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Computer Training Unit 1

Computer Literacy Training Note Unit 1
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
50 views21 pages

Computer Training Unit 1

Computer Literacy Training Note Unit 1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 21

THE REVAMP CIRCLE

Green Forest Community,


Johnsonville Township,
Montserrado County
Monrovia (suburb), Liberia

COMPUTER LITERACY PROGRAM


TRAINING OF TRAINER
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER TRAINING MANUAL
UNIT 1:
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

1
Table of Contents

COMPUTER BASIC........................................................................................................................ 3-14


i. Defining a Computer ............................................................................................................... 4
ii. Types of Computer............................................................................................................... 4-6
iii. Parts of a Computer………………………………………………………………………….6-10
iv. How computer works………………………………..…………………………………………11
v. Turning the computer on….……………………………………………………………………11
vi. The desktop………………...……………………………………..……………………………12
vii. General Information…………………………...……………………………………………12-14
• Date and time setting………………………………………………………….………12
• Speaker Volume…………………………………………………………………….…12
• Desktop Background..…………………………………………………………………12
• Screen saver……….…………………………………………………………………..12
• Control Panel.…………………………………………………………………………13
• Uninstalling Programs……...…………………………………………………………14
• Shutting Down a Non-responding program (End Task)…………………………..…..14
TYPING SKILLS ........................................................................................................................... 15-18
Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 15
The Keyboard........................................................................................................................................ 15
i. Fingers Placement…………………………………………………….…………..….15-16
ii. Other Keys…………………………………………………………………………...16-17
Copying and Pasting………………………………………………………………………………………17
Typing Program…………………………..………………………………………………………….……18
i. Mavis Beacon…………………………………….………………………………………18
USING THE COMPUTER…………………………………………………………………..………19-20
The Operating System……………………………………………………………………………………19
The Start Menu………………………………………………………………………….………………..19
Managing Window…………………………………………..………………………………….……..19-20
Other Programs………………………………………………………………………………………..…..20

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1. COMPUTER BASICS
The objective of this chapter is to make the students to understand and get to know the basics of
computer. At the end of this chapter, students will know and understand basic computer skills.
Students will also be able to know and understand the different stages of computers. This chapter
is sub-divided into others chapter with effort to break these lessons down for the student to
understand.

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DEFINING A COMPUTER
According to the basic concept in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), computer is
defined as a device that transforms data into meaningful information. Let’s take a look at the word “data”.
Data is defined as raw information gathered. A data could be like marks collected or obtained by you in
your various grades. It can also include name, age, sex, weight, height, etc.
Computer can also be defined in terms of functions it can perform. A computer can: i) accept data, ii)
store data iii) process data as desire iv) retrieve the stored data when required, and v) print the result in
desire format.
Computers help us perform tasks, keep track of information, and even control the airplanes that fly above
us. The video games, the television you watch are all control by computer.
The major characteristics of a computer are high speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage.
Therefore, computers can perform complex and repetitive procedures quickly, precisely, and reliably.
Modern computers are electronics and digital. The actual machinery (wire, transistors, and circuits) is
called hardware; the instructions and data are called software.
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
There are two major types of computers: desktops and laptops. However, based on the usage, computers
can generally be classified by size and power as follows, though there is a considerable overlap:
Supercomputer and Mainframe
Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers are
employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations
(number crunching). For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of
supercomputers include: scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamics calculations, nuclear
energy research, electronic design and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemistry perspective).
Perhaps the best-known supercomputer manufacturer is Cray Research.
Mainframe was a term originally referring to the cabinet containing the central processor unit or “main
frame” of a room-filling Stone Age batch machine. After the emergence of smaller “micro-computer”
designed in the early 1970s, the traditional big iron machines were described as a “mainframe computer”
and eventually just as mainframes. Nowadays, a mainframe is very large and expensive computer capable
of supporting hundreds, even thousands of users simultaneously. The chief difference between a
mainframe and a supercomputer is that supercomputer channels all its power to the execute many
programs as fast as possible, whereas, a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support
more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
Minicomputer
It is a midsize computer. In general, minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting
from up to 200 users simultaneously.
Workstation

