Computer Basics
Courtesy of Gail Borden Public Library
and the Public Library Association
Agenda
• Terminology & Descriptions
• Desktop Elements
• Starting Up & Shutting Down
• Creating, Saving, & Accessing Files
• Creating Folders & Renaming Files
Terminology & Descriptions
Computer
An electronic device for storing and processing data
based on a program or logic sequence involving
numbers and codes
Terminology & Descriptions
Desktop Computer
A computer with a separate monitor, processor, and
keyboard
Terminology & Descriptions
Laptop Computer
A portable computer that contains the monitor,
keyboard, and processor in one unit
Terminology & Descriptions
Monitor
The computer component that allows users to view
images
Terminology & Descriptions
Flash Drive
A pocket-sized data storage device used to save
electronic files
Terminology & Descriptions
Desktop
The primary display area on the computer screen
Terminology & Descriptions
Icon
A small graphical representation of a computer
program
Terminology & Descriptions
Window
An area of the screen
that displays information
for a specific program
independent of
other parts of
the screen
Terminology & Descriptions
Taskbar
A stationary strip of icons used to access frequently-
used programs like Internet browsers and Microsoft
products
Terminology & Descriptions
System Tray
A stationary taskbar that contains icons for system
functions like time, date, and audio volume
Terminology & Descriptions
Start Menu
The central launching point
for programs and tasks
on a Windows computer
Activity #1
Desktop Elements
Desktop = Home Base
Desktop Elements
Open a program in a new window
Desktop Elements
Close or minimize a program
Desktop Elements
Full Screen View
Desktop Elements
Window View
Desktop Elements
System Tray functions
Desktop Elements
Start menu
Desktop Elements
All Programs
Desktop Elements
Computer
Desktop Elements
Control Panel
Desktop Elements
Devices and Printers
Desktop Elements
Help and Support
Activity #2
Starting Up & Shutting Down
Manage Your
Computer’s Activity
Level with:
• Log Off
• Lock
• Restart
• Sleep
• Hibernate
• Shut Down
Activity #3
Creating, Saving, & Accessing Files
Click Start >Microsoft Word
2010
Creating, Saving, & Accessing Files
Blank Microsoft
Word
document
Creating, Saving, & Accessing Files
Click I am so excited to learn about computers!
the File
Tab
Creating, Saving, & Accessing Files
Click Save As
Creating, Saving, & Accessing Files
Click on
Desktop
Type the File
name
Click the Save
button
Creating, Saving, & Accessing Files
Double click on the file
icon to open a saved file
Activity #4
Creating Folders & Renaming Files
1. Right-click on the desktop
2. Move the mouse down to
New
3. Move the mouse over to
Folder
Creating Folders & Renaming Files
Type in the new
name
Creating Folders & Renaming Files
Click and drag to move a file into a
folder
Creating Folders & Renaming Files
To rename a file or folder:
1. Right-click on file or folder
2. Move the mouse down to
Rename
3. Type the new name
4. Press the Enter key
Activity #5
Questions?
THANK YOU FOR COMING!