INTRO DUCTION TO COMPUTER

What is a Computer?

A Computer is an electronic device capable of accepting data as input processes the data with stored instruction and produces results as output.  It has the added capability of storing the processed information, which could be retrieved when required for future reference.  Computer as an electronic beast is a terrible ignorant machine which knows little about outside world.  Computer works according to instruction given to it to perform a given task.

OUTPUT DEVICE

PROCESSOR

INPUT DEVICE

i.e.   

 

         Data                                      Processing                                    Information

         (Raw material)                                                                           (Desired results)

Data

Data can be in the form of raw facts and figures and applying the prescribed instructions in the computer to produce the desire result.

Information

Information is processed data, which is useful to the one who has the background knowledge.  That is to use the information to achieve a goal or to take a decision.  Information can therefore be described as what comes out of the computer after the processing.

NB:  Data and information are not the same and must not be used interchangeably.

You use computers in education and research. You also use them for broadcasting news, receiving and sending messages to family and friends, making presentations, maintaining official and personal records, making weather forecasts, and for various other business and recreation activities. By using computers, you save a lot of time, effort, and money.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Computers can be classified into three main types:

·      Mainframe

·      Mini Computer

·      Micro Computer  or Personal Computers (PC)

Classification of Computers

       

            Main Frame/Super Frame     Mini Computer        Micro Computer (PC)      

Mainframe computers were the first computers to be manufactured. They were very big electronic machine mainly used by government and big companies and they were centralized.  This led to the manufacture of Mini Computers which gave opportunity to some organization such as manufacturing companies to get access to computers but these were also centralized.  All these computers were run by expertise.

With time people realized that computers are very useful devices which can be used by every organization and individuals, this led to the manufacturing of Microcomputer.  Microcomputers also known as Personal Computers (PC) are the small computers we see in our offices, schools and homes today.

They are used in teaching school curricular and in homes they are used to store recipes, prepare budget and entertain the family.

Types of Micro / Personal Computers

Different types of computers are available on the market today. The most common computer is the Personal Computer (PC), typically used by individuals and small businesses.  A personal computer is a computer that is designed for use by one person at a time.  A personal computer is used in the workplace to create documents, manage business records, and communicate with others.  It is used in schools to teach lessons, research over the Internet, and work on assignments. You can also use a personal computer to play games, view videos, and listen to music.  Depending on the size and the purpose of a personal computer, it can be categorized into four different types: desktop, laptop, handheld, and tablet.

You select a computer depending on the tasks that you want it to perform. For example, if you want to use the computer to edit photos or play complex games, you need a computer with a fast CPU and a good display adapter.

Type of Computer	Features
Desktop Computers	Desktop computers are made up of individual components, such as a monitor, a keyboard, a system unit, and a printer. Desktop computers are not portable and are generally placed on the surface of a desk or a table. The components of desktop computers can easily be replaced or upgraded. Desktop computers usually have more memory, a larger hard drive, more ports, and a bigger display than laptops and other portable computers. Desktop computers can run continuously for long periods of time.

Type of Computer	Features
Laptop Computers	Laptop computers are lightweight personal computers. Laptop computers are smaller in size as compared to a desktop computer and are designed for travel. Laptop computers are also called notebook computers. The main feature of laptop computers is that they are small and portable. As the name suggests, these can easily be placed on the lap of a user. Desktop computers run on electricity only, while laptop computers run on electricity or on batteries that can be recharged. However, laptop computers consume more power than desktop computers with a similar hardware setup. Laptop computers perform the same tasks as desktop computers, but laptop computers generally cost more than desktop computers.
Palmtop Computers	Handheld computers are devices used for specific everyday tasks, such as managing personal data. These are smaller than laptops and provide fewer features compared to desktop computers or laptops. These can also perform basic word-processing activities and help you access the Internet. Several handheld computer models can also work as cellular phones or digital cameras.
Tablet Computers	Tablet computers are fully functional computers that allow you to write directly on the screen by using a tablet pen. You can also use the tablet pen to perform mouse functions. Tablet computers, therefore, do not need a keyboard and a mouse.

