Understanding the Basics of the Windows and Mac User Interfaces

1. Introduction

When you switch on your computer, what do you see on the screen?

What you see after your computer is on is called the user interface.
It’s like the face of your computer, where you and your computer meet and talk to each other.

Just like your phone’s home screen helps you open WhatsApp, make calls, or take photos, the computer’s screen helps you open programs, type letters, and go online.

We shall learn about two user interfaces:

• A Windows interface (with icons and the taskbar)
• A Mac interface (with the dock and top menu bar)

They look different, but they do almost the same things.

2. The Desktop

The desktop is like your working table. You can place your files, pictures, and shortcuts here.

What you see here depends on the computer you’re using.

A Windows desktop:

• Wallpaper (the background picture)
• Icons (small pictures that open files or programs)
• Recycle Bin (where deleted files go)

A Mac desktop:

• Wallpaper
• Icons
• Trash (same as Recycle Bin)

Mini activity:

• Find the Recycle Bin or Trash
• Identify one or two icons on their desktop (like Chrome or Word)

3. Taskbar (Windows) and Dock (Mac)

The taskbar (on Windows) or dock (on Mac) is like your shortcut road.
It helps you reach your favourite places — programs — quickly.

• Windows Taskbar: Usually at the bottom of the screen.
  It shows:
  • Start button (Windows logo)
  • Pinned apps (shortcuts)
  • Open programs (highlighted)
  • Time and Wi-Fi on the right

• Mac Dock: The row of icons (usually at the bottom).
  It shows:
  • Apps you use often (Safari, Finder, Settings)
  • Open apps have a small dot below them

Demonstration:

Click once on the icon on your taskbar, and your program opens. You can click another to switch to it.

Mini activity:

• Find any application icon on your taskbar
• Click it to open
• Then close it

4. Start Menu (Windows) and Apple Menu (Mac)

• Windows Start Menu:
  Click the Windows icon (bottom left).
  You’ll see a list of programs, settings, and power options (Sleep, Restart, Shut down).

• Mac Apple Menu:
  Click the Apple icon 🍎 in the top left corner.
  It gives you similar options — About This Mac, System Settings, Shut Down, etc.

Demonstration:

Open the Start Menu and find a program (like WordPad or Calculator).

On the Mac, open the Apple Menu and point to “System Settings.

5. Opening, Switching, and Closing Programs

When you open a program, it’s like taking a book from the shelf to use.
When you’re done, you close it and put it back.

• Opening a program:

Double-click the icon on your desktop or click it from the taskbar/dock.

• Switching between programs:

• Windows: Use the taskbar or press Alt + Tab.
• Mac: Use the Dock or press Command + Tab.

• Closing a program:

• Windows: Click the X in the top-right corner.
• Mac: Click the red circle in the top-left corner.

Mini activity:

1. Open one program (e.g., WordPad or Notes).
2. Type something small like “I am learning computers!”
3. Close it using the proper button.

6. Recap and Q&A

• What is the desktop used for?
• Where can you find your programs?
• What is the difference between a taskbar and a dock?
• What happens when you click the X or red button?

Don’t be afraid to click — exploring is how we learn.
You can’t spoil your computer just by looking around.