1 Module 1 Computer Basics A Module of the CYC Course Computer Basics

2 Turning the computer on (when it’s off) Locate the On/Off button on the computer. If there’s no light lit next to the on/off button, press it.

3 Turning the computer off (when it’s on) Click on “Start” Select “Shut down”

4 Restart or Shut down? Choose Restart to turn the computer off, then back on again. Choose shut down to turn it off completely.

5 The Mouse

6 What’s a mouse? The mouse is a piece of equipment that helps us do many things on our computer It controls the cursor or pointer on our screen It is sometimes called a “Pointing Device” Put your hand on the mouse Definition courtesy of Webopedia:

7 Arrow or Hand The mouse controls the cursor which you see as either an arrow or a hand

8 Lefties Your computer can be configured for left- handed use of the mouse A public access computer may have these settings locked down A home computer can be configured for multiple users with individual mouse settings for each user

9 One click or two? Use one click to select buttons, like: –New Document –Open –Save –Print

10 One click or two? Use two clicks to select icons, like: –Internet Explorer –Excel –My Computer If one click doesn’t work, try two!

11 Experiment 1.Lift your mouse into the air 2.Place it back on the desk/table in a different location 3.Notice the cursor location on your screen did not change

12 Surface Notice the surface where your mouse is resting. Is it flat and clear of obstacles? Is the mouse pad necessary? Optical mice do not need the mouse pad but be sure to avoid reflective surfaces

13 Practicing using the Mouse Go to Practice “Mouserobics” by following the instructions on the screen

14 Additional Suggestions Scroll Wheel Using a computer without the mouse Track Pad or Keyboard

15 Your Keyboard

16 Getting Started Be sure your keyboard is free of clutter. A notebook laying on your keyboard can be pressing down a key, causing your keyboard to not work properly. Where is your cursor? Wherever your cursor is on your screen, the keys you are typing will appear.

17 Common Mistakes Note the caps lock key. Press it down and see what impact it has on all the other keys. Press it again. What happens? If you have a wireless keyboard that is not working, check the batteries.

18 Online Tutorial Try this tutorial online now to get more practice with your keyboard and mouse.

19 Creative Commons License This module was created by Connect Your Community, a project of OneCommunity, funded by the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.OneCommunityBroadband Technology Opportunities Program This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit