Basic

C omputer
Skills
Getting Started with Your First
Computer
 What is A
Computer?
A Computer is an electronic
device that :
1. Takes a data and instructions (
INPUT)
2. Works with the data ( PROCESSING)
3. Put out information (OUTPUT)
 COMPUTER stands for:
C Common
O OPERATIN
M G
MACHINE
P PURPOSEL
U Y
USED For
T TECHNOLOGICA
E L
EDUCATIONAL
R RESEARCH
 Peripherals you can use with your
computer
The most basic computer setup usually includes the
computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but
you can plug many different types of devices into
the extra ports on your computer. These devices
are called peripherals. Let's take a look at some of
the most common ones.
 Printers:
A printer is used
to print documents, photos, and
anything else that appears on
your screen. There are many types
of printers, including inkjet, laser,
and photo printers. There are
even all-in-one printers, which can
also scan and copy documents.
 Scanners:
A scanner allows you to copy a
physical image or document and save it
to your computer as a digital (computer-
readable) image. Many scanners are
included as part of an all-in-one printer,
although you can also buy a
separate flatbed or handheld scanner.
 Speakers/headphones:
Speakers and headphones are output
devices, which means they send
information from the computer to the
user—in this case, they allow you to hear
sound and music. Depending on the model,
they may connect to the audio port or
the USB port. Some monitors also have
built-in speakers.
 Web cameras:
A web camera—or webcam—is a type
of input device that can
record videos and take pictures. It
can also transmit video over the
Internet in real time, which allows
for video chat or video
conferencing with someone else.
 Inside a computer

This lesson will help you master and understand

some of the basic terminology and understand a bit
more about what goes on inside a computer.
 Motherboard
The motherboard is the
computer's main circuit board. It's a
thin plate that holds the CPU,
memory, connectors for the hard
drive and optical drives, expansion
cards to control the video and
audio, and connections to your
computer's ports (such as USB
ports). The motherboard connects
directly or indirectly to every part
of the computer.
 CPU/processor
The central processing unit
(CPU), also called
a processor, is located
inside the computer case on
the motherboard. It is
sometimes called the brain
of the computer, and its job
is to carry out commands.
 (random access memory)
RAM is your system's short-term
memory. This short-term memory
disappears when the computer is turned
RAM off. If you're working on a document,
spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll
need to save it to avoid losing it.
RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or
gigabytes (GB). The more RAM you
have, the more things your computer
can do at the same time.
 Hard drive
The hard drive is where your
software, documents, and other files
are stored. The hard drive is long-
term storage, which means the data
is still saved even if you turn the
computer off or unplug it.
The faster the hard drive, the faster
your computer can start up and load
programs.
 Expansion cards

Most computers have expansion

slots on the motherboard that allow
you to add various types of expansion
cards. These are sometimes called PCI
(peripheral component interconnect)
cards.
 Video card
The video card is responsible for what
you see on the monitor. Most
computers have a GPU (graphics
processing unit) built into the
motherboard instead of having a
separate video card. If you like playing
graphics-intensive games, you can add
a faster video card to one of
the expansion slots to get better
performance.
 Sound card
The sound card—also called an
audio card—is responsible for
what you hear in the speakers
or headphones. Most
motherboards have integrated
sound, but you can upgrade to a
dedicated sound card for higher-
quality sound.
 Network card
The network card allows your
computer to communicate over a
network and access the Internet. It can
either connect with an Ethernet cable
or through a wireless connection (often
called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have
built-in network connections, and a
network card can also be added to an
expansion slot.
 What is an operating
system?
An operating system is the most important
software that runs on a computer. It manages
the computer's memory and processes, as well
as all of its software and hardware. It also
allows you to communicate with the computer
without knowing how to speak the computer's
language. Without an operating system, a
computer is useless.
 Types of operating systems

