Microsoft Paint
Exercise 1 - Sign Creation
Extra Help - File Management
(For use during Exercise 1.)
This is the most basic of the Graphics Applications associated with the Windows Operating Systems. All other applications use these commands as a starting point from which to add new features allowing the user to perform tasks in a more efficient manner. Tools are added which increases the complexity but allows many tasks to be performed with a single click or key stroke. This is always a tradeoff. Usually the higher priced applications have more features. Learning to use an unfamiliar application requires patience and persistence. We are going to spend considerable effort learning the basic functions of the "PAINT" program, it is the basis for all future Graphics study.
Notice the similarity of the layout of all the various application's windows. Just like your browser which you are using to view these lessons, the Paint program has a dark blue title bar at the top of the window. This bar contains the name and type of the current or active drawing, the name of the application, and the three window control buttons. Just below the title bar is the menu bar with most of the familiar choices. These include File, Edit, View, Image, Colors, and Help. The View menu can be used to change the various displays, for this application you can turn on or off boxes and other tool bars and menus. The default should cause the application to open with a tool box, color box, and a status bar. The status bar is very helpful, it is at the bottom of the window and provides assistance in the form of descriptions for the various steps you are taking. Learn to watch it for guidance.
You will soon learn the power of this application. Paint does not have all the features of more expensive programs packaged in user friendly formats, but it does have a lot of power and capability. You will soon see the value of using several copies of the application at one time. In more expensive programs this capability is found in a feature called "layers".
We will now get started and move into the first exercise. This is the creation of a sign. the link below will take you to this exercise.
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