Setting Up a Desktop Computer Guide
Setting Up a Desktop Computer Guide
WINDOWS 10
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MAJOR COMPONENTS NEEDED TO SET UP A STANDARD DESKTOP
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1. FIRST KNOW YOUR COMPUTER COMPONENTS/PARTS
BEFORE PROCEEDING
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1.2 THE MOUSE:
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1.4 THE MONITOR OR SCREEN
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2. KNOW HOW TO CONNECTION YOUR DESKTOP
COMPUTER
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2.1 Differences Between A Desktop and A Laptop Computer
Cannot store electrical current because it has Can store electrical current because it has a
no battery. Instead it uses direct current. battery
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Most modern desktop power supplies are equipped with automatic voltage switching or a
manual switch to adapt to the local voltage. Internally, the power supply converts AC
voltage to DC voltages (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, and 12V) required by the computer's components.
Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) matches the voltage in your region or use a voltage
adapter/Regulator if necessary.
STEP-1: Switch off the Power switch/Socket in the Wall that is connected from the main
Power Source closer to the area where you want to connect and operate with the
desktop computer
STEP -2: Connect an Extension to the switch/Socket in the Wall of the building.
STEP-3: Connect the two power supply cables needed for the system unit and the
Monitor/Screen into the holes of the extension.
STEP-4: Connect the power supply cables, one into the system unit and the other into the
monitor at the back of the system unit and the back bottom of the monitor.
STEP-5: Connect the Video Graphic Adaptor (VGA) or HDMI using both ends (The
Male VGA/HDMI), One end should be connected into the Female
VGA/HDMI at the back of the System unit in blue color and the other end
should be connected into the Female VGA/HDMI into the Monitor/Screen
always at the back bottom part in blue color also. (Blue to Blue).
STEP-6: Connect the Keyboard and Mouse Male Universal Serial Bus (USB)
in the Female USB ports at the back of the system unit or even at the
front if there are enough USB ports at the front of the system unit.
STEP-7 (optional): If you want to Use peripheral Devices like Printer, Webcam, Speaker,
Scanner etc. you can use the remaining USB ports to connect all these ones, or
the ports provided for that purpose e.g. like the Audio port for the speaker.
STEP-8: Return in step-1 Switch-On the socket in the wall connecting from the main power
supply.
STEP-9: Finally, Power on both the system unit and the monitor/screen, there is a
special button that has a Zero and number one (1) or dot at the middle of the
Zero (o) that is the power button, locate it and press it once to power on the,
computer.
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2.3 Symbols of the Mower Button
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3.2 LOCK THE COMPUTER
To lock your computer, click on the start button on the left side of the taskbar, then the power button
symbol, and then click on the word lock/sleep. The computer will automatically turn dark, but it is not off.
Or use the keyboard shortcut buttons WIN + L to lock it. To unlock again strike the spacebar key, or
press the power button once, the screen will light enter password before you can use the computer
again.
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that time, you may need to restart your computer. In addition, if you install or update a
new application in the computer, then there may be a need to restart your computer also.
To restart the computer, click on the start button, then click on the power button symbol,
then click on the word Restart. Or Shortcut is Ctrl + Alt + Delete. It will take some little
time. It will shoot off itself and come on again on its own. Do not touch or press any
key/button. After it has powered on, allow it for some seconds or a minute before start
using it, in this process it will be normal if it has no hardware or software problem.
NOTE: Do not shoot down the computer on the power button where you used to power it on. It
will damage the hard disk drive and some components. The computer will shoot down if you
use the power button to turn it off also, but you cannot press it once. Unless you continuously
or firmly press the power button before the computer goes off. In this process continuously of
firmly pressing the power button, you will also damage the power button. In the end, you cannot
use it again unless a computer hardware technician changes it for which will cost you money.
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1.
Let
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4.1 USING CORTANA
Cortana is an embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer helper that help to direct you in
anything in the computer that you don’t understand. You ask Cortana by either typing or making a
voice record the then Cortana will respond to you base on what whatever you ask her. You MUST
have Internet connected to your computer before you can have access to cortana
5. THE TASKBAR
Located at the bottom of the screen by default but can be moved to the sides or top.
