Learning the Functions of a Computer

This Blog is all about learning the functions of a computer and the basics of computing. This Blog is mainly targeted at the elderly community, who are willing to take time out and go through this simple and easy tutorial.

Information about the hardware most likely used by the user

Reference - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Parts-of-a-computer

 

If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware.

System unit

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU) which acts as the Brain of the computer.

 

 

Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse.

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.

 

Keyboard

A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:

The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used.

The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.

The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.

Monitor

A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.

Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print email, cards, invitations, announcements, and other materials. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.

Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Modem

To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable.

Cable Modem

 

When you first Boot your computer you will see the Desktop with icons and a background picture (For an example the one shown below). The desktop is also the main working space on your computer screen. You can also open windows on your desktop and browse the directories on your computer. Most operating systems allow you to choose your desktop background, which can either be a picture or a pattern.

 

 

Some basic functions that you are able to preform on the Desktop are:

• Changing Icon sizes
  
  • To change the icons size just right click anywhere on the desktop and select "View" once the Dropdown menu appears from there choose which size suits you from Large, Medium or Small.
    
• Changing the Background
  
  • Right-click anywhere on the desktop background and select "Personalize" from the dropdown menu. From there you can choose the background tab and add themes for your computer's interface.
    

    
     

  
   

How to send an em@il?

An email account is like your own post box on the internet. Each email account comes with an email address that typically has the format someone@somewhere. There are hundreds, if not thousands of free email service providers and choosing one can be sort of tricky. The best bet is to pick up an email account from one of the three leading providers - Google, Microsoft or Yahoo!

There are just three things you need to send an email to someone:

• The recipient's email address: you will not be able to send the email without one.
  
• The email subject: this is like a one line description of the contents. Putting a subject to your message is not a requirement though advisable.
  
• The message: again, not required, but why would you like to send a blank email to someone?
  

How to print something of a PC

With a already set up computer and printer connected it is easy to print something. The most basic way of printing is off Microsoft Word:

1. After opening a file that you would like to print…
   
2. Navigate your way to the Printers properties all done in the program (See picture).
   
3. After you have adjusted your printing properties just click "OK".
   

 

How to create a folder?

Create A New Folder

Folders are the basic organizational building blocks of any computer system. Without folders it would be virtually impossible to keep track of all the files that are found on even the smallest system. New folders can be created just about anywhere

All you have to do is right-click anywhere on an open area of the desktop. Select New and then click Folder. A new folder with the default name New Folder will be created on the desktop. Either accept the default name New Folder by hitting the enter key or type a new name for the folder and then hit enter on the keyboard.

 

How to search the internet

Searching the internet is a simple and fast process if you are searching through an "Engine Search" for example GOOGLE. Just open the internet viva you're Desktop and search Google.com in the address bar.

After doing so press enter and the web page will appear…

Now just type into the box the keywords you would like to search for and the search Engine will organize the most important WebPages to the least important using the key words.

 

How to design a browser

 

Designing a Brochure is made simple in the 2007 edition if Microsoft Office Publisher.

Microsoft has created a step-by-step guide on creating numerous types of publications including labels, letters and postcards.

Please follow the following steps on how to create a Boucher:

1. After opening the application, choose Boucher.
   
2. Then pick the overall design of your Boucher and double click on it.
   
3. To conclude there are options on the left most side of the screen, which include – Page Options, Colour Schemes and Front Schemes.
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Web Wise Online Course

These are the results of the 10 units on the web wise online course which is accessible on the following web address: http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/course/coursemenu.shtml

“Welcome”

The First Unit was about the course and the amount of units within it. It consisted of three quizzes each with five questions: “The Course”, “Net Health” and “The net”. The quizzes outlined how to complete the course, how to be positioned while using the computer and a brief outline of the net.