Microsoft Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in
the mid-1980s. There have been many different
versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are
Windows 11(released in 2021), Windows 10
(2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and
Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded
on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most
popular operating system in the world.
 Types of operating systems
macOS
macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes
preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions include macOS
10.13: High Sierra (Lobo) – September 25, 2017 (Latest: 10.13.6)
macOS 10.14: Mojave (Liberty) – September 24, 2018 (Latest: 10.14.6, July 2021)
macOS 10.15: Catalina (Jazz) – October 7, 2019 (Latest: 10.15.7, Security Update 2022-005,
July 2022)
macOS 11: Big Sur (GoldenGate) – November 12, 2020 (Latest: 11.7.10, September 11, 2023)
macOS 12: Monterey (Star) – October 25, 2021 (Latest: 12.7.5, May 13, 2024)
macOS 13: Ventura (Rome) – October 24, 2022 (Latest: 13.6.7, May 13, 2024)
macOS 14: Sonoma (Sunburst) – September 26, 2023 (Latest: 14.5, May 13, 2024)
macOS 15: Sequoia (Glow) – in beta
 Types of operating systems

Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-
source operating systems, which means they can be
modified and distributed by anyone around the
world. This is different from proprietary software
like Windows, which can only be modified by the
company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are
that it is free, and there are many different
distributions—or versions—you can choose from.
 Operating systems for
mobile devices
Mobile devices such as phones, tablet
computers, and MP3 players are different from
desktop and laptop computers, so they run
operating systems that are designed
specifically for mobile devices. Examples of
mobile operating systems include Apple iOS
and Google Android. In the screenshot below,
you can see iOS running on an iPad.
 What is an application?
An app is a type of software that allows you to
perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or
laptop computers are sometimes called desktop
applications, while those for mobile devices are
called mobile apps.
App is a common term for an application, especially
for simple applications that can be downloaded
inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also
available for mobile devices and even some TVs.
 Desktop applications
There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into
several categories. Some are more full featured (like
Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two
things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few
types of applications you might use.

• Word processors: A word processor allows you to

write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other
types of documents. The most well-known word
processor is Microsoft Word.
 Desktop applications
• Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to
access the Internet. Most computers come with a web
browser pre-installed, but you can also download a
different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers
include Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google
Chrome, and Safari.

• Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch

movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media
player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular
media players.
 Mobile apps
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that
can run applications. You can also download apps for mobile
devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few
examples of mobile apps.
• Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and
send emails from your mobile device. It's available for
Android and iOS devices.

• Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share

photos with your friends and family. It's available for
Android and iOS.
 Turning on a
computer
The very first step is to turn on the
computer. Make sure all the cables are
plugged in correctly, and locate the
power button. It's in a different place on
every computer, but it will have the
universal power button symbol.
 Continuation:
Once turned on, your computer
takes time before it's ready to
use. You may see a few different
displays flash on the screen. This
process is called booting up, and
it can take anywhere from 15
seconds to several minutes.
 Continuation:
Once the computer has booted up, it
may be ready to use, or it may require
you to log in. This means identifying
yourself by typing your user name or
selecting your profile, then typing your
password. If you've never logged in to
your computer before, you may need
to create an account.
The keyboard and
mouse
You interact with a computer
mainly by using
the keyboard and mouse, or
a trackpad on laptops.
Continuation:

The mouse controls the

pointer on the screen.
 Continuation:
On laptops, you can use the
trackpad, located below the
keyboard, instead of a
mouse.
 Continuation:
The keyboard allows you to type letters,
numbers, and words into the computer.
Whenever you see a flashing vertical line—
called the cursor—you can start typing.
Note that the mouse pointer is also called a cursor,
but it is shaped differently. The keyboard cursor is
also called the insertion point.
 Using a computer
Desktop
Is the working area of a
computer screen regarded
as a representation of a
notional desktop and
containing icons
representing items such as
files.
 Icons
An icon is a small image
used to represent the
different files, applications,
and commands on your
computer.
Button
A button is a command that
performs a specific function
within an application. The most
commonly used commands in a
program will be represented by
buttons.
 Getting to know your computer's
OS (Operating System)
Microsoft Windows
 Getting to know your computer's
OS (Operating System)
macOS
 Getting to know the interface

