OPERATE PERSONAL COMPUTER
NOTE
UNIT 1: START THE COMPUTER
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, trainees should be able to:
Check peripheral device connections
Follow Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards
Check input voltage
Switch on and off computer power correctly
Use input devices properly
Log into and log out of a computer system
1.1 Introduction to Computer
A computer is an electronic device that can:
Store data
Process information
Retrieve stored data
Produce useful output
Computers process large amounts of data quickly and accurately.
1.2 Checking Peripheral Device Connections
Peripheral devices are external hardware devices connected to a computer system that allow
users to interact with the computer.
Examples include:
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor
Printer
Scanner
Speakers
External storage devices
Before starting a computer, it is important to check that all peripheral devices are connected
properly.
Steps to Check Connections
1. Ensure the monitor cable is connected to the system unit.
2. Connect the keyboard and mouse to USB ports.
3. Verify that the printer cable is connected if printing is required.
4. Confirm that power cables are connected to a power source.
5. Check that the power outlet is functioning properly.
Proper connections ensure the computer operates correctly and help prevent equipment damage.
1.3 Computer Input and Output Devices
Input Devices
Input devices are hardware devices used to enter data and instructions into the computer.
Examples include:
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Microphone
Output Devices
Output devices display or present the results produced by the computer.
Examples include:
Monitor
Printer
Speakers
1.4 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) refers to policies, procedures, and practices designed
to protect workers from hazards and injuries while working with equipment.
The main purposes of OHS are:
Protect workers from injury
Maintain a safe working environment
Reduce accidents
Promote healthy work conditions
1.5 Categories of Hazards
Hazards are conditions that may cause injury, illness, or damage.
1 Biological Hazards
Biological hazards come from living organisms.
Examples include:
Viruses
Bacteria
Fungi
Insects
2 Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards involve exposure to harmful substances.
Examples include:
Dust
Toxic gases
Cleaning chemicals
Vapors
3 Physical Hazards
Physical hazards result from environmental conditions.
Examples include:
Slippery floors
Poor lighting
Excessive noise
Exposed electrical wires
4 Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic hazards occur due to poor workstation design or improper posture.
Examples include:
Improper chair height
Incorrect keyboard placement
Repetitive typing motions
Poor monitor positioning
1.6 Health Problems from Computer Use
Incorrect or for too long use of computer can cause several health problems.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
RSI occurs when the same movement is repeated frequently.
Symptoms include:
Wrist pain
Finger numbness
Hand discomfort
Back and Neck Pain
These problems occur due to poor sitting posture.
Eye Strain
Eye strain results from looking at computer screens for long periods.
Symptoms include:
Blurred vision
Headaches
Dry eyes
1.7 Safety Issues in ICT
Working with computers may involve several risks, such as:
Electrocution from faulty power supply
Tripping over loose cables
Heavy equipment falling
Fire risk from overloaded electrical sockets
Proper safety measures should always be followed.
1.8 Checking Input Voltage
Before starting the computer, users must check that the power supply voltage is correct.
This helps protect computer components from damage.
Users should ensure that:
Power supply is stable
Cables are securely connected
Electrical outlets function properly
Devices such as UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or Voltage Stabilizers may be used to
protect computers from power fluctuations.
1.9 Switching On the Computer
Steps for starting a computer:
1. Turn on the main power source.
2. Turn on the monitor.
3. Press the power button on the system unit.
4. Wait for the operating system to load.
1.10 Logging into the Computer
Some computers require authentication before access.
Users may need to enter:
Username
Password
After successful login, the desktop screen appears.
1.11 Shutting Down the Computer
Proper shutdown prevents system damage and protects files.
Steps:
1. Save all open files.
2. Close running programs.
3. Click the Start Menu.
4. Select Shut Down.
5. Wait for the computer to turn off completely.
UNIT 2: ACCESS BASIC SYSTEM
INFORMATION
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit trainees should be able to:
Access system information
Change system settings
Modify date and time
Use online help tools
2.1 System Information
System information displays technical details about the computer.
Examples include:
Operating system version
Processor type
Installed RAM
Computer name
System architecture (32-bit or 64-bit)
Users can access system information by:
1. Clicking Start
2. Typing System Information
3. Pressing Enter
Another method:
Open Run
Type msinfo32
2.2 Changing Display Settings
Display settings allow users to customize the screen.
Examples include:
Screen resolution
Display brightness
Desktop background
Screen saver
These settings improve comfort and visual clarity.
2.3 Changing Date and Time
Correct date and time are important for:
File organization
Email timestamps
System updates
Steps:
1. Right-click the time on the taskbar
2. Select Adjust Date/Time
3. Click Change
4. Enter the correct date and time
2.4 Using Online Help
Operating systems include built-in help tools that provide assistance when users encounter
problems.
Example:
Get Help application
Help systems provide:
Troubleshooting guides
Step-by-step instructions
Frequently asked questions
UNIT 3: NAVIGATE AND MANIPULATE
DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit trainees should be able to:
Create desktop icons
Customize desktop icons
Open and close programs
Manipulate application windows
3.1 Desktop
The desktop is the main screen interface that appears after logging into the computer.
