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PC: Beginning Computer
DESCRIPTION - COMP1 47103404 - 02 PC: Beginning Computer ...absolute beginner's course in operating microcomputers. Demonstration and practice on Windows operating system/mouse functions, creating/printing/saving word processing documents. No experience required. E-mail: lloyd.cook@nwtc.eduWelcome & Introductions
According to Wiktionary, the definition of a Computer is:
Noun
Singular
computerPlural
computerscomputer (plural computers)
- A programmable device that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations, especially one that can process, store
and retrieve large amounts of data very quickly.- A person employed to perform computations.
Question? Based on this definition, is an abacus a computer?
I. Computer Terminology:
Hardware (stuff you can see, touch and feel)
The computer (desktop, tower, or laptop and all of the "hard" things inside.)
The monitor (allows us to see what we are doing on the computer)
The printer (yes, lets us make a "hard copy" of the things we see and do on the computer.)
External hard drives, scanners, etc.
So... what's inside the computer? We'll take a look inside... later.Software (stuff that you can't see, touch or feel) a/k/a Programs. Applications Software (programs) that allow us (humans) to do things on the computer. Like what? Play games, type a letter, do some math, view web pages, send e-mails, etc.
Windows Operating System Microsoft software that allows the hardware and software to communicate with each other. Without an operating system, we would not be able to interact with the computer.
Let's take the Windows XP Tour on our computers.
Start, Help & Support, in the Search Box on the top left, type "Windows XP Tour", Click the Right Arrow or hit "Enter" on the keyboard. Under "Pick a Task", click "Take the Windows XP Tour." Or go to:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/tours/tour.mspxMouse- The primary device (but not the only one) that allows us (humans) to communicate with the computer.
II. The Basics (things you need to know about and/or how to do):
A. Windows and how you can control them
B. Files and file management
C. Managing your desktop
D. Personalizing your desktop
E. Turning the computer off and on
F. Copy/Paste
G. Saving and Printing stuffIII. The Start Menu and opening/using Programs (software applications)
A. Notepad
B. Games
C. Web BrowserIV. The Internet and the wealth of information available to you
V. E-mail & Attachments
VI. Final Exam and Pizza Party
Note: The links below are to some free on-line tutorials that I found on the web. Disclaimer: I do not endorse and I am not responsible for the content on any of the linked pages below. They are inserted into this syllabus only as a resource (if you choose to use them) to help you attain your goal of learning about computers. We will use some of the links below during class time, to help you enhance your skills and understanding of basic computer operations... including the mouse.
1. A. BBC's Computer Tutor - The BBC's Guide to Using a Computer. I think you will enjoy this one... Its especially useful in learning how to use the mouse to get to where it is you want to go... on the computer.
B. Mouserobics - practice makes perfect. The mouse is our way of communicating with the computer... speaking its language... if you will. Ready to learn how to "talk" to the computer? Let's practice... Mouserobics.
2. An Illustrated History of Computers and the Computer History Museum
3. AlterNet - CAP Thunder Bay Online Tutorials - AlterNet - Thunder Bay Internet Access Program.
4. And now, some free tutorials to help you practice some basic computer techniques How to Tips found at Seniornet - Technology
5. Computer Terminology a problem? Try this BBC website: Jargon Buster Everything that you wanted to know and... more.
Disclaimer: The links below are to several of my web pages, for which I am responsible for the content, except for any and all links to external web sites, which I do not endorse, nor am I responsible for their content.
6. Computers - Learning - Computers & Applications and Internet-WWW - Home Pages. My web pages with links and a picture of my 1st computer, the Timex Sinclair 1000 (in 1982!) (Note: Some of the links may not work as I have not updated the pages in a while.)
7. Internet Beginners Tutorial Some pages that I put together a few years ago. Some of the information may be useful to you...