Both PCs and Macs use a graphical user interface (GUI),

and they each have their own look and feel. The
interactives below will introduce you to the Windows and
Mac interfaces.
Windows
MacOs
 All about your computer’s file
system
No matter which operating system you use, your
computer uses folders to organize all of the different
files and applications it contains. Folder icons on your
computer are designed to look like file folders full of
documents or pictures.
Each operating system has its own file system,
which helps you find your folders and files. If you
have a Windows PC, you'll use the File Explorer (also
known as Windows Explorer). If you have a Mac,
you'll use Finder. Here, we'll talk about the basic
functions that are common to all computer file
systems.
 Opening your computer's file
system

Whether you're using a

PC or a Mac, the file
system icon will be on
the toolbar. On a PC,
the File Explorer icon
looks like a folder, as in
the image.
 Opening your computer's file
system
On a Mac, the Finder
icon looks like a face on
the Dock, as in the
image.
In both operating
systems, you can also
open the file system by
clicking a folder from
your desktop.
 Connecting to the Internet
How do I connect to the Internet?

Once you've set up your computer, you may want to

purchase home Internet access so you can send and receive
email, browse the Web, stream videos, and more. You may
even want to set up a home wireless network, commonly
known as Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), so you can connect
multiple devices to the Internet at the same time.
 Types of Internet Service
The type of Internet service you choose will largely depend on which
Internet service providers (ISPs) serve your area, along with the types of
service they offer. Here are some common types of Internet service.

• Dial-up: This is generally the slowest type of Internet connection, and you
should probably avoid it unless it is the only service available in your area. Dial-
up Internet uses your phone line, so unless you have multiple phone lines you
will not be able to use your landline and the Internet at the same time.
DSL: DSL service uses a broadband connection, which makes it much faster than dial-
up. DSL connects to the Internet via a phone line but does not require you to have a
landline at home. And unlike dial-up, you'll be able to use the Internet and your
phone line at the same time.
 Types of Internet Service
• Cable: Cable service connects to the Internet via cable TV, although you do not
necessarily need to have cable TV in order to get it. It uses a broadband
connection and can be faster than both dial-up and DSL service; however, it is
only available where cable TV is available.
• Satellite: A satellite connection uses broadband but does not require cable or
phone lines; it connects to the Internet through satellites orbiting the Earth. As
a result, it can be used almost anywhere in the world, but the connection may
be affected by weather patterns. Satellite connections are also usually slower
than DSL or cable.
• 3G and 4G: 3G and 4G service is most commonly used with mobile phones, and
it connects wirelessly through your ISP's network. However, these types of
connections aren't always as fast as DSL or cable. They will also limit the
amount of data you can use each month, which isn't the case with most
broadband plans.
 Browsing the web
Most information on the Internet is on websites. Once you are connected
to the Internet, you can access websites using a kind of application called a web
browser.
A website is a collection of related text, images, and other resources.
Websites can resemble other forms of media—like newspaper articles or television
programs—or they can be interactive in a way that's unique to computers.

A web browser allows you to connect to and view websites. The web browser itself
is not the Internet, but it displays pages on the Internet. Each website has a
unique address.
 Navigating websites
Websites often have links to other sites, also called hyperlinks. These are often parts
of the text on the website. They are usually colored blue, and sometimes they are
underlined or bold.
Each website has a unique address,
called a URL (Uniform Resource
Locator). You'll notice that when you
click a link, the URL changes as your
browser loads a new page.
When you're looking for specific
information on the Internet, a search
engine can help. A search engine is a
specialized website that's designed to
help you find other websites.
 Other things you can do on the
Internet
One of the best features of the Internet is the ability to communicate
almost instantly with anyone in the world.
Email is one of the oldest and most universal ways to communicate and share
information on the Internet, and billions of people use it.
Social media allows people to connect in a variety of ways and build communities
online.

