This document provides an overview of intermediate computer skills, including: - Using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Alt+Del to manage programs and restart the computer. - Connecting and using external devices like printers, scanners, and storage drives. - Creating, organizing, moving, and deleting files on the computer and connected devices. - Installing, uninstalling, and updating programs on the computer. - Understanding the basics of Microsoft applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. - Protecting the computer from malware and unauthorized access through software and physical security measures.

1. Learning to do more with your computer.

2. Intermediate Computer Skills
 Ctrl+Alt+Del
 Using External Devices
 Creating, organizing and moving files
 Installing and uninstalling programs
 Running updates
 Understanding Microsoft Application Basics
 Protecting your computer

3. Ctrl + Alt + Del
 Opens Task Manager or Windows Securities
depending on the operating system
 Allows you to manage your computer if problems with
programs or malware arise.
 Safely restarts or shuts off your computer.
 Closes programs that are locked or are experiencing
problems without having to restart the entire
computer.
 Use Ctrl+Alt+Del instead of just turning off the
computer with the Power button.

4. Using External Devices
 Any component that is
used in conjunction
with the main
processing unit.
 Also referred to as
peripheral hardware
 Connects via USB cord
or wireless signal

5. Using External Devices
 When first connected, a device driver (software) is
installed on the computer, either manually or
automatically.
 If you are not prompted to install a driver or it does not
automatically download, they can usually be found via
the internet. Only download from trusted sites.
 Devices can be accessed via the Start menu, usually
from Computer or Devices and Printers.
 Drivers can be accessed via Start -> Control Panel ->
Programs or by searching drivers at the Start menu.

6. Using External Devices
Types of external devices:
 Removable storage (flash
drives, disk drives, iPod, etc.)
 Non-removable storage
(external hard drives)
 Input
(mouse, keyboard, touch
screen, scanner, etc.)
 Output
(monitor, speakers, TV, print
er)

7. Managing Files
 A File is a resource for storing
and sharing information and
is used in conjunction with a
Computer Program.
 Codes are used to determine
the file type.
 A list of common file types is
available at:
http://mistupid.com/comput
ers/filetypes.htm

8. Managing Files
 Common File types include
 Microsoft files: doc, ppt, xls, pub
 Audio files: mp3, wma, wva
 Picture files:
jpg, tiff, bmp, gif, png, pic, etc.
 Adobe files: pdf, ePub
 Video files: asf, avi, swf, mov
 Rich text files: rtf
 Html files: htm
 Compressed files: zip

9. Managing Files
 Files are created when info that has been entered into
a program or peripheral is saved either to the computer
or to a device.
 Some files are temporarily stored on the computer, and
will later disappear or become unavailable.
 The destination of the saved file and the file type are
determined when the file is created.
 Multiple file types can be created from the original.

10. Managing Files
 Each file type requires a specific kind of program to
read it.
 In some cases, files can be converted to allow for
program compatibility or to fit the intended use.
 Free file converters are available online:
 www.file-convert.com
 www.freefileconvert.com
 http://www.zamzar.com/

11. Managing Files
 Files can be moved, copied, and organized.
 To move a file, drag and drop it from one location to
another.
 To copy a file, right click the file and Copy, then paste it
to the desired location.
 To send a file to another location, right click the file and
Send to the desired destination.
 To create a folder, right click in the window and
New->Folder.
 To name your file, right click the file and Rename file.

12. Managing files
 Files can be deleted from devices and computers.
 Right click the file and Delete. If prompted, confirm by
clicking Yes.
 Files stored on a computer are sent to the recycle bin. To
permanently delete the file, you must delete it from the
recycle bin.
 Files on flash drives, etc., are permanently deleted.
 When files on a computer are deleted, they are
inaccessible, yet the info still technically exists until it
is overwritten with new information. This is where
computer forensics comes into play.

13. Managing Programs
 Computer Programs are a set of instructions provided
to a computer, which then executes the instructions.
 Computer Programs are made up of Source
Code, which are analyzed and developed by
programmers.
 There are two main types of programs
 System Software – operates and controls a computer
(i.e.: operating systems, drivers, utilities)
 Application Software (apps)– performs useful tasks (i.e.:
Microsoft office, media players, games)
 System Software is to necessary as Application Software
is to useful.

