Introduction to
Computers
©2007 S.Estey

Purpose
 This class will show you the basic parts of
a computer and how to use it.
 In order to get the most out of this class,
you should already know how to use a
keyboard and a mouse.

Parts of a Computer
 A computer has two main types of
components – hardware and software.
 The parts of the computer that you can
physically touch and move are called
hardware.
 The programs that tell the computer what to
do are called software.

Getting Started: Out of the Box
 Create a place for the computer
 Power and Phone outlets, connectivity
 Specific area for Tower/CPU
 Unpacking
 Enough room to open all boxes
 Check your cables

Hardware
 The most common types of hardware are
 Monitor
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 System Unit
 Printer
 Speakers/headphones

Monitor
 The monitor displays the text and graphics
that are generated by the computer’s
software.
 Monitors come in different sizes and
types.

Eye Strain Prevention
 Place your monitor at a right angle from the
window.
 Use an anti-glare screen to cut down the
reflections.
 Place papers you're working from on a paper
holder about the same distance from your eyes
as the monitor.
 Occasionally look away from the monitor and
focus on a distant object for a few seconds to
give your eyes a rest.

Keyboard & Mouse
 The keyboard allows you to put information into
the computer.
 The keys are laid out like a typewriter, but there
are extra keys that have special functions.
 The mouse is a pointing device that allows you
to select and manipulate objects on the screen.

Printer & Speakers
 The printer prints the text and pictures that
are created using the computer.
 The speakers allow the user to hear the
sounds created by the computer.

System Unit
 The system unit, or tower, is the case that
holds the brains of the computer.
 The tower has several things inside:
 CPU
 Hard drive
 Disk drives
 Memory

CPU
 The CPU is the Central Processing Unit.
 This is the chip that actually runs the
computer. The CPU interprets the
software to tell the other hardware what to
do.

Hard Drive
 The hard drive is not removable from the
computer. It is the permanent storage
area for the computer.
 The hard drive is the computer's electronic
filing cabinet. It holds the operating
system, files, programs, and documents.

Disk Drives
 There are several different types of disk
drives. The most common are floppy and
CD-ROM drives. DVD drives are
becoming more common.
 Floppy drives are used for floppy disks that
store data and programs. Floppy disks are
portable and hold much less than a hard drive.
 CD-ROM drives are used to read CD-ROMs
and music CDs. CDs hold more information
than a floppy, but still less than the hard drive.

Memory
 There are two kinds of memory for a computer:
 RAM
 RAM is Random Access Memory. It is the working memory
of the computer. If the computer is turned off, this memory is
erased. Files are saved from RAM to the hard drive.
 ROM
 ROM is Read Only Memory. This is permanent memory that
stores essential software for the computer.

Software
 The operating system is the most
important piece of software for the
computer.
 There are many different types of software
available for computers.
 Software can also be called “programs”

Operating System
 The operating system is the main control
program of the computer.
 It schedules tasks, communicates with
hardware and peripherals and presents
the basic user interface.
 All other software on the computer must
communicate with the operating system.

Types of Software
 Word Processing  Database creation
 Presentation  Photo Editing
 Spreadsheet  Video Editing
 Internet Browser  Virus Checking
 Drawing  Specialty software

Library Software
 The library’s computers have limited
software.
 They have the following types:
 Word processing (Word®)
 Spreadsheet (Excel®)
 Presentation (PowerPoint®)
 Web browsing (Internet Explorer®)

Interfaces
 An interface is the way the user tells the
software what to do and how the computer
displays information and options to the
user.

Interfaces
 Originally, all computers had text-based
interfaces.
 A text-based interface means that the user
must type in all the commands. If you mis-
type, you have to backspace to your error,
which erases what you already typed.

Text interface
 This is an example of
a text interface. This
is a program called
Telnet. Every $ is a
prompt for a text
command.
 The commands are
case sensitive.

Graphical User Interfaces
 Graphical User Interface uses pictures to make it
easier for the user. It is more user friendly.
 The use of drop-down menus, windows, buttons,
and icons was first successfully marketed by
Apple on the Macintosh computer.
 Almost all Windows and Mac programs now use
a GUI.

Desktop
 The Windows desktop uses a graphical
user interface to make it easier to use.
 The desktop is the beginning screen for
the computer.
 You can access all of the programs on the
computer from this screen.

Icon Desktop
Start Taskbar Clock
button

Program Window
 Most program windows have very similar
features.
 Some programs have different toolbars
and menus.

Close
Title Bar Tool Bar Maximize/Resize
Minimize
Menu Bar
Internet
Explorer
Program
Window
Scroll Bar
Start Status Bar
Button Task Bar
Clock

Practice makes perfect!
 If you don’t practice your computer skills,
you will forget them.
 If you ever have any trouble while on a
computer at the library, please don’t
hesitate to let us know!

Practice time
 Now, follow the steps on your handout to
practice opening and closing programs
and resizing windows on the computer.
 If you have any questions, please feel free
to ask them now.