There are many other things you can do on the Internet too. There are
thousands of ways to keep up with news or shop for anything online. You can pay
your bills, manage your bank accounts, meet new people, watch TV, or learn new
skills. You can learn or do almost anything online.
 Understanding the Cloud
What is the cloud?
You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud
computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud?

Simply put, the cloud is the Internet—more specifically, it's all of the things you can
access remotely over the Internet. When something is in the cloud, it means it's
stored on Internet servers instead of your computer's hard drive.
 Why use the cloud?
Some of the main reasons to use the cloud
are convenience and reliability. For
example, if you've ever used a web-based
email service, such as Gmail or Yahoo!
Mail, you've already used the cloud. All of
the emails in a web-based service are
stored on servers rather than on your
computer's hard drive. This means you can
access your email from any computer with
an Internet connection. It also means you'll
be able to recover your emails if something
happens to your computer.
 Some of the most common reasons to use the cloud:

❖ File storage: You can store all types of

information in the cloud, including
files and email. This means you can
access these things from any
computer or mobile device with an
Internet connection, not just your
home computer. Dropbox and Google
Drive are some of the most popular
cloud-based storage services.
 Some of the most common reasons to use the cloud:

❖ File sharing: The cloud makes it

easy to share files with several
people at the same time. For
example, you could upload several
photos to a cloud-based photo
service like Flickr or iCloud Photos,
then quickly share them with
friends and family.
 Some of the most common reasons to use the cloud:
❖ Backing up data: You can
also use the cloud to
protect your files. There
are apps such as Carbonite
that automatically back up
your data to the cloud.
This way, if your computer
ever is lost, stolen, or
damaged, you'll still be
able to recover these files
from the cloud.
 What is a web app?

Previously, we talked about how desktop applications allow you

to perform tasks on your computer. But there are also web
applications—or web apps—that run in the cloud and do not need
to be installed on your computer. Many of the most popular sites
on the Internet are actually web apps. You may have even used a
web app without realizing it! Let's take a look at some popular
web apps.
 Some popular web apps:
⮚ Facebook: Facebook
lets you create an
online profile and
interact with your
friends. Profiles and
conversations can be
updated at any time,
so Facebook uses
web app
technologies to keep
the information up to
date.
 Some popular web apps:
⮚ Pixlr: Pixlr is an image editing application that runs in your
web browser. Much like Adobe Photoshop, it includes many
advanced features, like color correction and sharpening
tools.
 Some popular web apps:
⮚ Google Docs: Google
Docs is an office suite
that runs in your
browser. Much like
Microsoft Office, you
can use it to create
documents,
spreadsheets,
presentations, and more.
And because the files are
stored in the cloud, it's
easy to share them with
others.
 Protecting your computer

Your computer faces many potential

threats, including viruses, malware, and
hard drive failure. This is why it's
important to do everything you can to
protect your computer and your files.
 Safeguarding against malware
Malware is any type of software
that is designed to damage your
computer or gain unauthorized
access to your personal
information. It includes viruses,
worms, Trojan horses, and
spyware. Most malware is
distributed over the Internet and
is often bundled with other
software.
 Safeguarding against malware
The best way to guard
against malware is to install
antivirus software, such as
Bitdefender, Norton, or
Kaspersky. Antivirus
software helps to prevent
malware from being
installed, and it can also
remove malware from your
computer.
 Backing up your computer
You can prevent important documents, photos or
any other files this by creating backup copies of all of
your files (or just the important ones) on an external
hard drive or an online backup service.
 Other maintenance techniques
Here are a few things you can do to delete unwanted files and
improve your computer's performance.
• Delete files: If you have any unwanted files,
you can delete them manually. To do this,
drag them to the Recycle Bin or Trash, then
empty it to permanently delete the files.

