West Visayas State University 2020

UNIT
3
Computer Operation

Learning Outcome:

 Identified the parts of a mouse and its function

 Started and shutdown computer properly and other peripherals
Properly.
 Arranged customize desktop/windows settings
 Identified the parts of a mouse and its function

1|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

The Mouse and Computer Basic

Mouse
The mouse is a hand-held device that transmits your commands to the computer by
controlling the movement of the cursor/pointer on the computer screen.
 As you move the mouse, the pointer on the
screen moves in the same direction.
 The basic mouse has two buttons, as shown
in the picture at left. Some mice include a
wheel for scrolling up and down long Button
documents or web pages.

Pointers (also called cursors)

 The pointer is a symbol that moves on the
screen as you move the mouse.
 Using the arrow pointer, you can choose commands and settings by clicking the left
mouse button.
 Always place the upper tip of the pointer in the middle of the object or word on
which you will click.
 If you click too hard or long, you may see this symbol:

The arrow pointer is used to choose and

Selection highlight commands, programs, files or folders.

The capital ‘I’ pointer is used in word

processing programs and search boxes. It is
I-beam used to highlight blocks of text and to move the
insertion point to another place in your
document when you click.
When you move the pointer over a hyperlink or
button, the pointer shape will turn into the
hand shape. This symbol means that a click will
Internet
lead to a new web page or website. Text links
are usually blue or purple and underlined.
Pictures can be links too.
The insertion point is where the next characters
Insertion Point typed from the keyboard will appear on the
display screen. The insertion point tells the

2|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

computer where to insert text, spaces and

pictures. This pointer is a vertical blinking line.
The busy pointer icons can be an hourglass or
a spinning circle. It means the computer is busy
processing information. Do not touch the
Busy Pointers
keyboard or click the mouse until the program
has finished loading and the icon has
disappeared.

Mouse Terminology
Click (Left Click)
Press and release the left mouse button once. Clicking is useful
for highlighting (selecting) an object on the desktop or in a
window, activating buttons in dialog boxes, selecting items from
menus and a variety of other tasks. Note: unless you are
specifically instructed to use the right mouse button (as in right-
click) you always use the left button.

Right Click A single click with the right mouse button produces a menu.
The menu changes depending upon where you are when you
right click. To turn off a right-click menu, click once in a blank
area with the left button or use the Esc (escape) key on the
upper left of your keyboard.

Double Click Double clicking is a quick way to open files, folders, and
program icons. Press and release the left mouse button twice
in rapid succession. Make sure you don’t move the mouse at all
between clicks. If the second click isn’t fast enough or the
pointer moves accidentally, it won’t work.

Scrolling Scroll A scroll bar is found at the right edge of most computer screens.
Bar Triangle Clicking on the triangle moves the page up or down. The picture
at left shows the downward triangle and the scroll bar. To move
the page slowly, click on the triangle. To move the page up or
down quickly, use the scroll bar.

Drag and Drop Depress the left mouse button and, while keeping it depressed,
move the mouse pointer to another location, then release the
mouse button. Drag-and-drop is used to move items about on
the Desktop or within programs, for copying or moving files,
and for placing one object onto another. For instance, you can
drag-and-drop a file onto the Recycle Bin to delete the file. You
can tell when you have the dragged object correctly positioned
3|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

over the target because the target should become highlighted.

Once the target is highlighted you should then release the
mouse button to drop the object you’re dragging.

Highlight text We highlight text, icons or objects to alert the computer that
we are making a choice. We may highlight a word to change
the color of the text. To highlight one or more words, position
the pointer on the first letter, click and hold your finger down
and drag the mouse across the word. Let go. To remove a
highlight, click once in a blank spot.

Menu arrows Some menus are called “drop down.” Activate the menu by
clicking on the small triangle, as
shown here.
In this example, you can click for a menu of font styles (Arial)
or font sizes (10)

Simple Mouse Interactions

Simple Interaction Typical effect

action
Pointing Position the pointer to a specific object Target displays its hover state
without clicking any mouse buttons. and any dynamic affordances.
Hovering Position the pointer to a specific object Target displays its tooltip, infotip,
without clicking any mouse buttons and or equivalent.
without moving for at least a second.
Clicking Position the pointer to a specific, non- For single clicks with the primary
selectable object and press and release a button, activate the object. For
mouse button without moving. Clicking double-clicks with the primary
takes effect on the mouse button release button, activate the object and
to allow users the opportunity to cancel perform the default command.
the click by moving the mouse off the For the secondary button, display
target. Therefore, mouse press only the object's context menu.
indicates the selected target.

