Welcome to Computer Solutions I!

Before we begin our nine weeks, it is important that you have some basic knowledge about using and

maintaining your computer.

Many of you can do a lot on your computer already.

I am sure most of you can type and print a story. Many of you can even draw a picture, surf the Internet,

e-mail, and even create web pages! But the funny thing is that many

students sometimes forget the very basics!

Do you know the answers to any of the following questions?

• Can you identify the parts of your computer system?

• What is peripheral equipment?• Can you navigate around the computer desktop?• Can you identify the parts of your computer

window?• What is the difference between software and

hardware?

Questions – Part 2

• What are the variety of storage devices used to save computer files?

• How do you take care of external storage devices?• Can you explain safety precautions when

operating your computer?• Can you describe methods of preventing the

spread of computer viruses.

As you watch the following presentation, read each slide very carefully and fill in your notes to make sure you know the basic skills of using and maintaining your computer.

BASIC OPERATIONAL

SKILLS AND COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

Part I Identifying The Parts Of A

Computer

Basic Hardware

Keyboard

Mouse

Speaker

Monitor

System Unit

Disk Drive

Part II Peripheral Equipment / Devices

A peripheral device is a piece of computer equipment that you can attach to your CPU. Peripherals can be classified as either input and/or output devices and storage devices.

Input Devices

Definition: Input devices are used to input data into a computer.

Examples of Input Devices

• Keyboard

• Trackball

• Modem

• Mouse

• Game controller

• Scanner

• CD’s/DVD’s

• Touch Screen

• Voice Recognition System

• Digital camera

• Microphone

• Cell phone

Output Devices

Definition: Output devices display the information the computer has processed from the data and commands you have given to the computer.

Examples of Output Devices

• Monitor• Printer• Modem• Disks and drives• Speech and Voice

Synthesizers • Speakers

Storage Devices

Definition: Storage devices allow data and graphics to be saved.

Examples of devices that store data

• Flash/jump/thumb drive

• Hard drive • Cellular phone• MP3 player • CD’s• DVD’s• Network server

• E-reader • Web based storage• SD card

Part IIIThe Computer Desktop

When you turn the computer on, the main screen from which all work is done is known as the desktop.

The Computer Desktop

Icons

Start Button

Task Bar

Pointer

1. START button – located on the task bar and is used as a shortcut to programs

2. Icons – are pictures/symbols that represent programs and files

3. Pointer/Cursor – looks like a tip of an arrow and the mouse moves the arrow to allow you to select something

4. Taskbar – shows the current opened programs and allows you to switch between programs

Part IV – A Computer Window

Can you label the parts of a window?

How did you do?

Scroll Bar

Document

Folder

Close

MaximizeMinimize

If you have more than one window opened on your desktop, how do

you know if the window is active or inactive?

Active window - an active window has a title bar that is dark in color. For example, on our computers they would be dark blue.

Inactive window – an inactive window has a title bar that is a light shade of gray.

Where can you click and drag on a window to resize it?

The easiest and quickest way to resize a window is to click and hold on the edge or corner of a window, then drag your mouse.

Part V Hardware vs. Software

Do you know the difference?

Definition: Computer hardware is the actual physical

equipment that you use.

•Monitor

•CPU

•Keyboard

•Mouse

Can you think of a few examples?

Definition: Computer software is the written directions that tell a computer what to do.

•Microsoft Word

•Kid Pix

•All The Right Type

•PowerPoint

Can you think of a few examples?

What is an operating system?A computer operating system is the system software that is used to organize the programs on your computer and allow them to run together on your computer without conflicts. It also lets you customize your desktop, icons and other settings on your computer.

What operating system do we use on this lab?

Windows 7

Part VISaving Files – What is the

difference between these two?

File Save

vs.

File Save as

Do you know the difference?

File Save as

File Save as – Choose this option when saving a new file, changing the saving location or renaming an existing file.

File Save

File Save – Choose this option when you want to save changes to an existing file.

You usually choose this option when you want to add or make changes to the file you are currently working on.

Where can you save and store your files?

•Hard drive

•Network

•CD

•DVD

•Phone

•Digital Reader

•IPod

•Flash Drive/Jump Drive/Thumb Drive

•Memory Card

•Web storage – ex. “The Cloud”

Part VII Safety Precautions

The following are guidelines that should be followed to keep you and your computer safe.

At any time:• No food, drinks, or gum near your computer• Treat the computer with respect: hands off the monitor; gentle use of the

keyboard and mouse • Keep magnets away from your CPU (Central Processing Unit) and storage

devices• Plug all electrical equipment into a surge protector• Turn off all equipment first before unpluggingAt school:• Do not give out your username and password!• Do not personalize the computers, for example: changing desktop properties,

adding, changing or moving icons• Use only designated software

Part VIII - Protecting Your Computer From Computer Viruses

• A computer virus is malicious computer program that can be sent from infected email files, by clicking on pop-ups or unsafe websites. They can damage your computer as well as your computer files.

Prevention• Install antivirus software • Install an Internet firewall - it acts like a deadbolt on

you computer• Do regularly scheduled updates on antivirus, firewall

and operating system software

Hopefully, it’s now a little easier understanding how to use and

maintain your computer.