COMPUTER BASIC MANUAL

Module 1: Introduction to Computers

Identifying computers
 Definition and basic functionalities:

What is a computer: A computer is a device that stores and processes data using a set of
instructions called a program.

Input: Input is a process that collects data and puts it in an organized way.
Processing: Processing is a stage where raw data is transformed into useful information.
Output: Output refers to displaying the final data to the end user.
Storage: Storage is a process in which data is kept for future use.

 Different types of computers and their uses. (Desktops, laptops, and smartphones etc.)

There are different types of computers and their functions. In this lesson, we will discuss three
types:

Desktops: A desktop is a computer designed to be used on a desk. It has various components,

including a monitor, system unit, keyboard, and mouse.

Laptop: A laptop is a portable computer meant to be used on a lap; it is easy to carry.

Smartphones: A smartphone is a mobile device that functions like a mini computer.

Identifying components of the computer

 Detailed overview of hardware components like the system unit, monitor, keyboard,
mouse, etc.

 Understanding the role of each component in the computer system.

There are many components of a computer, but in this lesson, we will discuss the four main
components of a computer:

Monitor: A monitor is an electronic device that displays pictures. It is used to show images, text,
videos, and graphic information generated from the system unit.
System Unit: The system unit is the main part of the computer that performs operations. It is
sometimes called the brain of a computer.
Mouse: A mouse is a component of a computer used to control the movement of the cursor on
the computer screen.
Keyboard: A computer keyboard is a device used to input data into the computer. It resembles a
typewriter.
How to turn on and off the computer.

 Connecting all the cables to the computer

 Turning on and off the computer properly
Here are the steps to connect all the cables to the computer:

 Connect a power cord to the system unit and then connect it to a socket.
 Connect a power cord to the monitor and then connect it to a socket.
 Connect a VGA cord from the monitor to the system unit.
 Connect the mouse and keyboard to a USB port on the system unit.

Turning on and off a computer:

Once all the connections are done on the computer, follow these steps to turn on the computer:
 Locate the power button on the system unit and press it.
 Locate the power button on the monitor and press it to turn on the monitor.

Keyboard and mouse skills

 How to use a mouse properly to navigate the computer.

 Knowing the various keys and their functions on the keyboard and Typing Skills.

To use the mouse correctly, follow these steps:

 Place your palm on the mouse.

 Put your thumb on the side of the mouse.
 Use the index finger on the left button.
 Practice right-clicking, left-clicking, dragging and dropping, single and double-clicking.

Keyboard skills are abilities that allow you to use the keyboard efficiently when typing. To
acquire this skill, one needs to understand the computer keyboard layout. The keyboard contains
keys for letters, numbers, and special functions. The most commonly used keyboard is called a
QWERTY Keyboard. The keyboard is divided into a set of keys, which include: Function keys,
Numeric keys, typewriter keys, special function keys, and cursor keys.

Module 2: Operating Systems

Introduction to operating systems

 Overview of popular operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android.
 Navigating the window features using the mouse.

Each operating system has its own unique structure. Windows is a commonly used operating
system on computers. Linux is an open-source operating system, often used by developers for
security purposes. macOS is an operating system exclusively used on Apple products. Android is
the leading operating system for mobile devices, known for its user-friendly interface.

The mouse is a primary input device used to navigate a window interface. You can use the
mouse to resize, minimize, and close a window

Managing files and folders

 Creating, renaming, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders

 Connecting and using external devices on the computer to transfer files to the computer

A folder is created on a computer to organize various files. The following steps can be used to
create a folder on a computer:

 Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.

 Click on "NEW" in the menu that pops up.
 Click on "Folder" in the next menu that appears.
 Type any name of your choice.
 Press Enter on the keyboard.

Steps to rename a folder:

 Right-click on the folder you want to rename.

 Select "Rename" from the pop-up menu.
 Type in the new name you want to use.
 Press Enter on the keyboard to save it.

Steps to move a file or folder:

 Right-click on the file or folder.

 Select "Cut" from the pop-up menu.
 Right-click in the new location where you want to move the file or folder.
 Select "Paste" from the pop-up menu.

Steps to delete a file or folder:

 Right-click on the file or folder you want to delete.

 Select "Delete" from the pop-up menu and click it.

Connecting an External Device:

 Locate the USB port on your computer and plug in the external device.
 Use the mouse to open the file explorer by double-clicking on it.
 Search for the file you want to transfer, right-click on it.
  Select "Copy" and look for a folder on your computer where you want to place the file.
 Double-click on the folder to open it.
 Right-click in the folder and select "Paste" from the pop-up menu.

Module 3: Computer Hardware

Understanding Hardware Components

 Detailed explanation and identification of the System unit, RAM, hard drive,
motherboard, etc.
 How to use external devices on a computer.

System unit: As mentioned in our previous lesson, the system unit is the brain of a computer,
containing various components such as the motherboard, RAM (Random Access Memory), hard
drive, power supply, etc.

RAM: RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary memory that holds information on a
program running on the computer.