• Run the Disk Defragmenter: Windows

includes a Disk Defragmenter program in the
Control Panel. If your computer is running
slowly, running Disk Defragmenter can help to
speed it up.
 Other maintenance techniques
• Run a Disk
Cleanup: Windows also
includes a Disk
Cleanup program in the
Control Panel. It scans
your computer
for temporary files and
other files that can be
deleted. You can then
delete the files to free
up space on your hard
drive.
Wait for the quiz link to be send on your GC.
Microsoft Word for Beginners
Microsoft Word

• A word processing
program.
• Use to create documents
such as letters & reports.
 Parts of
Microsoft Word
Quick Access Title Bar Ribbon Minimize,
Toolbar Components: Maximize,
Tabs, Close
Groups,
Commands
Ruler

Scroll Bar
DOCUMENT AREA
Zoom
Status Bar Document Slider
Views
Quick Access Toolbar

• A customizable toolbar that contains a set of commands that are

independent of the tab that is currently displayed.
• It can be move from one of the two possible locations, and can add
buttons that represent commands to the Quick Access Toolbar
Title Bar

Click to add text

• It gives the name of the document and the program

being used
Ribbon Components

The three parts of the Ribbon are tabs, groups, and commands.
1. Tabs. There are ten basic ones across the top. Each represents an
activity area.
2. Groups. Each tab has several groups that show related items together.
3. Commands. A button, a box to enter information, or a menu.
• The dialogue launcher is located at the bottom right of each group when clicked will
open a dialogue box, such as font or paragraph and relevant to the tab group.
 Minimize, Maximize, Close

• The Minimize button makes the window disappear from the

screen without closing the program. You can bring the window
back by clicking on its button on the Task bar at the bottom of
the screen. The Reduce/Maximize button makes the window
smaller or takes it back to full size. The Close button closes the
document or program
 Scroll bars

• Allow the user to move up and down the document in the

window
Rulers

• Display the tabs, indents, margins and give the user a visual
guide for alignment.
• May or may not be visible.
• When the Ruler is visible, it helps you set margins and tabs.
• To show or hide the Ribbon select View Tab then Ruler.
Document Views

• Specify how the blank page appears in the window.

Zoom Slider

• Sets how large or small your document appears inside

the window.
Status Bar

• Contains trivial information about your document.

Document Area
• The largest portion of the
Word screen is for composing
text. It's blank and white, just
like a fresh sheet of paper.
This is where you compose
and format your text.
File Tab

• A section on the Office Ribbon that

gives you access to file functions. For
example, from the File tab, you can
access the Open, Save, Close, Properties,
and Recent file options
Home Tab

• This is the tab that has almost everything you need when
completing a word document. You can change your font, font size,
paragraph orientation, add bullets, etc.
Insert Tab

• The Insert Tab allows users to add a table, clip art, or chart to a
document. Anything that is an additional graphic "insert" will
most likely be found here.
Design Tab

• This tab was added in 2013 The design tab is sanctified to the document
formats, layouts, themes, page backgrounds, and color schemes to make a
document file look catchy, attractive and pleasing to eyes along with its
information.
Layout Tab

• This is the tab that provides options for page orientation, size,
columns, borders, page color, etc.
 References Tab

• This is the tab where you can add an index or bibliography page.
Mailings Tab

• This is the tab where you can create address labels and type for
envelopes
Review Tab

• This is the tab where you can review your document before you
print it. Check spell check and the thesaurus for help
View Tab