4|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Selecting Position the pointer to a specific, For single clicks with the primary
selectable object and press and release a button, select the object. If the
mouse button. users drags the mouse, select a
contiguous range of objects. For
double-clicks with the primary
button, select the object and
perform the default command.
For text, the right primary button
click sets the insertion point, the
second selects word at the
insertion point, and the third click
selects the sentence or
paragraph.
Pressing Position the pointer to a specific object For auto-repeat functions (such
and press a mouse button without as pressing a scroll arrow to
releasing. continuously scroll), activate
repeatedly. Otherwise indicates
the start of a move, resize, split,
or drag, unless followed by a
release without moving.
Wheeling Move mouse wheel. Window scrolls vertically in
direction of mouse wheel
movement.
The following table describes common mouse interactions and effects.

POINTER SHAPES

Shape Name When used

Normal select Used for most objects.

Link select Used for text and graphics links because of their weak
affordance.

Text select Used for text to indicate a location between characters.

Precision Used for graphic and other two-dimensional interaction.

select

5|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

The following table describes common pointer shapes and usages

6|Uni t 3
Compound Interaction Typical Pointers
action effect
Moving If moving is a mode West Visayas
object State University 2020
moves move
(entered by giving a in direction of
command), enter the pointer
mode, position the movement. used to move a window in any
pointer over a movable direction.
object, press button and pan
move mouse, release
mouse button. in this
case, the pointer Used to move an object within a
changes shape to window in any direction.
indicate the mode.
otherwise, position the
pointer over a movable
object's grabber, press
button and move mouse,
release mouse button. in
this case, the pointer
doesn't need to change
shape.
Resizing Position the pointer over object resizes vertical and horizontal resize
a resizable border or in direction of
resize handle, press a pointer
mouse button and move movement. used to resize a single
mouse, and then release dimension.
the mouse button. diagonal resize

used to resize two dimensions

simultaneously.
row and column resize

Used to resize a row or column

in a grid.
Splitting Position the pointer over split pane window splitters
a splitter, press a mouse border moves
button and move mouse, in direction of
and then release the pointer Used to resize a split pane
mouse button. movement. vertically or horizontally.

7|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Dragging Position the pointer over object is normal select

and a valid object for moved or
dropping dragging, press a mouse copied to the
button and move mouse drop target.
to a drop target, and
then release the mouse
button.

used over valid drag targets.

may also have an infotip to
indicate specific effect.
unavailable

Used to indicate a surface isn't

a valid drop target.
The following table describes common mouse interactions.

ACTIVITY INDICATORS

The following table shows pointers that users see when performing an action that
takes longer than a couple of seconds to complete.

ACTIVITY INDICATORS

Shape Name When used

Busy pointer Used to wait for a window to become responsive.

Working in background Used to point, click, press, or select while a task

pointer completes in the background.

Hand pointers

Text and graphics links use a hand or "link select" pointer (a hand with the index

finger pointing ) because of their weak affordance. While links may have other
visual clues to indicate that they are links (such as underlines and special
placement), displaying the hand pointer on hover is the definitive indication of a link.

To avoid confusion, it is imperative not to use the hand pointer for other
purposes. For example, command buttons already have a strong affordance, so
they don't need a hand pointer. The hand pointer must mean "this target is a link"
and nothing else.

8|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Custom pointers

Windows supports the creation of custom pointers. For more details see, Setting the
Cursor Image and User Input: Extended Example.

Many applications provide a palette of controls with custom pointers to support

application functionality.

Microsoft Paint includes a palette of different functions, each with a unique pointer

Fitts' Law

Fitts' Law is a well-known principle in graphical user interface design ergonomics that
essentially states:

 The farther away a target is, the longer it takes to acquire it with the mouse.
 The smaller a target is, the longer it takes to acquire it with the mouse.

Thus, large targets are good. Be sure to make the entire target area clickable.

FITTS' LAW

Incorrect Correct (the entire target is clickable)

You can dynamically change the size of a target when pointing to make it easier to
acquire.

9|Uni t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

HOW TO TURN-OFF A COMPUTER?

Unlike most electrical appliances, a computer shouldn’t be turned off by pressing the
same button that you pressed to turn it ‘0n’. if you do that, you can actually lose
data or damage some of the processes in the machine. Think of turning off the
computer properly as letting it fall asleep-just pushing the ‘on’ button or unplugging
the computer would be like knocking it out with a punch!

