Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse

I. About this class

Being able to use a keyboard and mouse is an important part of using a desktop computer or a
laptop. In this class, we will show you how to hold and operate a mouse, the overall layout of a
keyboard, as well as the functions of certain keys. We will also practice using the mouse and
typing on the keyboard.

II. Definition of terms

A. Key terms
Keyboard—a panel of keys used for putting information including letters, words, and numbers
into your computer.

Mouse—is a hand-operated pointing device. When you move the mouse on your desk, the
mouse pointer on the screen mimics its movement. A computer mouse can be wired (with a
cord attached and plugged in via a USB port) or wireless (which connects to the computer via
Bluetooth or USB port.) Laptops have touch pads, but you can also use a wired or wireless
mouse if you prefer.

Mouse pad—a thin flat pad (as of rubber) on which a computer mouse is used.

B. Other terms to know

Monitor—This is where you see the text and graphics you are working with or the thing you
stare at while you use the computer (it looks a little like a TV). On a laptop, the monitor is
attached and usually flips up.

On/Off Switch is used to turn the computer on and off. The on/off switch, also known as the
power button, is located on different areas depending on the computer or if you are using a
laptop, but it will look something like the symbol at left.

Hardware—The physical parts of the computer. In other words, anything you can touch and see,
even before you turn on the computer.

Software—Generally refers to any type of computer program. Used by computers to operate

and fulfill specific tasks. Similar to apps on a mobile phone.

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 1 of 8

 C. Storage
Hard Drive—device that stores large amounts of information for a long time. It is located within
the computer. If a computer has one hard drive, it is called drive C. It stores the operating
system, programs, and documents.

Bytes and Gigabytes—Byte is an abbreviation for binary term, a unit of storage capable of
holding a single character. Large amounts of memory are indicated in terms of kilobytes (1,024
bytes), megabytes (1,048,576 bytes), and gigabytes (1,073,741,824 bytes).

D. Storage devices
Flash Drive—A small and portable storage device that connects to computers
and other devices. It is also known as a Jump Drive, Pocket Drive, Pen Drive,
Thumb Drive, or USB Drive.

Portable Hard Drive is a portable storage device that can be attached to a computer through a
USB. They typically have high storage capacities and are often used to back up computers.

Cloud Storage—files are stored digitally over the internet rather than a physical source.

Cell phones—Can be used as a storage device for files, photos, and videos.

III. Parts of the Windows Desktop

Operating system—The software that runs your hardware and your programs behind the
scenes.

Windows—The most widely used operating system for PCs. It provides a common way of using
programs. Most PCs come with it already installed. Currently, the most common version of
Windows is called Windows 10. There are also older versions of Windows that are still being
used. For instance, at home you may have Windows 7 or another version of the operating
system.

Desktop—This eventually appears when you first turn on the computer. It is the space that
contains the icons as well as the “empty space” left over.

Icons—Pictures that represent programs, files, or folders usually found on the desktop. You
double-click these to open them.

Taskbar—Strip of buttons at the bottom of the Windows desktop. Each button relates to a
window or task on the screen.

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 2 of 8

IV. Mouse Basics
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.

A. Parts of a Mouse
Pointer/Cursor—When you move the mouse around, you will see a symbol that
moves around on the computer’s monitor screen that changes depending on what
you’re pointing to. You’ll see an arrow or hand when there’s a choice to be made, an
“I” beam when you’re in an area where text can be inserted, a cross of arrows when
you can move something, and more.

Left click button—Use single click to select items

or move the cursor. Use double click, meaning
press the left click button twice in quick
succession, to select a file, program, or function.

Right click button—Use single click to display a

context or a shortcut menu.

Scroll wheel—Use to scroll up and down a

computer window.

B. How to Hold Your Mouse

• Place your palm onto the body of the mouse and let your fingers fall
naturally.
• Your index finger will fall on the left click button and your middle finger
will fall on the right click button.

Note: You can adjust the mouse for left-handed use. Windows users can
use the Type here to search box located on the bottom far right of the
screen. In the search box type in Mouse and left click on Mouse settings.
You can change the primary button on your mouse from left to right.

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 3 of 8

 C. Mouse Practice
We are going to practice using the mouse. In this exercise you will practice moving a mouse
across the screen, double-clicking, using a scroll bar, and clicking and dragging the mouse.

• Using the left click button, click on the Google Chrome icon located on the task bar at the
bottom on your screen.
• Left click in the address bar, located at the top of the page, type in “mousing around
welcome”, and hit Enter on your keyboard.
• Left click on the Mousing Around: Welcome
link and start the tutorial.
• Follow the instructions on the screen.
Let’s do a few together.
Note: The direct web address for Mousing Around: Welcome is
https://pbc.gov/mousercise/intro.htm.

Have some fun while getting additional mouse practice. Here are some games that help you
practice your mouse skills:

Online jigsaw puzzles http://www.jigzone.com

http://www.jigsawexplorer.com

Crossword puzzles http://www.bestcrosswords.com

http://www.boatloadpuzzles.com

Solitaire https://worldofsolitaire.com

V. Keyboard Basics
A keyboard is for putting information including letters, words, and numbers into your computer.
Not all keyboards look the same, they can differ in size and layout. The most common kind of
keyboard is the “QWERTY” keyboard. QWERTY describes the first few letters on the top row on
the keyboard.

