Computer Basics
www.rclreads.org
Maplewood Library
3025 Southlawn Drive
Maplewood, MN 55109
651-704-6003
Mounds View Library
2576 County Road 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
651-724-6004
New Brighton Library
400 10th Street NW
New Brighton, MN 55112
651-724-6002
North St. Paul Library
2300 North St. Paul Drive
North St. Paul, MN 55109
651-724-6005
Roseville Library
2180 N. Hamline Avenue
Roseville, MN 55113
651-724-6001
Shoreview Library
4570 N. Victoria Street
Shoreview, MN 55126
651-724-6006
White Bear Lake Library
4698 Clark Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN
55110
651-724-6007
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that works with information. It is designed to
store, retrieve and process data. Computers can be programmed to function the
way you want them to. They have the power to produce high quality results at a
very quick speed.
Why use a computer?
Type a resume or letter
Organize your budget
Apply for jobs
Online shopping
Store, edit & share photos
Search for information
Listen to music
Play games
E-mail
Visit websites
Keep records
Read the news
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COMPUTER HARDWARE
All parts of the computer you can touch
MONITOR: The monitor is where you see what you are
doing. The monitor is also called the screen.
SYSTEM UNIT: The system unit contains the central
processing unit (CPU) – the ‘Brain’ of the computer – and
the hard drive, which is the main storage device.
MOUSE: You use the mouse to tell the computer what to do.
For example, you can open programs, files, and
websites by clicking or double-clicking the buttons on the
mouse.
KEYBOARD: Similar to a typewriter. You can type letters,
numbers, and can use various command keys like the
spacebar and enter.
PRINTER: Device used to make paper copies of what you
create or read on the computer. Some printers only print
in black & white, while others also print in color
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POWER BUTTON: The button used to turn on a computer. This is
the universal symbol for POWER on computers.
OPERATING SYSTEM: Controls the overall operation of the computer. The
operating system serves as a bridge between the hardware and the software.
WINDOWS
 Windows XP
 Windows VISTA
 Windows 7
 Windows 8
MACINTOSH (Apple)
 OS X Leopard
 OS X Tiger
Windows 7 
Mac OS X 
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COMPUTER OPERATING TOOLS
Some terms you should know
DESKTOP: The screen you see when you first
log on to the computer. The desktop
contains links to frequently used software,
files, folders and other computer programs.
ICON: A picture that represents a program on the
computer. Most programs have their own unique
icon.
FOLDER: Just like a paper folder in a filing cabinet, a folder is where
documents (letters, spreadsheets, etc.) are kept. Folders help you to
organize your files.
FILE: A piece of information you create and
save on your computer, like a resume or a
cover letter. You can tell what type of
software created a file by looking at the icon.
CURSOR: The arrow on the screen that follows
your mouse movement. The way the cursor
looks depends on the program you are using.
HOURGLASS: The cursor will become this shape
when the computer is working to complete a
task. It is best to be patient by not clicking until
the hourglass disappears.
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TASKBAR: The
horizontal bar at
the bottom of
the desktop. This
is where open
programs are
displayed.
NOTIFICATION AREA: Space on the taskbar that displays icons which show status
information. (Volume, Internet connection, battery life)
START BUTTON/MENU: For accessing programs,
documents and computer settings.
START expanded 
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COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Items installed on your hard drive that allow you to do different things: write a
resume, create a slideshow, listen to music or surf the Internet. Software is often
called PROGRAMS or APPLICATIONS. Below are some of the most common types
of software. All software has an icon.
WORD: A program that allows the user to create a written document
like a letter or paper for school. Documents created using Word
have filenames ending with .doc or .docx
EXCEL: A program that allows the user to create spreadsheets.
Information like expenses and scheduling can be stored within a
spreadsheet. Documents created using Excel have filenames ending
with .xls or .xlsx
WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER: A free program included with Windows
computers. It plays digital media including music, videos, CDs and
DVDs.
INTERNET EXPLORER: A type of web browser. Internet Explorer is a
program that allows users to connect to the Internet and visit
websites.
Software updates: Software is often
updated. If that is the case with software
installed on your computer, you will
sometimes see a window open
automatically that asks you to update
your software.
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CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET
The Internet is a network that links computers together all over the world. You
may have a computer and not have the Internet. There are three things you need
before you can access the Internet:
1. Internet Service Provider (ISP):
The company that provides
Internet connection for a fee.
(cable or phone companies)
2. Modem: A piece of hardware
that is usually provided in the
startup kit with your ISP.
MODEM
3. Browser: A piece of software that
is installed onto your computer.
Opening this software connects
you to the Internet and allows
you to view websites. Internet
Explorer is a common web
browser.
INTERNET
EXPLORER
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WINDOWS
Anytime you open a program (Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, etc) you have opened a window.
A window is a box that allows you to view programs or applications on the computer. You can
have multiple windows open at once.
MINIMIZING & MAXIMIZING
Most windows have three buttons in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
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1. Minimize - This button will temporarily hide the program window you have open. It
does not close the program completely. You can open the window back up by clicking on
its taskbar tab.
2. Restore Down - This button will change the size of your window. Pressing it while the
window is taking up your entire screen will make the window smaller.
3. Maximize - This button will change the size of your window. Pressing it will make your
window larger, so that it takes up the full screen space.
4. Exit - This button will close the window which is being displayed.
5. Taskbar - The horizontal bar on the bottom of the desktop where open programs are
displayed.
