Introduction to Computers

What is a computer

A computer is a machine which processes data, which is input, and produces a result (called output)

The computer processes input based on a set of instructions which usually are provided by “software”

Types of computers

• Desktop• Laptop• Notebook (laptop

but smaller• PDA• Tablet

Components of a Computer

• CPU• CD/DVD drive• Floppy drive• Hard drive• Keyboard/Mouse• RAM• Modem/Wireless• Ports• Printer• Monitor• Scanners

Software – The Instructions

• Software instructs the computer what to do, or how to process inputted information

• Examples of Software include:-Games-Document creation and editing-Multimedia

Operating Systems

• Operating systems are the computers primary software which runs the basic operations of the computer

• All computers require an operating system in order to be used, and all computers purchased come with some form of operating system

• Examples:MS Windows, Apple OS, Linux

Turning the Computer On and Off

• Turning a computer ON:Press the circular button with the icon of a circle with a line through it

• Turning the computer OFF:With mouse, place pointer over the start icon on the bottom left of the screen, click the left button. Move pointer to button or command ‘Turn off computer’ or ‘Shut Down’. Choose option to shut down, stand by, or logoff.

• CTRL-ALT-DELETE

Using the mouse

Practice, Practice, Practice Left click = selection or make choice Right click = shortcut menu

http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/mousercise.htm

Please visit my website at:

http://www.librarylounge.pbwiki.com

Here you will find supplemental information for this Intro to Computers class as well as

websites where you can practice using your mouse as well as other computer skills!

For More Practice…