A. Keys
Let’s go over the keys on a keyboard. As we go along, locate the keys on the diagram on the next
page or on the keyboard in front of you.

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 4 of 8

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 5 of 8
 ESC (ESCAPE) KEY when used will interrupt or cancel the current process or running program.

CHARACTER KEYS make up the core section of a keyboard, which can be used to type letters and
other characters. Typically, there are three rows of keys for typing letters and punctuation, an
upper row for typing digits and special symbols, and the Space bar on the bottom row.

SPACE BAR is a long bar at the bottom of a keyboard that makes a space between words.

TAB moves the cursor over a set number of spaces.

CAPS LOCK allows users to generate letters in uppercase once activated. To activate the key, the
user has to press it once and the button locks on the Caps Lock feature, making all subsequent
typed letters the capital form. The user needs only to press it again to turn the Caps Lock feature
off.

ENTER might be marked as a “Return” key or with only a large arrow. It’s used to go down to a
new line when typing text. It also can be pressed any time a button or choice is highlighted
(within a software program or on the Internet) to tell the computer you select that particular
item.

BACKSPACE removes characters to the left of the cursor.

DELETE removes text characters to the right of the cursor. This key will also remove any
highlighted text, image, or group of images.

FORWARD SLASH is a slash (/), especially as used in website addresses and computer
commands.

BACK SLASH a backward-sloping diagonal line (\), used as part of names for files and folders to
indicate where they are stored.

ARROW KEYS will move you anywhere within a document without making any changes.

HOME
▪ If you are in a text file that is not editable, like in PDF or webpage, the Home button will
take you to the top of the document or page.

▪ If you are in an editable text file or page, the Home button will take the cursor to the
start of the same line.

END

▪ If you are in a text file that is not editable, like in PDF or webpage, the Home button will
take you to the bottom of the document or page.

▪ If you are in an editable text file or page, the Home button will take the cursor to the
end of the same line.

PAGEUP and DOWN are primarily used to scroll up and down in documents.

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 6 of 8

 INSERT is primarily used to switch between the two text-entering modes on a computer.

▪ Overtype mode, in which the cursor, when typing, overwrites any text that is present in
the current location.

▪ Insert mode, where the cursor inserts a character at its current position, forcing all
characters past it one position further.

DELETE when struck, discards the text ahead of the cursor’s position.

NUMLOCK when switched on, enables the user to use the numeric keys on the keyboard, and
when switched off, enables the use of other functionalities associated with the keys.

MODIFIER KEY is a special key on a computer keyboard that temporarily modifies the normal
action of another key when pressed together. Examples of a modifier key includes Ctrl, Shift,
and Alt.

CONTROL KEY (Ctrl) AND ALT KEY are keys on a keyboard that when pressed at the same time
as another key gives the second key an alternative function. For example, holding
CTRL+ALT+DELETE together simultaneously may restart the computer; in some operating
systems it brings up a task manager that allows you to close specific programs.

SHIFT KEY allows users to type a single capital letter and change the top number keys to
a symbol. For example, pressing and holding Shift while pressing “A: generates a capital "A" and
pressing Shift and the number “1” creates an exclamation mark.

FUNCTION KEYS are usually located at the top of the keyboard and are used to perform a
specific task that may differ from program to program. For example, if you are using Microsoft
Word, F7 will start spell check tool or open the Layers panel in Adobe Photoshop.

B. Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys that can be used to execute certain
tasks which would usually require a mouse click. They provide a quick way to implement certain
tasks. For example,

CTRL + C is the shortcut key used to copy highlighted text or other objects.

CTRL + X is the shortcut key used to cut highlighted text or other objects.

CTRL + V is the shortcut key used to paste the copied or cut text or objects.

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 7 of 8

 C. How to Position Hands on a Keyboard
The basic hand placement on a keyboard takes some practice.

• Rest both thumbs on the space bar.

• Starting with the little finger of your left hand on the letter “A”. The other three fingers will
rest on the next three letters “S” “D” and “F”.
• Skip “G” and “H” and put the index finger of your right hand on the “J” key. The other three
fingers of your right hand will rest on “K” “L” and the semi-colon key.

Note: Hunting and pecking is good, too. Use whatever is most comfortable to you!

VI. Practice Typing

A. Typing Tutorial
• In Google Chrome’s address bar, type “typing.com.”
• Under Students, left click on “Typing Lessons”.
• You’ll notice the different lessons under “Getting Started.” The first lesson is for the keys J, F,
and Space. Left click on “Start”.

Once you are done with that lesson, move on to the next. We may not be able to get through all
of the lessons in class, but practice what you can.

B. Free Resources for Practicing Typing

https://www.typingclub.com/
https://www.typing.com
Typing test: typingtest.com
Universal Class Typing and Keyboard 101 course, offered through Henrico County Public Library:
https://henricocountyva.universalclass.com/register.htm
Note: To access all library databases, visit henricolibrary.org, click on Research and Learning,
and then Explore All Databases. Also, you will need your library card number to access the
databases outside the library.

Updated 10/23 Computer Basics: Keyboard & Mouse, page 8 of 8