Introduction to Computers - pbdd.org · Welcome to People’s Resource Center’s Introduction to Computers Course. This course will give you the skills needed to demonstrate basic

Introduction to Computers Module 1: Parts of a Computer

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Introduction to Computers

Welcome to People’s Resource Center’s Introduction to Computers Course. This course will

give you the skills needed to demonstrate basic computer literacy, allowing you to effectively

use a computer in your home.

Listed below are the objectives for this course.

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

1. Name the hardware parts of a computer

2. Connect computer hardware components

3. Identify the differences between computer hardware and software

4. State the purpose and use of the computer desktop

5. Name, and state the purpose, of the keys unique to a computer keyboard

6. Properly shut down a computer

7. Use the mouse as a pointing tool

8. Determine when to single, double, right or left click the mouse

9. Use the mouse to drag and drop items

10. Use the mouse to manipulate a window

11. Use the Start menu to open files

12. Use the Start menu to launch applications

13. Use Windows Help and Support

14. Select the proper application for word processing and spreadsheet use

15. Use a word processing application to write a letter

16. Format text on a word document

17. Cut and paste text on a word document




18. Create a numbered and bulleted list on a word document

19. Spell check a word document

20. Identify the fixed and portable computer drives

21. Describe the Windows file structure

22. Use Windows Explorer to locate a file

23. Properly use the Windows file structure to store documents

24. Create a folder

25. Save a file in a folder

26. Move a file into a folder

27. Explain the function of an Internet Service Provider

28. Establish an email account

29. Read an email message

30. Create and send an email message

31. Reply to an email message

32. Forward an email message

33. Delete an email message

34. Launch an internet browser

35. Use internet browser settings to aid in surfing safety

36. Perform a Google search

37. Connect to an internet web page

38. Perform a computer backup

39. Use Windows Update to protect a computer

40. Check the status of computer security

This course is made up of the seven modules listed below:

Module One – Parts of a Computer

Module Two – The Mouse

Module Three – Applications

Module Four – Applications Continued

Module Five – Files and Folders

Module Six – The Internet

Module Seven – Email

Each lesson contains hands-on exercises and a homework assignment to provide you the opportunity

to practice the skills you have learned.




Module One: Parts of a Computer

In Module One we will look at the parts of a computer, sometimes called computer hardware or

peripherals.

Topics

Parts of a Computer

Connections

Mouse

Keyboard

Desktop

Hardware vs. Software

Computer Shutdown

Exercises

1A – Computer Connections

1B – Turn on the Computer

1C – Shut down the computer

Objectives

At the end of this module you will be able to:

1. Name the hardware parts of a computer

2. Connect computer hardware components

3. Identify the differences between computer hardware and software

4. State the purpose and use of the computer desktop

5. Name, and state the purpose, of the keys unique to a computer keyboard

6. Properly shut down a computer




The Parts of a Computer Don’t worry we will not be looking inside the computer case! In this module we will be looking at the

components that are connected together to make your computer work. The main components include:

System Unit

Monitor

Mouse

Keyboard

Figure 1 Main Components

System Unit

Inside the system unit are the printed circuit boards and the other electronics that make the computer

work.

Figure 2 System Unit




On the outside of the system unit you will find:

1. USB Connectors – Used to connect devices like a flash drive to the computer.

2. Power Button – Used to turn the computer on (this is not used to turn the computer off).

3. Manufacture’s Badge

4. LAN Indicator – Only used when the computer is part of a Local Area Network.

5. Diagnostic Light – Used during computer problem troubleshooting.

6. Hard Drive Activity Light – This light is on when the hard drive is being accessed.

7. Power Light – Shows green when the computer is on.

8. Headphone Connector – Used to attach headphones to the computer.

9. Microphone Connector – Used to attach a microphone to the computer.

10. Optional Drive Bay – Possible location for a card reader drive.

11. CD/DVD Drive Bay – Internal CD/DVD drive would be installed here.

Some of these terms may be new to you. We will discuss them in the remaining modules of this

course.

Monitor

The monitor is a TV like device used to display text and graphics. The monitor, like the System Unit,

requires an AC power connection and has an on/off button.

Figure 3 Monitor

Mouse

The mouse is a pointing device used to select or move things on the monitor screen.

Figure 4 Mouse




Keyboard

The keyboard is a device used to type information into documents.

Figure 5 Keyboard

The Monitor is called an output device, and the mouse and keyboard are called input devices.

