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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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Level I

LEARNING GUIDE # 15
Unit of Competence: Operate Personal Computer
Module Title : Operating Personal Computer
LG Code : ICT ITS1 M06 L01 15
TTLM Code : ICT ITS1 TTLM06 0511

LO 1: Start the computer

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 1 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

INTRODUCTION Learning Guide # 15

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics –

 Parts of a computer and how it works

 Starting your computer
 Shutting down your computer

This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –

 Check peripheral device connections for correct position

 Check input voltage for the device based on the OHS standards
 Switch the power on at both the power point and computer

Learning Activities
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 1 ” in pages 3-6.
3. Accomplish the “Self-check” in page 7.
4. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “Operation Sheet 1 ” in pages 8-9. However, if your
rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning Activity # 1.
5. Read the “Operation Sheet 1” and try to understand the procedures discussed.
6. If you satisfactorily performed Operation Sheet 1, proceed to “Operation Sheet 2 ” in pages 10-12.
However, if your rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to
Operation Sheet 1.
7. Read the “Operation Sheet 2” and try to understand the procedures discussed.
8. If you satisfactorily performed Operation Sheet 2, proceed to “Lap Test on page 13. However, if your
rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Operation Sheet 2.
9. Do the “LAP test” (if you are ready) and show your output to your teacher. Your teacher will evaluate
your output either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your teacher shall advice you on
additional work. But if satisfactory you can proceed to Learning Guide 15.

 Your teacher will evaluate your output either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your
teacher shall advice you on additional work. But if satisfactory you can proceed to the next topic.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 2 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Information Sheet 1 Parts of Computer and how it works

Identifying the parts of a personal computer

There are many different models of personal computers. They include desktop personal
computers (PC), notebooks and laptops but they all have the same basic hardware parts:
 a keyboard
 mouse/touch pad/trackball
 monitor (screen)
 system unit.
The diagram below shows a typical set up of a personal computer.

Figure 1: The typical set up of a personal computer

Another type of personal computer is a notebook. A notebook is a compact computer that

is easily transported and can be powered by batteries.

Figure 2: Notebook computer

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 3 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Next time you see a shop that sells computers you could have a look at some of the
computers, notebooks, laptops and palm pilots that are available.

How computer works

Input/output/process

The computer system needs people, data, hardware and software to operate. The process
for getting data in, processing the data and getting the information out is known as
input/process/output.

Input

Input is the data that is entered into the computer. It is entered through input devices.
Some examples of input devices are:
 mouse
 keyboard
 microphone
 scanner
 digital camera
 joy stick
 touch pad
 MP3 player
 digital video player (plays DVDs).

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 4 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Using a mouse (input device)

The mouse is used to move the mouse pointer around the screen
and to perform tasks such as moving and opening folders or files. A
mouse could be attached to a computer with a cord or it may be
cordless (a remote mouse).

You see the position of the mouse on the screen by seeing a symbol. The mouse symbol
moves around the screen as you move the mouse. Depending on the task you are doing, the
mouse symbol could look like any of the following.

A mouse pointer: means you can click on an item, such as a folder icon, to
select it or move it.

A timer: means the computer is busy processing a task so you need to wait until
the computer finishes the task and the symbol changes back.

Flashing insertion point: When you click the mouse the insertion point will
flash if text can be entered or deleted.
I
I-beam: This shows you where your mouse is when it is hovering over text.

Process

Processing refers to the computer performing operations and calculations (using the data
that has been input and software). This processing of data is done by the central processing
unit (CPU) that is housed in the system unit.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 5 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
 GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Output

Output is what the computer displays as a result of processing data (eg calculations or
instructions). Some examples of output devices are:
 printers
 speakers
 monitor/screen.

Figure 3: A computer with typical input

and output devices

Examples of input/process/output

Activity Input Process Output

Preparing Type inventory to Computer checks The inventory
Inventory computer using the printer is ready report was printed
Report keyboard and sends label in the paper.
details to the
printer.
Make a Type the needed The computer runs Presentation
powerpoint information using the presentation appears on the
presentation MS powerpoint monitor

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 6 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Self-Check 1 Written Test

Name:____________________ Date:_________________
Instruction: Answer all the questions listed below, if you have some clarifications- feel free to ask your teacher.

Please ask your trainer for the questionnaire for this Self-Check.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 7 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Operation Sheet 1 Starting the computer

Starting a computer running Windows XP operating system

Starting your computer is also known as booting the computer. It is important to switch
your computer on in the correct way because the computer will check the peripheral devices on
start up. Starting the computer will also start the operating system.

