BASIC TRAINING PROGRAMS

The programs are designed to provide basic information on computer operation.

The Windows and MAC operating systems will be explored, and internet Basics are included in the training.

If you know of a friend or neighbour who is interested in brushing up on computer fundamentals, encourage them to contact the following:

For Windows help contact: Jack Cleveland jack@paradisecomputerclub.org

For MAC help contact: Sally Smith sally@paradisecomputerclub.org

NOTE: For the newcomer to computer the following is an in depth review of the basics.
This data was prepared by our former training coordinator, Don Crowley

Basic Class 1 and Basic Class 2 slides

click here for Basic Class 2

The Basic Class 1 and Basic Class 2 slides were created by Don Crowley and are summarized below for home study for those in training or for the experienced computer users who desire a review of basics.

As explained on page #99 of “Windows Guide For You”, this Basic Training Program is based upon “single click to open”, and “show 3-letter file extensions for known file types”.

Slide #1) What does Basic Class 1 cover?

Answer - The Basic Need-to-know and do to operate:

1. Computer, E-mail, and Internet. : - Your link to the World!

2. Windows XP Operating System. ÿ - The lifeblood of a Computer!

3. Microsoft Word Program. 2 - The Workhorse of the Computer!

Slide #2) Can I repeat classes?

Yes! Please do. You will remember more, and understand more each time. Questions from class broaden learning experience for others as well.

«Learning is “Self-discovery”. Self-Discovery requires effort –

Like studying “Windows Guide For You”!

If you have a photographic memory, this class need be attended only once. Most of us mortals are not so gifted!

Things to do before proceeding:

1) Demonstrate that the mouse changes shape as you move it in or out of the active text area to the
left side of window.

2) Point to left side of text and click to select a line or two. Now drag over an individual word to select it.

3) You can also select a whole word by double clicking it. Triple click word selects paragraph.
4) Emphasize – Selecting an item makes it the target for the next command.

Slide #3) What are the Visible Computer Hardware Tools?

µ Monitor - like a TV screen :

µ Computer System Unit - called “Tower”, or “CPU” 3

µ Keyboard – Input device into computer - 7

µ Mouse – Input device - Left & right button – and Scroll wheel8

µ CD, or DVD disc { – Mass storage

µ Floppy <- or Thumb drive G– Mini storage

µ Printer, Scanner and Digital Camera :

Note:

1) Press Windows key ÿ: click > Run menu item. (Hold down Windows key and tap “R” also
brings up Run address box)

2) Type “OSK” and click OK.

3) Point to and double click each key to identify briefly principle keys and their function.

Slide # 4) Hardware Parts Hidden within Computer:

µ Central Processing Unit – CPU – Thinks rationally and calculates for you.

µ Memory – RAM – Short term memory of your inputs.

µ Hard drive – Permanent storage of Programs & Data that you copied or created and saved.

Hard drive is also called “Local Disk drive” (C:). In fact you can change the name to one of your choice by opening My Computer and right click (C:) Drive and click “Rename”. Type new name and press Enter.

Slide #5) What are the 3 Primary Tasks that the computer does for you?

Remember - The computer:

: Thinks rationally for you!

: : Remembers what you do!

: : : Stores permanently: Programs, Letters, photos, videos, records, music or anything that YOU created or copied and “saved into the hard drive”.

Slide #6) What are the primary hardware parts to Think, Remember, and Store Data?

ê Tasks	ê Hardware Part
Thinks è	Central Processor Unit - Nicknamed “CPU”
Remembers è	Random Access Memory Nicknamed “RAM”
Stores Data è	Main storage Disk (C:) - Nicknamed “Local Hard Drive” or “Hard Drive”.

Note: Computer “hardware” parts are useless without Windows Operating System “Software”.

Slide #7 The computer hardware needs instructions!

: In addition to hardware – the Computer needs at two types of software programs to make it useful! :

1)Windows Operating System Software

{Works like a Traffic cop on corner L}

(Windows 98, or Win XP, or Win Vista)

2). Application (program) Software (Your choice like Games, MS Office or Works Suite, Quicken,
Print Artist, Photo Touch-up, Card making, etc.)

Slide #8) JAsk questions as we go along! Like: “What is an Icon”?

“Icon is a small picture on a computer display that suggests the purpose of an available function”. (Webster).

