Beginner Computer Practical Notes (Modules 1–5)
With Step-by-Step Practical Guide
Module 1: Introduction to Computers
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Define a computer.
Identify the main parts of a computer.
Start and shut down a computer safely.
Learning Notes
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, stores it, and produces
information.
Main Parts of a Computer
Part Function
Monitor Displays information on the screen.
System Unit Contains the processor, memory, and storage devices.
Keyboard Used to enter text and commands.
Mouse Used to point, click, and select items.
Printer Produces hard copies of documents.
Practical Activity 1: Identify Computer Parts
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Stand in front of the computer.
2. Point at the monitor.
3. Identify the system unit.
4. Locate the keyboard.
5. Identify the mouse.
6. Identify the printer (if available).
7. Explain the function of each part.
Practical Activity 2: Turn on the computer
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Ensure all cables are connected.
2. Switch on the power source.
3. Press the power button on the monitor.
4. Press the power button on the system unit.
5. Wait for Windows to load.
6. If prompted, enter your password.
7. Wait until the desktop appears.
Practical Activity 3: Shut Down the Computer Properly
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Close all open programs.
2. Click the Start button.
3. Click the Power icon.
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4. Select Shut Down.
5. Wait until the computer switches off completely.
6. Turn off the monitor.
7. Switch off the power source if required.
Module 2: Using the Mouse
Learning Objectives
Learners should be able to:
Move the pointer.
Left-click.
Double-click.
Right-click.
Drag and drop.
Scroll.
Learning Notes
Mouse Actions
Action Purpose
Move Moves the pointer.
Left Click Selects an item.
Double Click Opens a file or program.
Right Click Opens a shortcut menu.
Drag and Drop Moves items.
Scroll Moves up and down pages.
Practical Activity 1: Open Recycle Bin
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Move the mouse pointer to the Recycle Bin icon.
2. Double-click the Recycle Bin.
3. Observe the contents.
4. Click the X button to close it.
Practical Activity 2: Create and Drag a Folder
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.
2. Select New.
3. Click Folder.
4. Type the name Practice Folder.
5. Press Enter.
6. Click and hold the folder.
7. Drag it to another location.
8. Release the mouse button.
Practical Activity 3: Right-click on the Desktop
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Move the mouse to an empty area on the desktop.
2. Press the right mouse button once.
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3. Observe the shortcut menu.
4. Click anywhere outside the menu to close it.
Module 3: Using the Keyboard
Learning Objectives
Learners should:
Identify keyboard sections.
Type text correctly.
Use common keyboard shortcuts.
Learning Notes
Main Keyboard Keys
Key Function
Letter Keys Type letters
Number Keys Type numbers
Function Keys Perform special tasks
Enter Starts a new line or confirms commands
Spacebar Inserts spaces
Backspace Deletes left character
Delete Deletes right character
Shift Types capital letters temporarily
Caps Lock Types all letters in uppercase
Common Keyboard Shortcuts
Shortcut Function
Ctrl + C Copy
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + X Cut
Ctrl + Z Undo
Ctrl + S Save
Practical Activity 1: Type a Paragraph
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Click Start.
2. Search for Notepad.
3. Open Notepad.
4. Type the following:
My name is ____________.
I am learning computer practical skills.
Computers make work easier and faster.
5. Press Enter where necessary.
Practical Activity 2: Practice Keyboard Shortcuts
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Highlight the paragraph.
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2. Press Ctrl + C.
3. Press Enter.
4. Press Ctrl + V.
5. Highlight one paragraph.
6. Press Ctrl + X.
7. Press Ctrl + V.
8. Press Ctrl + Z to undo.
9. Press Ctrl + S.
10. Save as Keyboard Practice.
Module 4: Windows Desktop
Learning Objectives
Learners should:
Identify Windows desktop components.
Open and close programs.
Switch between windows.
Learning Notes
Desktop Components
Component Purpose
Desktop Main workspace
Start Menu Opens programs and settings
Taskbar Shows running programs
Icons Shortcuts to files and applications
Practical Activity 1: Open Notepad
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Click Start.
2. Type Notepad.
3. Click Notepad.
4. Observe the window.
5. Close it using the X button.
Practical Activity 2: Pin an application
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Click Start.
2. Search for Notepad.
3. Right-click Notepad.
4. Select Pin to Taskbar.
5. Check whether it appears on the taskbar.
Practical Activity 3: Switch Between Windows
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open Notepad.
2. Open File Explorer.
3. Hold Alt.
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4. Press Tab once.
5. Continue pressing Tab to cycle through open programs.
6. Release Alt when the desired program is selected.
Module 5: File and Folder Management
Learning Objectives
Learners should:
Create folders.
Rename folders.
Copy files.
Move files.
Delete files.
Restore deleted files.
Copy files to a USB drive.
Learning Notes
File Management Skills
Creating folders
Renaming folders
Copying files
Moving files
Deleting files
Restoring deleted files
Using USB drives
Practical Activity 1: Create a Folder
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Desktop or Documents folder.
3. Right-click an empty space.
4. Select New → Folder.
5. Type your full name.
6. Press Enter.
Practical Activity 2: Save a Document
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open Notepad.
2. Type:
Welcome to my first computer practical lesson.
3. Click File.
4. Click Save As.
5. Open your folder.
6. Type the file name My First Document.
7. Click Save.
Practical Activity 3: Rename a Folder
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Right-click your folder.
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2. Select Rename.
3. Type a new name.
4. Press Enter.
Practical Activity 4: Copy a File
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select the document.
2. Press Ctrl + C.
3. Open another folder.
4. Press Ctrl + V.
Practical Activity 5: Move a File
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select the file.
2. Press Ctrl + X.
3. Open another folder.
4. Press Ctrl + V.
Practical Activity 6: Delete and Restore a File
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select the file.
2. Press the Delete key.
3. Open the Recycle Bin.
4. Right-click the deleted file.
5. Select Restore.
6. Confirm the file returns to its original location.
Practical Activity 7: Copy a File to a USB Drive
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Insert the USB flash drive into the computer.
2. Wait for Windows to detect the USB drive.
3. Open File Explorer.
4. Open the folder containing your document.
5. Select the document.
6. Press Ctrl + C.
7. Open the USB drive.
8. Press Ctrl + V.
9. Wait for the copy process to complete.
10. Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar.
11. Select your USB drive.
12. Wait for the "Safe to Remove Hardware" message.
13. Remove the USB drive.