Basic Computer Skills

Helen M. Plum Memorial Library Computer Classes for Beginners Basic Mouse Skills

Bits and Bytes A = 1 0 0 0 0100 =B 0 1 0 0 0 010 C = 1 1 0 0 0100

8 bits=1 byte

The word PLUM is 4 bytes long. A floppy is 1.44MB A CD-ROM is 650MB

1 =O N 0 =O F F

K(Kilo)=1024 bytes MB(Mega)=1,048,576 bytes GB(Giga)=1,073,741,824 bytes

A DVD is 2.6GB

e l g n i s a s i e t y b A ! r e t c chara

CPU Central Processing Unit Intel or AMD Microprocessor Memory Hard Drive

“The brains of the computer.”

Monitor The monitor is the main display device for the CPU. It displays the VGA signals that it receives.

Ethernet Ethernet allows two or more computers or devices to connect and share information. Common uses include: LAN (Local Area Network) DSL Modem – High Speed Internet Cable Modem – High Speed Internet

Internet The Internet is a world wide network of computers connected in various ways:

Common uses: Web Sites

Modems

Email

Routers

Data Interchange

Fiber Optics Satellites

Voice over IP Sound Video

Boot When you start or restart a computer you are booting the CPU. Cold Boot – Powering the CPU on. Warm Boot – Restarting the computer by the reset button, “CtrlAlt-Del,” or “Shutdown – Restart.”

Shutdown It is vital to the safety of the computer that the system be shutdown properly. Please remember not to just push the power switch when finished using the computer.

DO A “START – SHUTDOWN.”

Mouse Terms and Techniques Point Click Double Click Right Click Scroll Drag Drop Highlight

Windows Terms and Techniques Icons

Menu Bar

Buttons

Tool Bar

Desktop

Status Bar

Title Bar

Start Menu

Minimize

Task Bar

Maximize

Quick Launch

Close

Laboratory

Let’s begin by booting the CPU…