1. HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS OF USING YOUR COMPUTER?
COMPUTER BASICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Task/Competency: Identify computer system components AND Troubleshoot computer problems

2. IDENTIFY THE PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM BELOW
Monitor
Central Processing Unit
Mouse
Scanner
Printer
Keyboard

3. DEFINE Hardware Software Operating System Peripheral
This is the physical equipment that you can see and touch. It also carries out the software instructions. Examples – CPU, Monitor, Mouse
Hardware
Software
This is a set of step by step instructions that tell the computer what to do. They can also be called programs. Examples: Microsoft Word
This is the main program that manages all of the other programs loaded on your computer. Example: Microsoft XP, Windows 7
Operating System
Peripheral
This is a piece of hardware that attaches to and works with the CPU. Example: keyboard, printer, mouse

4. DEFINE Local Area Network Wide Area Network
is a network that connects computers and other devices in a relatively small area, typically a single building or a group of buildings.
Wide Area Network
is a network that connects computers to a wide geographic area, such as across the state or country.

5. DEFINE Word Processing Spreadsheet Database Multimedia
the creation, input, editing and formatting of documents and other text using software on a computer (ex: letters and reports)
Spreadsheet
a document that is used to organize data into columns and rows. It can perform calculations and create charts/graphs. (ex: teacher’s gradebook)
is a tool used to collect and organize large amounts of data called records which can be sorted and filtered (ex: address book)
Database
Multimedia
a combination of text, graphics, sound and video that are used to create a presentation. (ex: PowerPoint presentation)

6. SAVING FILES File Save File Save As
Choose this option when saving or updating an existing file.
Choose this option when saving a new file, renaming a file to create a second copy or saving to another location.
File Save As

7. COMPUTER FILE STORAGE Definition Term CD-R CD-RW DVD FLASH DRIVE
This is an early CD that only had the capability to save. You could not delete or change the information on the CD.
This CD has the capability to write and rewrite many, many times. They can also be erased. (They act like a floppy disk, but are sturdier and hold more information.)
Digital video disk is a type of removable storage that looks like a CD, but can hold approximately 4.7 GB.
This is a type of removable storage that plugs directly into the USB port of your computer.
A type of removable storage that is a plastic square sleeve containing a thin, flexible plastic disk.
This is a very small type of removable storage disk – it’s used a lot with digital cameras.
This is the permanent storage location that is right inside the computer.
This is a remote computer that can be used to save files – they are accessed either through a Local Area Network or Wide Area Network.
CD-R
CD-RW
DVD
FLASH DRIVE
FLOPPY DISK
MEMORY CARD
HARD DRIVE
NETWORK

8. HOW WELL DO YOU DEAL WITH COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

9. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR COMPUTER OR PRINTER WILL NOT WORK?
Troubleshooting is the process in which you follow to locate and correct computer problems.

10. WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOUR COMPUTER OR PRINTER WILL NOT WORK?
Tip: Check to see if your computer or printer is getting power.
Check the fuse box - did you blow a fuse?
Check your laptop battery – does it need recharging?
Check the wall light switch that may control the power outlet.
Press the reset button on your surge protector
Replace the surge protector
Make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into the computer, monitor or printer
Make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into the power outlet.
If none of these work, try using a different power cord and a different outlet.

11. WHAT CAN YOU DO IF A PROGRAM IS NOT RESPONDING?
If you are using a windows computer, press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. Next, select Task Manager and then end the program.
Try restarting the computer.

12. HOW CAN SOME COMPUTER PROBLEMS BE PREVENTED?
1. Install special software:
Anti-Virus –blocks and cleans hard drive
Firewall –blocks intruders from invading your computer
Anti-Spam – blocks unwanted
Pop-up Blocker – prevents annoying advertisements from appearing on your web page
2. Do not click on pop-ups!
Do not eat or drink near your computer!
Use a surge protector!