Class Description  /  Class Outline  / Class Handout /Internet Links  /  Library Resources / Glossary of Computer Terms  / For Additional Help  

You will learn how to identify and use the basic parts of  the computer 

Parts of the Computer (hardware):

1. Monitor

• Output device that displays information.  Point to the monitor and show them how to turn the monitor on/off.

2. Computer/CPU-

 The CPU is the brain of the computer.  The CPU reads and performs instructions and is responsible for storing information

• Show the students the CPU.
• Storage - Show the students the a disk and show them how to insert the disk into the A drive.

3. Keyboard

The keyboard is an input device that allows the users to type in commands.  Show the following keys:

• Delete key
• Enter key
• Shift key
• Backspace key

4. The mouse

The mouse is another input device.  This hand held device allows users to point and click to make selections on the screen.

• The mouse can rest on a mouse pad or the flat surface of the table.
• Rest the palm of your hand on the mouse and place your index finger on the left mouse button.
• Practice the mouse tutorials listed under Internet Links
• How to click the mouse.
• Single Click- one quick and light click of the left mouse button.
• Double Click - two quick and light clicks of the left mouse button.

Launch Programs on the Computer:

•   We will now practice our new mouse skills by launching programs on the computer.

•   On the desktop there are several icons.  Using the mouse, move the cursor over the Word icon.  Double-click on the icon and this will open Word.

Minimize, Maximize, Close

• Minimize, maximize and close buttons are located on the top right of the screen

•    Minimize – Push the minimize button and the screen disappears from view but is still running.  Can get the screen to return by clicking on the proper bar running at the bottom of the screen.  Click on Word at the bottom and your screen reappears.

•     Maximize – Push the maximize button to make your screen smaller/larger.

•    Close – Will close out the program you are currently using.  It will no longer run.  Must save your work before closing or you will lose your work.

Turning the Computer On and Off Properly:

• Turn the Computer Off:  (don’t do this on the library’s computers)
• Shut down all programs
• Click on the Start button (btm. Left of the screen)
• Click on “shut down”  This will turn off the CPU
• Turn the monitor off.
• Turn the Computer On:
• Turn on the CPU
• Turn on the monitor

Basic Computer Concepts  

www.bedford.lib.nh.us/Basics.htm

Mousing Around  

www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/intro.htm  

Mousercise

www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/mousercise.htm  

Mouserobics   

 www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html

CPU: the central processing unit reads and performs instructions & stores information 

Internet: a diverse set of interlinked world-wide computer networks  

Monitor: an output device which displays information, it is similar to a television set  

Mouse: a hand held input device that allows users to point & click to make selections on the screen 

Ask a Reference Librarian

WRL computer volunteers: call 259-4050 for the latest volunteer schedule