Basic Computer Skills Seminar

Objectives: Learn basic parts of a computer Practice Mouse skills Learn about and practice “Internet surfing” Learn about different Microsoft products

Basic parts of a computer Central Processing Unit (CPU) Monitors Mouse All of these parts are known as hardware!

Basic parts of a computer Keyboard Hard Drive (storage device) Power Cord

Operating System An operating system is a program that actually “runs” the computer; it manages the drives, takes input from the keyboard and mouse, keeps track of where data is stored, and makes sure all applications work together. It OPERATES THE SYSTEM!

At Meridian, we use Windows XP.

What is software? Software is a set of instructions that makes a computer perform a certain task! You can’t see it or feel it – it’s a computer program!

Input Devices Controls the cursor #@%$*#$

Time to Learn Mouse Skills

Keep your finger on the left button, but don’t press down on it Keep your finger on the left button, but don’t press down on it. Move the mouse around on the desk. To select something, move the mouse until it is over the area you wish to select. Click ONCE. To open something, move the mouse until it is over the area you wish to open. Click TWICE.

How to Drag using the mouse Put the cursor over the object you wish to move. Hold the left button down, then move the mouse where you want to move it. When you release the button, the object should be moved to the new location.

Time to practice Mouse Skills Click on Start Click on All Programs

Click on Games Click on Solitaire

Click on the square

Take a few minutes to practice your Mouse skills

Click on the red x to close the window.

What is the Internet?

A computer Network

The Internet is a global network consisting of MILLIONS of business, government, academic, and private networks.

The Internet does NOT exist in one place, and belongs to NO single nation, business, or entity.

What is the World Wide Web?

The World Wide Web is part of the Internet that allows users to access Websites. It also includes email, IM, and chat rooms.

Internet surfing!

Desktop Internet Explorer Double click on the “E”

This is the LRC’s homepage!

Type your search terms in here! How can I find Websites? URL or address museum Type your search terms in here!

Take a few minutes now to surf the Internet!

Microsoft Products

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft PowerPoint

To learn how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint, please sign up for the seminars!