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It is the type of computer use for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software
development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing power and
relatively high-quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution
graphics screen, at large amount of RAM, built-in-network support, and a graphical user interface. Most
workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special type of workstation, call a
diskless workstation comes without a disk drive. The most common operating system of workstations are
UNIX and Windows NT. Like personal computers, most workstations are single-user computers.
However, however, workstations are typically linked together to form a local area network (LAN),
although they can also be used as stand-alone systems. In networking, workstations refer to any computer
connected to LAN. It could be a workstation or a personal computer.
Personal Computers
Personal computers which first appeared in the late 1970s can be defined as small, relatively inexpensive
computers designed for an individual user. All are built on the microprocessor technology that enables
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing,
accounting, and desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheets and database management applications.
At home, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games and recently for surfing the
internet.
Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size and chassis/case. The chassis/case is the
mental frame that serves as the structural support for electronics components. Every computer
system requires at least one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring.
Personal computer types include:
i. Tower Model
The term refers to computer which the power supply, motherboard, and mass storage devices are
stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these
components are housed in a more compact box. The main advantage of tower models is that
there are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of additional storage devices easier.
ii. Desktop Model
A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with a monitor sitting on top
of the computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower-model computers
are narrow and tall. Because of their shapes, desktops model computers are generally limited to
three internal mass storage devices. Desktop models designed to be very small are sometimes
referred to as slimline models.
iii. Laptop Computer
Laptop computers are portable computers that are small enough that it can be placed on your lap.
Nowadays, laptops computers are commonly called notebook computers.
iv. Notebook Computer
Notebook computers are extremely lightweight personal computers. The principal difference
between a notebook computer and a personal computer is the display screen. Notebook
computers use a variety of techniques, known as flat-panel technologies to produce a lightweight
and non-bulky display screen. The quality of notebook display screens varies considerably. In
terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal
computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives.
i. Subnotebook Computer

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A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook computer.
Typically, subnotebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise
equivalent to notebook computers.
ii. Hand-held Computer
A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand. Although extremely
convenient to carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their
small keyboards and screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those that are
specifically designed to provide PIM (Personal Information Manager) functions, such as a
calendar and address book.
iii. Palmtop
It is a small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers, palmtops
are severely limited, but they are practical for certain functions such as phone books and
calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held
computers or PDAs. Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk
drives.
iv. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
PDA is a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax and networking features. A
typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike portable
computers, most PDAs are pen-based use a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means
that they also incorporate handwriting features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using
voice recognition technologies.
v. Wearables Computers
The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially, common computer applications
such as: e-mail, database, multimedia and calendars are integrated into watches, cell phones etc.
Wearable computing devices are variously defined by consumers as computers that can be carried
on the body, or systems with a heads-up display or speech activated.
PARTS OF A COMPUTER
Computers are designed in a variety of ways. There are however major similarities regardless of the
brands. The parts of computers are often referred to as the components of the computer. The components
of computers are usually the parts of the hardware system. Computers have two main systems, hardware
and software system. Hardware constitutes the physical elements of the computer while the software
consists of the programs or applications which allows users to communicate with their computer. All
computers have the following parts/components:

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Components of a Desktop Computer Components of a Laptop

