1. Fulton County Public Library
Computer Basics 101
Fulton County Public Library
First, a few questions…
What is a computer and how does it work?
Why do you want to learn how to use a computer?
Remember: If you have questions, ask!
*Slideshow adapted from Boise Public Library-

2. Different Types of Computers
Laptop or Notebook
Desktop PC (personal computer)
Certain cellphones, like the
iPhone, Android or Blackberry

3. Learning a New Language: Computer Terminology
Hardware: the physical parts of the computer
For example, the keyboard, monitor, mouse, central processing unit (CPU), RAM (random access memory), speakers
Software: programs that allow us to tell the computer what to do
For example, the desktop, icons, the help menu, Microsoft Word, toolbars, internet browsers
Disk drives: locations where data is stored
For example, C: (the “C drive”) is the computer’s main storage unit. Floppy drives, CD and DVD drives, and flash drives are other common disk drives. They are assigned different letters, like D:, E:, or F:

4. Computer - Front CD-ROM/DVD drive 3.5” floppy drive Power button
Power LED (light)
USB ports
3.5” floppy drive
Microphone jack
Headphone jack

5. Computer - Back USB ports (for connecting devices) Power plug Fan
Mouse
Network cable plug
Speakers (sound output)
Keyboard
Video connector
(to monitor)
Microphone (sound input)

6. The Mouse
Single click to select items. Double-click (two clicks in quick succession) to open programs.
Single click to access menu options for the open window.
Roll to move up and down pages.

7. Keyboard Function keys Ten key pad For typing (for numeric entry)
(perform special functions in some programs)
Num Lock key & indicator light (must be on to type numbers on ten key pad)
Caps On indicator light
Scroll lock indicator light (now defunct)
  1     2     3
Shift – for capitalizing letters
Caps Lock – to “lock” the shift key when all capital letters are needed
Tab – indents 5 spaces to the right
Esc – function depends on the application
Forward slash – on the ? key and used in Internet addresses
Insert – allows the insertion of a character without “over striking”
Home – moves the cursor to the beginning of a line
End – moves the cursor to the end of a line
Delete – removes character or space positioned in front (to the right) of the cursor.
Enter – carriage return or application specific
Spacebar (not labeled) – moves the cursor left to right inserting spaces
Backspace - moves the cursor from right to left, backwards deletes characters or spaces
Page Down - scrolls down a full page
Page Up - scrolls up a full page
F1 - Help window
F2-F12 - application specific
Cursor keys/Arrow keys/Navigation keys - moves the cursor left, right, up or down without deleting or adding spaces.
NumLock - this affects the 10-key touch numeric keypad. Activating allows numbers, deactivating allows editing.
Ten key pad
(for numeric entry)
For typing
For moving around in documents and programs

8. Keyboard – Special Keys
Escape Key: backs out from a selection
Shift & Ctrl Keys: used for various keyboard shortcuts
Shift – for capitalizing letters
Caps Lock – to “lock” the shift key when all capital letters are needed
Tab – indents 5 spaces to the right
Esc – function depends on the application
Forward slash – on the ? key and used in Internet addresses
Insert – allows the insertion of a character without “over striking”
Home – moves the cursor to the beginning of a line
End – moves the cursor to the end of a line
Delete – removes character or space positioned in front (to the right) of the cursor.
Enter – carriage return or application specific
Spacebar (not labeled) – moves the cursor left to right inserting spaces
Backspace - moves the cursor from right to left, backwards deletes characters or spaces
Page Down - scrolls down a full page
Page Up - scrolls up a full page
F1 - Help window
F2-F12 - application specific
Cursor keys/Arrow keys/Navigation keys - moves the cursor left, right, up or down without deleting or adding spaces.
NumLock - this affects the 10-key touch numeric keypad. Activating allows numbers, deactivating allows editing.
Caps Lock: for typing in all capitals
Menu Key: acts like the “right-click” button on the mouse.
Windows Key: opens the start menu

9. Basic Windows Desktop Icons Minimized windows on the taskbar
System tray
Start menu

10. Working with Windows Maximize /resize Title Bar Menu Bar Minimize
Close
Tool Bar
Scroll Bars: click on the arrows, drag the gray box, or use the scroll wheel to move within the window
To resize, click and drag here
Status Bar

11. Start Menu Quick access to saved files
Links to frequently used programs
Details of the computer
Answers to how-to questions
List of Programs
Turn off computer
Log Off

12. Help Section
Accessible through the start menu. You can choose among the listed topics or type in keywords to search for other topics.

13. Turning Off the Computer
Use the Start Button in the lower left corner to begin the Shut Down or Turn Off process.
Restart the computer
Turn off the computer
Back out
Be Sure to ALWAYS log off/log out on public computers!

14. Keyboard – Rebooting
Ctrl + Alt + Delete at same time: Restart computer
When the computer is restarted by giving a software command without turning off the power, it is called a soft boot or soft reboot. This is especially useful when a program or your computer stops responding. But be careful: any unsaved data will be lost when you restart.
Shift – for capitalizing letters
Caps Lock – to “lock” the shift key when all capital letters are needed
Tab – indents 5 spaces to the right
Esc – function depends on the application
Forward slash – on the ? key and used in Internet addresses
Insert – allows the insertion of a character without “over striking”
Home – moves the cursor to the beginning of a line
End – moves the cursor to the end of a line
Delete – removes character or space positioned in front (to the right) of the cursor.
Enter – carriage return or application specific
Spacebar (not labeled) – moves the cursor left to right inserting spaces
Backspace - moves the cursor from right to left, backwards deletes characters or spaces
Page Down - scrolls down a full page
Page Up - scrolls up a full page
F1 - Help window
F2-F12 - application specific
Cursor keys/Arrow keys/Navigation keys - moves the cursor left, right, up or down without deleting or adding spaces.
NumLock - this affects the 10-key touch numeric keypad. Activating allows numbers, deactivating allows editing.

15. What Next? Class Information: 574-223-1003 Starting in June:
Week 1- Basic Computers 101
Week 2- Basic Computers 102
Week 3- Internet Basics
Week 4- Essentials
Tuesday Evenings: 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday Mornings: 11-12:30 p.m.
Find more computer class info at:
Questions or Comments? 
Jonathan Gaskill/Zak Schoff/April Gross