Hard Drive: The hard drive is where data is stored permanently. It is another crucial device in the
computer.

Motherboard: The motherboard consists of many circuit boards that help the other components to
function. It also includes a component that stores other information such as the time and date of
the computer system.

Basic Troubleshooting and Maintenance

 Identifying common hardware issues and troubleshooting techniques.

 Basic maintenance tasks like cleaning, updating drivers, and managing storage.

Common Hardware Issues:

 A computer can easily be dropped to the floor, leading to physical damage.

 Computer hard drives can get corrupted by viruses, causing the computer to malfunction.
 Electricity can also cause damage to the computer.

Troubleshooting Approaches:

 Handle the computer with care to avoid it falling to the ground.

 Install antivirus software and update it regularly to prevent virus attacks.
 Perform backups on an external drive to manage your computer storage.
 Module 4: Software and Applications
Introduction to Software and Applications

 Differentiating between system software and application software.

 Understanding the purpose and types of software.

Before we delve further into discussing the two main types of software, let's define what
software is. Software is a program used by a computer to help the computer system operate and
execute specific tasks.

Application Software: Application software consists of programs designed to perform specific

tasks. Examples of application software include Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.

System Software: System software, also known as an operating system, is a type of computer
program designed to facilitate the operation of other programs on the computer. Without system
software, the computer would not be able to function properly as it is responsible for the
operation of a computer.

Installing and Uninstalling Software

 Step-by-step guide on how to install and uninstall software applications.

 Best practices for software management and updates.

To install a software application, please follow these steps:

 Open the website from which you want to download the software.
 Locate the download link and click to initiate the download process.
 Once the download is complete, click on the downloaded file and follow the wizard
instructions to complete the installation.

To uninstall a software application, please follow these steps:

 Go to the Start menu and type "Control Panel," then double-click to open it.
 In the Control Panel, select "Programs" and then choose the software you want to
uninstall.
 Click on the software you wish to uninstall.

To manage software effectively, keep track of installed software, use tools for control, promptly
address any issues, update regularly, test changes before implementing them, monitor different
versions, educate users about it, automate where possible, back up important data, and
understand the rules set by software companies.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

 How to start Microsoft Word.

 Creating a Word document and saving it.
Introduction to Microsoft Excel

 How to start Microsoft Excel.

 Creating an Excel document and saving it.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

 How to start Microsoft PowerPoint.

 Creating a PowerPoint presentation and saving it.

Microsoft Word is a Microsoft Office suite application used for typing letters, creating reports,
and other documents.

Steps on how to start a Microsoft Word application:

 Click on the Start menu and select Programs.
 Search for Microsoft Word and click to open it.

Steps to create a Word document:

 Select the File tab. The backstage view will appear.

 Choose New, and then click Blank Document.
 A new blank document will appear, and you can start creating a document of your choice.

To save a Word document, follow these steps:

 Go to the File tab and select Save As if it is your first time saving a document.
 Save the document with any name you choose, select the folder where you want to save
it, and press save.

Microsoft Excel is used for calculations and business purposes such as payroll. It features
spreadsheets, tables, charts, etc.

Steps on how to start a Microsoft Excel application:

 Click on the Start menu and select Programs.

 Search for Microsoft Excel and click to open it.

To save an Excel document, follow these steps:

 Go to the File tab and select Save As if it is your first time saving a document.
 Save the document with any name you choose, select the folder where you want to save
it, and press save.
Steps on how to start a Microsoft PowerPoint application:

 Click on the Start menu and select Programs.

 Search for Microsoft PowerPoint and click to open it.

To save a PowerPoint document, follow these steps:

 Go to the File tab and select Save As if it is your first time saving a document.
 Save the document with any name you choose, select the folder where you want to save
it, and press save.

Module 5: Internet Basics

Introduction to the internet

 Understanding the concept of the internet and its importance.

 Overview of internet services and protocols.

Browsers and Search Engines

 Exploring different web browsers and search engines.

 Using search engines effectively to find information online.

Email Basics

 Setting up and managing email accounts.

 Composing, sending, receiving, and organizing emails.

The internet is a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication
facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication.

Internet services and protocols play fundamental roles in communication, data exchange, and
access to information across the internet. Electronic mail, commonly known as email, Hypertext
Transfer Protocol (HTTP), World Wide Web (www), etc., are examples of services and
protocols.

A web browser is a software application used for accessing information through the World Wide
Web. Web browsers search for information on the web server and display it on the web page
once you request a website by typing the URL of that website. Examples of search engines
include Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.

..
How to Use a Search Engine:

 On your computer, open a web browser and go to the search engine website.
 Type the URL of the search engine you prefer to use. Example: www.google.com
 Once the search engine opens, type the information you want to search for.

Email is a way of sending messages or documents through electronic means. Email stands for
electronic mail.

 To create an email account, you need to choose an email service provider.

 Visit the service provider's website, click on sign up, and follow the instructions.

To compose an email, sign in to your email account, locate compose, click compose, and start
typing your message.

To check your email, log in to your email account and click on inbox to see if you have received
any emails.