1. Fulton County Public Library
Computer Basics 101
Fulton County Public Library
What is a computer and how does it work?
Why do you want to learn how to use a computer?
Remember: If you have questions, ask!
*Slideshow adapted from Boise Public Library-

2. Different Types of Computers
Laptop or Notebook
Desktop PC (personal computer)
Certain cellphones, like the
iPhone, Android or Blackberry

3. Computer Terminology Hardware: the physical parts of the computer
External: the keyboard, monitor, mouse,speakers
Internal: CPU, RAM, Motherboard, Power Supply
Software: programs that allow us to tell the computer what to do
Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Solitaire, and even Windows itself!
Drives: locations where data is stored
For example, C: (the “C drive”) is the computer’s main storage unit. Floppy drives, CD and DVD drives, and flash drives are other common disk drives. They are assigned different letters, like D:, E:, or F:

4. Computer Terminology, Pt. 2
Drives: Part of the computer where data is stored. They are considered hardware. Each drive is assined a letter, which may vary on each computer.
The C: drive is the computer’s main storage unit.
CD and DVD drives are used with removable discs, which may have information on them, or be blank, so you can add your own. They may be assigned D:, E:, or F:, or something else entirely.
USB flash drives are portable removable drives, which store personal data, that can be moved between computers easily. A flash drive is typically assigned the LAST letter that is available for it’s drive letter
Desktop: The area you see when you first turn on your computer. Typically has icons for web browsing, and commonly used programs.

5. The Mouse
Single click to select items. Double-click (two clicks in quick succession) to open programs.
Single click to access menu options for the open window.
Roll to move up and down pages.

6. Keyboard Function keys Ten key pad For typing (for numeric entry)
(perform special functions in some programs)
Num Lock key & indicator light (must be on to type numbers on ten key pad)
Caps On indicator light
Scroll lock indicator light (now defunct)
Shift – for capitalizing letters
Caps Lock – to “lock” the shift key when all capital letters are needed
Tab – indents 5 spaces to the right
Esc – function depends on the application
Forward slash – on the ? key and used in Internet addresses
Insert – allows the insertion of a character without “over striking”
Home – moves the cursor to the beginning of a line
End – moves the cursor to the end of a line
Delete – removes character or space positioned in front (to the right) of the cursor.
Enter – carriage return or application specific
Spacebar (not labeled) – moves the cursor left to right inserting spaces
Backspace - moves the cursor from right to left, backwards deletes characters or spaces
Page Down - scrolls down a full page
Page Up - scrolls up a full page
F1 - Help window
F2-F12 - application specific
Cursor keys/Arrow keys/Navigation keys - moves the cursor left, right, up or down without deleting or adding spaces.
NumLock - this affects the 10-key touch numeric keypad. Activating allows numbers, deactivating allows editing.
Ten key pad
(for numeric entry)
For typing
For moving around in documents and programs

7. Keyboard – Special Keys
Escape Key: backs out from a selection
Shift & Ctrl Keys: used for various keyboard shortcuts
Shift – for capitalizing letters
Caps Lock – to “lock” the shift key when all capital letters are needed
Tab – indents 5 spaces to the right
Esc – function depends on the application
Forward slash – on the ? key and used in Internet addresses
Insert – allows the insertion of a character without “over striking”
Home – moves the cursor to the beginning of a line
End – moves the cursor to the end of a line
Delete – removes character or space positioned in front (to the right) of the cursor.
Enter – carriage return or application specific
Spacebar (not labeled) – moves the cursor left to right inserting spaces
Backspace - moves the cursor from right to left, backwards deletes characters or spaces
Page Down - scrolls down a full page
Page Up - scrolls up a full page
F1 - Help window
F2-F12 - application specific
Cursor keys/Arrow keys/Navigation keys - moves the cursor left, right, up or down without deleting or adding spaces.
NumLock - this affects the 10-key touch numeric keypad. Activating allows numbers, deactivating allows editing.
Caps Lock: for typing in all capitals
Menu Key: acts like the “right-click” button on the mouse.
Windows Key: opens the start menu

8. Computer - Front USB ports Media card reader Power button DVD Drive
Other optional parts of a computer:
Power LED (light)
Hard drive activity light
Hidden panel

9. Computer - Back USB ports (for connecting devices) Power plug Fan
Mouse
Network cable plug
Speakers (sound output)
Keyboard
Video connector
(to monitor)
Microphone (sound input)

10. Basic Windows Desktop
Icons
System tray
Taskbar
Start button

11. Working with Windows Maximize Address Bar Minimize Close
Command Bar
Scroll Bars: click on the arrows, drag the gray box, or use the scroll wheel to move within the window
To resize, click and drag here
Status Bar

12. Start Menu Links to frequently used programs
Quick access to saved files
View drives on the computer
Answers to how-to
List of Programs
Turn Off / Restart computer

13. What Next? Class Information: 574-223-1002 Starting over!:
Week 1- Basic Computers 101
Week 2- Basic Computers 102
Week 3- Internet Basics
Week 4- Essentials
Tuesday Evenings: 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday Mornings: 11-12:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Special/ Advanced Classes
Find more computer class info at:
Questions or Comments? 
Jonathan Gaskill/Zak Schoff/April Gross