COMPUTER COMPONENTS

There are 2 main components of computer. These are:

1.      Hardware

2.      Software

Hardware

Hardware is the physical component of a computer.  The basic hardware components of a computer are the Monitor, System Unit, Mouse and the Keyboard.  The Speakers and Printer are added peripherals.

Software is a series of coded instruction given to the computer to perform its activities.  Software is placed on hardware.  Software is made up of two:

1.      System Software

2.      Application Software.

System Software:      System software is the software that contributes to the control and performance of the computer system.  The System software is also referred to as an Operating System.  Examples of system software are Disk Operating System (DOS), Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows NT, and Novell Net Ware, Unix, Linux etc.

Operating System:     The Operating System is the basic type of software that acts as a platform and supervisor for other applications. The operating system provides an interface between the user or application programmes and Hardware itself to control and manage the operation of the computer. The process of loading the operating system to prepare the computer for use is known as Booting the computer.   

Application Software:           Application software is the programme installed on the PC to help the user carry on his or her activities.  Some programs allow you to perform tasks such as writing letters, doing calculations, or sending e-mail messages etc.  Examples of Application software can be categorized into the following.  Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Desktop Publishing etc. 

WORD PROCESSING

This type of software is mainly used for text processing such as typing of letters, memos, reports etc.  Some current versions such as MS Word 2003 / XP have the capacity to handle some sophisticated macro development and graphics. Some of the Word processing programmes are Microsoft Word, Word Perfect etc.

SPREADSHEET

Spreadsheet is mainly used for numerical manipulation and computation. They are useful in such areas as preparation of budgets, forecast, invoices etc. examples are Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, Symphony etc.

DATABASE

They are mainly used for voluminous records keeping. Database are use by organisation that use large volume of records, such as preparation of employee record, inventories, telephone Directory, stores etc. Examples are DBASE IV, FoxPro, Visual Basic, MS Access etc.

DESKTOP PUBLISHING

They are useful for designing, Drawing, Text and Graphics, such as Calendar, Business Card, Certificate, letterheads etc. Examples are CorelDraw, Page Maker,

MS-Publisher etc.

Microsoft Office Programmes such as MS-Word,  MS- Power Point, MS-Excel, MS-Publisher and MS-Access are the most commonly used application software.   

COMPUTER DEVICES

Computer has 3 main devices

·         Input Unit

·         System Unit

·         Output Unit

Part	Description
Input Devices	You use input devices to provide information to a computer, such as typing a letter or giving instructions to a computer to perform a task. Some examples of input devices are described in the following list. ·            Mouse: A device that you use to interact with items displayed on the computer screen. A standard mouse has a left and a right button. You use the left button to select items and provide instructions by clicking an active area on the screen. You use the right button to display commonly used menu items on the screen. ·            Keyboard: A set of keys that resembles a typewriter keyboard. You use the keyboard to type text, such as letters or numbers into the computer. ·            Microphone: A device that you can use to talk to people in different parts of the world. You can record sound into the computer by using a microphone. You can also use a microphone to record your speech and let the computer convert it into text. ·            Scanner: A device that is similar to a photocopy machine. You can use this device to transfer an exact copy of a photograph or document into a computer. A scanner reads the page and translates it into a digital format, which a computer can read. For example, you can scan photographs of your family using a scanner. ·            Webcam: A device that is similar to a video camera. It allows you to capture and send the live pictures to the other user. For example, a webcam allows your friends and family to see you when communicating with them.

SYSTEM UNIT

The System Unit is a metal or plastic box, which contains the CPU (processor), memory, disk drive(s), motherboard, power supply etc.

Central Processing Unit (CPU):  This is where data received is processed using stored instructions.  It is also referred to as the main brain of the computer.  Arithmetic and logical and computation takes place here. The control unit acts as an instructor to other functions.

