What is a Computer?
A computer is a machine that manipulates information or "data." You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and surf the Internet. You can also use it for spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and desktop publishing.
Computer Components
Keyboard: Input Device which looks like a typewriter but has many extra functions. The keyboard lets you type information into the computer. Keep all food and beverages away from this at all time.
Mouse: Pointing device used to select, point and click in Windows applications.
Monitor: Display unit which looks like a television tube. The monitor is an output device which displays all information, in both text and graphic forms.
Disk Drive: Storage media for copying and transporting files. 3.5 inch floppy disks stores 1.44 megabyes of data.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The ‘brain’ of your computer which processes all the information. Contained within the CPU are various components including a hard drive (internal storage media for storing operating system and software programs), floppy drive unit, CD ROM and many other internal hardware devices.
CD or DVD Drive (Read Only and Re-writable): A read only compact disk drive can read CD or DVD's that hold 650 megabytes or more of data. A re-writable CD or DVD drive allows you to "burn" data on a re-writable CD or DVD.
Printer: Output device that produces printed reports, letters, etc., which you can design using software programs. Different printers include laser, inkjet and dot matrix.
Laptop: A portable computer that folds and can be operated via battery.
What is Windows?
Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft which allows you to use various types of software programs. Think of windows as graphical user interface which transforms your screen into a colorful array of graphics and allows you to quickly access multiple programs at the same time. Programs are represented by icons, or menu items on your screen, which can be selected using your mouse.
Upon turning on and booting up your PC, a login prompt may appear. If a login box is displayed, login using your computer's login and password. Screen prompts may vary depending on the version of Windows and how the PC was configured.
The Windows Desktop
XP vs. Vista
More stable than Windows 95, 98 and Me, Windows XP offered a new look and added features, such as a frequently used programs list in the Start Menu, improved method of burning CD's in the Explorer interface, and increased support for a larger variety of hardware and software. Windows Vista contains improved security (including firewall and parental control) and new features such as improved search functionality, new sidebar which includes a clock, calendar and other mini-applications.
Opening and Closing Applications
To open an application, do one of the following:
After opening applications in Windows, you may need to minimize certain applications on your screen while you are not using them. Minimizing an application window will still keep the application open. For all open applications, the program name along with an accompanying icon will be displayed on the Task Bar at the bottom of your screen. To return to a minimized application, merely single click on the icon on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Minimize Button: Single clicking on the minimize button will reduce your window to an icon, which will appear at the bottom of your screen along the Taskbar. Once miminized, you can restore the window to its original size by single clicking on the icon.
Maximize/Restore Button: Single clicking on the maximize button will enlarge your window to its maximum size. You may then restore the window to its original size by single clicking on the maximize/restore button once again.
Switching Between Aplications
The window currently in use is referred to as the Active Window. To switch to another window, do one of the following:
The Notepad accessory is a simple to use text editor in Windows which allows you create files containing notes, simple lists or any other information. It is available in the Accessories nested menu.
The Wordpad accessory, which is also a free Windows tool available in the Assessories menu, is a bit more advanced than Notepad and can be used to compose simple letters or reports. You may recognize some of Wordpad's features as they are similar to the menus and features in Microsoft Word.
Printing from Windows Applications
You can print from almost any windows application be clicking File, Print from the application's menu bar. When the Print Dialog Box displays, you can specify whether to print a page, selection or range or pages. Depending on your printer, you can also specifiy to print in draft mode, black and white, or color. Many applications also include a printer icon on the top menu as a quick print selection.
Rebooting vs. Shut-Down
Sometimes it necessary to "reboot" your computer, to clear memory and start-over. To reboot, press CTRL+ALT+DEL together, then select the reboot/restart option to restart your computer. If you are finished using your computer, be sure to shut-down your computer correctly. If using Windows XP, click Start, then click Turn-off Computer. If using Windows Vista, click Start, then select the arrow bar to expand the menu and select "Shut Down".
A computer is a machine that manipulates information or "data." You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and surf the Internet. You can also use it for spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and desktop publishing.
Computer Components
Keyboard: Input Device which looks like a typewriter but has many extra functions. The keyboard lets you type information into the computer. Keep all food and beverages away from this at all time.
