| Lesson 4: In this lesson we will learn the role
of the dialog box in the Windows 2000 interface. |
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By the end of this tutorial, you will:
- Understand Microsoft Windows 2000
- Be able to use the mouse and keyboard
- Understand the Desktop and Start Menu
- Understand how to use the window
- Be able to navigate through dialog boxes
- Learn how to use the Help system
- Manage disks and files
- Create and utilize folders
- Modify files
- Explore the Internet
- Learn how to properly shut-down Windows
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| Lesson 4: Dialog Box |
| Figure 4.1 |
Dialog Box |
 |
What is it? |
At this point, we are going to discover what happens when the menu choice
you select requires more user input to complete the task.
If the computer needs more information, a dialog box appears rather than just the
completion of a task.
For this example, we will look at the dialog box for the Print command. |
|
| Figure 4.2 |
Tabs |
 |
What are Tabs for? |
| The tabs at the top of the dialog box allow the user to manipulate
different sets of settings. |
|
| Figure 4.3 |
Option
Button |
 |
What is the Option Button
for? |
| Option buttons are used when the user needs to make a decision between
one function or another. For example, the user can print either all the pages of a
document or a select few, but the user cannot choose to do both at the same time.
These are mutually exclusive events. |
|
| Figure 4.4 |
Text Box |
 |
What are Text Boxes for? |
| Sometimes there are an infinite number of possibilities from which the
user can choose. In this case the computer has the user enter data using the keyboard.
This entry is done in a text box. In our example the user can enter the particular
pages he/she wishes to print. It is important to note, that if non-numerical data is
entered, the computer cannot complete the action. |
|
| Figure 4.5 |
Spin
Button |
 |
What is a Spin Button used
for? |
| A spin button functions similarly to the text box, however, the user can
click the up or down arrow to increase or decrease the variable in question. In this case,
it is the number of copies of the document the user wishes to print. |
|
| Figure 4.6 |
Check
Boxes |
 |
What is a Check Box used for? |
| A check box resembles the option button, however, the choices for a check
box are not mutually exclusive. This means that multiple check boxes can be selected at a
time, compared to the option button that does not allow such an action. |
|
| Figure 4.7 |
List Box |
 |
What is a List Box used for? |
| In some cases, there is a set of available choices or options. When this
is the case, a list box will be displayed in the dialog box. In this example, look at the
'Paper Source'. The printer has a limited number of paper sources, so a list box will drop
down when you click on the downward triangle on the right side of the list box. You
will then highlight your desired choice. Once one choice is selected by clicking and
highlighting, it will appear in the list box screen in dialog box. |
|
| Figure 4.8 |
Help
Button |
 |
What is the Help Button used
for? |
| Sometimes you have questions regarding the function of an item in the
dialog box. If you click on the “?,” button, the help button next to the
close button, your cursor will become an arrow with a question mark. When you click on an
item, a small yellow box with a shadow will appear telling you the function of the item.
Click on the screen after reading this help to return the icon to a regular arrow to
resume normal use. |
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| Figure 4.9 |
Command
Button |
 |
What is the Command Button
used for? |
| A command button is used once you have completed all the preliminary
steps. For example, after you chose what you want to print, how many copies, and to which
printer, you can command the computer to produce this output or you can change your mind
and cancel the entire task. The buttons marked “Print” and “Cancel”
are command buttons. Clicking them will execute your desired task. |
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Self Graded Review Quiz |
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 Back to Lesson 3
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Continue to Lesson 5  |
Back to Lessons |
: Lesson 4