Computer Basics 1
Seattle Public Library – Library Instruction
The Computer
Screen
C.P.U. (Central
Processing Unit)
The computer’s
“brain.”
Mouse
CD/DVD
Drive
USB
Port
Keyboard
These parts are all examples of Hardware.
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Computer Basics 1
Vocabulary Terms
Desktop
The screen that appears when the computer is first turned on. The on-screen
space where icons represent files and programs.
Saving a file
Saving a file allows one to do store documents on the computer for later use.
Once a file has been saved, it can be viewed, printed, or edited at a later date.
Here are some examples of places where you can save a file:
• CD or Compact Disc
A small, portable disk used to store information such as recorded music
or computer software.
• Hard Drive
Hardware inside a computer that stores operating system software,
application software and other computer files. A hard drive usually has a large
storage capacity.
• Flash Drive or Thumb Drive
A small, portable device used to store information. A flash
drive connects to the computer through the USB port.
Hardware
Anything that can be touched on the computer, such as the mouse or keyboard.
(Software controls the hardware.)
Icon
A small picture that represents a software program on the computer or an
action the computer can perform.
Mouse
A device that controls the movement of the pointer on the computer
screen. The mouse has one or more buttons that perform different
functions when clicked.
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Personal Computer (PC)
A small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user.
Individuals and businesses use personal computers for word processing,
accounting, listening to music, playing games, etc.
Pointers
• The arrow shows mouse movements on
the screen.
• The hourglass indicates that the
computer is working to finish a task.
• The hand identifies a link to a Web
page. Click on the link when the hand
appears.
• The blinking cursor indicates where
typing will appear. Click once in a text
box to make the cursor appear.
Scroll Bar
A tool that moves the viewable area of a window.
Software
A set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform tasks. There are two
basic software categories: system software, which makes a computer run
properly behind the screen, and application software used to perform
specialized tasks. Examples of application software include:
• Internet Explorer: a Web browser for viewing Web sites and Web-based
e-mail.
• Word: a word processor for creating written documents that include
formatted text, charts, graphs, or pictures.
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Window
An enclosed area where work within a software program occurs. More than one
window may be open at a time to allow movement from one to the other.
Title Bar
Minimize, Maximize, Close
Address Bar
Scroll Bar
Text box
Button
Internet Explorer
window
Taskbar
Cut
Office
Button
Minimize, Maximize, Close
Save
Scroll Bar
Paste
Microsoft Word
2007 window
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Computer Basics 1
After-class activities
During the in-person portion of this class introduces students to common
computer terms and features. Use the following activities to practice skills and
learn more.
Practice using a mouse
1. Open a Web browser window. To open a Web browser window, click
once on the Internet Explorer icon once and press Enter on the keyboard.
2. Click once in the address bar and type www.pbclibrary.org/mousing, then
press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Follow the practice mouse exercises on this Web site.
4. Interested in trying more exercises? Repeat steps 1 to 3, but this time
type the address below.
http://www.seniornet.org/howto/mouseexercises/mousepractice.html
NOTE: Staff can assist you in navigating to these practice Web sites.
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Practice keyboarding
1. Open a Web browser window. To open a Web browser window, click
once on the Internet Explorer icon once and press Enter on the keyboard.
2. Click once in the address bar and type http://www.typing-lessons.org,
then press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Follow the keyboarding skills exercises on this Web site.
4. Interested in trying more keyboarding exercises? Repeat steps 1 to 3, but
this time type the address below.
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing
NOTE: Staff can assist you in navigating to these practice Web sites.
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Computer Keyboard and Mouse
Shift Key
Spacebar
Backspace Key
Delete Key
Deletes text to the left
Deletes text to the right
Enter Key
ƒ Hold down to type a capital letter Use to add a blank
ƒ Hold down to type the symbols space when typing
above numbers
Left click
Once to select an item
Twice to open an item
Right click
To see command options
on some computers
Mouse wheel
Use to scroll within
a window
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Arrow Keys
Use to move the cursor