1. Monitor
The monitor is one of the parts of computers. It looks like a TV. Monitors amongst other components are
known as peripheral. A peripheral is an ancillary device used to put information into and get
information out of a computer. Peripherals allow the users to interact with the computer by putting in data
and or information and also view the information. Also known as display screen, the monitor lets the user
to see how the computer is responding to their commands by presenting visual images of text and
graphics. Monitors come in variety of shapes, designs and colors and can be broadly categorized into
three types:
i. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
These monitors employ CRT technology which was used most commonly in the manufacturing of
television screens. A cathode ray tube is basically a vacuum tube containing an electron gun at one end
and a fluorescent screen at another end. CRT monitors are bulky, heavy, and costly to replace should they
break.
ii. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor
The LCD monitors incorporate one of the most advanced technologies available today. Optical effect is
made possible by polarizing the light in varied amounts and making it pass through the liquid crystal
layer. The advantage of LCD monitors includes their compact size which makes them lightweight. They
also don’t consume much electricity as the CRT monitors, and they can be run off of batteries which
makes them ideal for laptops. However, these types of monitors have disadvantages such as its relatively
high price, an image quality which is not constant when view from different angles, and a monitor
resolution that is not always constant, meaning any alterations can result in reduced performance.
iii. Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) Monitor
LED monitors are the latest types of monitors on the market today. These are flat panel or slightly curved
displays which make use of light-emitting diodes for back-lighting instead of cold cathodes fluorescent
(CCFL) back-lighting used in LCDs. LED monitors are said to use much lesser power than CRT and
LCD and are considered far more environmentally friendly.

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The advantages of LED monitors are that they produce images with higher contrast, have less negative
environmental impact when disposed, are more durable than CRT or LCD monitors, and features a very
thin design. They don’t produce much heat while running. The only disadvantage is that they can be more
expensive, especially for the high-end monitors like the new curved displays that are being released.
2. Keyboards
Keyboard is one of the key peripherals of computers. It is one of the main ways to communicate with a
computer. The varieties of keyboards are all very similar and allow you to accomplish the same basic
task. The most common task of the keyboard is that is helps users to input information as text, numbers
and or other characters. A keyboard typically contains keys for individual letters, numbers and special
functions (most of which will be discussed in further chapter). The individual keys for letters, numbers
and special characters are collectively called the characters key. The layout of these keys is derived from
the original layout of keys on a typewriter. There are two types of keyboards namely: the standard and the
qwerty keyboard.
In the next chapter on typing skills, the keys of the computer will be further elaborated upon.
3. System Unit
System unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it is a rectangular box placed on or underneath a
desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. Below is a list of some
devices found in a system unit:
i. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU has two main components, namely:
a) The Control Unit-controls the fetching of instructions from the main memory and subsequent
execution of these instructions. Among other tasks carried out are the control of input and output
devices and the passing of data to the Arithmetic/Logical Unit for computation.
b) The Arithmetic/Logical Unit-carries out arithmetic operations on integer (whole numbers) and
real (with decimal points) operands. It can also perform simple logical test.
ii. Power Supply
The power supply comes with the case, but this component is mentioned separately since there are
various types of power supplies. The one you should get depends on the requirements of your system.
iii. The Motherboard
The motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) found in general purpose microcomputers and
other expandable systems. It holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic
components of a system, such as the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and provides connectors
for other peripherals. This is where the core components of the computer reside. Also, the support cards
for videos, sound, networking and more are mounted into the board.
iv. Memory
Memory is a temporary storage place for data, instructions, and information on computers. Memory stores
the operating system, application programs, and the data processed by application programs. A byte is the
basic storage unit in memory. Memory size is measured by the number of bytes available for use. A
kilobyte (KB or K) of a memory is approximately one thousand bytes, a megabyte (MB) is

