COMPUTER BASICS

GETTING STARTED PAGE 02

Class Overview
What You Will Learn

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS PAGE 03

Anatomy of a Computer
How Computers Work

OPERATING SYSTEMS PAGE 06

The Operating System
Turning on the Computer and Logging On
The Desktop

THE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PAGE 10

Keyboard Commands
The Mouse
Left-Clicking, Double-Clicking, and Right-Clicking

NAVIGATING THE COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE PAGE 13

The Start Menu
Managing “Windows”
Buying a Computer
Other Programs and Software

SHUTTING DOWN THE COMPUTER PAGE 17

Logging Off vs. Shutting Down
Finding More Help
Vocabulary to Know

To complete feedback forms, and to view our full schedule, handouts, and
additional tutorials, visit our website:
cws.web.unc.edu

Last updated April 2017

 2

GETTING STARTED

Class Overview

This is a class for very beginning computer users. You are not expected to have
ANY experience with computers. If you’ve never touched a computer before, this
is the right place for you.

We will be using personal computers (PC) running the Microsoft Windows

operating system. You may have heard these words before, but if not, don’t
worry. We’ll cover their meanings later in the class.

Don’t get discouraged! Remember: Practice makes perfect and everyone starts
out as a beginner. Using the keyboard and mouse may be challenging at first, but
it will become easier the more you use them. Note: The mouse is intended for
you to use with your right hand, regardless of whether or not you are right-
handed. This shouldn’t be an issue in class, but if the mouse is uncomfortable for
you, let your instructor know.

Please let the instructor know if you have questions or concerns before the class,
or as we go along.

What You Will Learn

Identify major computer Understand the basics of Differentiate between

components how computers work software and hardware
Turn a computer on Log on to a computer Identify the computer
desktop
Change the appearance Use the keyboard Use and understand the
of the desktop different functions of the
mouse
Basics of the Microsoft Utilize the Start Menu in Utilize the Taskbar in
Windows operating Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
system
Buy a computer Buy other software and Differentiate between
programs logging off and shutting
down
Shut down the computer Find more help
 3

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS

On any given day, you will encounter computer systems in much of what you do,
even if you don’t realize it. The television channels you watch, the radio stations
that you listen to, the car that you drive in, and even the cash register at the local
grocery store are all controlled in some way by computer systems! They help us
perform tasks, keep track of information, and even control the airplanes that fly
above us. Throughout the course of this class, you will learn about how
computers work, how to perform simple tasks, and more.

Anatomy of a Computer

As with most products, computers are designed in a variety of ways. There are,
however, major similarities regardless of the brand (e.g., Dell, Apple, Acer, HP,
Lenovo) of the computer. There are two main types of computers, desktops and
laptops. However, all computers have the following components:

THE MONITOR
The monitor looks like a television screen and is where you see what is
happening on your computer. By using shadows and graphics with over a million
different colors, much of what you see will appear 3-dimensional. Think of this as
the ‘face’ of the computer.

THE CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU houses the machinery that allows your computer to work. Think of this
as the ‘brains’ of the computer. This component looks very different in desktops
and laptops, but it works the same.

THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard is one of two ways to interact with your computer. The keys should
mostly mimic a traditional typewriter.

THE MOUSE
This is the other way to interact with your computer. Most mice have two
buttons—a right and a left button—and a scrolling wheel.
 4

Tablet Computers
A type of mobile computer called a tablet. Tablets have all of the main computer
parts in one unit. Generally, a tablet comes with no physical mouse or keyboard
and most of the input is done by touching the screen. Additional accessories
such as keyboards are normally available for purchase to help make the tablet
easier to use. Tablets are convenient to use for traveling since they are small and
easy to carry.

How Computers Work

Hardware / Software

Computers use both hardware and software to perform their work. Think of
hardware as the physical pieces of a computer—the monitor, the CPU, all the
pieces and parts inside the CPU, the mouse, the keyboard, etc. Software, on the
other hand, consists of programs that we use to interact with the computer. You
can’t physically touch software like you can the keyboard, but you can still
interact with it. A word processing program like Microsoft Word is a piece of
software that you could use to type a grocery list. Games that you play on your
computer are also considered software—it doesn’t have to be work-related!

