use Ctrl+C, and to paste it at the new location, use Ctrl+V. To move a file from one place to another, use Ctrl+X (Cut) followed by Ctrl+V — this is the main difference between Copy and Move: with Copy, the original file remains in both places; with Move, the file is removed from the original location.
Deleting a file does not erase it immediately — it first goes to the Recycle Bin, from where it can be restored. To delete a file permanently (without it going to the Recycle Bin), Shift+Delete is used — this is a point frequently asked in exams.
Common Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer (My Computer) |
| Windows + D | Show the desktop directly |
| Windows + L | Lock the computer |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open programs |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open Task Manager / lock / sign-out menu |
| F2 | Rename the selected file/folder |
| F5 | Refresh the screen/folder |
| Delete | Send the file to the Recycle Bin |
| Shift + Delete | Delete the file permanently |
| Ctrl + A | Select all files/text (Select All) |
In both Windows and MS Office, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+X and Ctrl+Z (Undo) work the same way — remember these as 'universal shortcuts'.
Memory Trick / Exam Tip
Trick to remember Copy vs Move: 'C' for Copy — the original file stays put, a duplicate is made. Cut (X) moves the file, and the original location becomes empty. And Shift+Delete means 'straight out' — no detour via the Recycle Bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an operating system?+
An operating system is the basic software that acts as a bridge between computer hardware and the user, and provides the base on which all other programs run — for example, Windows.
What is the difference between Delete and Shift+Delete?+
With Delete, the file first goes to the Recycle Bin and can be restored from there, whereas with Shift+Delete the file is permanently erased straight away without going to the Recycle Bin.
What is the difference between Copy and Move?+
Copy (Ctrl+C) creates a duplicate of the file while the original stays in place; Move (Ctrl+X then Ctrl+V) removes the file from its old location and places it in the new one.
What appears on the taskbar?+
The taskbar shows the Start button, currently open programs, and on the right the system tray (icons like the clock, Wi-Fi, volume, battery).