Welcome to Computer Solutions 1! Before we begin our nine weeks, it is important that you have some basic knowledge about using and maintaining your computer.

Many of you can do a lot on your computer already. I am sure most of you can type and print a story. Many of you can even draw a picture, surf the Internet, , and even create web pages! But the funny thing is that many students sometimes forget the very basics!

Do you know the answers to any of the following questions? Can you identify the parts of your computer system? What is peripheral equipment? Can you navigate around the computer desktop? Can you identify the parts of your computer window? What is the difference between software and hardware?

Questions – Part 2 What are the variety of storage devices used to save computer files? How do you take care of external storage devices? Can you explain safety precautions when operating your computer? Can you describe methods of preventing the spread of computer viruses.

As you watch the following slideshow, read each screen very carefully and fill in your notes to make sure you know the basic skills of using and maintaining your computer.

BASIC OPERATIONAL SKILLS AND COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

Part I Identifying The Parts Of A Computer

Monitor CD/DVD Drive Mouse Keyboard CPU

How did you do? Monitor CD/DVD Drive Mouse Keyboard CPU

Part II Peripheral Equipment / Devices a piece of computer equipment that you can attach to your CPU. can be classified as either input and/or output devices and storage devices.

Input Devices Definition: Input devices are used to input data into a computer.

Examples of Input Devices

Output Devices Displays: the information the computer has processed from the data commands you have given to the computer.

Examples of Output Devices

Storage Devices Allow data and graphics to be saved.

Examples of Storage Devices Hard Drive CD DVD Jump/Flash Drive Memory Card Network Drive Web Based Storage – “SharePoint” MP3 Play – “IPOD” Cell Phone

Part III The Computer Desktop When you turn the computer on, the main screen from which all work is done is known as the desktop.

The Computer Desktop 1. Start Button 2. Icons 4. Task Bar 3. Pointer

1. START button – located on the task bar and is used as a shortcut to programs 2.Icons – are pictures/symbols that represent programs and files 3. Pointer/Cursor – looks like a tip of an arrow and the mouse moves the arrow to allow you to select something 4. Taskbar – shows the current opened programs and allows you to switch between programs

Part IV – A Computer Window Can you label the parts of a window?

How did you do? Scroll Bar Document Folder Close Maximize Minimize Menu Bar Title Bar

If you have more than one window opened on your desktop, how do you know if the window is active or inactive? Active window - an active window has a title bar that is dark in color. For example, on our computers they would be dark blue. Inactive window – an inactive window has a title bar that is a light shade of gray.

Where can you click and drag on a window to resize it? The easiest and quickest way to resize a window is to click and hold on the bottom right hand corner of a window, then drag your mouse.

Part V Hardware vs. Software Do you know the difference?

Definition: Computer hardware is the actual physical equipment that you use. Monitor CPU Keyboard Mouse Can you think of a few examples?

Definition: Computer software is the written directions that tell a computer what to do. Microsoft Word Kid Pix All The Right Type PowerPoint Can you think of a few examples?

What is an operating system? A computer operating system is the system software that is used to organize the programs on your computer and allow them to run together on your computer without conflicts. It also lets you customize your desktop, icons and other settings on your computer. What operating system do we use on this lab? Windows 7

Part VI Saving Files – What is the difference between these two? File Save vs. File Save as Do you know the difference?

File Save as File Save as – Choose this option when saving a new file or renaming an existing file.

File Save File Save – Choose this option when you want to save changes to an existing file. You usually choose this option when you want to add or make changes to the file you are currently working on.

Where can you save and store your files? Hard drive Network Drive CD DVD Flash Drive/Jump Drive Memory Card Web based storage

Part VII Safety Precautions The following are guidelines that should be followed to keep you and your computer safe. At any time: No food, drinks, or gum near your computer Treat the computer with respect: hands off the monitor; gentle use of the keyboard and mouse Keep your work station tidy Keep magnets away from your CPU (Central Processing Unit) and storage devices Plug all electrical equipment into a surge protector Turn of all equipment first before unplugging At school: Do not personalize the computers, for example: changing desktop properties, adding, changing or moving icons Do not enter or tamper with other student’s files Do not change computer settings Use only designated software

Part VIII - Protecting Your Computer From Computer Viruses A computer virus is malicious computer program that can be sent from infected files. They can damage your computer as well as your computer files. Prevention Install antivirus software Install an Internet firewall - it acts like a deadbolt on you computer Do regularly scheduled updates on antivirus, firewall and operating system software

Hopefully, it’s now a little easier understanding how to use and maintain your computer.