It allows users to access programs, files, and system tools.
The desktop typically contains:
Icons
Taskbar
Start menu
Background image
3.2 Desktop Icons
Icons are small graphical symbols representing:
Files
Programs
Commands
Web pages
Examples include:
This PC
Documents
Recycle Bin
Network
3.3 File, Folder, and Shortcut
File
A file is a collection of related data stored on a storage device.
Examples:
Documents
Pictures
Videos
Programs
Folder
A folder is a container used to organize files and other folders.
Shortcut
A shortcut is a link pointing to a program, file, or folder.
Shortcuts usually have a small arrow symbol on the icon.
3.4 Taskbar
The taskbar is a horizontal bar located at the bottom of the desktop.
It displays:
Start button
Running applications
Notification area
System clock
3.5 Start Menu
The Start Menu allows users to:
Open programs
Access system settings
Open Control Panel
Shut down the computer
3.6 Window Controls
Application windows can be controlled using the following buttons:
Minimize – hides the window to the taskbar
Maximize – enlarges the window to full screen
Resize – changes window size
Close – exits the program
UNIT 4: ORGANIZE BASIC FOLDER
STRUCTURE AND FILES
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit trainees should be able to:
Create directories
Identify directory attributes
Move directories
Rename directories
Access directories and subdirectories
4.1 Directory (Folder)
A directory, also called a folder, is used to organize files in a hierarchical structure.
Folders can contain:
Files
Subfolders
Example structure:
Documents
├── School
├── Work
└── Personal
Subfolders allow users to organize large amounts of information efficiently.
4.2 Storage Devices
Storage devices store digital information.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
The main storage device inside a computer.
USB Flash Drive
Portable storage used to transfer files.
Optical Storage
Examples include:
CD
DVD
These devices allow users to store and move data between computers.
4.3 Folder Operations
Users can perform several operations on folders:
Create folders
Rename folders
Move folders
Delete folders
Copy folders
Open folders
These operations help organize files efficiently.
UNIT 5: ORGANIZE FILES FOR USER OR
ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit trainees should be able to:
Search files
Access file types
Copy files
Restore deleted files
Format disks
5.1 Searching Files
Operating systems allow users to search for files easily.
Users can search by:
File name
File type
Date modified
Keywords
Steps:
1. Click Start
2. Select Find
3. Choose Files or Folders
4. Enter file name
5.2 Copying Files
Copying files means creating a duplicate file in another location without removing the original
file.
Steps:
1. Right-click the file
2. Select Copy
3. Go to the destination folder
4. Click Paste
5.3 Recycle Bin
Deleted files are temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin.
Users can:
Restore deleted files
Permanently delete files
Empty the Recycle Bin
5.4 Formatting Disks
Formatting a disk means erasing all data from a storage device and preparing it for reuse.
Reasons for Formatting
Remove all files on the disk
Reuse the disk for new data
Remove viruses or corrupted files
Formatting prepares a storage device to store data.
During formatting:
Existing data is erased
A new file system is created
Steps:
1. Connect the external drive to the computer.
2. Open Windows Explorer.
3. Locate the drive under Computer or This PC.
4. Right-click the drive and select Format.
5. Choose the File System (e.g., NTFS or FAT).
6. Enter a Volume Label (drive name).
7. Click Start to begin formatting.
After formatting, the disk becomes empty and ready for use.
5.5 Formatting Using Command Line
Interface (CLI)
Formatting can also be done using Command Prompt.
The Command Line Interface (CLI) allows users to interact with the computer using text
commands instead of graphical icons.
Example: DOS command system
Basic DOS commands include:
Command Function
dir Display files
md Create directory
cd Change directory
rd Delete directory
copy Copy files
ren Rename files
del Delete files
Example steps:
1. Open Command Prompt (CMD).
2. Type diskpart.
3. Type list disk to display available drives.
4. Select the drive using
5. select disk (disk number)
6. Type clean to remove data.
7. Create partition:
8. create partition primary
9. Format the drive:
10. format fs=ntfs
This method is usually used for advanced disk management.
UNIT 6: INSTALL PRINTER
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit trainees should be able to:
Install printers
Set default printer
Print documents
Manage print jobs
6.1 Printer
A printer is an output device that produces a hard copy of digital documents.
Printers can print:
Text
Images
Photos
Printers are commonly used in offices, schools, and homes.
6.2 Types of Printers
Dot Matrix Printer
Uses impact printing technology where pins strike an ink ribbon.
Inkjet Printer
Sprays tiny droplets of ink onto paper.
Laser Printer
Uses laser technology and toner for fast, high-quality printing.
Multifunction Printer
Combines multiple devices such as:
Printer
Scanner
Copier
Fax machine
6.3 Installing Printer
Steps:
1. Connect the printer to the computer.
2. Install printer driver software.
3. Open Devices and Printers.
4. Click Add Printer.
5. Follow installation instructions.
6.4 Setting Default Printer
Steps:
1. Open Devices and Printers
2. Right-click the printer
3. Select Set as Default Printer
6.5 Managing Print Jobs
Users can manage printing tasks through the print queue.
Users can:
View print queue
Pause printing
Resume printing
Cancel print jobs