Memory: It is the temporary storage unit of information of the computer.  It is divided into 2 parts.  These are the RAM and the ROM.

RAM (Random Access Memory): This is where the information is stored temporally.  It is a temporary memory location of work area.  Data stored in the RAM can be lost in case of power cut. You write to and read from RAM.

ROM (Read Only Memory):  This is where data is stored permanently - information stored here cannot be changed. You only read from but cannot write to ROM.

Storage Device: This is the external unit of information.  It provides mass storage unit for data and information within the computer system.  It is the permanent storage of information. 

Storage Devices

You use storage devices to store computer information. Storage devices come in many forms. Some examples are hard drive or disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, and DVD-ROM.  Storage devices can be divided into two types, internal storage devices and external storage devices. Some common storage devices are described in the following list. ·      Hard Disk: A magnetic disk that is usually the main storage device on most computers. It can be an external or an internal device. ·      Floppy Disk: A portable storage device that allows you to store a small amount of data. A disadvantage of this disk is that it can be easily damaged by heat, dust, or magnetic fields. ·      CD-ROM: A portable storage medium that allows you to store 400 times more data than on a floppy disk. It is less prone to damage than a floppy disk. ·      DVD-ROM: A portable storage medium that is similar to a CD-ROM; however, it can store larger amounts of data than a floppy disk or a CD-ROM. A DVD-ROM is commonly used to store movies and videos. ·      Zip Drives: These are also magnetic medium used for storing large volume of data. ·      Flash Disk / Pen Drive: This is a magnetic disk which looks like a pen used for storing data.

OUTPUT DEVICES:    These are devices where the information is passed from the PC to the user.  e.g. Visual Display Unit (monitor),  printers,  modems, speakers etc.

Output Devices

You use output devices to get feedback from a computer after it performs a task. Some examples of output devices are described in the following list. ·             Monitor: A device that is similar to a television. It is used to display information, such as text and graphics, on the computer. ·             Printer: A device that you use to transfer text and images from a computer to a paper or to another medium, such as a transparency film. You can use a printer to create a paper copy of whatever you see on your monitor. ·             Speaker/Headphone: Devices that allow you to hear sounds. Speakers may either be external or built into the computer.

DRIVES

This is where an auxiliary storage medium is inserted to be stored or read from.  The hard drive usually denotes letter C and the floppy drive denotes letter A and B.  If the PC has physical floppy drives one of them will assume letter A and the other B.  The CD drive denotes letter D or E.

Naming a File

Information stored on the PC are put in files and these files are given a unique name to distinguish one file from the other and it is called a file-name.  In MS DOS and the old versions of windows, a file name should not exceed 11 characters.  8 characters for file-name and 3 characters for extension e.g. BISMARCK.DOC, BISMARCK is the file name and DOC is file extension.  A file name can be alphabets (A-Z) or numbers (0-9) or the combination of alphabets and numbers called Alphanumeric.  A file-name should not Include wild characters or wild cards like (*, \, /,>, <,?)

UNIT OF MEASUREMENT

The information stored in the computer is internally represented in the form of 0s and 1s.  Each 0 or 1 is called a bit.  A combination of eight bits is called a byte.  The following table explains the various terms used to measure storage or memory capacity.

Bit:        A bit is the smallest unit of information that a computer handles. A single bit can hold only one of two values, 0 or 1.  One of the two values is always present.  A single bit conveys little meaningful information. However, you can obtain more meaningful information by combining consecutive bits into larger units.

8 bits                           -           1 byte

1024 bytes                   -           1 Kilobytes (KB)

1024 Kilobytes            -           1 Megabyte (MB)

1024 Megabytes          -           1 Gigabyte (GB)

1024 Gigabytes           -           1 Terabytes (TB)

Computer Performance

Whether you use your computer for business or for personal use, it is important that your computer performs efficiently. However, performance does not depend on a single factor. The following table lists some of the important factors that affect the overall performance of the computer.