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approximately one million bytes, and a gigabyte (GB) is approximately one billion bytes. The system
unit contains several types of memories: i) Random Access Memory (RAM)-consists of memory chips
that the processor can read from and write to. Most RAM is volatile memory, meaning that its contents
are lost when the computer’s power is turned off. Two basic types of RAM chips are dynamic RAM and
static RAM. Dynamic RAM (DRAM) must be re-energized constantly or it loses its contents. Static RAM
(SRAM) is faster and more reliable than DRAM and has to be re-energized less often, but is much more
expensive.
v. Storage
The storage is where the files are stored permanently on the computer. Also, the operating system of the
computer is installed here. Storage, alternatively referred to as digital storage, media storage or storage
medium is any hardware capable of holding information either temporarily or permanently. There are two
types of storage devices used with computers: i) primary storage or main memory or internal memory
(RAM) is the only one directly accessible to the CPU, and ii) secondary storage (hard drive) which can
be removable, internal or external storage.
By convention, the disk drives on a computer are referred to by a Roman Alphabet—A, B, C D etc. The
letters: “A” and “B” are conventionally reserved for floppy disk drives. The letters “C” and the above are
typically used to donate hard disk and other types of drives. The compact disk (CD), Zip, etc.
Diagrams of secondary storages:
4. The Mouse
The mouse is a peripheral which allows user to interact with the computer by controlling the movement of
the cursor/pointer on a display screen. This electronic device is connected to the system unit by a long
wire that resembles a tail; hence the name “mouse”. However, some newer mice are wireless. The mouse
functions by detecting the two-dimensional motion relative to the surface it is kept on. It is the motion of
the mouse that converts to the motion of the cursor/pointer.
The basic mouse operations include:
<Click>
To select an item or choose a menu command, point the mouse at it with the pointer and <click> the left
mouse button.
<Click & Drag>
To move an item is called dragging. To complete this operation, point at the item, <click> it and hold
down the left mouse button. While holding down the left mouse button, drag the item where you want it
to be then release the button.
<Double-Click>
This is the shortcut method to use to access an item or open or close a window quickly without using a
menu. To complete this operation, point the mouse pointer to the item and <double-click> it with the left
mouse button in quickly.
<Right-Click>

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When you click the right mouse button you can access a dropdown menu to choose what you can do with
the item such as: copy, paste etc. Every menu is specific to what you click. To perform this operation,
point at the desired item or object and <click> the right mouse button only.
<Right-Drag>
This operation is also used to drag or move objects using the right mouse button.
Table 1.1 List of Basic Pointer Shapes:

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HOW COMPUTERS WORK
In summary, a computer works in four steps:
I. Input: Input is the data before processing. It comes from the mouse, keyboard, microphone and
other external sensors or peripherals.
II. Storage: The storage is how the computer retains input data. The hard drive is used for long-term
and mass data storage while the data immediate processing is stored temporarily in the Random-
Access Memory (RAM),
III. Processing: Processing is where input gets transformed into output. The computer’s CPU is its
brain. It is responsible for executing instructions and performing mathematical operations on the
input data.
IV. Output: Output is the final result of data processing. It can be anything from images, videos, or
audio content or even words type using a keyboard. The output can also be received through a
printer or a projector instead of directly through your device.
TURNING THE COMPUTER ON AND LOGGING ON

• Turning the Computer On


A computer is usually in one of these three stages:
i. Off: This is exactly what it sounds like: the computer is off, and no part is running or working.
The monitor is black (no images), there is no “whirring” sound from the CPU, and the computer
is unresponsive to mouse movements or pressing keys on the keyboard. In order to turn the
computer off, click on the <start>, then <power>, then click on <power off>.
ii. On: When a computer is on, in contrast to when its off, the monitor displays images, possibly a
“whirring” sound from the CPU, and the pointer on the screen should move when the mouse is
moved. To turn a computer on, simply press the power button once.
iii. Sleep Mode: Most computer have a mood called: sleep in which the computer is on but has
assumed an energy-efficient, minimal power mode. To wake the computer, simply move the
mouse or press the space bar on the keyboard, and it will wake up and return to the exact same
place that it was when it went to sleep.

• Logging On

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Once the computer is turned on, it goes through a series of automated tasks before it is ready to for
interaction with user(s); this process is called startup. This process usually last between one to two
minutes. After this process, the computer moved unto the logged-on window. Account on the logged-on
window could be password-protected or not.

