Basic Computer Literacy
Introduction to Computers
What is a computer?
• A tool for accessing information.
• A PC is a personal computer – a one
person or single user computer.
• A computer does not think on its own.
You have to tell it what to do.
• Can be a DESKTOP or a LAPTOP
Parts:
• System Unit not CPU
Parts:
• Monitor
Parts:
• Keyboard
Parts:
• Mouse/Touchpad
Parts:
• Left Button, Scroll Wheel, Right
Button
Turning on a Computer
• The Power Button
Operating Systems
• Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome
Introduction to Windows
The Desktop
• The desktop is the first thing you see
when you log in- it is the “launch pad”
Icons-represent programs that are
available on the computer.
Task bar found at the bottom of the
screen.
Introduction to Windows
Starting a Program:
• You start, or open, a program by
double-clicking its icon on the desktop
• The program is visible as a window on
the computer screen
• A button representing the program
appears on the taskbar
Introduction to Windows
Working With Windows
• A windows represents an open
program or folder.
• You can have more than one window
open at a time.
• The window you are working in is
called the active window.
• The active window will be on top of
any other open windows.
Introduction to Windows
Common Elements
• Common elements help make
computers easier to use.
• Picture icons are used to represent
actions.
• Most programs have things in
common:
Save
Copy
Paste
• Common elements look the same from
program to program.
Introduction to Windows
Some Common Elements to Locate:
• Title bar
• Minimize, Restore/Maximize and Close
buttons
• Scroll bar
• Insertion point
• Menu bar
• Microsoft Word/Office/Powerpoint button
on the task bar
Introduction to Windows
The MS Office Menu Bar & Tool Bars
All menu bars have these options:
• File
• Edit
• View
• Insert
• Tools
• Window
• Help
Introduction to Windows
Working with Files
• Create and save a document
• Opening files
• Create a folder
If you remember nothing else…
You can't harm a computer by experimenting or trying
something new, so if you think you remember how to do
something, try it. The worst that can happen is that you learn
something new.