Quiz 1 – 4/5, Quiz 2 – 5/5 and Quiz 3 – 4/5

“Connecting”

The second unit explained what ISP is and the different Broad brands. It also clarified how to set up the internet and how to get online. It also explained the different ways of getting connected. This unit consisted of 3 quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 5/5, Quiz 2 – 4/5 and Quiz 3 – 5/5

“Browser”

The next unit summarized what to do within a browser and the different functions is consisted. The unit briefly explained what an address is and how to use it. Another part of the unit was about the different types of buttons. This unit also contained three quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 4/5, Quiz 2 – 5/5 and Quiz 3 – 5/5

“Browser Plus”

The fourth unit explained how to use the favourites feature of the browser. This unit also outlined how to save websites and how to save HTML only. The final part of the unit explains Plug-ins and how to use them. This unit consisted of three quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 5/5, Quiz 2 – 5/5 and Quiz 3 – 4/5

“Forms”

The next unit briefly explains how to fill out online forms. It also outlines how to register for online purposes and what kind of passwords and usernames to use. This unit only has two quizzes within it.

Quiz 1 – 5/5 and Quiz 2 – 4/5

“Search”

The sixth unit explains the basics of web browsing/searching. The unit provides a good understanding of what a search engines it used for and how to use it. Then it outlines how a search engine thinks and what words it ignores. This unit also only contains two quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 4/5 and Quiz 2 – 4/5

“E-mail”

The seventh unit explains who to use an Email and what an ISP is. It also outlines how to set up an email account. And lastly the unit illustrates the process of sending and receiving emails. This unit contains four quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 5/5, Quiz 2 – 4/5, Quiz 3 – 4/5 and Quiz 4 - 5/5

“E-mail Plus”

This unit consists of more in-depth information on Emails; the unit explains what an address book holds. The unit also explains what attachments are and how to use them. Then the last part of the unit illustrates what web mail is and how to access it. This unit consisted of three quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 5/5, Quiz 2 – 5/5 and Quiz 3 – 5/5

“Safety”

The ninth unit explained the dangers of harming your computer with viruses. The unit explained the different sorts of viruses and Trojans. The unit also outlined child safety and how not to give away on the internet. This unit contained only two quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 5/5 and Quiz 2 – 4/5

“Communities”

The tenth unit and also the last unit had information illustrating how to use message boards. And also the unit explained what chat rooms are and how to post messages on them. In addition the unit outlined what would happen when a message is posted off-topic on a message board. The last unit consisted of only two quizzes.

Quiz 1 – 5/5 and Quiz 2 – 4/5

Camera and battery care

Cleaning camera and lens

Take care when you are changing the lens because it is extremely easy to get dust in them. If there is a dark spot in all images them that must be dust on the sensor. You can find cleaning supplies from a lot of IT shops and also camera stores. Cleaning the sensor is a risky procedure. I recommend taking to a camera company service centre. Clean the out side of the camera with a wet cloth. Use a brush to clean the inside of the flaps that hold the memory.

The lens should only be clean if it is affecting the images. Take a soft brush like an artistic painting one and very gently swipe the lens. Fingerprints can be very harmful to the lens use a lens cleaning cloth put a drop of the cleaning water on the end of it and clean. Never drop the cleaning water directly on the lens. Using a circular motion to clean the surface of the lens and then easily use a cloth the same way to dry the surface. NEVER PRESS HARD ON THE LENS WHEN CLEANING!

Protecting camera from elements

Elements are weather and during bad climate conditions. The camera should never be used in very bad temperature. If possible do not leave the camera in the car if it is hot weather. Avoid storing the camera near radiators or in places that are hot. When it is cold it is a good idea to keep it warm. Do not change the from warm to cold imminently. While appalling weather removes the batteries, flash cards and any other inputs to the camera. This will prevent any further damage. Never place the camera near any kind of device with a magnetic field. Because they can corrupt the image data stored in the camera.

Storing your camera

Store cameras in cool, dry, well ventilated areas, and remove the batteries if they are to be stored for some time. A camera bag or case makes an excellent storage container to protect them from dust.

