Chapter 14. Using Windows 7 Programs and Accessories
Windows 7 is your computer's operating system (often abbreviated OS). As such, it's mainly responsible for getting your computer started and making sure that all the programs in, and devices attached to, your system work together. It's also responsible for defining how you operate the computer. In that regard, it's by far the most important program on your system. Without an operating system, a computer won't even start. It's little more than a very expensive boat anchor.
Windows 7 also comes with many application programs that aren't really part of the system. Rather, they're extra goodies you can use to view and create things. Many of those programs are so large and sophisticated that they get entire chapters of their own in this book. Internet Explorer (Chapter 16), Writer (Chapter 17), Windows Live Mail (Chapters 18 and 20) Messenger (19), Windows Contacts (Chapter 21), and Windows Media Player (Chapter 24) are just a few examples of such programs.
This chapter looks at some of the smaller, easier programs that come with Windows 7. Many of these are referred to as accessories. In fact, you'll find many of them in the Accessories program group on your Start menu. Before we get started with specific programs, let's take a look at some general topics that apply to ...
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