Information / Data

Computers are designed to work with a type of information commonly referred to

as “data.” Data comes in many forms, whether it is written data (such as a letter
to a friend), audio data (like a song), video data (like a popular movie or DVD),
and more. Certain types of software programs work with different types of data.
For example, iTunes works primarily with audio data, while Microsoft Word, a
word processing program, works primarily with written data.

The keyboard is just one of the ways in which you can create, interact with, and
modify data. There are many ways to get data off of the computer, such as
printing it out on paper, copying it to a CD or flash drive, or publishing it to the
Internet.
 5

“My Computer is Possessed!”

It is a common misconception that computers have “a mind of their own.”

Although computers can perform certain tasks much more easily and faster than
humans (like counting, performing mathematical calculations, etc.), they are, in
the end, machines and can’t think for themselves. It is safe to say that the
computer cannot do anything that you do not tell it to do. Remember that you are
in control of the computer, in the same way that you are in control of your car.
Your car won’t move until you press your foot on the accelerator, and it won’t
stop until you press the brake. Computers work in the same way.

Keeping Your Computer Healthy

In the end, computers are machines just like any other. Sometimes, although not
often, they may malfunction, become stuck (or “frozen”), or may have a part that
breaks and needs to be replaced. Just like your car or lawnmower, computers
need to be maintained. Keeping your virus software up-to-date, installing updates
for your operating system (e.g., Windows updates), and refraining from installing
unnecessary programs will keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently
for a longer period of time. Consider computer maintenance like oil changes in
cars – necessary for the machines to run as long as possible!

Key Facts About Computers

● A computer does not need to access the Internet in order to run properly.
● The Internet is a way of connecting to other computer users. You can
connect to the internet using a phone line, a cable connection, or by using
a wireless connecting device (wi-fi). For most home computer users, this
is a paid service, though you can use the Internet for free in some public
locations, like the library or a coffee shop.
● A computer will be able to perform most common functions (play music,
type documents, edit pictures) and run programs without an Internet
connection. However, to view a web page or send an e-mail, you will need
an Internet connection.
● A computer needs an Operating System in order to work, though any new
computer that you purchase will come with an operating system already
installed. The most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows
and Macintosh OS X.
 6

OPERATING SYSTEMS
The Operating System (OS)

Computers without operating systems are exactly like televisions without a

signal: They will turn on, but you will be looking at a blank screen
with no hope of interacting with it (the lights are on, but nobody’s
home)! The most popular operating system is “Microsoft
Windows,” and it is utilized by most personal computer (PC)
users. It is what you are using today in class. If you think of the
CPU as the “brains” of the computer, the operating system acts
as the nervous system of the computer, connecting the CPU
to all the computer programs. The operating system allows you to run other
programs, work on projects, and do basically everything else that computers are
capable of. There are many different versions of Microsoft Windows, and a new
version is released every couple of years (just like car models).

There are other operating systems as well. Apple manufactures a

computer called a Macintosh, or Mac. Macs use an operating
system called “Mac OS X” which, while it looks very different from
Microsoft Windows, runs using the same basic principles. While
fewer people use Macs than PCs, schools often use Macs, as well
as people who work with graphic design and video and image
editing. As a general rule, Macs tend to be more expensive than PCs.

You shouldn’t ever need to mess with the operating system. It should run
correctly and without error for as long as you have your computer. In fact, if you
ever take your computer in for a repair, the technician will be looking primarily at
your operating system (not your programs), in the same way that a mechanic will
look at your car’s engine.

The operating system of your computer is so important, that any computer you
buy will be sold with one already installed and ready to go (so outside of
choosing between a PC and a Mac, you don’t really need to worry about the
operating system except to make sure you get the newest or most appropriate
version). In addition, popular software programs are also often already installed
on computers, so all you have to do is plug your computer in and go!

Computer Manufacturer (e.g. Apple

Lenovo) Computer is called a Macintosh
Computer is called a PC (Mac)
Operating System is Windows Operating System is OS X
 7

Turning On the Computer and Logging On:

Turning the Computer On

Let's get started! As you sit down at your desk, you can assume that your
computer system is one of three states:

● OFF: This is exactly what it sounds like: The computer is off, and no parts
are running or working. The monitor is black (no images), there is no
“whirring” sound from the CPU, and the computer is unresponsive to
mouse movements or pressing keys on the keyboard. The power button (if
it lights up) should not be lit up.