Mouse: Pointing device used to select, point and click in Windows applications.
Monitor: Display unit which looks like a television tube. The monitor is an output device which displays all information, in both text and graphic forms.
Disk Drive: Storage media for copying and transporting files. 3.5 inch floppy disks stores 1.44 megabyes of data.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The ‘brain’ of your computer which processes all the information. Contained within the CPU are various components including a hard drive (internal storage media for storing operating system and software programs), floppy drive unit, CD ROM and many other internal hardware devices.
CD or DVD Drive (Read Only and Re-writable): A read only compact disk drive can read CD or DVD's that hold 650 megabytes or more of data. A re-writable CD or DVD drive allows you to "burn" data on a re-writable CD or DVD.
Printer: Output device that produces printed reports, letters, etc., which you can design using software programs. Different printers include laser, inkjet and dot matrix.
Laptop: A portable computer that folds and can be operated via battery.
What is Windows?
Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft which allows you to use various types of software programs. Think of windows as graphical user interface which transforms your screen into a colorful array of graphics and allows you to quickly access multiple programs at the same time. Programs are represented by icons, or menu items on your screen, which can be selected using your mouse.
Upon turning on and booting up your PC, a login prompt may appear. If a login box is displayed, login using your computer's login and password. Screen prompts may vary depending on the version of Windows and how the PC was configured.
The Windows Desktop
XP vs. Vista
More stable than Windows 95, 98 and Me, Windows XP offered a new look and added features, such as a frequently used programs list in the Start Menu, improved method of burning CD's in the Explorer interface, and increased support for a larger variety of hardware and software. Windows Vista contains improved security (including firewall and parental control) and new features such as improved search functionality, new sidebar which includes a clock, calendar and other mini-applications.
Opening and Closing Applications
To open an application, do one of the following:
- Click Start, Programs, then click to launch an application; or,
- Double-click on shortcut icon on your desktop to launch an application.
- Click on the "X" icon on the upper right corner of the application; or,
- Click on the Control Menu Box (upper left of application window), then click Close.
After opening applications in Windows, you may need to minimize certain applications on your screen while you are not using them. Minimizing an application window will still keep the application open. For all open applications, the program name along with an accompanying icon will be displayed on the Task Bar at the bottom of your screen. To return to a minimized application, merely single click on the icon on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Minimize Button: Single clicking on the minimize button will reduce your window to an icon, which will appear at the bottom of your screen along the Taskbar. Once miminized, you can restore the window to its original size by single clicking on the icon.
Maximize/Restore Button: Single clicking on the maximize button will enlarge your window to its maximum size. You may then restore the window to its original size by single clicking on the maximize/restore button once again.
Switching Between Aplications
The window currently in use is referred to as the Active Window. To switch to another window, do one of the following:
- Click on any exposed part of another window to make it the active window; or,
- Click on the appropriate icon on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen to switch to that application; or,Press and hold the ALT key down while tapping the TAB key slowly to scroll through applications. When you get to the desired application, release the ALT key to switch to that application
The Notepad accessory is a simple to use text editor in Windows which allows you create files containing notes, simple lists or any other information. It is available in the Accessories nested menu.
The Wordpad accessory, which is also a free Windows tool available in the Assessories menu, is a bit more advanced than Notepad and can be used to compose simple letters or reports. You may recognize some of Wordpad's features as they are similar to the menus and features in Microsoft Word.
Printing from Windows Applications
You can print from almost any windows application be clicking File, Print from the application's menu bar. When the Print Dialog Box displays, you can specify whether to print a page, selection or range or pages. Depending on your printer, you can also specifiy to print in draft mode, black and white, or color. Many applications also include a printer icon on the top menu as a quick print selection.
Rebooting vs. Shut-Down
Sometimes it necessary to "reboot" your computer, to clear memory and start-over. To reboot, press CTRL+ALT+DEL together, then select the reboot/restart option to restart your computer. If you are finished using your computer, be sure to shut-down your computer correctly. If using Windows XP, click Start, then click Turn-off Computer. If using Windows Vista, click Start, then select the arrow bar to expand the menu and select "Shut Down".
