This document provides an introduction to basic computer skills, including the goals of introducing different computer parts and types, practicing keyboard and mouse use, and learning how to use common software programs and the internet. It discusses components like the CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Key topics that will be covered include using word processing programs, internet browsers, email, and how to sign into library computers. The overall aim is to prepare students to use computers independently for tasks like communication, research, photos, job searching, and more.

1. Computer Basics
An introductory course for those just
getting comfortable with computers

2. Goals for Today
 Introduce you to different types of computers
and the parts of computers
 Practice using the keyboard and mouse
 Introduce you to software – internet browsers
and word processing
 Learn how to sign in to use library computers
 Prepare you to practice computing on your
own!

3. What do you want to do on the
computer?
 Keep in touch with people using e-mail
 Type letters that you will mail using the USPS
 Find maps and make travel plans
 Manage your finances
 Save and arrange photos
 Search for jobs
 Shop
 Look up medical information
 And more….

4. Types of Computers
Desktop Laptop
(Handheld – iPhone, BlackBerry, etc)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhook/2830322349/)

5. Parts of the computer
CPU
Monitor
Mouse
Keyboard

6. Desktop

7. Software
 Also called computer programs
 Tells the computer how to perform a task
 Types of software
 Word processor
 Internet Browser
 And more…

8. “Driving” the Computer
To use any program, you will need to tell the
computer what to do using the keyboard and
mouse
 Type with the keyboard
 Point and click with the mouse

9. Get to Know the Mouse
• Your mouse drives the pointer on the screen
• Move the pointer to the item you want to click on. This is called
pointing.
• Press the left mouse button while holding the mouse very still.
This is called clicking.
– Click the LEFT button most of the time.
– Click ONCE most of the time.
 Time to practice!
http://monroe.lib.mi.us/computer_classes/mouse_exercise/mouse_exercise.htm
or http://tinyurl.com/5gwavo

10. Get to Know the Keyboard
Backspace
key
Delete
key
Arrow
keys
Space
bar
Enter
key
Image from Hennepin County Library

11. Get to Know the Keyboard
Page Up and
Page Down keys
Number
pad
Tab
key
Image from Hennepin County Library

12. How to Sign Into the Library
Computers

13. Using the Internet
 Many activities on the computer require the
Internet
 Looking up information
 Sending e-mail
 Using the library catalog from home
 Access the Internet using a browser such as
Internet Explorer or Firefox
 Websites have URLs (or addresses) – type in the
URL in the address bar at the top of the window
 Practice!

14. Creating an e-mail account
 Electronic mail allows you to send and
receive messages over the Internet
 What you need: computer with Internet
access
 Common e-mail providers are Yahoo,
Hotmail, and Google
 See a coach for more information

15. Review
We learned about
 Different kinds of computers
 Computer features
 How to use the keyboard and mouse
 Using the library computers
We discussed the following terms:
 Desktop
 Laptop
 Smartphone
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 CPU
 Icon
 Internet Browser
 Word Processor

16. Next Steps
 PRACTICE!
 The best way to get comfortable using
computers is to keep doing it!
 Check out books for more info:
 The First Week with My New PC
by Pamela Lessing (004.16 LES)
 Others in 004.16
 Ask a librarian for suggestions

17. Next Steps
 Visit the Computer Coaches
 Most hours that the library is open
Hours are subject to change. Please call
ahead to confirm: 714-842-4481 ext. 6
 Don’t forget that we’re here to help! Good
luck!