THE DESKTOP
After logging on, the computer displays the desktop. The desktop contains a digital representation of that
similar to a real-life office space, complete with a workspace, files and file folders and a recycle bin. In
Microsoft windows, users can change almost everything about their desktop environment including the
colors of the background, position of icon, icon or even the language.
GENERAL INFORMATION

• Date and Time Setting


To change the time and date you need to click on the date and time button found on the right corner of the
taskbar at the button of the screen. Click on change date and time in the window opened.
[date and time window image]

• Speaker Volume
In order to change the speaker volume, you need to click on the icon in the notification area on the right
corner of the taskbar. By moving the vertical scroll bar, you can change the volume. Pressing the Mute
Speaker and headphones button turns off the sound.

• Desktop Background
The appearance of your desktop background can be changed in the following manner: position your
cursor over the desktop, press the right mouse button and select the command personalized from the pop-
up menu. In the opened window, click on Desktop Background and choose from any of the listed files,
or click the browse button and choose another image stored on the computer. It is also possible to select
multiple background images that, in any given period of time, change on the screen, similar to screen
saver. Just mark the images you want to display and then in the drop-down menu Change picture every,
select the change interval.

• Screen Saver
To set the screen saver, position the cursor over the desktop and press the right mouse button (the desktop
context menu or pop-up menu will appear), and choose the option Personalize. In the opened window,
select the screen saver icon.

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Dialog box screen saver

• Control Panel
The control panel is a special folder in which you can adjust the system settings through various system
setting options (install and uninstall programs, adjust the keyboard, mouse, sound) which can be viewed
by category or in the form of small/large icons. The control panel is accessed in Start Menu → Control
Panel

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Control Panel

• Uninstalling the Programs


In the Control Panel, click on the Programs and Features icon, choose the software you want to
uninstall and click the uninstall button.

• Shutting Down A Non-Responding Application (End Task)


If the application “freezes” and stop responding, the situation in most case, can be solved by pressing the
key combination CTRL + Alt + Del. Pressing these keys will open the Windows Task Manager. To
close an application that does not respond, select it and press the End task button.

End task window

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2. TYPING SKILLS
The objective of this chapter is for students to acquire typing skills. Typing is a primary skill in computer
studies. Students will get to know the different types of keyboards on computers, and how to place their
fingers rightly on the keys. In this chapter, students will also be able to know how to use the mouse and
other peripherals to enhance a better and faster typing skill.
INTRODUCTION
The ability to type and use a computer keyboard and mouse are essential if you want to be able to
communicate well in the world today. As reading and writing skills improve, it’s a great idea to include
computer and typing training. And the great part about this curriculum is it includes exercises that will at
the same time help you improve your reading and writing! Although learning to write by hand is
essential, there are benefits to using a computer for some of your lessons. With typing, there’s no need to
worry about your handwriting and editing is much easier. Plus, learning to use a computer will be a great
boost to your confidence and self-esteem. “But, wait,” you say, “I don’t know ANYTHING about
computers!” No problem! This curriculum includes resources, activities, example exercises, and lessons
that will be fun ways for you to become more confident in your computer and typing skills. So, whether
you’ve used a computer before or not, you’ll find an appropriate level within these lessons to jump in and
begin. A few of the resources begin by teaching what all the keyboard keys actually do. Plus, you’ll learn
to effectively manipulate computer windows and dialogue boxes using the all-important mouse. So …
ready to get started? Let’s go . . .
THE KEYBOARD

• Finger placement & letter keys


Finger Placement and Letter Keys. Most people want to look at the keyboard as they type but will never
become efficient and fast typists that way. That’s why it’s important to first learn finger placement.
The middle row of letter keys is called the home row. Place the four fingers of each hand on the home
row. The first (pointer) finger of the left hand should cover the F key, while each of the other left-hand
fingers rest on the keys to the left of the F key. The first finger of the right hand should cover the J key,
while each of the other right-hand fingers rest on the keys to the right of the J key.
The first finger of the left hand will also be used to press the R, T, G, B, and V keys. The first
finger of the right hand will also be used to press the U, Y, H, N, and M keys.
Use the thumb of the right hand to press the Space bar, and use your “pinky” on the right hand to
press the apostrophe key and the Enter key.