Factor	Description
CPU Speed	The CPU is the brain of the computer and its speed is an important factor that affects the overall performance of the computer. The CPU speed is the rate at which the CPU can perform a task, such as moving data to and from RAM, or performing a numerical calculation. If you have two computers that are identical except for the CPU speed, the computer with the faster CPU completes a task more quickly.
Hard Disk Factors	Hard disks differ in storage capacities as well as their speed of data storage and retrieval. If the speed of data retrieval is fast, the computer takes less time to start and to load programs. Additionally, the speed and size of the hard disk play an important role when a program needs to process large volumes of data.
RAM	RAM is the active memory of the computer. The speed of retrieving data stored on RAM is very fast and for this reason the computer uses it to store the information that is currently in use.   If the amount of RAM is large enough to hold all of the information in use, this can result in faster computer performance.  The RAM speed and the amount of RAM are important factors in personal computer performance. When there is not enough RAM in a computer, the computer slows down or fails to function properly.

NET WORKING

It is the connection of 2 or more computers so that users can share files, data, printers and other peripherals. 

Consider a scenario where an organization has 10 employees. These employees use computers to perform daily tasks. They also need print data frequently. Instead of giving each employee a printer, which would be expensive, all computers can be connected to a single printer.

You can connect your computer to other computers to share information and hardware components. A group of computers and associated devices that are linked together to facilitate sharing information is called a network. Networks can also be used to share data and devices such as printers.

A network offers many advantages for the computer connected to it. In addition to sharing hardware and software, you can share files and communicate with other computer users on the network. A typical network has the following three components:

Server: The main computer on a network that provides services to other computers on the network. A server decides which computers are allowed to access the hardware and software on the network.

Workstation: A computer connected to a network. You use a workstation to access the hardware and software on a network.

Communication channel: A path or link that connects computers or peripheral devices, such as printers and disk drives, to transfer information. Cables are commonly used as communication channels in a network, but networks can also transfer information through wireless connections.

A network expands as more workstations and servers are connected to it. Depending upon the area covered, a network can be categorized as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

Types of Network	Feature
LAN	A LAN connects devices within a limited area, such as a home or a small group of offices. It commonly includes computers and shared resources such as printers and scanners.
WAN	A WAN is a network that connects devices in geographically separated areas. You can use the resources of a WAN to connect two or more LANs by using long wires, optical cables, and satellites. Many organizations use a WAN to connect their networks across different countries. The Internet is an example of a WAN.

INTERNET

The Internet is a worldwide collection of public networks that are linked to each other for information exchange. The Internet started as a network to facilitate communication between government and educational departments in the United States.

When other networks were connected to this network, it became a vast medium for exchanging information and ideas.  Today, the Internet connects many commercial, government, and educational networks, as well as individual computers, which share data.  The Internet offers a range of services to its users, such as file transfers between Internet users and electronic mail for sending messages.

The World Wide Web (WWW), or the Web, is another service that the Internet provides.  The Web includes specially formatted documents that are interlinked and stored on servers around the world.

You can use the Internet and its services to send messages to other Internet users, search and apply for jobs, watch movies, and buy and sell products.  Many organizations use a special type of network to communicate and share information within the organization. Such a network is called an intranet.

An intranet is similar to the Web but is accessible only to authorized users of the organization.  An intranet is much smaller than the Internet and can provide services such as document distribution, software distribution, access to databases, and training.                                                                              

Computer virus

Computer program designed to destroy or halt operation on computer systems by copying itself into files and executing when those files are used. Virus is transmitted through the floppy disk. They cause a lot of harm to both software and hardware.

Protect your computer against virus 

• Write protects all diskettes containing system files or program codes.
• Do not copy program files from PC to PC.
• Discourage outsiders using their diskettes on your PC

Anti virus programs are used to clear virus, repair damage files and to monitor the computer for occurrences of any new virus. Some of anti virus programs are Norton utilities and Anti virus, Sophos Anti virus, McAfee Antivirus.  

