Computer Basics

Software
“Instructions for the computer. Software tells the hardware how to process data.
The two major categories of software are "system software" and "application
software."
System software is made up of control programs such as the operating system,
network systems, and database management systems.
Application software is any program that processes data for the user (desktop
publishing, internet browser, email program, inventory, payroll,
spreadsheet, word processor, etc.). “

Network
“A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between
users. The network includes the network operating system in the client and
server machines, the cables connecting them and all supporting hardware in
between such as bridges, routers and switches. In wireless systems, antennas
and towers are also part of the network.”

Windows Operating Systems

Microsoft has given users the option of having to log in to the computer. On your home
computer, if you are the only user, you can turn off the option to log in. If a computer
could have more than one user, it is safer to create separate names for each person to
use. User names can be any combination of letters, numbers, and a few special
characters. Your password should be something you can remember, however it should
also be something no one can guess. A few tips for choosing a password:
• CHANGE PASSWORD FREQUENTLY - The longer you use a password, the
higher the risk.
• USE GOOD PASSWORDS - Don't use persons, places or things that can be
identified with you. Combine letters and numbers. Use 10 to 15 characters.
• DON'T DISCLOSE YOUR PASSWORD - Your password is as valuable as the
information it protects.

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 • INSPECT YOUR DATA - If you suspect someone has tampered with your files,
report it immediately.
• NEVER LEAVE AN ACTIVE TERMINAL UNATTENDED - Always log off or lock
your terminal before leaving it.

Keyboard
There are many shortcuts available using the keyboard. Important keys to remember:
• CTRL+ALT+DEL – this combination will bring up the Log In window or the
Windows Security window.
• Windows Key – Opens the Start Menu
• Windows Key+E – Opens My Computer
• Navigation Keys – Arrows, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down
• Number Lock
• F1 – Help
• F5 – Internet Refresh
• CTRL+C – Copies the selected item
• CTRL+V – Pastes the copied item
• CTRL+S – Saves the current open file
• CTRL+P – Prints the active window

Mouse
The mouse is a pointing device for the computer. Options are:
• Left click – to indicate current position. Holding the left button down and dragging
the mouse will select a block of text.
• Right click – gives available shortcut menu
• Scroll wheel – allows quick perusing of a file
• Click+drag – there are many instances when you can click a file or selected text,
hold your mouse button down, and drag that item to another location or into an
open program. A left button click+drag will move or copy the item, depending on
the programs. A right button click+drag will provide a shortcut menu for you to
decide to copy or to move.

Desktop
The first time you log in to a computer, the operating system will create a Profile for you.
A profile is a set of folders associated with your user name containing all files you place
on your Desktop or in your My Documents folder. The profile also contains any desktop
customizations and special program or system files associated with your user name.

Display options:
Right-click anywhere on the Desktop and choose Properties from the menu. The
Desktop tab allows you to set a background color or image (wallpaper).

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 The Screen Saver tab lets you set the image and time for your screen saver. It
also allows you to password protect your computer if the screen saver activates.

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My Computer
This special shortcut opens the Windows Explorer program and shows you the files on
your computer. Files are organized and stored on Drives. All computers have a C: drive.
This is the main drive with the operating system, all application software, and your data.
Some pieces of hardware are designated with a drive letter, such as a floppy disk drive
(always A:), a CD or DVD drive, or a USB portable device. In a network setting, you will
have multiple drives for data storage. The Windows Explorer program is an easy way to
organize and search for files.

Task Bar
This is located at the bottom of your Desktop and contains the Start Menu button on the
left and the System Tray on the right. The Start Menu is your quick access to all the
installed applications on your system. The System Tray contains the clock and icons for
any actively running programs.

Printers
Printers are accessible from the Start Menu Æ Settings Æ Printers and Faxes. This will
open a window for you to manage your printers. Select a printer in the list and choose
FileÆProperties from the menu to change the printer settings. Be sure you have set the
correct default printer by right-clicking the printer name and choosing “Set as Default”.
The default printer is indicated by the check mark icon.

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Programs
Window
When any program is opened, it appears in a window on the Desktop. All program
windows have a top bar with buttons at the right (to close, minimize, restore, or full size
the window) and the program icon in the top left which is also a menu to close,
minimize, restore, or full size the window. You can also click+drag the top bar to move
the window around the screen.

Menu Bar and Toolbars

All programs will have a text menu bar below the top bar. Most programs will also have
one or more toolbars below the menu. These provide navigation for the application and
access to all the available tools for the program. The text menu and icons are similar for
many programs so you will begin to recognize the functions.

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Basic Applications
Many applications are installed with your operating system.
• Internet Explorer – for browsing the World Wide Web
• Fax & Picture Viewer - for quick viewing and browsing of image files
• Paint – basic image editing program
• Windows Media Player – for listening to music files and viewing video files
• Notepad – basic text program
There are millions of programs available, from free to very expensive, that will
accomplish just about any task you can do with a computer. Some common programs
used today:
• Email
o Thunderbird
o Outlook Express
• Symantec Anti-virus
• MS Office
o Word – word processing
o Excel - spreadsheets
o Outlook - calendaring
o PowerPoint - presentations
• Adobe Reader – basic pdf reader
• Meeting Maker – calendaring
• Facility Focus – work management

Advanced Applications
More advanced applications are used by Computer Professionals:
• Acrobat Professional – create pdf documents
• Photoshop – graphics design
• MS Access – database management
• AutoCAD – architectural drawings
• Dreamweaver – web design
• ColdFusion – web programming

Resources
Definitions
- http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/
- http://www.zerocut.com/tech/c_terms.html

Basic Tutorials
- http://www.comptechdoc.org/basic/basictut/
- http://www.geekgirls.com/menu_basic_computing.htm
- http://www.bcot1.com/

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General keyboard shortcuts
Press To
CTRL+C Copy.
CTRL+X Cut.
CTRL+V Paste.
CTRL+Z Undo.
DELETE Delete.
SHIFT+DELETE Delete selected item permanently without
placing the item in the Recycle Bin.
CTRL while dragging an item Copy selected item.
CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item Create shortcut to selected item.
F2 Rename selected item.
CTRL+A Select all.
F3 Search for a file or folder.
ALT+F4 Close the active item, or quit the active
program.
ALT+TAB Switch between open items.
ALT+ESC Cycle through items in the order they
were opened.
CTRL+ESC Display the Start menu.
ALT+Underlined letter in a menu Display the corresponding menu.
name
F5 Refresh the active window.
BACKSPACE View the folder one level up in My
Computer or Windows Explorer.
ESC Cancel the current task.
SHIFT when you insert a CD into the Prevent the CD from automatically
CD-ROM drive playing.
Windows Key+D Show the desktop.
Windows Key +M Minimize all windows.
Windows Key +Shift+M Restores minimized windows.
Windows Key +E Open My Computer.
Windows Key +F Search for a file or folder.
Windows Key +F1 Display Windows Help.
Windows Key + L Lock your computer if you are connected
to a network domain, or switch users if
you are not connected to a network
domain.

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