Introduction to Computers I A presentation of the Elmhurst Public Library

What are we going to learn in this class? The basic parts of a computer How to use the keyboard and mouse What is Windows? Understanding software and file icons How to turn the computer off and on, and sign in at the library

The basic parts of a computer Every computer has at least 5 important parts: The monitor The CPU The storage device (on the CPU) The keyboard The mouse

Using the mouse Your mouse moves an arrow around on the screen. The mouse also has 2 buttons and a wheel. The left button lets you “click” on something specific. The right button has special uses for experienced users. The wheel is used for scrolling up and down.

The Start Menu Always in the lower left-hand corner of your screen You can do almost everything from here Turns the computer off…see the “Shut Down” button?

What is Windows? A computer “thinks” in 1s and 0s (called code). “Windows” is an operating system. Think of operating systems as translators. They translate computer code into words we can understand. Instead of using only words, Windows often uses pictures (usually called icons). These icons can represent software or files. Here are some examples of icons:

The Windows XP Desktop Icon for the Internet Icons for programs Folder icons Start button The taskbar

Using the mouse, continued To do a lot of things in Windows, you also have to know how to double-click. To double-click, rapidly press the left mouse button twice with your finger. Hint- when you double-click on a Windows icon, click on the picture and not the words!

Understanding windows on the Desktop Double-click on icons or files to open a “window” on the screen and view the contents For example, try double-clicking on “My Computer.” You should see a window like this open:

Using windows- an example You see this storage device we talked about earlier. These are the removable storage devices.

Removable Storage Devices Files can be saved on removable storage devices such as USB flash drives. These flash drives are inserted into a USB port and then you can see the files just by double- clicking on this icon:

Using windows, continued IMPORTANT: In the upper right-hand corner of every window, you’ll see these 3 buttons The left-most button minimizes the window, making it smaller, but leaving it open The middle button maximizes the window, so it takes up the full screen The right-most button closes the window

What is a file? A file is a piece of information, such as a letter, a picture, or a video clip. Files can be stored in folders, which are usually shaped something like this: Like all other icons, double-clicking on a file or folder will “open” it in a window on the screen, displaying the contents.

What is a file? (continued) Some folders hold other folders, which in turn hold other folders… The important thing to remember is that the file that you want may be several layers down from the main folder. ?

(Very) basic Internet… On the desktop, find the Internet Explorer icon Double-click (click twice) on the icon Your browser window will open, and you will be able to see Internet sites

Your final test! 1.Close all windows 2.Shut off the computer- wait 5 seconds 3.Turn on the computer 4.Log into SAM 5.On the Desktop, open (double-click on) the “My Computer” icon 6.Minimize the “My Computer” window (do not close it) 7.Open (double-click on) the Internet icon