Handling diskettes

To reduce the chance of damaging diskettes do not:

1. Expose the diskette to direct sunlight.
2. Touch the disk surface with any object not even with your finger or     handkerchief.
3. Bend your diskette
4. Bring it nears a magnetic field.

Caring for diskettes

Write protecting diskette: when you write protect a disk it means that information can be read from it but cannot be written onto it. This helps to prevent formatting a diskette by mistake or accidentally writing information on it.

3.5inch diskette: This contains a write protect window in the lower corner.  When the window is open writing on it is impossible and you cannot change any information on it. If you close the window by the sliding the plastic tab shut, you can write information on the diskette.

       Write protect window

Backup

Backup is a very important aspect of computer management. While most operating systems such as MS-DOS has available backup routines these are not good enough .

Other software companies have developed backup software.the main features of backup software are high speed, flexibility to restore all files even if a few of the backup files become damaged and compression capabilities to make it economical to backup the ever increasing disk sizes. Some of the widely used backup software include PC Tools, Fastback and Utilities, 

Backup Utilities :

Packages used to make copies of program and data files from the hard disk to tapes and diskettes.They have highspeed and can restore all files even if some backup files get damaged. 

Hardware Protection 

 The computer’s hardware must be protected from dust, heat, moisture and anything that can cause damage to the computer.  Certain items must be use to protect the hardware, they are Dust covers, Screen filters, Fans, Air -conditioners and good electrical cables.

Windows Basics

Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft Cooperation of USA.   It is one of the new and widely used operating systems in the world.  Windows operating system is very exciting to use because it offers some useful features.

·         It is multitasking - allowing many programs to be used simultaneously.

·         It allows the use of long file names with spaces embedded within.

·         It has improved games and multimedia support.

·         Using Microsoft exchange you can view and work with all types of electronic communication including E-mail and faxes.

·         It offers an easy to use and affordable online service to communicate with people worldwide, by using e-mail, bulletin boards and the Internet.

                      

When you boot your computer using the Windows operating system, the work area displayed is called the Desktop. The desktop consists of the Start button, Shortcut icons and the Taskbar.

The Start Button: is one of the most important controls in Window’s .You use the start button to access essential Window’s functions, programs, and documents.  To use a program you must first start it.  With Windows you start a program by clicking the start button.  The start button displays a menu from which you can make a selection.  A typical windows menu option is listed in a table, commands and their meaning.

The Task Bar is a rectangular area usually located across the bottom of the screen.  The taskbar shows the names of all opened windows one is working with in addition to the start button.    

Basic Mouse techniques

Mouse Pointer:     It is a small object that moves on the screen when you move the mouse. The pointer is usually shaped like an arrow.  As you move the mouse on a flat surface the pointer moves in that direction corresponding to the movement of the mouse.

Point:    Placing the mouse pointer on an item.

Left click:    Pointing to an item and pressing the left mouse button it.

Right click: Pointing to an item and pressing the right mouse button.

Drag: Pointing to an item and moving to a new location by holding down the left

mouse button and releasing it only at the new destination.

Double click: Clicking the mouse button twice in rapid succession.  Note it should be fast.

Desktop: Your work-space in the Windows environment.      

                            

Icon:   A small graphical image of a file or folder designed to represent an application.

To start an application or file using the Icon, double click the left mouse button.  They

can also be defined as a small picture that represents objects such as “My computer”,

Network Neighborhood.

Command

What it does

Programs My Recent Documents Find/Search          Help/Support           Setting Run Shut Down/ Turn off

Displays a list of programs you can use. E.g. Ms-word. Displays a list of 15 the last documents that you’ve opened. Enables you to find a file, folder, a mail message or a shared computer in a network. Starts help. You can then use help contents, index or other tabs find out how to do a task in windows. Displays a list of system components which you can change settings. Starts a program or opens a folder when you type an MS-DOS command. Shuts down or restart your computer.

