**Digital Survival Skills: Know the Machine**

**One-Day Computer Basics Crash Course**

**Duration:** 30 to 60 minutes

**Target Audience:** Beginners, complete novices, kids, adults - anyone who has a computer but

doesn't feel comfortable with it.

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* PART 1: MINDSET SHIFT - "THE MACHINE ISN'T MAGIC" (5 MINS)

Objective:

Remove fear. Build curiosity.

"A computer is not magic. It's just a tool that follows instructions. The more you touch it, the better

you understand it. No one is born knowing it. We all start from zero."

Key Messages:

- You won't break the computer by clicking around.

- Computers are just machines built to follow human commands.

- Learning is done by exploring.

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PART 2: GET PHYSICAL - "KNOW YOUR WEAPON" (10 MINS)

Objective:
Understand the basic physical components of a computer.

1. **Power Button**

- Turns the computer ON or OFF.

- Usually found on the side (laptops) or front/top (desktops).

- Hold for 5 seconds to force shutdown (only in emergencies).

2. **Keyboard**

- Used to type and control the computer.

#### Common Keys:

- **Ctrl** = Control (used in shortcuts, e.g., Ctrl + C to Copy)

- **Alt** = Alternate (used in shortcuts)

- **Fn** = Function (found on laptops; used to activate extra features like volume or brightness)

- **Esc** = Escape (used to cancel a command or exit full screen)

- **Enter/Return** = Confirms a command or starts a new line

- **Backspace** = Deletes characters going backward

- **Delete** = Deletes going forward

- **Shift** = Capitalizes letters or accesses top characters (!, @, #, etc.)

- **Arrow Keys** = Move cursor up/down/left/right

3. **Mouse or Touchpad**

- **Left-click** = Select something

- **Right-click** = Open options menu

- **Scroll Wheel** = Move up/down on a page

4. **Ports and Plugs**

- **HDMI Port** = Connects to a TV or monitor

- **Charging Port** = For power

- **Audio Jack** = For headphones or speakers

5. **Monitor/Screen Layout**

- **Taskbar** = Bottom bar showing running apps, time, WiFi, volume

- **Desktop** = Main screen with icons and wallpaper

- **Start Menu** = Main menu to access programs and settings

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PART 3: UNDERSTAND THE OPERATING SYSTEM (10 MINS)

Objective:

Get familiar with what you see after turning the computer on.

Key Terms:

- **Operating System (OS)** = The brain of the computer that lets you use apps. (Examples:

Windows, macOS, Linux)

- **Desktop** = Main screen after you log in.

- **Icons** = Small pictures that open apps or files.

- **Start Menu** = The launchpad to find everything.

- **Taskbar** = Where your open apps appear. You can switch between them easily.

- **File Explorer** = Tool to find, open, move, or organize your files and folders.

Important Concepts:
- **Folder** = Like a digital container. It holds files. (Example: a folder named "Music" might hold 100

songs.)

- **File** = A single item like a photo, song, document, or video. (Example: "family.jpg" is a photo

file.)

**Difference:**

- A folder holds multiple files. A file is just one item.

Drives:

- **C: Drive** = The main storage space. Contains the system and programs.

- **D: Drive or E: Drive** = May be for extra storage, backup, or another hard disk.

**Example:** Think of C: as your main house. D: is a guest house or storage room.

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PART 4: SKILLS, NOT SOFTWARE (10 MINS)

Objective:

Master universal actions that apply to any computer and most apps.

Universal Skills:

- **Ctrl + C** = Copy

- **Ctrl + V** = Paste

- **Ctrl + Z** = Undo

- **Ctrl + S** = Save

- **Alt + Tab** = Switch between open apps

Examples:

- Want to copy a paragraph from a web page into a document? Highlight text > Ctrl + C > open

document > Ctrl + V.

- Want to find the Calculator? Click Start > type "Calculator" > click it.

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PART 5: DIGITAL STREET SMARTS (5 MINS)

Objective:

Stay safe and smart when online.

Key Points:

- Don't click on random ads/popups.

- Don't download files unless you know what they are.

- Use strong passwords (example: Oby$2025!notweak)

- Use Google and YouTube to search answers: "How to connect printer Windows 10"

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PART 6: EXPLORE AND PLAY (OPTIONAL 15 MINS)

Objective:

Let users try what they've learned.

- Create a folder on the Desktop and rename it

- Take a screenshot and open it

- Connect to WiFi and open the browser

- Use the search bar to find an app

- Open File Explorer and find Documents folder

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FINAL WORD: TEACH CURIOSITY, NOT JUST CLICKS

"If you can explore your phone without a manual, you can do the same with a computer. Click

things. Try things. If you don't know what something does, search it. That's how you win."

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**Delivered by:** The Smartest, No-BS, Most Charismatic Computer Coach You Know

**End of Script**