An Icon is a Doorway. Click on an icon to open door to: a folder, file or program!

: This icon identifies a Computer function

( This icon is about the telephone

. About mail – “You’ve got mail”!

8 Icon for a 2-button Mouse

1 Icon for an “open” folder

0 Icon for “closed” folder

Note: A “paper folder” stores files inside. The computer has folders with files stored inside, too. The computerized office uses very little paper and no large metal file cabinets.

Slice #9) What is the “Desktop”?

It is the first screen displayed on startup. Like top of office desk! (Displaying work tools)

? You can personalize or customize your Desktop to display a colorful background scene,
or photo, or slideshow.

?You can create Shortcuts (Icons) that Link to:

a. Programs of your choice.

b. Folders & Files that you created and use often.

?You can add, move, or delete icons on Desktop. Like tacking up or removing items on a Bulletin Board.

Note:

1) Hold down Windows key, tap “D” key to display Desktop below open windows.

2) Point to and move Desktop icons to rearrange. (If unable to move – right click
Desktop and trace mouse over “Arrange Icons By” and uncheck Auto Arrange).

3) Right click each - Desktop, Taskbar, and Start Button to show menus.

4) Point mouse tip on Start button to display tip. Click Start button. Click clear spot away to Close
Start Menu. Open Start menu again and press the Esc key to close it.

5) Hold down Windows key, tap “D” key or click file’s icon on Taskbar to display slides.

Slice #10) What is “Taskbar”?

“Like a Program and File Manager” . Taskbar Displays:

ü Icons of programs or files you are using

ü Start Button

ü Digital Clock

ü Speaker volume

ü Other program icons like:

Ø Antivirus

Ø Firewall

Ø Internet Service Provider

Ø Internet Explorer

Right click an open spot on Taskbar. Click “Toolbars” to show more functions you can display.

Note:

1) Hold down Win key and press D key. Point to each Taskbar item and pause for tip.

2) Right click Taskbar and briefly mention choices and Quick Launch Icons.
3) Click Start button; demonstrate “Click Away” or tap Esc key to deselect Start Menu.

4) Hold down Win key and press D key or click file icon on Taskbar to return to slides.

Slide #11) What is a “Window”?

“A Window is an area of a computer display in which different information may be displayed independently”. (Webster)

$ You can see objects inside a window! $
You can reach in and manipulate window contents to create something of your own! I

Note:

1) Open Solitaire via Start menu>All Programs>Games. Play a little to demonstrate use of mouse.
Drag and drop Solitaire cards illustrating that playing Solitaire is a great way to develop mouse skills.

2) Drag and drop Solitaire’s Title Bar to show relocating the entire window.

3) Size window edges by dragging. Resize whole window by dragging corners.

4) Demonstrate 3 buttons in upper right corner of Solitaire’s Window.

Ø Minimize Solitaire window to Taskbar.

Ø Click on Taskbar icon to open, then Maximize window.

Ø Click red [X] to close Solitaire window.

Slide #12) What is function of items on Start Menu?

Menu Item ê	Function
My Documents (folder)	To Access to your files and sub folders.
My Recent Documents	To Open one of last 15 files you used
My Pictures	To display you’re Photos, or start a slide show.
Favorites	To Return to a favorite Web Site.
Control Panel)	To Set up or change Computer Settings.
Search	To Find file or any missing item.
Help & Support	To Learn “How to Do” things.
Run	Address box - type in to open: any drive, file, folder or Web Site address.
All Programs	Open any installed program or utility.
Turn off Computer	To Turn off Computer (Shutdown) properly.

Tutorial has tasks using Taskbar, Start Menu, Menu Bar, Tool Bars, and Keyboard Shortcuts.

Note: 1) Hold down Windows key and tap “D” key to show Desktop & Taskbar.

         2) Click Start button; move mouse over each menu item to show “tip”.
         3) Discuss 2-column Start Menu; demonstrate opening any Program; click My Documents;
            click My Recent Documents; click the other menu Items in right column.

4) Press Windows key and tap “D” key to return to slides.

Slide #13) 8 You need-to-know the Function of Left and Right Mouse buttons.

8 Left – The primary Mouse button - Click object with Left mouse button to ENTER a menu choice –
Or “point & click” to launch (Open) a program.