15
All of the other keys in the rows above and below the home row should be pressed with the same
finger near them on the home row. Whenever a finger isn’t typing another character, it should
return to its home row position. Many keyboards have a raised area on the F and J keys to help
you find your home row position without having to look at your hands. Shift Key Space Bar
Home Row Shift Key Number Row
Practice a few times taking your hands off of the keyboard and then, without looking, placing
your fingers back on the keyboard in the proper position. You will become proficient in typing
(without looking) only after you’ve developed “muscle memory.” This is accomplished best by
repeating the same action many times until it becomes second nature.
For now, begin by typing your name several times. You will need to peek, of course, the first few
times, but keep going until you can do it without looking at the keyboard.
Now type the alphabet. Remember to keep your fingers resting in their default position between
each key pressed and to use the proper finger for each key. Type the alphabet several times to
help build muscle memory.
Next, follow the same steps typing the numbers 1 through 10. Then go from 10 to 1. Once you’re
comfortable with the number keys, practice with the punctuation keys. Type each character ten
times. Some require the Shift key. The Shift keys (there are two of them) are used to produce
capital letters and some of the punctuation symbols. Locate them now. Also take a look at some
of the keys on the keyboard that show two things on each key. Most are on the top row, the
number keys. When you hold down the Shift key and press one of these keys, you will type the
symbol you see above the numbers on these keys. It’s the same for the punctuation keys located
on the right side of the home row and the bottom row.

OTHER KEYS
Num Lock and Numeric Keypad - The Num Lock key toggles the numeric keypad on and off. When
off, the keys perform other functions (i.e., directional arrows) instead of typing numbers.
Space Bar - Space bar is used to enter a blank space between sentences when typing text.
Backspace - This key will remove the character to the left of the cursor.
Shift Key - The Shift key allows you to create a capital letter. You can hold down Shift key and press one
of the number keys (on the top row of keyboard) to get a punctuation symbol (!, @, #, $, for instance).
Insert Key - No longer found on some keyboards. It’s a toggle key for either inserting text as you type
(the default), or overwriting existing text.
Tab Key - Within a text document, the Tab key will move the cursor to the next “tab stop.” In forms, it is
used to move from field to field or from one table cell to the next. Pressing Tab and Shift simultaneously
will usually “tab” you back to the previous field.
Delete - Pressing this key will remove the character to the right of the cursor when pressed.
Print Screen - The Print Screen button will send a copy of your monitor’s screen to the “clipboard” ready
to be pasted into another program.
Function Keys - Sometimes referred to as “F keys,” they are not as popular as they once were (with older
DOS programs). But there’s one F key you can pretty much always count on: the F1 key. It will most
often bring up a help menu, no matter what program you’re in. Enter Key. On your keyboard, the Enter

16
key might be marked as a “Return” key or with only a large arrow. It’s used to go down to a new line
when typing text. It also can be pressed any time a button or choice is highlighted (within a software
program or on the Internet) to tell the computer you select that particular item.
Ctrl Key - The Control key is used in conjunction with another key to initiate a certain action. In most
programs, holding down the CTRL key while pressing the S key will save a file, CTRL+P will print a
file, etc.
Alt Key - Also used in combination with other keys to do something. For instance, ALT+F usually opens
the File menu.
Caps Lock - Press it once and when you type the letters, they will all be capitalized. Press it again and the
letters will go back to lower case.