Provides quick access to open apps, pinned programs, system notifications, and the Start menu.
Opens the Start menu for accessing installed programs, system settings, and search functionality.
2. Search Bar
Allows you to search for apps, files, or web results directly from the taskbar.
3. Task View
Displays all open windows and virtual desktops.
4. Shortcut: Win + Tab
5. Pinned Applications
Frequently used apps can be pinned for quick access by right clicking an app and selecting "Pin to
Taskbar".
6. System Tray
Located on the far-right, includes the clock, volume, network, and other background system icons.
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6. WORKING WITH VIRTUAL DESKTOPS
This shows all the desktops of the applications or program you have open when you click
on it.
Task: Create and switch between virtual desktops.
a) Open Task View by pressing Windows + Tab or clicking the Task View icon.
b) Click New Desktop to create a virtual desktop.
c) Drag open apps to the new desktop.
d) Switch between desktops by selecting them in Task View.
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7. MANAGING NOTIFICATIONS IN ACTION CENTER
Task: Access and clear notifications.
c) To uninstall, go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and click Uninstall.
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c) Move a file into the folder using drag-and-drop.
d) Use the search bar to find a specific file.
13. PERSONALIZATION
Task: Customize the desktop.
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13.2 Set Screen Saver
1. Press Win + S, type Screen Saver, and select Change screen saver.
2. In the Screen Saver Settings window:
1) Choose a screensaver from the drop-down menu (e.g.,
Blank, 3D Text, Photos, etc.).
2) Click Settings to customize the screensaver.
3) Set the Wait time (how long before the screensaver activates).
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13.3 Steps to Set Computer Time and Date in Windows 10
1. Set Time Automatically (Recommended)
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3. Sync Time with Internet (Alternative)
After making changes, restart your PC if needed. Let me know if you need more help!
14.1 Set the View By option to Category, Large Icons, or Small Icons
for better navigation.
Click on category in the small dropdown arrow, you will see these two options.
➢
Large Icons
➢
Small Icons
Then click on large icons to see al the embedded parts of the control panel.
ii. Click Manage Another Account and select Add a new user in PC settings.
iii. Follow the prompts to create a new account.
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14.4 Adjusting Display Settings
Task: Change screen resolution.
iii. Select a resolution from the drop-down menu and click Apply.
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iii. Select the drive and files to clean up, then click OK.
iii. To allow an app through the firewall, click Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Firewall.
14.11 Troubleshooting
Task: Use troubleshooting tools.
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14.15 Expandable to show hidden icons.
1. Action Centre
Accessed via the speech bubble icon. Displays notifications and quick settings like Wi-Fi,
brightness, and Bluetooth.
[Link]
Resize/Move the Taskbar
Drag the taskbar to the desired side of the screen or right-click it and unlock it first.
3. Auto-Hide
Right-click the taskbar > Taskbar settings > Enable Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop
mode.
4. Change Color
Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select your preferred taskbar color.
5. Pin/Unpin Items
Drag icons from the desktop or Start menu to the taskbar for pinning.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts
➢
Win + T: Cycle through taskbar items.
➢
Win + 1-9: Open pinned apps corresponding to their position.
➢
Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
7. Useful Tips
➢
Jump Lists: Right-click on a taskbar icon to access recently used files or tasks.
➢
Peek at Desktop: Hover over the far-right edge of the taskbar to see the desktop.
➢
Lock the Taskbar: Right-click and select "Lock the Taskbar" to prevent accidental
changes
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[Link] TYPING
Before one can start typing, he or she MUST understands the keyword. It
the input device that we used to type document into the computer. The
computer has an internal keyboard embedded in the operating system.
It also has an external keyboard that we frequently or purely used to
type document. Let dive into the keyboard.
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– 9 and special signs and punctuation marks such as ( ), +, %, !etc.
This device converts numbers, letters, and special characters that people
understand into electrical signals. These signals are sent to and
processed by the CPU. It is the most important input device.
TYPES OF KEYBOARDS
1. Standard keyboard
2. Enhanced keyboard
STANDARD KEYBOARD
This is a keyboard that has between 84 – 89 keys. It has 10
function keys and 4 arrow keys.