Follow these step-by-step instructions to help you turn off your computer.

Step 1: click the ‘Windows’ button at the bottom left-hand corner of your screen.

Step 2: click Shut Down

Step 3: if you’ve left any programs running or documents open, you’ll get a
message similar to this:

You have two options now:

 Click cancel and then close everything that had been listed in the message,
saving when necessary. Then try closing again, or
 Click Force Shut down. The computer will automatically close all your
documents, programs and so on without saving anything. As a result, you
may lose some data.

OTHER OPTIONS WHEN ENDING A WINDOW SESSION

Stand by –it puts your computer in allow-power state so that you can resume your
Windows session.

Hibernate – It saves your current desktop state to your hard disk so that you can
resume where you left off, then shuts down your computer.

Restart- it shuts down windows and starts windows again.

Switch User- this button allows another user to log-on while your program and files
remain open.

Log-off – it closes your programs and ends your windows session. This button does
not turnoff or shutdown the computer. The current user simply ends the session.

10 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR FIRST COMPUTER

A computer is more than just another household appliance. The vast amount of
information and possibilities can be overwhelming. But you can accomplish a lot with
a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let's walk through getting
started with your first computer.

Turning on a computer for the first time can be different from one computer to the
next. Your experience could be different from this lesson. It's OK to ask someone for
help. If you're using a desktop computer, you'll need to make sure that the
keyboard, mouse, and monitor are plugged into the computer case before you
continue. Review our lesson on Setting Up a Computer to learn how.

Turning on a computer

The very first step is to turn on the computer. To do this, locate and press
the power button. It's in a different place on every computer, but it will have the
universal power button symbol (shown below).

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.

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.

11 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

The keyboard and mouse

You interact with a computer mainly by using the keyboard and mouse, or
a trackpad on laptops. Learning to use these devices is essential to learning to use
a computer. Most people find it comfortable to place the keyboard on the desk
directly in front of them and the mouse to one side of the keyboard.

The mouse controls the pointer on the screen. Whenever you move the mouse
across the desk, the pointer will move in a similar manner. A mouse usually has two
buttons, which are referred to as the left button and the right button. You will often
interact with the computer by moving the mouse pointer over something on the
computer screen, then clicking one of the buttons.

12 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

On laptops, you can use the trackpad, located below the keyboard, instead of a
mouse. Simply drag your finger across the trackpad to move the pointer on the
screen. Some trackpads do not have buttons, so you'll either press or tap
the trackpad to click.

13 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

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

The main screen you'll start from is the desktop. This is sort of like a main menu or
a table of contents. From here, you can access the programs and features you need
to use your computer.

Icons are used to represent the different files, applications, and commands on your
computer. An icon is a small image that's intended to give you an idea at a glance of
what it represents, like a logo. Double-clicking an icon on the desktop will open that
application or file.

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.
14 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Menus are organized collections of commands and shortcuts. Click a menu to open
it and display the commands and shortcuts within. Then click an item in the menu to
execute it.

When you open an application or folder, it is displayed in its own window.

A window is a contained area—like a picture within a picture—with its own menus
and buttons specific to that program. You can rearrange multiple windows on the
desktop and switch between them.

15 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

DESKTOP ICON

It is a graphic symbols of programs or data.

Types of Icon:

 Object icon

It allows you to open files and programs on your computer.

Standard Icons Commonly seen on a computer:

My Computer
It contains most of the resources of your computer.

My Network Places
It is where the available network whether wired or wireless on
your computer to connect to the internet
My Documents
It is the primary location, storage and management of
documents in the computer. This folder may contain work of
word processing, music, pictures and graphics, and movies.
Recycle Bin
It is storage for temporarily deleted files or accidentally deleted
files.
SHORTCUT ICON
It allows you to open an application quickly. These icons appear on your desktop and
with a little arrow in the left corner. Desktop shortcuts are link to files and programs.
Application Program Icon
16 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

File
It is a block of stored information in the computer which should be
available when the user need them. (example: A Microsoft word file
was created and modifies using Microsoft Word)
Folder
It may include additional folders and files inside where other data or
information are stored and organized.

MANAGING THE DESKTOP ICONS

Icons on the desktop can be automatically arranged in five ways:
1. Name- this arranges the icons alphabetically.
2. Size- this arranges the icons according to the size of
the files on top and the smaller size below.
3. Type- this arranges the according to the kind of file.
4. Modified- this arranges the icons according to date.
5. Manual Arrangement- this allows the user to
arrange the icons one at a time. The icons can be
placed anywhere on the screen.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Almost all operating systems (Windows, Mac OS X) have several basic applications
that are provided by default when you buy a computer. These applications allow you
to do basic things such as write and edit text files, do simple editing of image files
etc. In Windows, these applications are found in the Accessories sub-menu of the All
programs option in the Start menu. Note: at the ETI the All programs menu is
replaced by Programs.

