How to operate a computer, internet and laptop
HOW
TO OPERATE A COMPUTER?
This procedure attempts to outline the basics in operating a
computer system based on the assumption that it is running under the Microsoft
Windows XP Operating System platform with normal components such as CD or DVD
drive, Network Interface Card, and video card installed in the CPU. The steps
outlined are formatted in such a way that it is applicable to the two most
common computer system architectures: the desktop and the laptop. Essentially,
a desktop computer is just what its name suggests. It is big enough to sit on
the desk and is considered as the most common type of computer system. A laptop
or sometimes referred to as a “notebook” is a smaller and more mobile version
of the desktop machine and is normally used in the same manner but with
relatively lower power requirements.
Materials Needed:
Materials Needed:
- CPU
- keyboard
- monitor
- mouse
- speakers
- printer
- Operating System
- keyboard
- monitor
- mouse
- speakers
- printer
- Operating System
Step 1
Prior to powering up the computer system, make sure that the power
cord is firmly connected to the back panel of the CPU and is plugged into the
wall socket.
Step 2
Check if the video cable is firmly screwed to the port of the
video card with the other end connected to the back panel of the monitor.
Step 3
Make sure that both the keyboard and mouse pointing device are
securely plugged to the back panel. Also, check if they are connected to the
correct port by checking on the markings. Steps 1 to 3 are essentially easy to
do because aside from the mouse and keyboard devices, other components can only
be plugged into their proper ports preventing the novice user from
interchanging them.
Step 4
When all connections are secure, start up the machine by pressing
the power button normally located in the front panel of the CPU.
Step 5
Depending on the configuration of the machine, a username and
password may be requested; otherwise, the Operating System may be loaded
directly to display the desktop to the user.
Step 6
Other basic operations that can be done include adjusting monitor
settings in Step 8. Installation and launching of software is outlined in Step
10. Navigation of the file system is detailed from Step 15.
Step 7
The proper way to shut down or turn off the computer system is by
clicking on the 'Start' button and choosing the 'Turn Off Computer' option.
This will display the options to 'Standby', 'Restart', or 'Turn Off' the
machine.
Step 8
To adjust the monitor settings, right click on any blank portion
of the desktop and select the 'Properties' option from the context menu.
Step 9
On the 'Display Properties' window, select the 'Settings' tab to
adjust the resolution of the screen. The 'Themes' tab will allow the loading of
pre-designed Windows themes. The 'Desktop' tab provides the way for changing
the color of the desktop as well as the displayed wallpaper. The 'Appearance'
tab provides the various options of changing the behavior of the windows,
icons, and other elements of the platform, while the 'Screen Saver' tab shows
the option to allow the monitor to go on standby or display animation.
Step 10
To extend the functionality of any computer system, software is
normally installed into the local hard drive. A software installer may be
through some media like a CD or DVD or from being downloaded from the Internet.
Step 11
For CD or DVD installers, insert the installation disk in the CD
or DVD drive of the machine. This will be automatically read and launched by
the Operating System.
Step 12
When the installation process is initiated, a new window will
normally be displayed to the user. Majority of newer installers provide either
a default or an advanced installation procedure. In most cases, simply click on
the default process to allow the installer to complete the entire process with
minimum user intervention.
Step 13
Upon completion of the installation process, a user may be
prompted to reboot the machine. Follow the guide in Step 7 to accomplish this
task.
Step 14
To launch the software,
simply click on the 'Start' Menu, choose 'All Programs' and select from the
menu the program intended to be run. An alternative to this process is to check
if a shortcut link is created on the Desktop. Clicking this icon will also
launch the associated program.
Some other basic commands:
1.
Select files and text.
You can use your mouse
or keyboard shortcuts to select files on your computer and text on documents
and website. Click and drag the mouse across the text you want to select, or
press Ctrl+A (PC) or ⌘ Cmd+A (Mac) to select
everything in your current location. Once you've selected files or text, there
are several different actions you can take.
2.
Copy and paste.
Copying and pasting is
one of the most common actions taken when selecting text or files. "Copying"
a file or text leaves the original intact, while creating a copy on your
computer's clipboard. You can then "Paste" the file or text
elsewhere. For PC, copy by pressing Ctrl+C
and paste by pressing Ctrl+V. You can also copy and paste by right-clicking on the selection
with your mouse and selecting the appropriate option from the menu.
3.
Save and open
files.
Many programs such as word processors, photo editors, and more
allow you to create and save documents and files. When working on a computer,
it is wise to save often. You never know when the power might go out, costing
you hours of unsaved work. Get in the habit of saving often, and if you are
making major revisions to a file it might be wise to create a new copy. You can
quickly save your work in most programs that allow saving by pressing Ctrl+S
(PC)
4.
Find and sort your
files.
As you use your computer
more and more, your personal collection of documents, media, and files may
start to get a bit out of control. Take some time and organize your personal
folders. You can create new folders to help create a directory of
easily-accessible information.
HOW TO OPERATE A LAPTOP?
1.
