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Time management and scheduling.
Computers: The Very Basics
The basics will include becoming familiar with the parts of a computer, what they can do, and when and how to use them appropriately. For example turning on a computer, accessing the internet, and typing up an email all require knowledge of how a computer operates.
Why Use a computer?
Computers can help us look up information quickly, stay connected to friends and family, store important information, make purchases, and so much more.
Laptop vs. Desktop
A laptop computer is a portable computer that often folds in half and opens back up. Laptops contain all the necessary parts in one unit. A desktop computer remains stationary and usually has larger parts that can be detached.
Computer Parts
Motherboard – Foundational "backbone" of the computer. Allows communication among parts.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The "brains" of the computer.
RAM – Short term memory. Allows the computer to recall current tasks.
Video/Sound Card – Allows the CPU to send graphical/audio information to the monitor.
Hard Drive – Long term memory. Allows the computer to store information to be retrieved later.
Monitor– Monitors provide output. It's the part of the computer that displays images. It works similarly to a television.
Keyboard – The keyboard allows users to input letters and numbers, among other things, into the CPU to be displayed on the monitor.
Mouse – The mouse allows the user to move the cursor around the screen. It often has 2 buttons, a left and a right button. Sometimes, it will have a scroll wheel in the middle, allowing a user to move the screen up and down.
Trackpad – The mouse might also be a track pad, if the computer is a laptop. This is a small touch sensitive pad that allows the user to move the cursor with light pressure from one finger.
Headphone Jack – The headphone jack is a small, round, hole that allows users to plug headphones or speakers into the computer. It may be on the side of a laptop or on the front of a desktop CPU. It may have a small picture of headphones next to it.
USB Port – These rectangular ports are used to plug in a variety of items, from keyboards to mice to extra storage and more. Most computers have several of these ports.
Booting Up a computer
Most computers can be turned on with a power button displaying a universal power symbol. Once turned on, a computer may prompt the user for login information, or it may take the user right to the desktop screen.
Clicking vs. Double Clicking
The mouse moves the cursor on the screen synchronously and allows users to hover over images on the screen. Users can left click or double click on some icons or images to perform actions. Clicking once is more common. Users will usually have to double click only to open items from the desktop home screen.
Right Clicking
Sometimes, a user will be prompted to right click, or click with the right mouse button. This click will always be a single click. This usually brings up a menu.
Keyboard Keys
Tab – Creates indentation in text box or moves the cursor to the next text box.
Caps Lock – All letter keys display as capitalized letters.
Shift – Allows users to capitalize the next typed letter if held.
Enter – Begins a text line below the current one. Can also act as a left click.
Backspace – Deletes the previous text.
Opening Programs
From the desktop, users can open several available programs by double-clicking the corresponding icon.
Access the internet Create a document or send an email.