Notepad

Basic word processing program that allows you to create, edit and save simple text
files. Notepad has only minimal formatting abilities such as indentation and line
spacing.

WordPad

17 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Slightly more complex word processing program that allows for more formatting
options than Notepad such as bolding, font changes, etc, although it is not as
powerful as Microsoft Word.

Paint

Allows you to create, edit and save image files. The editing functionalities are simple
and you can save in only a limited number of formats.

Calculator

A simple calculator that lets you perform basic arithmetic such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, percent, square root etc.

THE KEYBOARD

It is used to type input data and commands into the computer.

Keys on the computer keyboard

Alt Key
A computer key that you press together with another key so that the
other key does something different from what it usually does. You can
also refer to this key simply as Alt.

Arrow Key
One of four computer keys marked with an up, down, left, or right arrow,
used for moving the cursor.

Backspace
The key that you press on a keyboard to move one space backwards in a
document.

Caps Lock
A key on a computer keyboard that makes all the keys produce capital
letters.

18 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Character Set
A complete set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be used by a
computer.

Command Key
On some computers, a key that you press together with another key to
make the computer do a particular thing.

Control
The control key on a computer keyboard.

Control Key
A key on a computer keyboard that is used in combination with other
keys for doing particular operations. This key is usually marked ‘Ctrl’.
ctrl abbreviation control : the control key on a computer keyboard.

Delete Key
A computer key that removes characters. This key is sometimes simply
referred to as del.

Enter Key
A key on a computer keyboard that makes the computer perform an
action or start a new line of writing.

Escape
The escape key on a computer.

Escape Key
A key on a computer keyboard that allows someone to stop an action,
leave a program, or return to a previous menu. This key is usually
marked ‘Esc’.

Function Key
A special button on a computer keyboard th at is used for a particular
operation in a program. The keys near the top of a keyboard marked ‘F1’
to ‘F12’ are function keys.

Hot Key
A key on a computer keyboard that provides a short way of performing a
set of actions

Key
One of the parts that you press on a keyboard to make it produce letters,
numbers etc.

Keypad
The part at the side of a computer keyboard that has number keys and

19 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

arrow keys on it.

Numeric Keypad
The part of a computer keyboard to the right of the main keys that has
keys with numbers on them.

Num Lock
A computer key that you press to make the number keys below it enter
numbers and not be used for moving up and down a document.

Pound Key
American the hash key on a telephone keypad or computer keyboard.

Return
A return key.

Return key
A key on a computer keyboard that makes the computer perform an
action or start a new line of writing.

Shift
Computing a shift key on a computer keyboard.

Shift Key
The key that you press on a computer keyboard when you want to write a
capital letter.

Short Cut
Computing a computer icon or a combination of keys on the keyboard
such as ‘Alt + C’ that helps you to do something on the computer more
quickly, for example go to a particular program or copy information.

Space Bar
The long narrow bar at the front of a computer keyboard that you press
to make a space between words when you are typing.

Star key
The key with the asterisk symbol (*) on a telephone keypad or computer
keyboard.

Tab
Computing a button on a computer keyboard or typewriter th at you press
to move several spaces along the same line.

Tab key
A tab on a computer keyboard.

Toggle

20 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Computing a key or command (=instruction) on a computer that you use

to move from one operation or program to another and back again.

Touchpad
Computing a small flat surface on a laptop computer that you touch with
your finger in order to move the cursor on the screen.

