Using a computer is not such a daunting task, especially when you are more familiar with some of its basic operations. This job aid will help the computer novice glide smoothly through some basic operations useful in a PC Windows environment.
Parts of a computer
Before we begin looking at some basic functions of a PC, it would be useful to review a basic computer system and its components.
Monitor: This is what we call the screen. It is formally called a cathode-ray tube.
Keyboard: This is the instrument we use in order to type text into the computer.
Mouse: This attachment rolls on a small circular ball and has buttons which can be clicked. This part of the system allows the user to work more easily with a computer interface. As the user moves the mouse around on its pad, a screen cursor moves correspondingly on screen. Some later models of the mouse no longer use a ball but use optical light technology.
LCD: This is an acronym for Liquid Crystal Display Projector. This device permits users to project what appears on their computer screen to a larger classroom/ conference room screen.
CPU: This is an acronym for the Central Processing Unit. It is the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the computer and is where the computer’s memory and storage space exists.
Modem: This is a component that resides inside your CPU. It allows the user to connect with the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW).
Desktop: This comprises of what is plainly visible on the user’s computer screen or monitor.
Peripherals: Peripherals refer to technology that can be attached to the main computer station, such as printers, scanners or digital cameras.
Printer: This peripheral is a device that permits users to print files (i.e., documents, pictures, etc..) to paper.
Scanner: This peripheral device permits the user to digitally upload images or text which already exist non-electronically. These digital uploads can then be converted into computer files which can be
manipulated.
Digital Camera: Digital Cameras can now be connected to computer stations. This is may be done so that the video can be uploaded to the computer which can then be edited.
Parts of a computer
Before we begin looking at some basic functions of a PC, it would be useful to review a basic computer system and its components.
Monitor: This is what we call the screen. It is formally called a cathode-ray tube.
Keyboard: This is the instrument we use in order to type text into the computer.
Mouse: This attachment rolls on a small circular ball and has buttons which can be clicked. This part of the system allows the user to work more easily with a computer interface. As the user moves the mouse around on its pad, a screen cursor moves correspondingly on screen. Some later models of the mouse no longer use a ball but use optical light technology.
LCD: This is an acronym for Liquid Crystal Display Projector. This device permits users to project what appears on their computer screen to a larger classroom/ conference room screen.
CPU: This is an acronym for the Central Processing Unit. It is the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the computer and is where the computer’s memory and storage space exists.
Modem: This is a component that resides inside your CPU. It allows the user to connect with the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW).
Desktop: This comprises of what is plainly visible on the user’s computer screen or monitor.
Peripherals: Peripherals refer to technology that can be attached to the main computer station, such as printers, scanners or digital cameras.
Printer: This peripheral is a device that permits users to print files (i.e., documents, pictures, etc..) to paper.
Scanner: This peripheral device permits the user to digitally upload images or text which already exist non-electronically. These digital uploads can then be converted into computer files which can be
manipulated.
Digital Camera: Digital Cameras can now be connected to computer stations. This is may be done so that the video can be uploaded to the computer which can then be edited.