8 Right- Does only one thing! “Click an object with Right mouse button will always bring up a menu of choices applicable to that object”.

Note: Select a word by dragging over it with left button, then right click the selected word to bring up a menu. (Double click a word selects it, too.)

Slide # 14) Review! When do you use the Left “Primary” mouse button?

Always use the Left button to:

Ø Execute a menu choice (make something happen).

Ø Open an icon or file.

Ø Drag over text to select it.

Ø Move an icon or selected word or paragraph.

To drag an object, {icon, window or a selected word} - Click on it with left mouse button and hold down button and move hand. Release the button when object is in desired location.

1) Go to Desktop (Win key + “D”). Left click an icon to launch (open). Close window. Review dragging a
desktop icon to new location. Drag it back.

2) Press Win key and move mouse to “select” one or two items on Start Menu to briefly demonstrate
use of left mouse button to select a menu choice. (Win key + “D”)
3) Drag over a sentence to select it. Click away to deselect it.

4) Once Again - Distinguish between mouse pointer and cursor. Show changes in mouse shapes as you
move mouse pointer around screen.

5) Select a word and drag it to a new location. Move it back.

Slide #15) When do you use the Right mouse button?

To bring up a Menu! Right click Any object – Anytime! – Anywhere! - brings up a menu of available choices for that object. Right click any of these objects will bring up a menu:

ü Word, which is selected.

ü Paragraph, which is selected.

ü Toolbar

ü Desktop Program icon or any Shortcut *

ü Folder*

ü File*

ü Drive*

ü Start button*

ü Taskbar*

ü Desktop*

* These objects have “Properties” menu item to bring up
A Properties dialog box to allow change or modify settings.

µ Right click to get a menu applies to the Internet, as well!

1) Press and hold down Windows key and tap the “D” key to show Desktop.

2) Right click each of the following - Desktop icon, an open spot on Desktop, the Taskbar,
Start button, drives, folders and files and note that they all have different menu selections,
but all have “Properties” in their menu:

3) Mention Club computers are set up for Single click to open as described on first page of
Chapter IV. Press and hold down Windows key and tap the “D” key to return to slide.

Slide #16) “Copy” using right mouse button.

K You need-to-know how to move or copy a file, image or text using right mouse button! (Like copying and pasting your Christmas letter into an e-mail “text box”, or copying a photo to My Pictures folder).

µYou can move (cut) or copy – anything - like data files, folders, text, photos, e-mail, Web text or graphic images, including Web photos.

µ Right click anything brings up a menu of choices. Click Copy -– Then position cursor where you want the
copy to go and right click that spot – then left click the menu item “Paste”.

1) Demonstrate again how to select (highlight) a sentence above by clicking in the area left
of the sentence. Mention again - selecting an item makes it the target for the next command.

2) Right click the highlighted sentence and click menu item Copy.

3) Right click clear spot below ê and click Paste.

Slide #17) Learn one program well makes it is easy to learn to use others

: Programs are designed to operate in a common manner – using Menu bar - Tool bars - Dialog boxes.

Ø So, learning to use one program well - Gives you a base for learning others.

Ø Classes and Tutorial focus on letter writing using the Microsoft “Word” Program.

Ø Basic tasks you learn in “Word” program are nearly the same as those you will use in composing E-mail text.

Note: 1. Click File menu and click each menu item to right to examine contents of menu.

2. Click View menu and go back to Full Screen.

Slide #18) µ Remember - Composing E-mail text is letter writing!

Be Smart! Be Kind! Watch your grammar! Check spelling! Keep it short! etc

Follow e-mail Netiquette rules. More rules will be discussed in slide #38

Slide #19) Type a Letter using “Microsoft Word”.

1. Click Start Button, point to “All Programs”.

2. Click Microsoft Office “Word” menu item. “Document 1.doc” opens as a window.

3. Type short letter.

Notes:

1) Close Full Screen and minimize this Basic Class 1.doc file.

2) Open Microsoft Word via Start menu “All Programs” or Desktop shortcut.

3) Type letter; Minimize new letter.

4) Click “Basic Class 1.doc” icon on Taskbar to open it.

Slide #20 “Name and Save Letter”.

1. Click File menu, click “Save As”.

2. Type descriptive name in “File Name” field.

3. Click “Save” to save file under new name.

What folder was the above file saved in?

