COMPUTER BASICS: PART I

Mrs. Sealy | Thompson Middle School

STANDARDS

Computer Essentials:

1. Exhibit proper use of basic computer components, including hardware, operating systems, software, file management, and network functions.

2. Demonstrate correct procedures for basic computer and printer maintenance including routine hardware and software problem solving.

Career Preparedness:

8. Diagnose problems with hardware, software, and advanced network systems.

9. Demonstrate advanced technology skills including compressing, converting, importing, exporting, backing up files, and transferring data among applications.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?

Computer Basics Video

WHAT IS THE DESKTOP?

DESKTOP: DEFINITION

It includes the desktop background (or wallpaper) and icons of files and folders you may have saved to the desktop. In Windows, the desktop includes a task bar, which is located at the bottom of the screen by default. – Techterms.com

WHAT DOES MY DESKTOP LOOK LIKE?

Your computer runs on a Windows 8.1 operating system, which means that your desktop will look similar to the desktop in the following video. Windows Operating System Tutorial

ICONS: DEFINITION In a graphical user interface, a picture on the screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, or program. Clicking on an icon will start the associated program or open the associated file, directory, or window.

ICONS: HOW TO ARRANGE ICONS Desktop Icons Video Tutorial

SHORTCUTS: DEFINITION

 In Windows, a shortcut is an icon that leads to a program or data file. Shortcuts can be placed on the desktop or stored in other folders, and double clicking a shortcut is the same as double clicking the original file. Watch as I show you how to create a shortcut on your desktop.

TASKBAR: DEFINITION A row of buttons on a display screen that are clicked on to start software applications, switch between open applications, or switch between active windows.

START MENU: DEFINITION A Windows operating system element that provides a central launching point for application and tasks.

LET’S PRACTICE!

Practice the following:1. Opening the start menu2. Re-arranging icons on the desktop (then

arrange them to the same place they were in when you started)

3. Looking at the task bar4. Creating & deleting a shortcut (you don’t

want to leave many of these on your desktop)

REVIEW:• “It includes the desktop background (or

wallpaper) and icons of files and folders you may have saved” is the definition for…

A. Shortcut

B. Icon

C. Desktop

D. None of the above

REVIEW:• “It includes the desktop background (or

wallpaper) and icons of files and folders you may have saved” is the definition for…

A. Shortcut

B. Icon

C. Desktop

D. None of the above

REVIEW:• “An icon that leads to a program or data file”

is the definition for…A. Shortcut

B. Icon

C. Desktop

D. None of the above

REVIEW:• “An icon that leads to a program or data file”

is the definition for…A. Shortcut

B. Icon

C. Desktop

D. None of the above

REVIEW:• “In a graphical user interface, a picture on the

screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, or program” is the definition for…

A. Shortcut

B. Icon

C. Desktop

D. None of the above

REVIEW:• “In a graphical user interface, a picture on the

screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, or program” is the definition for…

A. Shortcut

B. Icon

C. Desktop

D. None of the above