COMPUTER

BASICS
Welcome!
Computer Basics is an introduction to personal computers, the Windows operating system, and
Windows-based programs (if you don’t know what any of that means, don’t worry . . . you soon
will!). The primary focus of this class is to get you started using the library’s computer lab – but
we’ll address questions about your home computer, too, as time allows. This class is very informal,
so feel free to ask questions and have fun!

Some Basic Terms Defined

Hardware is the physical parts of a computer system that you can see and touch. Besides the
main box of the computer (called the CPU, or Central Processing Unit), hardware also includes input
devices, such as the keyboard and mouse, and output devices like the monitor and printer.

Software is the electronic instructions that tell the computer what to do. Software often comes
pre-loaded on your computer’s hard drive, or it can be purchased and installed by the user. The
software that runs the computer is called the operating system – typically a version of Microsoft
Windows. Other software programs, called applications, help you accomplish specific tasks like
word processing or viewing the Internet.

Types of Computers

Windows-based PC
Various companies including Dell, Gateway, and Hewlett-Packard
manufacture these computers, but they all have one thing in common
– they’re designed to run the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Applications for these computers must be Windows-compatible. The
processor (the “brain” of the computer) is typically an Intel Pentium.

Apple Macintosh
These computers are manufactured exclusively by Apple. They run
a different operating system called the Mac OS. Applications, of course,
must be Mac OS-compatible. The processor inside these computers is
typically a G4.

1
 Once Upon A Time . . .
We interacted with the first home computers through a
primitive system called DOS. The user typed a command at
the prompt to tell DOS what to do – making it necessary to
remember scores of command words. The world wanted
something easier!
Then along came the GUIs (graphical user interfaces) –
colorful new programs which allowed the user to point and
click instead of remembering command words. Microsoft
Windows and Apple’s Mac OS are the most popular GUIs.

Take A Look At Windows

My Computer
Double-click to access
your hard drive and
removable drives

Program Icons
Double-click on these
to launch a program

Recycle Bin
Drag items here to
delete them Task Bar
Will display a button for
Start Button each open document
Click here to launch
programs or shut down

Programs can be launched from either their desktop icons or through the Start Menu. Try launching
programs both ways. Which is more convenient?

Note the buttons in the Task Bar. Click back and forth on the buttons. See what happens?
2
 Resize The Window
Minimize – Reduces the window to a
button on the Task Bar
What Can I Do With A Window? Maximize/Restore – Click once to
expand the window to its maximum
Move The Window size, click again to return it to its
Place your pointer on the Title previous size
Bar and hold down your mouse Close – Closes the window
button to move the window

Stretch The Window

Place your pointer on the ridges
and hold down your mouse button
to stretch the window horizontally
or vertically
Scroll Bars
Stretch The Window
Drag the “floating buttons” or click the
arrows to move up and down (or left and Place your pointer on the ridges and hold
right) through the contents of the window down your mouse button to stretch the
window horizontally or vertically

Save A Document Onto The Windows DesktopResize The Window

After you’ve created a file, attempt to close it by clicking the X box (or choose Save As from the
Minimize – Reduces the
File menu). The computer will display the “Save As” dialog box, which asks you where you want to
save your file, and what you want to name it. window to a button on the
Task Bar
In the Save In field, choose “Desktop.”
Maximize/Restore – Click once
In the File Name field, type a file name that describes your document.
to expand the window to its
Click the Save button. maximum size, click again to
return it to its previous size
Now look on the Windows Desktop. Your document is displayed as a new icon.
Save A Document Onto Removable Storage Close – Closes the window

3
When using a library computer (or any computer other than your own, for that matter) you will
probably want to save your documents onto removable storage instead of that computer’s desktop.
Removable storage is also a good way to “back up” your files, or transport your files to a different
computer.

After you’ve created a file, attempt to close it by clicking the X box (or choose Save As from the
File menu). The computer will display the “Save As” dialog box, which asks you where you want to
save your file, and what you want to name it.
In the Save In field, choose the option that meets your needs:
3½ Floppy (A:)
Compact Disc (D:)
USB Storage (E:)

In the File Name field, type a file name that describes your document.
Click the Save button.

Removable Storage Floppy disks, blank CDs, and USB plug-ins are popular choices
for removable storage – devices that let you move your files easily from computer to computer.
Floppy Disk Blank CD USB Flash
Capacity: 1.4 Capacity: 700 Drive
MB MB or 80 min. of Capacity: 128,
How It’s Used: audio 256, or 512 MB
Insert into the How It’s Used: How It’s
floppy (A:) drive Insert into CD-R Used: Plug into
or CD-RW drive the
USB Drive

Deleting A Document
To delete a document saved on the Windows Desktop, simply drag-and-drop that document’s icon to
the Recycle Bin. The document is now inside the Recycle Bin, but has not yet been deleted.

To view the documents in the Recycle Bin, double-click the Recycle Bin icon. To delete these files,
click the Empty Recycle Bin button.

Deleting files from removable storage is just as easy. Double-click My Computer and then double-
click the icon for your removable storage (floppy disk, CD, etc.). A window will open to display the
files saved on your removable storage. Click the file you want to delete, then click the Delete button.

4
Appendix – More About Memory

Types of Internal Memory

Hard Drive A hard drive is a permanent disk installed inside your

computer. Files and programs loaded on your hard drive remain there
permanently (or until you erase them) even when the computer is turned
off. Hard drives are measured in gigabytes and can be increased by
adding an additional drive or replacing the drive with a larger one.

RAM (Random Access Memory) RAM memory temporarily

displays the document and application you are working with – like a desktop
where you spread out your papers and files while you’re working with them.
Data stored in RAM disappears when you close a file or turn off the computer.
RAM is measured in megabytes and can be increased by adding RAM chips.

How They Work Together Even when your computer is turned off, your programs and
documents are stored on the hard drive – like a filing cabinet packed full of papers. When you start
your computer or launch a new application program, the needed files are pulled out of this “filing
cabinet” (the hard drive) and opened up in RAM memory (your temporary workspace) where you can
work on your document before saving an updated copy back into the “filing cabinet.”

Kilobytes? Megabytes? Gigabytes?: How Memory Is Measured

A new term is used each time you increase the amount of memory by a thousand:

Byte A byte is one character – such as a letter, number, or symbol.

Kilobyte (K) A kilobyte is 1,024 characters – about one page of double-spaced text.
Megabyte (MB) A megabyte is 1,048,576 characters – about the length of a novel.
Gigabyte (GB) A gigabyte is 1,073,741,824 characters – about 1000 novels!

The examples above are for double-spaced text files. Other types of files require more memory.
Audio files, for example, may require a megabyte per song. Digital pictures may require even more,
depending on their size and resolution. Digital movies may require gigabytes of storage!

Additional Resources
The library is your best resource for lifelong learning – including books, magazines, and videos on
computers. Ask your friendly librarian for a recommendation!