Slide #21) : It’s time for a review!

?What does clicking with right mouse do?

What is difference between Cut and Paste and Copy and Paste?

Slide #22) More Review! L@^%%#$!L What are the 3 Primary functions of a computer?

? Central Processor Unit -- (CPU)

Don calls it - the left lobe of the Computer’s brain.

Decision maker – CPU controls Data movement.

Note: Instructor briefly show insides of a hard drive cutaway.

The 3 Main parts of Computer’s Engine are - :::

µ CPU, 2) RAM, 3) Hard Disk Drive C:
(Thinks) (Remembers) (Stores Data)

Slide #23) Speed of CPU is measured in Hertz

GHz (Giga Hertz) = Amount of Power, Speed, and smarts of the computer. “Larger” means it is faster and smarter.

One Hertz = one electronic cycle per second.
(4th cousin to one “tick of a clock”!)

One million Hertz is called one Mega Hertz MHz)

One billion Hertz is called one Giga Hertz (GHz)

CPU works with Win operating system to put a copy of the program that you open into memory (RAM)

Slide #24) Even more review? L!*&%#!!! L! ! He is killing us with reviews!L

What is Random Access Memory = RAM?

RAM is:

µ The Workplace where your data and programs come together.

µ The Right lobe of a computer’s brain (Don suggests). J

µ It is Temporary because it requires electricity.

This computer has 512MB of Memory.

One Byte is the amount of Memory Space occupied by one letter (like a, b, or one digit 1, or 2)

MB = 1 million bytes.

What happens to unsaved data in RAM, if power fails, or the computer or program locks up –

before you save new data to the hard drive? You know N

Save data often to be safe!

Slide #25) Review function of Hard Disk Drive (C:) L! There he goes again!

Storage Bin where Programs & your data are stored magnetically - Therefore permanently.

: This computer’s “Local” Hard Disk Drive (C:) holds 80 Giga Bytes of space (80GB).

One Giga byte is the amount of Disk Space to store magnetically one billion units
(like a, b, c, or 1, 2, 3 etc).

Note: I) Hold up floppy disk – point out that it holds only 1.44MB.

2) Hold up Thumb drive which stores 1-4+ GB of data.

Slide #26) Start-up computer - called “Boot-up”, like put your boots on!

Turning on Electric Power to computer is like Turning on your car’s ignition key.
Your computer’s electronic engine starts up.

First it self tests & warns if a problem exists.

? Loads (meaning “Copies”) Essentials of Win operating system into RAM.

? Opens up to first screen called - Desktop”.

Click on a Desktop Icon or Start menu item and that program or function opens - meaning displays first window.

Note: Demonstrate by turning off computer via Start menu and re startup it.

Slice #27) How does it all come together?

7 When you open a Program – The CPU and Operating system places essentials of your Program {from the Hard Drive} into RAM awaiting your use.

7 Again - You actually create your data in RAM {Memory}

7 RAM is powered electrically. If electric power fails - you lose that recent data that you created since your last save.

Therefore - you must save data to the Hard Disk (often) to avoid losing it if power fails, or program or computer hangs up -- like dies N!

Slide # 28) Computers have multiple Storage Bins.

1) Older Computers had little bitsy Floppy disk (A:) Drive (1.44MB capacity).

2) All computers have Hard Disk Drive – (C:) {Some with capacity of 100GB and up to 750GB}

3) CD-ROM or CD-R/W disk drive (650-700 MB) OR

4) DVD discs drives -- More speed, greater reliability, and most are seven times more capacity than a
CD-ROM?

    5. Memory Drives (also called “jump or thumb drives”) let you carry far more data than a floppy,
      in a device small enough to stick in a pocket, or use as a key chain.

Each year:

?Storage & Memory Capacity grows,

Parts work better/Run faster
?Computers are cheaper.

Storage bins are first cousin to warehouses.

Slide #29) Time for a Review again !L!! Not again!

¤ What is the – Basic Storage Bin or warehouse for storing Programs and information called?

………………………………………………

¤ When you “Install a New Program”, Where is it stored?

…………………………………………………..

¤When you “Save Data” that you created or copied - Where is it saved?

Slide #30) What is an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

An ISP is Your “Gateway” to Internet like AOL or MSN, or ATT WorldNet or Cable or Wireless.