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Program Search #1
This activity will help you become familiar with locating, opening and closing
programs from the START menu.
For each program, first click on START and then click on PROGRAMS.
FROM START
1. Open Paint
Start Button: All Programs: Accessories: Paint
And then close (X) the window
2. Open Windows Media Player
Start Button: All Programs: Windows Media Player
And then close (X) the window
3. Open Microsoft Office Word 2007
Start Button: All Programs: Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office Word 2007
And then close (X) the window
4. Open Internet Explorer
Start Button: All Programs: Internet Explorer
And then close (X) the window
5. Open Calculator
Start Button: All Programs: Accessories: Calculator
And then close (X) the window
STOP here when finished.
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Program Search #2
This activity will help you become familiar with locating, opening and closing
programs from the Desktop.
Some programs can be opened by double-clicking on the program’s icon on the
desktop. This is called a shortcut.
FROM DESKTOP
1. Find and open Recycle Bin
 Double-click on Recycle Bin icon
 Minimize the Window
 Click on “Recycle Bin” tab on the taskbar, to reopen the window
 And then close (X) the window
2. Find and open Internet Explorer
 Double-click on Internet Explorer icon
 Maximize the window (to make it larger)
 Restore down the window (to make it smaller)
 And then close (X) the window
3. Find and open Mozilla Firefox
 Double-click on Mozilla Firefox icon
 Maximize the window (to make it larger)
 And then close (X) the window
STOP here when finished.
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Program Search #3
This activity will help you become familiar with using Windows Search.
In Windows 7, you can type in the Start menu search box to find any program or
document on your computer. Start typing and you will immediately see a list of
relevant programs and documents.
FROM START
1. Search and open Microsoft Word 2007
 Click on the Start Button
 Type “microsoft word” in the search box
 Click on Microsoft Word 2007 to open program
 And then close (X) the window
2. Search and open Paint
 Click on the Start Button
 Type “paint” in the search box
 Click on Microsoft Paint to open the program
 And then close (X) the window
3. Search and open Calculator
 Click on the Start Button
 Type “calculator” in the search box
 Click on Calculator to open the program
 And then close (X) the window
STOP here when finished.
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WINDOWS: OPERATING TOOLS
Other terms needed to understand the computer
LIBRARIES: A library looks like a folder, except it doesn’t
actually store any files. Instead, a library points to the location
where your files are stored so you can see them as a single
collection.
MY COMPUTER: Allows you to view and open most programs and
documents on your computer, access USB and CD drives, and change
settings in the control panel.
MENU BARS: The words at the top of the
program’s window. Click on each word to
see menus of things you can do.
MENU: A list of things you can do or items you can open. For
example, click on Edit and you can highlight the entire document
by clicking Select All.
TOOLBARS: Icons across the top of the
window that you click on to do different
things. Many of the icons are shortcuts to
menu items in the menu bars.
SCROLL BARS: The bars on the right side and bottom of the screen
that allow you to move up/down or right/left on the page.
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STORAGE OPTIONS
There are several devices that allow you to save your work. These are great to
know about for backing up information or if you plan to take your work to
another computer.
CD (compact disc)
 CD-R (recordable) Can be
recorded on once.
 CD-RW (rewritable) Can be
recorded on over & over again.
 DVD A high capacity CD that
stores video.
USB Flash Drive
A portable device about the size of your
thumb used to save documents. You
can also delete documents and add
new ones to it.
CD Drive
Runs programs, and opens data or
music stored on CD. Most drives are
also burners that can record data onto
CD-R/RW.
USB Port
A small rectangular slot located on the
front and/or back of the CPU. This is
where you plug in your flash drive and
other bits of hardware. All computers
will have at least one port.
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SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE
1. Click on START Button
2. Click on SHUT DOWN
IMPORTANT TERMS TO KNOW WHEN PURCHASING A COMPUTER
Before buying a computer it is helpful to know what you plan to use your new
computer for. This will make narrowing down your options much easier.
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Desktop Computer: Stays in one spot and has multiple pieces of hardware.
Laptop Computer: Can be easily transported and used in various locations.
PC: Personal Computer
Brand: Dell, Toshiba, Gateway, HP, Apple, Asus, etc.
Refurbished: Used computer that has been restored to like-new working
condition.
CPU: The brain of the computer. This is measured in Megahertz (MHz). The
higher the number, the faster your computer will run.
RAM (Random Access Memory): This is the memory. It determines how
many programs your computer can handle, and at what speed they will
operate.
Hard Drive: Storage space located in the CPU.
Monitor Size: Measures diagonally across the screen.
Software: The programs which allow your computer to function. Will any
be included with your purchase?
Warranty: Does the computer have one? For how long? And does it cover
both hardware & software
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One-to-One Computer Help
Do you need extra help on the computer, tablet or other piece of technology? Are you
searching for a job or working on a resume? Let us answer your questions about surfing
the Internet, setting up an email account, or working with documents. Registration not
required.
Mondays 3-5
Wednesdays 5-7
Thursdays 1-3
RCL – Maplewood
RCL – Roseville
RCL – Roseville
One-to-One e-Reader Help
Have you purchased a new e-reader or tablet computer? Are you curious how to use your
new device with the Library’s e-book services, Overdrive and 3M Cloud Library? Help is
available for your questions. Bring your Nook, Kindle, iPad or other device for some
hands-on instruction. Registration not required.
Tuesdays 2-4
RCL – Roseville
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