Other components in a computer system may include:

Printer

A printer allows you to make paper copies of the documents or web pages you see on the computer

monitor. Some printers also allow you to scan or FAX documents.

Figure 6 Printer

Speakers

When speakers are connected to a computer, you can hear any sounds your computer generates

including music, alerting tones or narration.

Figure 7 Speakers




Web camera

Connecting a web camera to the computer lets you send pictures or live motion to the internet. A

camera can also be used to place video internet calls.

Figure 8 Web Camera

Modem for internet connection

A modem is used to connect the computer to the internet using telephone line or a cable TV

connection.

Figure 9 Modem

Surge Protector

One very important component is a surge protector to prevent damage to the computer caused by

electrical power surges. Sensitive electronic computer components can easily be damaged by the

power surges generated by storms. Never connect the computer directly to the wall outlet –

always connect it first to a surge protector.

Figure 10 Surge Protector




Computer Connections

Now that we know what the parts are and what they do, let’s see how they are all connected to the

System Unit. On the back of the computer System Unit you will see a panel like the one shown below.

Each computer component will be connected here. Connections are color coded; both the cord and the

connector will be the same color. For example the connector on the end of the monitor cord is blue; it

plugs-in to the blue connector on the back of the computer (number 8 in the drawing below).

Most computer components today are connected using USB connectors (number 7 below), they

include:

Keyboard

Mouse

Printer

Web camera

Figure 12 Back of Computer Connections

Connections

1. Parallel Connector – Used on older types of printers. Newer models of printers are attached to

the computer using USB connectors (number 7 above).

2 and 4 are activity lights displaying the status of the network connection. We do not need to be

concerned with these lights.

3. Network Adapter Connector – Used to connect the computer to a network or internet modem.

This connector looks like a large telephone jack connection.

5. Speaker Connector

6. Microphone Connector

7. USB Connector – This is where the keyboard, mouse, printer and web camera would be

connected. A USB internet modem may also be connected here.

8. Monitor Connector

On the back of the computer you will also find the AC power connection. Remember to connect the

computer to a surge protector before connecting it to the wall outlet!




Exercise 1A – Computer Connections/Turn on the Computer

Take some time now to look at how your classroom computer is connected. Your instructor will answer

any questions you may have.

Exercise 1B – Turn on the Computer

After you have had some time to look at the connections, use the instructions below to turn on the

computer.

1. Find and press the power button on the System Unit. All computer power buttons have the

symbol, a circle with a line on top.

2. Find and press the power button on the monitor.

3. Use a single click of the left mouse button to select the icon named Student displayed on the

monitor screen. If you have not used a mouse before, ask your instructor for help.

Your computer may have a different picture for the icon, but look for the Student name.




The Desktop Window

When the computer turns on the first thing you will see displayed on the monitor is called the desktop.

The desktop is the main interface to the programs and files found on the computer. The desktop is

made up of:

Desktop Background – The Desktop Background is the picture that fills the monitor screen

Icons – Icons are the small pictures representing files or programs

Task Bar – The Task Bar is found at the bottom of the desktop screen. On the far left of the

Task Bar is the Start Button used to access files and programs (more on that later). In the

middle of the Task Bar are icons representing shortcuts to programs or open documents. On the

right of the Task Bar is the current date and time.

Figure 13 The Desktop

We will be using the desktop later in this course to open programs.




Computer Keyboard

The computer keyboard is an input device used to type information into a document, or provide

instruction to the computer.

Figure 16 Computer Keyboard

Keyboard Keys

Found on the left portion of the keyboard are the keys used most often. The number keys are on the

top row with the letter keys below.

Figure 17 Letter and Number Keys

Other keys are:

Shift

Holding down the Shift key and depressing a letter key causes a capital letter to be typed. The Shift key

also lets you type the characters shown above the numbers.

Caps Lock

Pressing the Caps Lock key causes all capital letters to be typed.

Enter

The Enter key moves you down one row on the document.

Tab

The Tab key moves you toward the right on a document.




Backspace

The Backspace key deletes the character to the left.

Control and Alt

The Control and Alt keys are used with other keys to perform keyboard shortcuts (more on shortcuts in

Module 3).

Windows

Press the key with the Windows symbol to open the Start Menu.

The key with an icon of an arrow pointing to a menu (found to the right of the Windows key) acts as a

right mouse click.