How to best preserve the battery

I always use batteries from the original maker. Remember after every time you use the camera put the batteries on the charge. Take the second battery from my case and put it in. And charging often is one of the keys to best preserving the batteries.

NEW

Chorus

I be Riding, Driving, Flying down the side road

Moving, Tweeting, Changing my area code

Airborne, determined, Destinfiyining in Risk mode

No holding back

Breezing with the wind, speeding with friends

Forget the rest, Passing K-Fed

Hitting 200 with no Remorse

Sliding downhill nothing left but the police force

Verse

I just can’t wait to Drive

Cruse and Jive

Alls I need is another Dime

Get a second hand Car

And go for a ride

Before I know it Ill be a TV star

I know it, you know it, everyone knows

Since a long time ago

You may break down and crash

Your heading for a car clash

You see your life pass in a flash

You would rather be in class

Its to much for you to surpass

Hear a skide mark

Come alive you must survive

Wake up, think, why did I take that test drive?

Verse

Sometimes it feels like lady lucks gone and there’s no more destiny

You see Master Shady croozin in a Phony friary

Try Killing Me I take your money and leave you in Poor City

Running like Crazy hold on anint anything Faster than a automobile

Quick Moving Pansy looking every where Crawling Closer personal appeal

In da Forest Hanging Chimpanzee Crash, Bash nothings left Snowing Disaster

I see the man Jay Z just joking logical thinking driven past a bicycle wheel

Trucking Nazi never Call him Poser he got a Property Master slipping on a banana peel

Driving

I just can’t wait to Drive

Cruse and Jive

Alls I need is another Dime

Get a second hand Car

And go for a ride

Before I know it Ill be a TV star

I know it, you know it, everyone knows

Since a long time ago

You may break down and crash

Your heading for a car clash

You see your life pass in a flash

You would rather be in class

Its to much for you to surpass

Hear a skide mark

Come alive you must survive

Wake up, think, why did I take that test drive?

Connect Hardware Peripherals

Timeline:
If this is your first time disconnecting and re-connecting the hardware then approximately it will take 20 mins.
If you have disconnected and re-connect these hardware before then it will take about 10 mins at most.

Disconnecting Peripherals
Step 1: Turn off all of the power points.
Step 2: Disconnect the mouse via the USB port follow the cord to the back of the tower and pull it out from there.
Step 3: Disconnect the keyboard via the USB port follow the cord to the back of the tower to the USB ports and pull it out from there.
Step 4: Disconnect the Monitor via the USB port follow the cord to the tower, also you will need to disconnect the power plug.
Step 5: Disconnect the Speakers power supply and disconnect the USB port follow the cord to the back of the tower.
Step 6: Disconnect the Printer from the USB port and power supply follow the cord.

Connecting Peripherals
Step 1: Connect the mouse via the USB port on the back of the tower where the USB ports are located.
Step 2: Connect the keyboard by the USB port on the back of the tower.
Step 3: Connect the Monitor via the USB port, connect the power and the wire running to the back of the tower then turn the power point on.
Step 4: Connect the Speakers power supply and connect the USB port.
Step 5: Connect the Printer with the USB port and power supply.
Step 6: Turn on all power points.

Testing Peripherals
Power-
To see if the powers working then just try turning the computer on if that doesn’t work then check that all the power cables are in the socket or not, then just try again.
Keyboard-Once the power is on then try typing something into a word document and see if it comes up on the monitor.
Printer-
First you will need to turn the printer on and see if it is plugged in. After you have turned it on then open up a word document and click the print button. Watch the printer to see if it prints or not (maybe open the printer queue on your computer to see your document preparing).
Mouse-
Drag the mouse to see if it moves on the computer screen.
Speakers-
First you will need to open a media player (Windows Media) then either try playing a song or video and check to see if the speakers are on and the volume is up. Also you might need to turn the volume on from your computer this may help.