COPYING AND PASTING


copying and pasting is a performance done when user wants to move text from one position to another.
When editing a document, a user may want to duplicate text in another location, or may want to remove
(cut) text from its original location and place it in a new location.
NOTE: Cut or copied text is stored on the clipboard, a temporary storage area. User can access it by
clicking the dialogue box launcher in the clipboard group on the Home tab of the ribbon.
To move or copy text:
1. Select the text that you want to move or copy. Selecting a text can be done either by using the
mouse or by using the shift+arrow key.
2. On the home tab, in the clipboard group, do one of the following:
• To move or cut text, click the cut button or press CTRL+X
• To copy text, click the copy button or press CTRL+C

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3. Click the document where you want to paste the cut or copied text.
4. On the home tab, in the clipboard group, click paste button or press CTRL+v

TYPING PROGRAM
A good typing skill is essential for every user. It saves time and helps the user be get his or her document
or work done faster. Typing plays a major underestimated role in the studies of computer. There are many
programs available in the world today to help learners enhance a better typing skill. However, for this
program, we will use the Mavis Beacon typing program 20.0.
MAVIS BEACON
This program will be used to enhance and add to our typing skills.

18
3. USING THE COMPUTER
The objective of this chapter is to make students understands how computers make use of the operating
system for users to interact with the computer. The operating system gives the computer its usefulness.
THE OPERATING SYSTEM
Computers without operating systems are exactly like televisions without signal: it will turn on, but the
user will be looking at a blank screen with no hope of interacting with it. The most popular operating
system is Microsoft Windows, and it is utilized by most personal computer users. it is the program that
acts as the brain of the computer, allowing you to run other programs, work on projects, and so basically
everything else that computers are capable of. There are different versions of Microsoft Windows, and a
new version is released every couple of years.
There are other operating systems as well. Apple manufactures a computer called a Macintosh or Mac.
Macs uses an operating system called Mac OSX which while it looks very different from MS. Windows,
runs using the same basic principles. While fewer people use Macs then PCs, schools often use Macs as
well, as people who work with graphic design and video and image editing. As a general rule, Macs tend
to be more expensive than PCs.
THE START MENU
The start menu, as the name portrays, is a good place to start! The Start button (which opens the menu)
is located in the lower left corner of your screen. LEFT-CLICK once on the Start button to open the
menu.
Notice the options that are available in this start menu. Popular programs, right? Also note the “shut down
button” at the bottom of the menu.
By LEFT-CLICKING once on “All Programs”, another menu will appear. This is a list of all of the
programs that are installed on the computer
Nearly everything that a user can do on the computer can be found in the start menu. These include:
finding help, using programs, getting on the internet, emailing, playing games, customizing the desktop,
and more!
MANAGING WINDOWS
Microsoft Windows is called “Windows” for a reason. Programs appear on your screen as “Windows”
(rectangular shapes). The windows are opened and appeared on the work surface (what is the work
surface called?). If a user can see a window, that means the program is opened and running. It is possible
to make the window bigger, smaller or close it using the buttons in the top right corner of any window.

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Minimize: Left- Maximize: Left- Close: Left-click Restore Down:
click this button click this button this button Left-click this
to shrink the to make the to close the button
window down to window as large as window. The to make the
a small button it can be—it should program will close window smaller
that will appear in take up your entire and stop running. without
the task bar. screen. Make sure you minimizing it.
save your work
before closing.

Microsoft windows is capable of running more than one program at once. In other words, you can write a
letter in Microsoft Word, while surfing the internet while using Microsoft Excel while checking your
email and so on, this is called multi-tasking and is a future of all computer. However, with all these things
going on, how do you keep track of them all? The TASKBAR, which is the bar that spans across the
bottom of your screen next to the start menu, is designed to help you keep track of all of your programs.

Taskbar

In the diagram above, there are several programs running. Each program that is opened is represented by
a button on the taskbar. To use one of the programs that is opened, simply left-click on the it once to bring
it up to the top of the screen.

OTHER PROGRAMS AND SOFTWARES


Although there may be lots of software preinstalled on your computer when you buy it, there are many
more programs available for one to download or purchase; from educational games to photos editing
software to professional programming software. Browse the following websites if you have interest in a
particular software:

• http://www.pcmag.com/
• http://www.compusa.com/
• http://www.amazon.com/
• http://www.microsoft.com/
however, keep in mind that software is often designed for either a PC or a Mac, so make sure whatever
program or game you purchase is compatible with your particular computer.

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