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PDF of this handout
Computer Hardware
Monitor - looks like a TV screen. This is where you view what is happening. Make sure this is ON.
A button, usually on the lower right corner, will show a green light when it is on. If the button
shows an orange light, it is "asleep" when you move the mouse or touch any key it will "wake up".
CPU or Tower - This is the brain of the computer. It does all the work. Make sure this is ON.
Push the button on the front, (usually it is the size of a nickel). It will light up when it is on.
Keyboard - like a typewriter, but with more keys.
Mouse - a device used to move the pointer around the screen and select items by clicking.
Printer - transfers images on the screen to paper. It may or may not be physically next to the computer.
Hard Drive - "the brain" of the computer. It stores information.
The Mouse
Clicking - press and release a button on the mouse.
Double clicking - sequence of two clicks done VERY quickly. Double click to open new programs.
Left button - most commonly used for clicking and selecting.
Right button - click once and it will usually bring up a menu. Press ESC (short for Escape) on the
upper left corner of the keyboard to clear the menu.
If in doubt, SINGLE CLICK THE LEFT BUTTON.
*Remember*
1- Hold the mouse still when clicking
2- If you run out of space on the table, lift the mouse off the surface and reposition it.
The Keyboard
Many features on the keyboard are the same as those on a typewriter. There are some additional features
that will help when using your computer.
ESC - (Escape) - will clear screen or "exit" out of menus
Tab - will move your cursor to the next field, when pressed alone it moves the cursor down the screen.
To go back up the screen, press ALT and Tab together.
Caps Lock - will capitalize all typing. ***make sure this is OFF when typing passwords.*** Passwords
must be EXACT. They are case sensitive.
ENTER - acts as the return key, and submits typed information to the computer.
DEL - will delete or "throw away" selected item.
Storing Information
CD-Rom - A shiny disk, must have a CD burner in order to save to CD.
Floppy disk - A 3.5 inch square device which fits into the slot on the front of the computer.
Flash drive - Small device - looks like a stick of gum. Fits into the USB port on the front of the computer.
Hard drive - Physical storage in the computer.
Definitions
Desktop- Initial screen that appears after the computer has been turned on.
Icon - An image representing a program or file on the computer. Usually it requires a double click
to open the program or file.
Cursor - shows you where you are on the screen. Often and arrow, may change to a hand when passed
over something clickable.
Mouse Practice
Opening Solitaire
- Click on the start button (a menu will come up.)
- Click on All Programs (another menu will come up.)
- Select Games (another menu will come up.)
- Select Solitaire
- Play
Other games to try
Mindsweep
Hearts
Free Cell
Mouserobics
http://www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html
To shut down the computer - (Turn it off)
1- Close all programs that are open. It can be done one of two ways.
a- Click on red square with an X, upper right hand corner.
b- Click on File, a drop down menu will come up, scroll down to EXIT
and click on it.
2- Click on the Start button (green lower left corner). A menu will come up. Click on Log Off.
Usually on the lower portion of the menu. Wait for the computer to shut down and turn off the power.
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