Figure 4: If the power switch on the system unit is off (no light), then you need to turn on the
computer parts in the correct sequence

Sequence for starting a computer

1. Check peripheral device connections.

2. Turn on power at the power outlet.
3. If the monitor has a separate switch, turn it on.
4. Switch on the printer.
5. Check to see if there is a floppy disk in the floppy disk drive if your computer has one.
Eject the disk to ensure the computer starts from the hard drive.
6. Switch on the system unit. If using a desktop PC the power switch is usually a button on
the front or side of the system unit. If using a laptop the power switch is usually at the
top of the keyboard.
7. The computer will perform a start-up routine. When the start-up routine has completed
then the operating system will start.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 8 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Logging on

The computer you are using may have been set up so that you need to log on to the
computer in order to be able to access the software and stored data, and commence using it.
This is a security feature that is often in place for computers in the workplace, school, college or
other large organisation.
When you log on you are connecting the computer with a network of other computers in
the organisation.
If you need to log on you will see a box on the screen asking you for two items of
information that you need to type in:
1. Username
2. Password.
Usernames and passwords are set (for each authorized user) by the IT Administrator for the
organisation. Your teacher or IT Department (in an organisation) will provide you with these
details.

Security conditions

Your username and password determines what information and features of the computer
and network you have access to, and this is determined by the IT security policy of the
organisation.
Therefore, it is important to note the conditions of use that apply to you when you log on
to a computer with your username and password. These conditions appear on the screen before
you are asked to enter your name and password. You must click on the OK button after you
have read the conditions. This enables you to get to the log on screen where you enter your
name and password.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 9 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Operation Sheet 2 Shutting down the computer

Shutting down a computer running Windows XP operating system

It is good practice to use the correct shut down procedure when you want to turn off your
computer so that you do not lose data. If you still have any software applications or files open
they will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Each of the applications and files must be
closed. You may get a message asking you to confirm whether files need to be saved. Make sure
you save any work you have done before you turn off the computer.
Depending on whether or not you have had to log on to start using a computer, you will
need to follow a different sequence shutting down the computer.

Logging off

If you have had to log on to the computer when you started the session, then you need to
log off when you finish your session on the computer.
Logging off means you are disconnecting the computer from the network and no one else
will be able to access the same computer unless they also have a log on (username and
password). You must log off the computer regardless of whether or not you will be turning off
the power.
If you don’t log off the computer, then you will be preventing other people from using the
same computer and being able to log on with their own name and password. In the workplace,
failure to log off will probably also mean that other people (who may be unauthorised to use
your computer) can access all the files that you have access to. This could mean a serious
breach of security in an organisation.

To log off a computer:

1. Close all files (remember to save your latest work if necessary).
2. Close all software programs.
3. Remove floppy disks or other storage media from drives if necessary.
4. Click the Start button on the taskbar (at the bottom left corner of the screen) to see the
Start menu.
5. Click on Log Off (at the bottom of the menu).
6. A message box will appear on the screen asking you to confirm that you want to log off.
Click on Log Off.
7. A final message box will appear telling you ‘It is now safe to turn off your computer.
Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 10 of 14
1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development
You can now switch off the computer and the power outlet if you want to shut down the
computer.

Figure 5: Logging off in Windows XP. From the Start menu, click on the Log off button at the
bottom of the menu.

Figure 6: A box appears asking you to confirm that you want to log off. Click on the Log Off
button to confirm.

Sequence for shutting down a computer

Follow this sequence if you do not have to log off first.
1. Close all files (remember to save your latest work if necessary).
2. Close all software programs.
3. Remove floppy disks or other storage media from drives if necessary.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 11 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development
4. Click on Start on the taskbar. Select Turn Off computer from the Start menu.

6. Check that Turn off is selected.

7. Click on OK to confirm.
Your computer may automatically turn the power off but if not you will get a
message like ‘It is now safe to turn off your computer.’
8. Switch off the computer and the power outlet.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 12 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

Lap Test Practical Demonstration

Name: _____________________________ Date: ________________

Time started: ________________________ Time finished: ________________

Instructions: You are required to perform the following individually with the presence of your
teacher.

 Please ask your trainer for the instructions for this lap test.

 Your teacher will evaluate your output either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 13 of 14
1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT
GAGE College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development
unsatisfactory, your trainer shall advice you on additional work. But if satisfactory, you
can proceed to the next topic.

Learning Guide Date: 08-2011 Page 14 of 14

1st Revision Author: Angelito F. Argete, MIT