14. Managing Programs
 All programs written for
Windows can be found on your
computer via Start->Control
Panel -> Programs
 Programs can be obtained via
the internet or through disks.
 Only download programs from
trusted sources.
 Research new programs and
read reviews before
downloading.

15. Managing Programs
 Your computer comes equipped with a program to
manage installation.
 Prior to installing/purchase, you should check the
system requirements for compatibility (Start ->
Control Panel -> System and Security -> System).
 Usually you will be prompted to Install the
program, and then to Run the installation process.
 After installation, you may be asked to configure
program defaults, to verify product activation using a
license key, or to Finalize/Close.

16. Managing Programs
 Most common types of
installation processes:
 Attended – requires a user who
attends to the process and makes
choices.
 Silent – occurs without any
notification or windows.
Malware almost always installs
this way.
 Scheduled/Automated – runs
when scheduled (i.e.: updates) or
automatically (i.e.: device
drives).

17. Managing Programs
 You may uninstall programs if they are no longer used
or you want to free up space.
 To access programs written for Windows, go to Start ->
Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features
-> Uninstall
 If the program is not listed, see the creator’s
instructions or search the computer for the program
files via Start.
 Select the program, click Uninstall and follow
prompts.

18. Managing Programs
 Some programs provide the option to Change or Repair:
 Change will allow you uninstall portions of the program or set
program defaults.
 Repair will diagnose and attempt to fix problems with
corrupted programs.
 If a program is behaving badly or experiencing
problems, and Repair is not an option, you may try
uninstalling and reinstalling to correct the issue.
 Corruption occurs when unintended changes are made to
the program during one of the program’s various processes.

19. Updating
 Changes and enhancements
that are intended to make
programs run better and
defend against malware and
attacks.
 Can be done manually or
automatically.
 Available for operating
systems and software.

20. Updating
 Automatic: system
updates will install as they
become available.
 Start -> Control Panel ->
System and Security ->
Windows Update ->
Change Settings
 You can configure when
the updates take place.
You must be logged on to
your computer. Usually
requires a restart.

21. Updating
 Manual: updates that are
initiated directly by you.
 For Windows updates:
go to Start -> All
Programs -> Windows
Update -> Check
Computer for Updates
(install update software
if needed)
 Select updates to install
 Restart computer

22. Updating
 Programs: most often need
to be initiated by you or
through pop-up reminders.
 Program updates can
usually be found at the
company’s website. (i.e.:
Adobe products via
http://www.adobe.com/do
wnloads/updates.html)
 Utilize search engines to
find program updates, but
make sure you are using a
trusted source.

23. Microsoft Apps
 Most commonly used:
 WORD – Word processing
software
 EXCEL – Spreadsheet software
 POWER POINT –
Presentation software
 PUBLISHER – Publication
software

24. Microsoft Apps - Word
Use for writing reports, sending letters, creating resumes
printing labels and envelopes, mass mailings, etc…
 Home: Basic formatting such as font and size, text
alignment, automatic formatting, text color…
 Insert: Inserts new
pages, tables, pictures, links, footers &
headers, equations, symbols…
 Page Layout: Set themes, margins, page size, add
watermarks, change colors, insert columns…
 References: Add table of
contents, footnote, captions, endnotes, bibliography…

25. Microsoft Apps - Word
 Mailings: print envelopes, labels, and mail merge
(mass mailings created using excel spreadsheet).
 Review: check for errors, use the thesaurus, translate
text, make comments, protect document…
 View: change the page view via zoom, splitting
windows, view two pages at once…
 Acrobat: Convert files using Adobe…
 Windows button: Save, print, open, create new…

26. Microsoft Apps - Excel
Use for creating spreadsheets and analyzing numbers.
 Home: Basic formatting including text, merge cells, format
cells, define numbers, insert auto sum…
 Insert: Add tables, illustrations, charts, links and text…
 Page layout: Manage the layout of your information
 Formulas: Adds formulas to your spreadsheet that will
automatically configure data
 Data: Allows external information to be inserted into the
spreadsheet
 Review, View and Acrobat tabs are nearly identical to those
in Word.

