1. Computer Basics
Last Updated: 2007

2. Lesson Plan LESSON 1: LESSON 2: LESSON 3: Computer Parts
Storage Devices
Keyboard Basics
LESSON 2:
Mouse Parts & Skills
Mouse parts
Hold the mouse
Clicking (left and right
clicking, double clicking)
Dragging
LESSON 3:
The Operating System
Why is it called Windows?
Windows Desktop
Start Menu & Program Menus
The Application Window
Shutting Down the Computer

3. Lesson 1: Computer Parts
Monitor
Power Button
Mouse
Keyboard

4. Lesson 1: Storage Devices
Hard Drive
Floppy Disks
CD / DVD
Flash (USB) Drive B D C

5. Lesson 1: Drives or Ports for Storage Devices
CD/DVD Drive
Floppy Drive
Hard Drive
(inside)
USB Ports

6. Lesson 3: Keyboard Basics
Tab
Caps Lock
Backspace
Shift
Space Bar
Enter / Return
Arrow Keys

7. Lesson 2: Mouse Parts & Skills
Scroll wheel
Right button
Left button

8. Lesson 2: Holding the Mouse
Put your hand over the mouse
Rest the heel of your hand on the desk at the bottom of the mouse, with the mouse buttons facing away from you
Rest your index finger over the left mouse button

9. Lesson 1: Windows Desktop
What is the Desktop?
The first screen you see after the operating system starts
Includes:
Shortcuts (Icons)
Taskbar
Buttons
System tray
Background (Wallpaper)
How do you work around the desktop?
Use the mouse and keyboard to work with programs and icons

10. Lesson 1: Windows Desktop
Background
Shortcut
Taskbar
System Tray
Buttons

11. Left button Lesson 2: Left Clicking Exercise:
Single click: to select an image or icon OR to open a web page
Double click: to open a file or a program.
Exercise:
Using the left mouse button, double click “My Computer” icon on the Desktop.

12. Lesson 2: Dragging and Dropping
To drag an item:
Move the mouse pointer over the item
Click the left mouse button once and hold it down
Drag the item to its destination
Release the left mouse button
Exercise:
Drag an application window to a new location on the Desktop

13. Lesson 2: Right Clicking
Right button
Brings up a shortcut menu, a menu of commonly used functions (tasks)
Options in menu vary depending upon where you are when you right click (aka “context sensitivity”)
The shortcut menu for the Internet Explorer icon
Read from slide.

14. Lesson 2: Right Clicking
Exercise:
Place your mouse pointer on the Mozilla Firefox icon.
Click the right mouse button once to bring up shortcut menu.
Click Open to open the program.

15. Lesson 3: The Operating System
What is an “operating system” (OS)?
A computer program (software)
What does an operating system do?
Manages and monitors all devices
Controls storage and memory on the computer
A computer cannot work without an Operating System
Windows XP is one example of an operating system

16. Lesson 3: Windows Operating System
Why is it called “Microsoft Windows”?
Because software (or programs) work in an area that looks like a window.
The windows can be side by side, on top of each other or full screen.
The window can be resized.
Let’s you use many different programs at the same time.

17. Lesson 3: Start Menu & Program Menus
What is the Start Menu?
A menu that contains a list of very important shortcuts including:
Programs
Documents
Settings
Search
Help
What is the Program Menu?
A menu that contains shortcuts to programs installed on the computer, such as:
Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Accessories…..etc.

18. Lesson 3: Start Menu & Program Menus
Submenu
Start Menu

19. Lesson 3: Program Window
What is the Application Window?
a framed, square shaped window where information is displayed;
it can be resized, moved around, and includes:
Minimize Button
Maximize/Restore Button
Close Button
Resizing Frame
Menus and toolbars
“Help” menu
keyboard shortcuts

20. Lesson 3: The Application Window
Maximize
Application Window
Close
Minimize
Resize
Application Buttons

21. Lesson 3: Shutting down the computer
Can’t I just turn off the computer?
NO!!
Why not?
You must shut down the computer properly
You could lose information, or cause a computer error.
How do I shut down properly?
Close all open programs (don’t forget to save your work!)
Click the Start button, then choose “Shut down” from the menu

22. Lesson 3: Shutting down the computer
Click the Start button, then
Click Shut Down

23. Lesson 3: Shutting down the computer

24. Any questions? Handouts Upcoming training programs Library resources
Recap
Handouts
Upcoming training programs
Library resources
Program evaluation forms
Any questions?