List of Common Control Key Shortcuts

Ctrl+A These two keys will select all text or other objects.
Ctrl+B Bold highlighted text.
Ctrl+C Copy any selected text or another object.
Ctrl+D Bookmark an open web page or open font window in Microsoft Word.
Ctrl+E Center text.
Ctrl+F Open find window.
Ctrl+G Open Find in a browser and word processors.
Ctrl+H Open the Find and Replace in Notepad, Microsoft Word, and WordPad
Ctrl+I Italicize text.
Ctrl+J View downloads in browsers and set justify alignment in Microsoft Word.
Ctrl+K Create a hyperlink for the highlighted text in Microsoft Word and many
HTML editors.
Ctrl+L Select address bar in a browser or
left align text in a word processor.
Ctrl+M Indent selected text in word processors and other programs.
Ctrl+N Create a new page or document.
Ctrl+O Open a file in most programs.
Ctrl+P Open a print window to print the page you're viewing.
Ctrl+R Reload page in browser or right align text in a word processor.
Ctrl+S Save the document or file.
Ctrl+T Create a new tab in an Internet browser or adjust tabs in word
processors.
Ctrl+U Underline selected text.
Ctrl+V Paste any text or another object that has been copied.
Ctrl+W Close open tab in a browser or close a document in Word.
Ctrl+X Cut selected text or another object.
Ctrl+Y These keys will redo any undo action.
Ctrl+End Moves cursor to the end of a document instead of end of the line.
Ctrl+Z Pressing these two keys will undo any action.
Ctrl+Esc Open the Windows Start Menu.
Ctrl+Tab Switch between open tabs in browsers or other tabbed programs.
Ctrl+Shift+Tab Will go backwards (right to left).
Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Z Red
[Ctrl+[] Decrease font size
Ctrl+] Increase font size
Ctrl+= Toggle font subscript
Ctrl+⇧ Shift+= Toggle font superscript
Ctrl+End Bottom(end of document or window)
Ctrl+Home Top (start of document or window)
Ctrl+Insert Copy

21 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Ctrl+PgDn Next tab

Ctrl+PgUp Previous tab
Ctrl+Tab ↹ Next window or tab
Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Tab ↹ Previous window or tab
Ctrl+← Previous word
Ctrl+→ Next word
Ctrl+Delete Delete next word
Ctrl+←Backspace Delete previous word
Ctrl+Alt+←Backspace Restart X11
Ctrl+Alt+↑ Rotate screen right-side up
Ctrl+Alt+↓ Rotate screen upside down
Ctrl+Alt+← Rotate screen left
Ctrl+Alt+→ Rotate screen right
Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc Open task manager
Ctrl+Alt+Del Reboot; Open task manager or session options

20 Common Microsoft Word Shortcut Keys

Ctrl+W → Close the active window / document.

Ctrl+Z → Undo an action.
Ctrl+Y → Redo the last action or repeat an action.
Ctrl+S → Save a document.
Ctrl+P → Print a document.
Ctrl+K → Insert a hyperlink.
Alt+Left → Arrow Go back one page
Alt+Right → Arrow Go forward one page.
Ctrl+C → Copy selected text or graphics to the Office Clipboard.
Ctrl+V → Paste the most recent addition to the Office Clipboard.
Ctrl+Shift+A → Format all letters as capitals.
Ctrl+B → Applies or removes bold formatting.
Ctrl+I → Applies or removes italic formatting.
Ctrl+= → Apply subscript formatting (automatic spacing).
Alt, F, A → Save As.
Alt, S, T, I → Insert Table of Contents
Alt, S, T, R → Remove Table of Contents.
Alt, W, F → Full Screen Reading – View > Document Views > Full Screen
Reading.
Alt, W, R → Ruler. View > Show/Hide > Ruler
Alt, F, X → Exit Word.

Other Common Keyboard Shortcuts → Action

Windows key → Open or close Start Menu.

Windows key + A → Open Action center.
Windows key + C → Open Cortana in listening mode.
Windows key + D → Display or hide the desktop.
Windows key + E → Open File Explorer.

22 | U n i t 3
 West Visayas State University 2020

Windows key + G → Open Game bar when a game is open.

Windows key + H → Open the Share charm.
Windows key + I → Open Settings.
Windows key + K → Open the Connect quick action.
Windows key + L → Lock your PC or switch accounts.
Windows key + M → Minimize all windows.
Windows key + R → Open Run dialog box.
Windows key + S → Open Search.
Windows key + U → Open Ease of Access Center.
Windows key + X → Open Quick Link menu.
Windows key + Number → Open the app pinned to the taskbar in the position
indicated by the number.
Windows key + Left arrow key → Snap app windows left.
Windows key + Right arrow key → Snap app windows right.
Windows key + Up arrow key → Maximize app windows.
Windows key + Down arrow key → Minimize app windows.
Windows key + Comma → Temporarily peek at the desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + D → Add a virtual desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow → Switch between virtual desktops.
Windows key + Ctrl + F4 → Close current virtual desktop.
Windows key + Enter → Open Narrator.
Windows key + Home → Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all
windows on second stroke).
Windows key + PrtScn → Capture a screenshot and save in Screenshots folder.

23 | U n i t 3
West Visayas State University 2020

24 | U n i t 3