27. Microsoft Apps - Publisher
Use for creating newsletters, brochures, signs, etc…
 Select the type of document you wish to create
(formatted styles are available.)
 The tabs are very similar to Word, except each part of
the document exists on it’s own. This allows for
layering and layout manipulation that is not possible
in Word.
 Click or double on specific elements (text
box, picture, table) to select the item, move the item
and make changes. Right click on the selected element
to access a menu of options specific to that item.

28. Microsoft Apps – Power Point
Use to create presentations and slide shows. Can
incorporate music, animations and more!
 Tabs are once again very similar to Word.
 A happy mix between Word and Publisher.
For Microsoft Office Online Tutorials visit
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/

29. Protecting Your Computer
 Hardware Security –
protection against physical
theft of a computer or
information on a computer
 Software Security – protection
against threats to the
computer’s operations and
programs
 Data Security – protection
against data theft and data
corruption

30. Protecting Your Computer
 Hardware Security Threat
 Information stored on your hard
drive is vulnerable to
physical/digital theft
 Info can be
stolen, misused, damaged or
destroyed
 If computer hardware is
disassembled, warranty coverage
will likely be voided
 When discarding computer or
wiping it clean, some info may
still be accessible to professionals

31. Protecting Your Computer
 Hardware Security Protection
 Keep your computer physically secure and under surveillance
and maybe invest in a locking system for your computer or
your drives. Specialized locks are available.
 Lock you house when you leave or keep your computer in a
safe during extended vacations. Use good passwords!
 When discarding an old computer, use a certified refurbisher
(a professional who will wipe your hard drives of all
information) or do it yourself using overwrite software. More
info is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/safely-
dispose-computers-and-devices.aspx

32. Protecting Your Computer
 Software Security Threat
 Denial of Service – disables use of a computer or a
service by flooding the network with too much
traffic, interrupt communication between devices, or to
disable use of a service (such as email) by the intended
user.
 Trojan Horse – malicious programs that are disguised to
be read as safe by the security software. Gives hackers
total access to the computer and/or network.
 Viruses and Worms – bad pieces of programming that
can infect and damage computer software and files. Can
replicate themselves.

33. Protecting Your Computer
 Software Security Threat (continued)
 Sniffing – the interception of information that is passed
between users (hacker eavesdropping)
 Spyware – malware that spies on user activity such as
searches and websites visited.
 Scareware – tries to scare the user into buying services
that are not needed, such as antivirus software
 Adware – produces a constant barrage of pop-up ads

34. Protecting Your Computer
 Software Security Protection
 Firewall – a filter used to prevent
malicious websites from gaining
access to your computer.
 Firewall settings can be adjusted in
Windows via Start -> Control Panel
-> Search: Firewall (upper right
hand corner) -> Windows Firewall
 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-
us/windows7/understanding-
windows-firewall-settings

35. Protecting Your Computer
 Software Security Protection
 Security Software – anti-virus
and security software will help
to protect your computer
 Only install one anti-virus
program otherwise they will create
problems and not work properly
 i.e.: Norton, McAfee and AVG Free
 Start -> All Programs -> Windows
Security Essentials to scan your
computer.

36. Protecting Your Computer
 Data Security Threat
 Hardware
malfunction results
in the loss of
important data and
files (luckily this
doesn’t happen
often.)

37. Protecting Your Computer
 Data Security Protection
 Backup your computer!
 Use an external hard drive to backup important files and a
full image copy of your system in the event of a crash or
complete hardware failure.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/back-up-
your-programs-system-settings-and-files
 Backup using Windows via Start -> Control Panel ->
System and Maintenance -> Backup and Restore
 Setup Backup if it is your first time using Windows Backup
 Backup Now to manually backup outside of a schedule

38. Protecting Your Computer
 Data Security Protection
(continued)
 Run security and software updates
regularly
 Save all tech support
documents, manuals, and discs
 Use Clean-up Software to get rid of
unused files and programs.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2
029460/panacea-or-pariah-five-
pc-cleanup-utilities-put-to-the-
test.html

39. This presentation can be found
online at:
Tiffany Hickox
Technical Services Librarian
thickox@cityofalliance.net