● ON: When a computer is on, you should see images on the monitor,
possibly hear a “whirring” noise coming from the CPU (hopefully not too
loud!), and the pointer on the screen (the small white arrow) should
respond when you move the mouse.

● SLEEP MODE: Most computers have a mode called “Sleep,” in which the
computer is on, but has assumed an energy-efficient, minimal power
mode. To “wake” the computer, simply move the mouse around or press
the space bar on the keyboard, and it will “wake up” and return to the
exact same place that it was when it went to sleep. In other words, if you
were using a word processing program and the computer went to sleep, it
would return to exactly what you were working on when it wakes up.

To turn a computer on, simply press the power button once (no need to hold the
button—just press and release). We will go over how to turn off a computer later
in this handout.
 8

Logging On

Once you turn the computer on, the computer will go through a series of
automated tasks before it is ready for you to interact with it; this process is called
“startup.” This process will last between one and two minutes. If the computer is
not working correctly, you may see an error message during startup. If the
computer is performing as it should, however, you will probably see one of the
following screens:

This is called a “Log On” window, and it means that the computer is password
protected. If you do not see this window upon starting the computer, you can
assume that your computer is NOT password-protected and may be used by
anyone. To log on, you simply enter your user name and password. If you are
using a public library computer, this could be your library card number.
 9

The Desktop

After you log on, the computer will display what is known as your desktop within
a few seconds to a few minutes (if your computer is newer, this will probably go
faster). Here you will see a digital representation of something similar to a real-
life office space, complete with a workspace, files and file folders, and even a
recycling bin!

One of the neatest features about Microsoft Windows is that your desktop may
not look anything like the one above! While this may sound confusing, it means
that you are able to personalize, alter, and change almost everything about your
desktop environment. If you do not like the color blue as your background, where
the icons are, or even what language it is in, you can change it! Here are some
examples:
 10

THE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE

Keyboard Commands

In order to use your computer effectively, you must interact with it using both the
mouse and the keyboard. The above image of a keyboard may closely resemble
(if it is not identical to) the keyboard in front of you; learning the function of just a
few keys will help you to interact better with your computer and individual
programs. The following is a list of commonly used keys that have special
functions (keep in mind that key functions can change depending on which
program you are using):

1. Backspace: This key deletes letters backward ( ).

2. Delete: This key deletes letters forward ( ).
3. Shift: This key, when pressed WITH another key, will perform a
secondary function.
4. Spacebar: This key enters a space between words or letters.
5. Tab: This key will indent what you type, or move the text to the right.
The default indent distance is usually ½ inch.
6. Caps Lock: Pressing this key will make every letter you type
capitalized.
7. Control (Ctrl): This key, when pressed WITH another key, performs a
shortcut.
8. Enter: This key either gives you a new line, or executes a command
(pressed in a word processing program, it begins a new line).
9. Number Keypad: These are exactly the same as the numbers at the
top of the keyboard; some people find them easier to use in this position.
10. Arrow Keys: Like the mouse, these keys are used to navigate through a
document or page.
 11

The Mouse

While the keyboard is primarily used to insert/input and manipulate text and
numbers on a computer, the mouse is used mostly for navigating around the
screen. Mice come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the strangest-
looking mice often look that way because they are designed to be more
ergonomic than traditional mice.

There are traditional mice… unusually shaped mice…

stylish mice… complicated mice…

The type of mouse that you choose to use is totally based on your preference—If
you want a fancy mouse, that’s fine; if you prefer a simple mouse, that’s OK too.
Each mouse, however different it may be, has similar functions. As you can see
on the “traditional” model above, a traditional mouse has two buttons with a
wheel between them (gray) that spins, called a “scroll wheel.” Both buttons can
perform separate functions, and are referred to by which side of the mouse they
are located on.

Pressing the LEFT mouse button is called “left-clicking,” while pressing the
RIGHT mouse button is called “right-clicking.”

Left-clicking is used far more often than right clicking. For now, know that left-
clicking is used to select or click on something, while right-clicking presents
additional menu options.

