Windows 98

Our free online Windows 98 tutorial is presented in a question and answer format. It's a comprehensive guide to using Windows 98.� If you have Windows 98 questions, we've got the Windows 98 answers you need right here on our site.

What are drives?

Drives are used to store data. Almost all computers come with at least two drives: a hard drive (which is used to store large volumes of data) and a floppy drive (which stores smaller volumes of data that can be easily transported from one computer to another). The hard drive is typically designated the C:\ drive and the floppy drive is typically designated the A:\ drive. If you have an additional floppy drive, it is typically designated the B:\ drive. If your hard drive is partitioned or if you have additional drives, the letters D:\, E:\, F:\, and so on are assigned.

What are folders?

Folders are used to organize the data stored on your drives. The files that make up a program are stored together in their own set of folders. You will want to organize the files you create in folders. You will want to store files of a like kind in a single folder.

How do I open Windows Explorer?

To open Windows Explorer, locate Windows Explorer on your Start menu and then click on it. Alternatively, hold down the Windows key and type e (Windows-e).

How does Windows 98 organize files and folders organized on drives?

Windows 98 organizes folders and files in a hierarchical system. The drive is the highest level of the hierarchy. You can put all of your files on the drive without creating any folders. But, that is like putting all of your papers in a file cabinet without organizing them into folders. It works fine if you have only a few files, but as the number of files increases, there comes a point at which things become very difficult to find. So you create folders and put related material together in folders.

A diagram of a typical drive and how it is organized is shown here.

At the highest level, you have some folders and perhaps some files. You can open any of the folders and put additional files and folders into them. A hierarchy develops.

Can you explain the Windows Explorer window?

Yes. When you open Windows Explorer, the screen shown here will appear.

Windows 98 separates the window into two panes. If you click on an object in the left pane, the contents of the object displays in the right pane. Click on Desktop and the contents of the Desktop folder display on the right. Click on My Computer and your computer resources display on the right. To see the contents of a drive, click on the drive. To see the contents of a folder, click on the icon for the folder in the left pane.

How do I create a new folder when in Windows Explorer?

To create a new folder:

1. In the left pane, click on the drive or folder in which you want to create the new folder.
2. Click on any free area in the right pane. A context menu will appear.
3. Highlight New.
4. Click on Folder.
5. Type in a name for the folder.

Can you explain Windows Explorer views?

Yes. Views control how Windows Explorer displays information in the right pane. Windows Explorer provides you with the following choices: Large Icons, Small Icons, List, and Details. Large Icons and Small Icons, as their names imply, determine the size of the icon. List displays all of the files and folders without supplying the size, type, or date modified. Details displays the size, type, and date modified. To change the view:

1. Right-click on any free area in the right pane. A context menu will appear.
2. Highlight View.
3. Select the view you want from the drop-down menu.

How do I delete a file or folder?

To delete a file or folder:

1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to delete. A context menu will appear.
2. Click on Delete. Window Explorer will ask, "Are sure you want to send this object to the recycle bin?"
3. Click on "Yes."

How do I copy a file or folder?

To copy a file or folder:

1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to copy. A context menu will appear.
2. Click on Copy. The file or folder should now be on the Clipboard.

How do I cut a file or folder?

To cut a file or folder:

1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to cut. A context menu will appear.
2. Click on Cut. The file or folder should now be on the Clipboard.

How do I paste a file or folder?

To paste a file or folder:

1. After cutting or copying the file, right-click on the object or in the right pane of the folder to which you want to paste. A context menu will appear.
2. Click on Paste.

How do I rename a file or folder?

To rename a file or folder:

1. Right-click on the file or folder. A context menu will appear.
2. Highlight Rename.
3. Type the new name.

What is a screen saver?

Computer monitors display images by firing electron beams at a phosphor-coated screen. If the same image stays on the screen for too long, there is a danger that the image will leave a permanent imprint on the screen. Screen savers help prevent this possibility by providing a constantly changing image.

How do I select a screen saver?

To select a screen saver:

1. Right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop. A menu will appear.
2. Select Active Desktop.
3. Click on Customize My Desktop.
4. Click on the Screen Saver tab.
5. The Screen Saver field provides the list of available screen savers. Select the screen saver you want from the list.
6. Click on Settings to set the display options associated with the screen saver.
7. Checkmark Password Protected to set a password for your screen saver. Password protection prevents the screen saver from being turned off unless a password is entered.
8. Click on Change to set the password.
9. Set the number of minutes of activity before the screen saver starts in the wait field.
10. Click on OK.

Note: You can see a preview of the screen saver you selected by clicking on the Preview button.