The document provides an introduction to basic computer concepts for beginners, including: - Common programs like word processors, internet browsers, and games. - An explanation of windows, icons, menus, and the desktop interface. - How to use a mouse including clicking, dragging, scrolling, and double clicking. - Where to find programs, documents, and settings using the start menu and desktop. - Hands-on instructions for a practice session covering word processing, web browsing, documents, settings, and games.

1. What’s on Your Desktop? Computers for Beginners Presented by the Dixon Public Library on Jan. 16, 2007

3. Why do they call it Windows? You can have many windows open at the same time Hide them underneath each other or see them all at the same time 2

5. Desktop This is the “desktop” of your computer. To open a program use the left button on the mouse to double click on a picture (icon). When using a computer remember – if one mouse click doesn’t work, try two! 4

6. You can also click once on the “Start” button. Then click on “ All programs.” Here are all the programs loaded on the computer. Start Menu 5

7. You can find “ My documents,” “ My Computer,” and “Shut Down” from the start menu 6

8. Microsoft Word Word is a word processing/typing program. Think of it as a blank sheet of paper in a typewriter. Word gives you lots of tools to change your document. Just look at all the buttons. When you put the mouse cursor over the button it tells you what it does. 7

9. Internet Explorer The address box is where you type the address of the website you want to visit 8

10. My Documents THIS IS ONE PLACE TO SAVE YOUR DOCUMENTS IT IS LIKE PUTTING PAPERS INTO A MANILA FOLDER. NEW FOLDERS MAY BE ADDED AT ANY TIME FOR BETTER ORGANIZATION. 9

11. My Computer ALL THE DRIVES (places where things are stored) ON THE COMPUTER ARE LISTED UNDER “MY COMPUTER” DOUBLE CLICK ON THE DRIVE TO LIST THE FILES (things saved) ON THE DRIVE For example: if you use a floppy disk to save your documents, you can see what is on the disc by double clicking on this icon 10

12. Control Panel Using the control panel I changed the background picture on my computer to this island scene 11

13. Control panel from start menu Here are all the things Control Panel controls You can change the size and color of the letters and icons on your screen and the background picture with “Display.” To change background picture click on “Display” then click on “Desktop” – this will show you your options. Are you left-handed? You can change your mouse controls here if it is more comfortable for you. Click on “Mouse” then check the box “Switch Primary and Secondary Buttons” 12

14. Accessories Paint a drawing program 13

15. Solitaire and other games 14 Playing games is a fun way to improve your mouse skills

16. Adjusting the windows 2 “ X” will close the window “ -” will put the window down to the taskbar “ ” will expand or shrink the window size Adjusting the Windows 15 This is your “taskbar.” It shows all the windows that are open.

17. If you left click, and hold down the button, on the top (blue) part of the window, you can move your mouse and drag the window to another part of the screen. These two arrows let you scroll up and down the window Or click and hold on any side or corner of window then drag to make the window larger or smaller 16

18. Help go to Start Menu click on Help and Support 17

19. Remember to … Practice … Practice … Practice It’s the only way you will get better … at anything!! Don’t let it the computer get the best of you SMILE and be patient with it If you would like a free 30 minute tutorial, just you, me, and the computer, please call me to make an appointment. Jennifer 678-5447 **These handouts are also available for viewing at www.slideshare.net/Dixon Click on “Computers for Beginners” to open Powerpoint presentation.