ENHANCED KEYBOARD
1. Multimedia keyboard.
2. Programming keyboard.
3. Cordless keyboard.
SECTIONS OF THE KEYBOARD
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The keyboard is divided into sections namely:
ALPHABETIC KEYS
These are keys with letters A-Z. The alphabetic keys are 26 in
number.
FUNCTION KEYS
These are the keys labelled F1 – F12 and are essentially used to
perform special functions on the computer. They serve
different purposes depending on which application is being
used. Function keys are used in conjunction with other keys.
ARROW KEYS
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SPECIAL KEYS
(a) Shift key (b) Control key (Ctrl) (c) Alternate key (Alt) (d)
Caps lock key (e) Enter key (f) Backspace key (g) Tab key
(h) Space bar key which is the longest key on the keyboard (i)
Insert key (j) Delete key, etc.
CONCLUSION
EVALUATION
READING ASSIGNMENT
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WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
OBJECTIVE
(a) Space bar key (b) Delete key () Enter key ( Shift Key
5. ………. keys are used to control the cursor. (a) Arrow (b)
Function (c) Alphabet
(d) Symbol
THEORY
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2b. List any THREE special keys on the keyboard.
ALT: This key can be used in combination with other keys e.g.
ALT + F4
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PRINT SCREEN: Copies the entire content of a computer screen
of the clipboard.
THE SPACE BAR: This is the longest key, and it is used for
producing spaces.
BACK SPACE KEY: This key deletes the character to the left.
EVALUATION
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1. Rollover Capability: The keyboard has rollover capability
i. e several keys can be pressed almost simultaneously and
they will be registered in sequence.
2. Auto-Repeat Capability: Most of the keys on the keyboard
have auto-repeat capability. When a key with this feature
is held down, it will repeat until it is release or another key
is pressed.
Uses of keyboard
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4. . …. key deletes the character to the left. (a) back space (b)
shift (c) home (d) Alt
• The keyboard features where several keys can be pressed
almost simultaneously and they will be registered in
sequence is called(a)page down (b) Auto repeat (c)
Rollover Capability (d) Ctrl +Alt Del
THEORY
2 Types of Keyboards
1. Flexible Keyboard
2. Mechanical Keyboard
3. Membrane Keyboard
4. Ergonomic Keyboard
5. Gaming Keyboard
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6. Wireless Keyboard
7. Multimedia Keyboard
8. Handheld Keyboard
9. Vertical Keyboard
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11. Projection Keyboard
A. Alphabetical Keys: These are the Capital letters that start from A to Z
found at the middle of the keyboard. Used to type words in the computer.
B. Numerical keys: These are the numbers that start from 1 and end in 0 at the
top second horizontal line in the keyboard. They can also be found at the right
part of desktop keyboard computer. Used to type numbers in the computer
C. Functions Keys: Found at the top first horizontal line of a keyboard. Start
from F1 to F12. Use in instilling operating system and for shortcut techniques
D. Action Key: These are key use to perform actions in the computer they are
located at both the left and right part of the computer. These keys include.
1) Spacebar: used to space one word to another
2) Shift Keys: They are two in number one at the left another at the right
used for shortcuts, writing characters and changing capital letters to
small letters or small letters to capital letters when firmly press.
3) Cap lock Key: Found in the left part of the keyboard use for
writing capital letters only or for shortcut purpose
4) Tab Key: Found in the left part of the keyboard above the cap
lock. Use for long distance spacing of words while typing, also
used in shortcuts
5) Control (Ctrl) Keys: Locate at the last bottom horizontal line in the
keyboard in the left and right part. Use for shortcuts purposes
6) Alternate (Alt) Keys: Locate at the last bottom horizontal line in
the keyboard in the left and right part. Use for shortcuts purposes
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7) Windows Key: Found in the left part of the keyboard. Used for
displaying all menus/Apps in the computer and for shortcut
purpose.
8) Backspace Key: Found at the right part of the keyboard
used to erased typed words while typing.
9) Delete key: use to delete highlighted words, files and apps.
10) Escape (Esc) Key: found at the left top first line of the
keyboard use to escape functions and to perform shortcuts
11) Enter: User to open start another line while typing also to
delete and open selected files and Application
12) Page Up (PgUp) and Page Down (PdDn): Both located at the
right parts of the keyboard page up is used to go to the upper page
and page down used to go to the lower page and for shortcuts.