Starting a Program

You use the start button to start any program.

• Click the start button and point to programs/all programmes
• Point to the folder that contains the program and click on the program name. e.g. Microsoft Word.

A program can also be started by double-clicking its shortcut icon on the desktop.

Maximum button

A Typical Window

 

                                    Menu bar                      Tool bar       Minimize button    Control menu box

                                                                                                                                                                                       

 Title bar: displays the title of program being used.   However if a document is opened its name will displayed with the program name on this bar.

Menu bar: displays menu items that are typically commands used for various purposes / functions within a particular program.

Tool bar: contains buttons that serve as shortcuts to the commands listed in the menu.

Close button (X button): it is used to close / quit a window

Control menu box: it is used to control the size of the window close.

Minimize button: it is used to make window smaller or shrink so that only the button is visible on the taskbar.

Maximize button: it is used to make the window size bigger such that it fills the entire desktop.

 Restore button: restore the size of a window that has been minimized.

Scroll arrows: to move up and down or left to right through a document.

Creating a file/document

• Start the program you will use to create your document.
• Select new from the file menu, a blank page is opened for you to do your work.

Saving a file/document

·         Click file menu.

• Select Save  (if it’s the first time you are saving)
• A dialog box appears, you select the drive to save the document on and type the filename.
• Then click the save button.

Or select save if you are saving changes made to an existing document.

Click here to select drive

 

                                         

Closing a document/file

Select close from the file menu or click the close button on the document window.

Opening a document/file

There are several ways of opening documents in windows.

·         Open the document in the program you used to create it.

·         Using the Documents command on the start menu

·         Using the Find command to locate the document.

Opening the document within a Program.

·           Start the program.

·           Click open on the file menu.

·           In the look-in dialog box select the drive/folder that contains the file.

·           Click the folder/drive and scroll through the list to find your document/filename.

·           Select your document and click the open button.

To open a document using the Document command.

·         Click the start button and point to documents.

·         Scroll through and click the document you want to open.

The document opens and it’s button appears on the taskbar.

Creating a short cut to programs on the desktop

To make working with Windows easier and enjoyable you can create shortcuts to your most frequently used programs on the desktop.

·         Right click the desktop

·         Select new from the pop up menu.

·         Select folder containing the program.

·         Select the program.

·         Click on finish.

A new short cut is placed on the desktop. You may change the name of the shortcut by left clicking on the name, type new name and press enter.

Using the Find / search command in start menu.

Searching for a document, folder or a computer in a network is easier using Search/Find.

·         Click the start button.

·         Point to Find.

·         Select your option from the pop up menu.

·         Type filename, folder name or the computer ‘s name in the dialog box.

·         Click fine now.

When in doubt as to what to do concerning any task Windows offers you help.

Press F1 for your help message.

? offers you help on a particular item.  Drag it, place on the item and click.

Help command from the start menu.

1.      Click start button.

2.      Click Help and Support.  This will display the Help and Support window as shown

3.      Click on Index to view a list of topics as shown in 

4.      Type in the key work you want help on in the Type in the keyword to find box..

5.      Click Display.

EXPLORING YOUR COMPUTER

In Windows, you store your work in folders, just like you would in your office or at home. You can look at your files and folders by using Windows Explorer or My Computer.  Inside My Computer, you can see a list of all of the disk drives on your computer. Just double-click any icon to see what's inside. When you open a disk drive, you can see the files and folders that it contains. Folders can contain files, programs, and other folders. 

Folder

A Folder in Windows is a container for programs and files in graphical user interfaces, symbolized on the screen by a yellow graphical image (icon).  A folder is a means of organizing programs and documents on a disk and can hold both files and additional folders.  Folders can contain many different types of files, such as documents, music, pictures, videos, and programs. You can copy and move files from other locations, such as another folder, computer, or the Internet, to folders you create. You can even create folders within folders.