Practice

Keyboarding Practice! http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/tutor/keyboarding.php

 12

Left-Clicking, Double-Clicking and Right-Clicking

One of the most difficult things to learn when first beginning to use a computer, is
how to use the mouse. It takes coordination, precision, and patience. Fortunately,
the more you practice, the easier it will become!

The mouse symbol, or pointer, that appears on the computer screen will change
its look and function depending on what it is near or hovering over.
Your mouse pointer will most often look like an arrow

When your mouse pointer is over an internet link, it will look like a pointing
hand
● When your mouse pointer is over a place where you can type, it will look like
an I-beam
When your computer is busy or ‘working,’ your mouse pointer may look
like an hourglass or a spinning circle.

There are actually many different pointers (though these are the most common),
and they will change automatically depending on what task you are trying to
perform.

The buttons on the mouse may also have different functions, depending on
which program you are using. If you are working in Microsoft Word, for example,
the mouse will offer options related to Microsoft Word. Conversely, if you are
working in Microsoft Excel, the mouse will offer options related to Microsoft
Excel, and so on.

For now, remember these rules:

1. The LEFT mouse button SELECTS items.
2. The RIGHT mouse button GIVES YOU MORE
OPTIONS.
3. Double-Clicking the LEFT mouse button
EXECUTES options (for example, you can open
a program by double-clicking an icon on the
desktop).
4. Double-Clicking the RIGHT mouse button does not do anything.

Practice Exercise

Mousing Around! http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/intro.htm

This exercise will let you practice a variety of the skills you’ll need to use your
mouse effectively. Try this practice site from any computer connected to the
Internet
 13

NAVIGATING THE COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE

The Start Menu

The Start Menu is a good place to, well, start! The Start button (which opens
the menu) is located in the lower left corner of your screen. LEFT-CLICK once on
the Start Button to open the menu.

This is the Start Menu as it appears in Windows

7.

Notice the options that are available in this

menu. Popular programs, like the calculator
and paint applications are on the left, while
folders, the Control Panel, and help features are
on the right.

Also note the “Shut Down” button at the bottom

of the menu. This button is very important. It will
allow you to log off or shut down the computer.
Logging off a computer is like locking a car—the
computer is in a stationary mode and you can’t
do anything from the outside. Clicking Shut
Down is like turning off the engine. When you click
Shut Down, the computer has an opportunity to
properly “shut down” before the power is turned off.

We will cover how to log off and turn the computer

off in more depth later in this handout.

By LEFT-CLICKING once on “All Programs,”

another menu will appear. This is a list of all the
programs that you have installed on your computer.

Nearly everything that you can do with your

computer can be found in the Start menu. This
includes finding help, using programs, getting on the Internet, e-mailing, playing
games, customizing your desktop, and more!

You should feel free to experiment with the Start Menu. Go ahead and left-click
on something!

Microsoft Windows has undergone many changes over the past few decades.
New versions of the operating system are released every couple of years. It is
currently being released in a version called “Microsoft Windows 8.” Past versions
include: “Windows 95,” Windows 98,” “Windows ME,” “Windows XP,” “Windows
 14

Vista,” and “Windows 7.” Many people continue to use Windows Vista and
Windows 7, even though newer versions have been released. It is important to
know that there are different versions of Windows, because different features
(such as the Start Menu discussed above) may look different in different
versions.

Managing “Windows”

Microsoft Windows is called

“Windows” for a reason. Programs
appear on your screen as “Windows”
(rectangular shapes) and are laid 3-
dimensionally on top of one another
(see image at right), just like on a
real desktop. The desktop is your
work surface, and all of your open
windows appear on top of it.

If you can see a window, that means

the program is open and running. It is possible to make the window bigger,
smaller, or close it using the buttons in the top right corner of any window.

Minimize: Left- Maximize: Left- Restore Down: Close: Left-click this

click this button click this button Left-click this button to close the
to shrink the to make the button to make window. The program
window down window as large the window will close and stop
to a small as it can be—it smaller without running. Make sure
button that will should take up minimizing it. you save your work
appear in the your entire first!
task bar (see screen.
below).

