Adult Education: Computer Coaching HBPL

1. Laptop Basics
An introductory course for those just
beginning to use laptops

2. Goals for Today
 Introduce some of the unique features of
laptops
 Understand the Windows 7 desktop and its
features
 Practice using the laptop keyboard and
touchpad
 Create and save documents
 Access the library’s wireless network
 Prepare you to practice using laptops on your
own!

3. Laptops vs. Desktops
 Portability
 Battery
 Risk of theft
 All the parts of the computer in one piece
(including speakers, USB ports, CD-ROM drives,
etc.)
 Wireless card
 Smaller keyboard
 Touchpad instead of mouse
 Price

4. Parts of a laptop
Monitor
Touchpad
CPU
(under the keyboard)
Keyboard
CD/DVD
drive, USB
ports, etc.

5. Windows 7 Desktop

6. Start
button
Windows
Explorer
Windows
Media
Player
Internet Explorer

7. Start button
Your Files
Popular
Programs
Search
Shut down
(log off, restart)

8. The Dock!
Desktop
icons
Place your most popular shortcuts
here. You can customize this, and
move it to other areas of the desktop

9. Taskbar
Action Center –
messages about
your PC Wireless Network
Volume &
Date/Time
More icons –
also option
to customize
taskbar Power – Remaining battery

10. “Driving” the Computer
You will need to tell the computer what to do using
the keyboard and touchpad
 Type with the keyboard
 Point and click with the touchpad

11. Get to Know the Touchpad
Your touchpad is like a mouse and drives the pointer on the screen
• By gliding your finger on the touchpad, move the pointer to
the item you want to click on. This is called pointing.
• Press the left mouse button OR tap on the touchpad This is
called clicking.
• To scroll on the touchpad, glide your finger along the right
side of the pad
You can always plug in a mouse if you don’t like the touchpad

12. Get to Know the Keyboard
Start
button
Delete &
more
Arrow
keys
Enter
key

13. How to Access a Wireless Network
Click on Wireless
Network for list of
available networks.
Click on desired
network (hblibrary).
Enter password if
prompted.

14. Create and save documents
 Doubleclick on Word icon to
open
 Click on Office button
 Click on New
 Create your document
 To save:
 Click on Office button
 Click on Save or Save As
 Select location for your file
 Name your file

15. Next Steps
 PRACTICE!
 The best way to get comfortable using computers is to
keep doing it!
 Visit the Computer Coaches
 Most hours that the library is open
Monday 1 – 9 Thursday 9 – 9
Tuesday 9 – 9 Friday 11 – 5
Wednesday 9 – 5, 7 – 9 Saturday 11 – 5
 Hours are subject to change. Please call ahead to
confirm: 714-842-4481
 Don’t forget that we’re here to help! Good luck!