“Gateway” is the key word that defines what an ISP does for you!

You go online (Internet) through your ISP’s gateway, using a program called a Browser, like Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE).

Note: Demonstrate opening an ISP and Internet Explorer.

Slide #31) But What is Internet?

All computers that are “on-line” at one time are available to your computer and you through your keyboard, microphone, or a click or two with the mouse.

Note: Discuss each item in Internet illustration.

Slide #32) There are 3 types of Addresses

A. What are the 3 unique Addresses?

E-mail -- {donmarcrowley@charter.net}
Internet -- {www.microsoft.com} “URL”
Computer -- {C:\windows\system32\sol.exe}

B. Do you see any spaces in E-mail or Internet addresses?

C. Can Spaces be used in Computer addresses? – Like the file I am using now?
(Basic Class 1.doc)

Note: Underscore as first item in file or folder places it at top of Win Explorer tree.

Slide # 33) ! More Review L L L {Not a review again!!}

A. Think of Internet as an Extension to your computer. Therefore, Learning Computer
basics – Is learning to use the Internet & e-mail.

B. The focus of Basic Training - “How-to-do useful tasks”.

C. Letter writing, E-mail and Internet Web sites have something in common –

“They are all text-based programs!”

We teach basic Word Processing in class and in Hands-On Training!

Slide #34) Computers receive messages or data from other computers worldwide!

Data can come into Computers via:

( Low speed Telephone Line – OR

Ö High speed Cable -- OR

ò High speed Satellite – OR

¯ High speed Wireless – OR

(( DSL, a Direct Service (telephone) Line.

Slide #35)

1. The computer:

Ø Thinks for you.

Ø Remembers for you,

Ø Stores permanently your programs and precious creations, called personal data files, including photos, video or music.

2. Point and right click always brings up a menu, whether in a computer program, e-mail or Internet.

3. Since Web pages and e-mail are text based, Copy and paste is useful everywhere.

4. US Post Office demands “letter perfect addresses” - so does Computer, E-mail and Internet.

Slide #36) To browse the Internet.

Question: How do I go to any Web site in the World?

Answer: Type & Enter the address of Web site into an Address Box, like the Start Menu “RUN” choice,

for example!

The Lake Ozark Retirement Center address is:

www.anotketradition.com

The Paradise Computer Club’s address:

www.paradisecomputerclub.org

Don Crowley’s book – Windows Guide for You”:

www.members.cox.net/windowsguidexp

An Internet address is called a Uniform Resource Locator – shortened to “URL”.

µ Useful Internet Web addresses now appear daily in newspapers, magazines, TV, Radio and
links to Web pages within an Internet site like www.microsoft.com/vista

Slide # 37) E-mail adresses:

What e-mail addresses does one use to send an e-mail message to Barb Senter and send a copy to Don Crowley?

To: babsha@myway.com

Cc: donmarcrowley@charter.net

Ø E-mail Addresses must be letter perfect and without spaces.

Ø Like US mail – incorrect e-mail addresses will be returned.

Slide # 38) When composing e-mail – Write it as you would like to read it –
Short, sweet & simple!

1). TYPING THE MESSAGE IN ALL CAPS is shouting!

2). Spelling, punctuation and capitalization – You must do it right!
Avoid large paragraphs, too.

3). Avoid large file attachments as it takes recipient too long to open them.

4). Always fill in subject line and respond completely and promptly.
5) Watch your tone. Like – be nice!

6). Don’t believe everything that you read and don’t forward it to everyone.

7). Don’t repeatedly send jokes to anyone without first getting their permission.

8). Use “copy and paste” to select specific sections to put into a new message
to others.

9). Clean it up! Click “Forward” menu item if you want to edit original message
before sending it to others!

10). Stay plain, Jane: List “One person” in “TO” field! Use “CC” sparingly as it
crowds space for viewing text. Do use “BCC” as it does not crowd text
viewing area.

11. Please! Remember to be kind!! Write E-mail as you would like to read it!

Short, sweet & simple!

And to the point!

Slide #39) E-mail Example.

“Outlook Express” is Internet Explorer’s E-mail Program. For more Tutorial Tasks -
See tasks #49 to #57 of Chapter IV for more e-mail Tasks.