Microsoft Windows is capable of running more than one program at once. In

other words, you can write a letter in Microsoft Word, while surfing the Internet
while using Microsoft Excel while checking your e-mail and so on! This is called
“multi-tasking” and is a feature of all computers. However, with all of these things
going on at once, how do you keep track of them all? The Taskbar, which is the
bar that spans across the bottom of your screen next to the Start Menu, is
designed to help you keep track of all of your programs. It looks like this:
 15

In the illustration above, there are several programs running. Each program that
is open is represented by a “button” on the Taskbar. To use one of the programs
that is “open,” simply left-click on it once to bring it up to the top of the screen.
The taskbar is modeled after what might happen in real life: You are reading the
newspaper, and you put it down to pick up your favorite book. You didn’t throw it
out or destroy it, you simply set it aside. This way, you can pick up right where
you left off once you are done reading your book. The taskbar works the same
way, but with software programs, not books.

Buying a Computer

When considering the merits of a computer, it’s important to consider the

following questions:

● How fast can the computer perform tasks?

● How much information (or data) can it store?
● How many programs (i.e. software) can it run simultaneously?

Buying a computer is a big decision, and can be quite expensive. It is a good

idea to do some research before buying a computer to find out what would work
best for your needs, what computers have performed well for others, and what
models are within your price range. Asking for help finding this information at the
reference desk of your local library is a good place to start. In addition, here are
some websites you might want to check out:

● http://www.consumerreports.org/ (under electronics, select “Computers”)

● http://www.ehow.com/how_3038_buy-computer.html
● http://www.pcworld.com/article/125649/how_to_buy_a_desktop_pc.html
● Personal computer companies:
● http://www.dell.com/
● http://www.lenovo.com/
● http://www.hp.com/

Other Programs and Software

Although there may be lots of software pre-installed on your computer when you
buy it, there are many more programs available for you to download or buy, from
educational games for children to photo editing software to professional
programming software. If you are interested in a particular type of software, here
are some suggested Web sites to check out:

● http://www.pcmag.com/
● http://www.compusa.com/
● http://www.amazon.com/
● http://www.microsoft.com/
 16

Keep in mind that software is often designed for either a PC or a Mac, so make
sure whatever program or game you purchase is compatible with your particular
computer. If software is compatible with both types of computers, it will often
have a symbol like this:

SHUTTING DOWN THE COMPUTER

Logging Off vs. Shutting Down

To log off or shut down the computer, click the Start button:

Logging off your computer and shutting down your computer are two different
things. Remember the analogy of the car: Logging off a computer is like locking
the car (the computer is password-protected and you can’t do anything). When
you first log in to a computer, it’s like using a key (password) to get in, and when
you are done using the computer, you need to log off (the computer will remain
on) to make sure no one can make changes while you are away.

By contrast, when you click Shut Down, it is like turning a car’s ignition off. You
need to make sure that processes and programs are properly ended and shut
down before pushing the shutdown button, just as with a car you have to turn off
the ignition before pulling out the key. Click the Start button, then click Shut
Down. Do not press the power button to turn off your computer!

After you have clicked Shut Down, your computer will begin a shut-down process
in which it saves things you have been working on, and ends all programs that
are running. You may see a window that says, “Windows is shutting down.”
When the computer is done shutting down, the screen will go black, and the
computer tower will stop making any noise. It is now shut down. It is not
necessary to press the power button—your computer will turn off automatically.
 17

Finding More Help

If you ever find that you need help while using your computer, you can left-click
the Start button, and then click “Help and Support.”

In addition, most programs on your computer will also have an individual help
feature. The Help function may be available from a
Help menu at the top of the window, or by clicking a
button. Help buttons are usually located in the top-
right corner of the window, and may look like a
question mark. Help menus often have a search
function or pre-prepared FAQs. Most programs also
have 1-800 numbers to connect with a technician.

Vocabulary to Know

After taking this course, you should be familiar with the following basic computer
words. If you don’t recognize one, please ask your instructor!

● Desktop
● Laptop
● Keyboard
● Mouse
● CPU
● Operating System
● Internet
● Start Menu
● Logging on
● Logging off
● Shut down
● Mac
● PC
● Taskbar
● Pointer or cursor
● Left click
● Right click

NOTE: Images and screen captures may differ from those seen on another
system.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial

4.0 International License.