Learn to Speak Geek:
Introduction to Computers
Monday, January 18 th
3:30 – 5:00 PM
Holy Spirit Catholic Community School
Lego Robotics Program: TECHNO SAVVY SENIORS
Peggy Kaiser (208) 241-4384 kaiserpe@holyspiritcs.com
Sue Stahlecker (208) 221-2811
MrsS@LiveWireRobotics.com
Nicki Berry (208) 317-8917 nicki@cableone.net

• Mrs. Peggy Kaiser
• Mrs. Nicky Berry
• Dr. B
• Ms. Anna Kaiser
About the FIRST Program

• What is a computer?
• What is the Internet and where is it?
• Where does stuff go in my computer?
• #1 Solution to almost every computer problem.
• Protecting your computer.
• Getting technical support.

• An electronic device with inputs and outputs that manipulates data.

Computers, Applications, & Files
• Computers run applications
(software/programs)
• Computers store files in folders
• Types of Files
– Documents (MS Word, Word Perfect)
– Images (photos, drawings)
– Videos
– Spreadsheets
– Databases
– Web pages

Personal Computers
Operating Systems
Windows (PC)
Mac (Apple)
Laptop
Desktop
Types
Servers
• Google
• Email
• CNN
• Other Examples

Personal Computers
Operating Systems
Windows (PC)
Mac (Apple)
Laptop
Desktop
Types
Servers
• Google
• Email
• CNN
• Other Examples
A server is a computer whose files and/or applications are open to be accessed over the
Internet.

• Hard Drive (1 TB is common today)
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
– Random Access Memory (RAM, 4-8 GB is common)
– Read Only Memory (ROM)
• Ports (USB, Ethernet, Microphone, Speaker, Power,
SD Card, Monitor)
• WiFi Card
• Video Card
• External Drive (CD/DVD)
• Fan
• Monitor

• Hard Drive (1 TB is common today)
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
– Random Access Memory (RAM, 1GB is common)
– Read Only Memory (ROM)
• Ports (USB, Ethernet, Microphone, Speaker,
Power, SD Card, Monitor)
• WiFi Card
• Video Card
• External Drive (CD/DVD)
• Fan

• Go to My Computer, right-click.
• Choose Properties.
• Who is the
Manufacturer?
• What is the model?
• What is the processor?
• How much RAM is there?
• Type of Operating
System?

Graphical User Interface

• Let’s go to the back of the room and connect various devices.
• This is a good time to take break if you need it.

• Computer
• Router
– Ethernet
– Wireless
• Internet Service Providers
– Telephone, Cable

Where Stuff Goes on Your
Computer
• Files go in Folders
• Hard Drive (usually C:\)
• My Documents
– Let’s create a folder in My Documents
• File Paths
• File Names
• File Extensions
– .doc, .docx, .jpg, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf
• Open MS Word
– Let’s save a file
• Go to a http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov
– Let’s save a picture from this screen to My Pictures.

• Directories are folders
• Each storage device has a directory

• Why do this?
– In order to see the type of file
– To be able to fix problems
• How to do this:
– Open My Documents
– Tools
– Uncheck hide extensions for known file types
– Click Apply to all folders

• Downloading means transferring files from a server to your computer.
• When you retrieve email, you are downloading files from an email server to your computer.
• When you visit a website, you download the webpage from the server to your computer.

• PDF stands for Portable Document Format
• It’s a type of document that you can open and read for free using Acrobat Reader.
• Let’s get this PDF and save it:
– Seven Things to Consider Before Buying a
Tablet PC
• Create a folder in My Documents called “Tech
Savvy” and save the file there.
• You can print PDFs.
• You can send a PDF to someone else.

• Uploading means transferring files from your computer to a server.
• When you send an email you are uploading a file from your computer to an email server.
• When you fill out an online form you upload data from your computer to a server.

• You can attach a file to an email and send it.
• You can transfer a file using Skype.
• You can load a file to Facebook.
• You can put a file on a storage device
(USB drive, CDRW, DVDRW) and give it them.

#1 Solution to Most Computer
Problems
• Reboot (restart) the computer.
2. Check that everything is plugged in.

• Most risks are associated with Internet and
Email.
• Don’t visit websites you don’t know.
• Don’t open emails you are not expecting.
• Risks:
– Viruses
– Spam
– Scams
– Spyware
– Cookies

• The Help Menu
• Searching the Product Website
• Reading Forums (caution)
• Watching YouTube Videos
• Paying a Help Provider

• What other topics would like us to offer?
• Next Tech Savvy Seniors:
– March 18, 2013

• ENGAGE :
– E xercise
– N ow
– G randparents
– A nd
– G randchildren
– E verywhere
1:50, Wednesdays, beginning January 23 rd