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Open Quotation “ Close Quotation “ Question mark ?
Colon : Open Square [ Close Square ]
bracket bracket
Open Curly { Close Curly } Apostrophe ‘
Bracket Bracket
Greater than > Less than < Percent %
Forward slash / Backward slash \ Bar |
F: Cursor Movement Key: These are the four keys found at the bottom
right corner of the keyboard. We have the up, down, left and right key.
1) Up arrow Key (▲): Use to move the Cursor Up
2) Down arrow Key (▼): use to move the cursor down
3) Left arrow key (◄): Use to move the cursor left
4) Right arrow key (►): Used to move the cursor right
1. Go to the location where you want to create the folder (Desktop, File Explorer, etc.).
2. Right-click on an empty space.
3. Hover over New, then click Folder.
4. A new folder will appear—type a name and press Enter
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Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcut
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3. Choose a location and file name (e.g., [Link]).
4. Click Save.
[Link] IN WINDOW 10
In Windows 10, painting and drawing can be done using built-in apps like Microsoft Paint and
Paint 3D. It is used to draw images and for graphic design. Here's everything you need to know
about them:
MS Paint is a simple graphic editor that has been a part of Windows for many years. It
allows users to create, edit, and save images in formats like BMP, PNG, and JPEG.
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4) Resize, crop, and rotate images
5) Text tool to add captions
6) Supports saving images in multiple formats
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[Link] 3D
Paint 3D is an upgraded version of MS Paint with additional 3D modeling features. It allows
users to create both 2D and 3D drawings.
• Use MS Paint if you need a simple tool for quick sketches and image editing.
• Use Paint 3D if you want more advanced features, including 3D designs.
1) Launching Edge: Open Microsoft Edge from the Start Menu, Taskbar, or by searching for
"Edge" in Windows.
2) Setting as Default Browser: Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and set Microsoft Edge
as the default web browser.
3) Signing in with a Microsoft Account: Allows syncing of history, passwords,
bookmarks, and settings across devices.
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20.2 Basic Browsing Features
b) Vertical Tabs
➢
Switches tabs to a sidebar layout for better organization.
➢
Enable from the Tab Actions Menu (top-left corner).
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f) Tracking Prevention
➢
Blocks trackers for better privacy.
➢
Adjust settings in Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
g) Extensions
➢
Install Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons
Store.
b) Performance Enhancements
• Sleeping Tabs: Saves memory by putting inactive tabs to sleep.
• Efficiency Mode: Reduces power usage for laptops.
➢
Change Homepage: Go to Settings > Start, home, and new tabs.
➢
Dark Mode: Settings > Appearance > Choose Dark.
➢
Change Search Engine: Settings > Privacy, search, and
services > Scroll down to Address bar and search.
➢
Sign in with a Microsoft account to sync bookmarks, history, and
passwords between PC, mobile, and other devices.
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20.8. Troubleshooting & Help
➢
Clear Cache & Cookies: Settings > Privacy, search, and
services > Clear browsing data.
➢
Reset Edge: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to
their default values.
➢
Check for Updates: Settings > About Microsoft Edge.
1. Ctrl + C – Copy
2. Ctrl + X – Cut
3. Ctrl + V – Paste
4. Ctrl + Z – Undo
5. Ctrl + Y – Redo
6. Ctrl + A – Select all
7. Ctrl + P – Print
8. Ctrl + S – Save
9. Ctrl + N – Open a new window or document
10. Ctrl + O – Open a file
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31. Win + Left Arrow – Snap window to the left
32. Win + Right Arrow – Snap window to the right
33. Win + Up Arrow – Maximize window
34. Win + Down Arrow – Minimize window
35. Ctrl + Left Arrow – Move cursor one word to the left
36. Ctrl + Right Arrow – Move cursor one word to the right
37. Ctrl + Backspace – Delete the previous work
38. Ctrl + Delete – Delete the next word
39. Home – Move cursor to the beginning of a line
40. End – Move cursor to the end of a line
41. Ctrl + Home – Move to the top of a document
42. Ctrl + End – Move to the bottom of a document
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Research:
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