Navigation Keys

Shown below are the keys found near the middle of the keyboard. They are called the navigation keys

because they let us move around in a document.

Figure 18 Navigation Keys.

Up/Down Arrows

The Up and Down arrow keys move us up or down one row in a document.

Right/Left Arrows

The Right and Left arrow keys move right or left one character in a document.

Page Up/Page Down

The Page Up and Down keys moves the display up or down one page in a document.

Home/End

The Home and End keys move us to the beginning or the end of a line in a document.

Delete

The Delete key removes the character to the right.

The Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause are rarely used and will not be covered here.




Number Keys

To the right of the Navigation Keys you will find the Number Keys. To activate them, press the Num

Lock key. If the Num Lock key is not pressed they act like the Navigation keys performing up/down and

left/right movements.

Also found with the number keys are the arithmetic symbol keys / * - +, and an Enter key which

functions like the Enter key already discussed.

Figure 19 Number Keys

Display Lights

Above the Number Keys are three display lights. If the Num, Caps, or Scroll Lock keys are depressed

the corresponding light will be lit.

Figure 20 Display Lights

Function Keys

On the top row of the keyboard are the Function Keys labeled F1 through F12. These keys are

programmed to perform specific functions. The one most useful to us is F1. Depressing this key opens

Windows Help. We will look at Windows Help in Module 2.

To the left of the Function keys is the Esc key. It acts like a cancel button.

Figure 21 Function Keys




Desktop vs. Laptop Computer

The material we have covered so far in this module is an example of a desktop computer. In a desktop

computer the system unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse are all separate units connected by cords. It is

called a desktop computer because it is typically found on a desktop.

Figure 11 Desktop Computer

A laptop computer:

Combines the system unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse into one unit

May contain built in speakers, microphone and web camera

Can be connected to a printer

Is smaller in size and weight

Is portable

Can run on AC or battery power

Possibly cost more than a desktop computer

Figure 12 Laptop Computer




Hardware vs. Software

Everything we have looked at so far in this module is called computer hardware. Hardware is the things

you can see and touch, like the monitor and keyboard. Software is what allows the computer to do

things with the hardware. You may hear software referred to as “programs”. There are two types of

software:

Operating System

Application

Operating System

Operating System software tells the computer what to do and how to do it. The operating system

coordinates the interaction between the keyboard, mouse and computer. Operating System software

comes installed on the computer. Windows is an example of operating system software.

Application Software

Application software is the programs installed on the computer that let us do things. For example if you

wanted to write a letter you would need a word processing program. Microsoft Word is an example of

word processing application software. Some application software comes installed on the computer.

Additional software can be purchased and installed at any time.

Much more information on software is provided in Module 3 of this course.

Shutting Down the Computer

When you are done using the computer you need to turn it off. The proper way to do that is to shut

down the computer. Proper shutting down the computer ensures that your work will be saved and no

data will be lost.

To shut down the computer:

1. Single left click on the Start button found at on the Task Bar located at the bottom of the

Desktop screen.

2. Select Shut Down

Figure 13 Shutting Down the Computer

This is the proper way to turn off your computer! Do not use the Power Button to turn off the computer.




Exercise 1C – Shut Down the Computer

Now that we have finished using the computer for this session we will use this exercise to practice the

correct way to turn off the computer.

1. Use the mouse to single left click on the Start Menu button.

2. Click on Shut Down

3. The computer will now shutdown and turn off the computer.

4. Press the button to turn off the monitor.

Remember, do not use the power button to turn off the computer!

Module Review

In this module you learned to:

Name the hardware parts of a computer

Connect computer hardware components

Identify the differences between computer hardware and software

State the purpose and use of the computer desktop

Name, and state the purpose, of the keys unique to a computer keyboard

Properly shut down a computer




Homework

This homework assignment will give you the opportunity to practice the skills you have gained in this

module. In order to complete this homework you will need access to a computer. We will discuss this

assignment at the beginning of our next class meeting.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the connections on your computer. If you do not have a

computer at home, look at one at your local library.

If you have a PRC computer, follow these steps to get familiar with the computer keyboard and improve

your typing skills.

1. Use the mouse to double left click on the icon for the Typing Tutor found on your desktop.

This will open a typing tutorial. Click Start to begin practicing your typing skills.

Introduction to Computers - pbdd.org · Welcome to People’s Resource Center’s Introduction to Computers Course. This course will give you the skills needed to demonstrate basic

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