If
you are using the laptop in your home, find an outlet and plug the charger in. Laptop computers run on batteries
that can deplete rapidly, especially if you're using your laptop intensively.
Unless you're somewhere remote or foreign where you absolutely have to go
without, it's better to leave your laptop plugged in
2.
Place
the bottom part of the laptop on the table/desk you are sitting in front of. They're called "laptops"
because they can go on your lap, but that doesn't mean that it's always the
best or right place. Try to find a comfortable angle for your wrists and hands
- this might mean moving the laptop around until you find the best position for
you.
a. Don't place your laptop on soft,
fuzzy or shaggy surfaces that can block its vents. Most laptops have fan vents
located on the sides and bottom that should be left unblocked for the laptop to
run
3.
Lift
the lid to open up until the screen looks comfortable for you. Most laptops have some type of
clasp or latch which allows the screen to open.
a. If the laptop won't open, don't try
to force it! Look for a latch instead. You shouldn't have to force the screen
open.
b. Do not pull back the lid too far. A
45 degree obtuse angle is the most the laptop should be open to. The lid or
hinge mechanism may be damaged or broken if pulled back any further
4.
Find the power button and turn it
on. On most laptops, the power button is
located slightly behind the keyboard. The power button is usually marked with
the universal symbol for 'power on', a circle with a line going halfway through
it
5.
Wait
for the laptop to boot up.
Since laptops are designed for portability as well as computing power, your
laptop may have specialized hardware that will cause it to take longer to boot
up than a desktop or smart phone.
6.
Use the laptop's pointing device.
On most computers, this is a flat, touch-sensitive area called a trackpad
which will allow you to use your finger as your mouse. Simply slide one finger
on the trackpad area to move the cursor.
a. Many
trackpads are multi-touch
- using multiple fingers will produce different user interface actions than
using just one. Experiment with your laptop by dragging one, two or three
fingers across it and trying different 'gestures' or movements with your fingers.
b. Lenovo
laptops may use a small, red joystick-like button called a
"trackpoint" located in the middle of the keyboard between the 'G'
and 'H' keys. Use it just like a very sensitive joystick for just your finger.
c. Some
older laptops may have a trackball. Rolling the ball on a trackball will cause
the mouse pointer to move around.
d. Some
laptops are equipped with a pen interface. A pen will be attached to the laptop
in these cases. Hover the pen over the screen to move the pointer, and press
the pen to the screen to click.
e. Do
you find laptop pointing devices tiny and difficult to use? You can always
attach a mouse to a laptop. Locate the laptop's USB port and attach a mouse if
you'd like to use one. The laptop will automatically recognize the mouse and
make it ready for you to use.
7.
Use
the trackpad's left click button as your primary mouse button. On most trackpads, you can click
using a button located on the bottom left of the trackpad.
a. Some trackpads may allow you to tap
lightly on the pad surface to click. Experiment - you might discover additional
functionality to your laptop you didn't know you had.
8.
Use
the trackpad's right click button as the secondary mouse button. You'll do anything involving a
"contextual menu" or a "right click" by just pressing the
right click button located at bottom right of the trackpad.
9.
Locate
your laptop's optical drive, if any. If your laptop is not a 'netbook' it probably has an
optical drive which you can use to install software or play music. The optical
drive is usually located on the right or left side of the laptop.
a. In Windows and Mac OS, you can open
the optical drive by pushing the small button on it, or by right-clicking the
optical drive icon in your operating system and selecting "Eject".
How To Operate A Internet ?
1.
Select a search engine. At the top of
any page on your browser (the window that you open to use the internet), type
the phrase “search engines” into the Search Bar to attain access to several
different internet sites that specifically aid in searching. Common search
engines (click one of the links below to access the search engine named):
a.
Ask
b.
Bing
c.
Blekko
d.
Dogpile
e.
DuckDuckGo
f.
Yahoo
2.
After
typing in whatever you want to search, press the Enter key on the keyboard of
your computer.
3.
Choose a
few of the most specific or relevant keywords or phrases to describe your topic. Utilize synonyms. Type your choice of words into the Search
Bar offered by your chosen search engine.
a.
Generally, capitalization and
punctuation are not needed.
b.
Search engines usually disregard
minor words such as "the, and, to, etc."
4. Click
Search or press the Enter key on your keyboard.
5. Assess
your results. Search through your list of web pages
to pinpoint information.
6.
Repeat
above steps as necessary.
a.
Choose a different search engine.
b.
Choose new search words that are more
or less specific.
7.
Use the Advanced Search found on most sites. For example, if
you want to go to Advanced Search on Yahoo, go here.
8.
Use the
Site Map of a site, if there is one.
9.
It is not
correct to assume that your subject is more or less equally visible in all
search engines, so it is very important that you use a non-biased search engine
(such as Yahoo, DuckDuckGo...).
Recent engines sort pages also by rank that is assigned is a complex, ever
changing, usually secret way and is different for every search company. Google
sorts by who pays them, which means that they feature those sites and you may
not get all the information that you need. While engines will likely be
"consistent" for a highly popular web sites, less popular web sites
may be ranked very differently and it may make sense to try multiple engines.
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