• This is the tab where you can view your document at 50 or 150%
or in different layouts.
Navigating with the Keyboard
Navigating with the Keyboard
1. Horizontal Arrow Keys
• The ˂ (left arrow) on the keyboard will move your cursor left one
character and the > (right arrow) on the keyboard will move your
cursor right one character.
 If you hold down the SHIFT key while moving < or > you will select
text as you move.
 If you hold down the CTRL (control) key while moving < or > you will
move word by word.
 If you hold down the SHIFT and CTRL key while moving < or > you
will select word by word
Navigating with the Keyboard
2. Vertical Arrow Keys
• The ˄ (up arrow) and the ˅ (down arrow) on the keyboard move
your cursor up and down respectively, line by line.
 If you hold down the SHIFT key while moving ˄ or ˅ you will select
text as you move.
 If you hold down the CTRL (control) key while moving ˄ or ˅ you will
move paragraph by paragraph. (Every Enter (¶) is considered a
paragraph).
 If you hold down the SHIFT and CTRL key while moving ˄ or ˅ you
will select paragraph by paragraph
Navigating with the Keyboard
3. Home Key
• The HOME key takes to you the beginning of the current line.
 If you hold down the SHIFT key when you press the HOME key you
will select text from where the cursor is blinking to the beginning of
the line.
 If you hold down the CTRL (control) key when you press the HOME
key you will move to the beginning of the document.
 If you hold down the SHIFT and CTRL key when you press the HOME
key you will select from where the cursor is blinking to the beginning
of the document.
Navigating with the Keyboard
4. END Key
• The END key takes you to the end of the line.
 If you hold down the SHIFT key when you press the END key you will
select text from where the cursor is blinking to the end of the line.
 If you hold down the CTRL key when you press the END key you will
move to the end of the document.
 If you hold down the SHIFT and CTRL key when you press the END
key you will select from where the cursor is blinking to the end of the
document
Navigating with the Keyboard
5. Backspace and Delete
• Backspace key erases text backwards, from right to left, backing
over the text. Used fundamentally for text only
• Delete key erases text forwards from left to right erasing text after
the cursor. More universally used throughout windows to remove
objects such as images, table cell contents, and files.

 If you hold down the CTRL key when you press Backspace or
Delete, it will erase word by word.
Navigating with the Mouse
Navigating with the Mouse
1. Scroll Wheel
• On most computer mice you will find a middle scroll wheel.
• When your mouse is hovering over the ribbon at the top of the
window, Word will scroll through the different tabs.
• When your mouse is hovering over the document, it will scroll
through the pages.
• As with the Scroll Bar, this will only move the pages, not the cursor.

 If you hold down the CTRL key while using the scroll wheel, Word
will zoom in and out.
Navigating with the Mouse
2. Clicking Inside Text
A. Click once (Single Click) ‐ Word will move the cursor to where you
clicked.
• If you hold the SHIFT key when you click, it will select the text from where
the cursor was blinking to where you clicked.
• If you hold the CTRL key when you click, it will select the sentence you
clicked on. This will not work if there is a current selection. Once a
selection is made, you can use the CTRL key to add to the selection.
B. Click twice (Double‐click) ‐ it will select the word.
C. Click three times (Triple‐click) ‐ it will select the paragraph.
D. Click and Drag (don’t let go of the mouse) it will select text, from where
you first clicked to where you let go of the mouse button. Click and Drag a
selection, will move the text to where you let go
Navigating with the Mouse
3. Clicking Outside Text

If you move your mouse out into the left margin so that the mouse
cursor turns into a white arrow that points back at the text and you:

A. click once (Single Click) ‐ it will select the line

B. click twice (Double‐click) ‐ it will select the paragraph
C. click three times (Triple Click) ‐ it will select the whole document
(Same as Ctrl‐A)
Navigating with the Mouse
4. Zoom Slider
In the bottom right hand corner of your window you will find the Zoom Slider.

• The plus will zoom in and make the document appear larger; the minus
will zoom out and make the document appear smaller.
• You can use the box in the middle of the zoom bar to make adjustments.
• If you click on the percentage shown, Word will open the Zoom window.
This can also be opened from the View tab.
• The zoom can be set between 10% and 500%.
• Use the Ctrl key and the scroll wheel at the same time to zoom in and out
Activity:
Following directions:
Make an outline of your sermon/ teaching, Use the
following format.
Use Arial font, size 12 on all text. On the title, text and
preacher use make it bold. Make the Margin 1.5” on the left
side while the rest is 1”. After finishing your outline, save it
using the title of your sermon. Upload it on the folder until
August 24, 2024.
Title:
Text: Note: Link of the folder will be
Preacher: (Name, District) sent on your GC.
E cel
for
Beginners
owerPoint
for Beginners
Activity:
Make a Presentation about your
sermon / teaching. Upload it on
the folder until August 24, 2024.

Note: Link of the folder will be sent on

your GC.