user interface" you should know that every time you use a new software program or any new application on your computer, you're experiencing a user interface. Basically, an interface allows you, the user, to interact with any program, any device or any other tools you might use on your computer.
The interface includes everything you need to run a program. All of the little controls that come with the program (menus, links, buttons, files, sounds, etc.) are shown on the interface. The interface is also mainly the first screen you see when you install a new program or connect a new piece of hardware. It's the navigational beacon that helps you surf through the rest of the program.
Most programs aim to provide a simple and easy to use interface. If it's easy to follow, it's going to be more effective for the user. There are different types of interfaces (graphical, Web based, command-line, tactile, etc.) and it just depends on the application you're working with as to which one you'll have from program to program. You should always take some time to familiarize yourself with the interface of a new program, just so you're sure you'll know your way around without any major complications!Widgets
What are widgets?
They are basically small applications that are attached to your desktop that allow you to have the Internet at your fingertips! What am I talking about? Well, widgets allow you to access different forms of multimedia, view local sports scores, check the weather and lots more. The best part is, you can do all of this without ever opening up a program.
Before you start downloading the widgets that you want, you need a special engine designed just for widget downloads. You can download that engine here: http://widgets.yahoo.com/.
When the download is complete, an installation wizard will appear on your screen. Just follow the wizard instructions to complete the installation. (Click Next when you're done with each section). After the tutorial is complete, you will see a few of the different widget types floating around on your desktop.What I suggest you do is clear all of your regular icons off to the sides off your desktop so you will have some space for the widgets. Another good idea is to have a solid background so that everything is more visible. You can choose one by right clicking on your desktop and choosing Properties. Once in there, click on the Desktop tab and you can then find a more solid colored background for your wallpaper. You can obviously keep the background you had before if you want, but you might not be able to see the widgets as well. Just keep that in mind.
As you already know, there are some widgets on your desktop and the files for those can be found in your My Documents folder. To view more widget choices and to download more, go to http://widgets.yahoo.com/gallery/. This Web site has thousands of widgets for just about anything, from stock quotes to mood rings. You can just browse through the different choices and find which ones you would like to put on your desktop. The ones I put in the above screenshot can also be found on this site.
Once you have a widget downloaded, you can run it by simply double clicking the icon. If you ever want to remove a widget from your desktop or change the settings, just right click on it and follow the steps.
Tab the Space
Do you often sign up for certain things online? You know, anything that requires you to choose a username and password or even fill in some of your personal information (name, address, phone number, etc.?) Well, when you're filling out those forms, do you have to use your mouse to go through most of it?. All you have to do is use the Tab key and the Spacebar on your keyboard. When you're filling out a form that asks for your name, address, etc., you can use the Tab key to go from one line to the next. For example, if you're done filling in your name, hit the Tab key and your mouse cursor will automatically go down to the next line, which is probably where your address goes. You can do that throughout the whole form!
Do you ever come across something that requires you to checkmark some of those little boxes? For instance, when a form asks you if you're male or female or how about when you're changing the settings in your Web browser or e-mail program. Whenever you have to check a box, just hit the Spacebar. If you want to uncheck a box, hit the Spacebar again. It's that easy! With the Tab and Spacebar keys, you can fly through any form you have to fill out or any settings you have to set.
Here are sites that you might like to see.
http://www.atlasoftheuniverse.com/
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