To access the Windows Explorer window, click the Start button, Programs, Accessories then the choose Windows explorer.  This will open the Explorer window.  One can create folders and files which can be modified using the Explorer or My Computer.

My computer Window:        it can be used to explore a drive or copy /move files.

 The Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer helps to see the hierarchy of files folders and the contents of a computer in general. You also create a short cut through the explorer by using the right mouse button.

To open the explorer

·         Click the start button.

• Point to All programs.
• Click Accessories.
• Click Windows Explorer.  The Explorer window will  be opened as shown in .

The work area of the window is divided into two columns.  The left side displays disk drives and folders while the right displays the contents of the Folder or Disk being explored.

Note:   Another way to open windows explorer is to right click My computer icon and selecting explore

 Managing files and folders using the Windows Explorer window

To make working with files and folders simpler you can create new ones, copy, move or delete unwanted ones.

Creating a New Folder

·         Choose the disk or folder you want to work with from the Folders column.  Note: Always ensure that the Folder or disk you intend working with has its name on the Title bar.

• On the File menu choose New
• Choose Folder from the pop up menu
• A new folder appears on the screen.  Type the name for the new folder and press enter to accept the new name.

 

Coping files/folders

1.              Select the file or folder to be copies

2.              On the Edit menu, click Copy as displayed

2.       Open the intended destination (folder or disk)

3.       On the Edit menu, click Paste.

Moving files / folders

1.         Select the file or folder to be copies

2.         On the Edit menu, click Cut as displayed

4.       Open the intended destination (folder or disk)

5.       On the Edit menu, click Paste.

Renaming a File or Folder

1. Select the File of Folder to be renamed
2. click Rename from the File menu
3. Type the new name for the selected File / Folder
4. Enter to accept the new name

To delete a file or folder

1.      Click the file or folder you want to delete.

2.      On the File menu, click Delete.  The Confirm Folder Delete dialog box will be displayed.  

When files/folders are deleted they are not removed from the disk but they are kept in the Recycle bin. To remove it completing you empty the bin.  However restoring files is possible.

CHANGING A DESKTOP SETTINGS

To change setting you may use control panel icon, settings in start menu or right click the desktop.

To change date / time double click the clock on the task-bar.

Changing the Background of your Desktop.  

• Click start

·         Click settings

• Click control panel
• Double click display icon

• Select background and choose the pattern you like
• Click Apply and click OK.

The fast way to do this is to right click the desktop and selecting properties.

Setting a screensaver

  A screensaver occupies your screen when the computer is ideal.

Set your screensaver the fastest way by right clicking the desktop and selecting properties.

Using My Computer icon

• Open my computer
• Open control panel
• Open display icon
• Select screen saver

• Choose one and set your delay time
• Click apply and click OK

Playing games

You need to have fun!

·         Click start

·         Point to programs.

·         Point to Accessories.

·         Point to games

·         Click the game you like.

A Windows game

Printing your work

When you finish creating your document you would like to have a paper copy of it. Before printing a document, check if your printer settings have been done.  Print preview to make sure that the font, margins, and other document features look the way you want them to be before printing.

·         Open the document.

·         Select print preview from the file menu

·         Select Printer.  The Print window will be displayed.

·                     Select printer name, Page range, the number of copies you need etc.

·                     Click OK for printing to begin.

Making a backup of your floppy disk

·         Click Computer icon and press enter.

·         Insert the disk you want to copy in drive a:.

·         Click the 3.5inch icon.

·         Click the File and click Copy Disk to display the Copy Disk dialog box.

·         Click start to begin the copy process.

·         When prompted remove disk and place the backup disk in drive a:

·         Click OK.

·         When the copy is made close copy disk dialog box.

SHUTTING DOWN THE COMPUTER

Shutting down the computer.

When all is over you want to quit.

1.        Click start

2.        Click Turn Off Computer.  The Window below will be displayed.

3.      Select Turn Off the computer.

The computer will automatically go off.  You will have to turn of the Monitor.