The ABC’s of Computing I. Basic Definitions: CD-ROM: Compact Disc – Read Only Memory, a CD that can be read by a computer with an optical drive. The "ROM" part of the term means the data on the disc is "read-only," or cannot be altered or erased. CD-RW: Compact Disc Re-Writable, a CD blank CD that can be written to by a CD burner. Unlike a CD-R (CD-Recordable), a CD-RW can be written to multiple times. The data burned on a CD-RW cannot be changed, but it can be erased. Therefore, you have to completely erase a CD-RW every time you want to change the files or add new data. Console: Combination of the monitor (computer screen) and the keyboard. The monitor provides the output and the keyboard is used for input. CPU: Central Processing Unit. This is the heart of the computer, does the processing – also called “the processer Cursor: A bright, usually blinking, movable indicator on the screen which marks the location at which a character can be entered, corrected, or deleted, and which moves in response to the input from the mouse’s movement. Cut: A selected segment of data is snipped and transferred to another site and pasted. Delete: The selected data is removed and discarded. DVD-RW: “Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable." As the name implies, a DVD-RW can be erased and written to again. DVD-RWs can hold 4.7GB of data. File: A self-contained computer readable piece of information available to the OS and its programs. Folder: Is a virtual container in which groups of computer files and possibly other folders can be kept and organized. (Think of a file cabinet). Hard drive: Is what stores all your data. It houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located. A typical hard can hold over 100 GB of data. The data is stored on the hard drive magnetically, so it stays on the drive even after the power supply is turned off (permanent memory) – providing the data has been “saved”. Highlight: Use the “point and drag” technique to select text, by placing the cursor at the beginning of a word or phrase, and while holding the LEFT mouse button down, drag the mouse/pointer across the desired text, which will highlight the text background in blue. HTML: Hyper-Text Markup Language http: HyperText Transfer Protocol https: HyperText Transport Protocol Secure (NOTE: A secure web-site will show a padlock) For additional info see http://www.techterms.com/definition/www ICON: The symbol/picture/image on the computer screen which represents (a shortcut to) a file or program. Internet Explorer vs. Windows Explorer: o Internet Explorer explorers the World Wide Web. o Windows Explorer explores the contents of your computer’s hard drive. Mouse: One of the primary input devices used with today's computers. The name comes from the small shape of the mouse, which you can move back and forth on the mouse pad, which The ABC’s of Computing Page 2 of 4 causes a coordinated movement of the cursor on the monitor screen. Most mouses* now use optical technology, which uses a beam of light to track the mouse's motion. (* Note: the correct plural of mouse is “mouses”, although “mice” is acceptable, and more commonly used.) RAM: Random Access Memory, made up of small memory chips that form a memory module. These modules are installed in the RAM slots on the motherboard of your computer. RAM memory is not permanent – it disappears when the computer is turned off. Root Directory: another name for the (C:) drive START Button: Lower left corner of screen. (Note that it shows the Windows Logo) Status bar – Task bar – Title bar – Tool bar (Windows 7), etc.: Taskbar www: World Wide Web (the internet) II. Computer “shorthand” used in this handout: o A left arrow ( > ) to indicate a single left click o Two left arrows (>>) to indicate two left clicks o A ( R> ) to indicate a RIGHT click. ABCs of Computing – Intermed. Class rev. 01-13 The ABC’s of Computing Page 3 of 4 III. Mouse & Cursor: Left or Right click – and how many ??? The mouse contains three basic parts: (see below) Left click button …… on the LEFT side of the mouse Right click button …. on the RIGHT side of the mouse The “scroll wheel” … in the middle of the mouse L R CLICK = a single LEFT click. 95% of the time, a left click is used. DOUBLE Click = TWO LEFT clicks. A left double click opens a program. (NOTE: There is no right double click.) RIGHT Click = a single RIGHT click. A right click opens a “pop-up” menu. To select an item from the menu, you click (that’s one LEFT click) on the item. When in doubt, start with a single left click. If nothing happens, try a double click (unless you want a pop-up menu – then right click). Right Click Left Click (Index Finger) (Pointer finger) Note: Left-handed users Correct way to hold a mouse. will place the mouse to the left of the computer Note that wrist is straight – not and use the index finger bent up or down, and rests on the left-click key, and comfortably on a flat surface, ponter finger on the not hanging off the edge. right-click key) IV. MOUSE & CURSOR: Size – Color - Speed ► To adjust cursor speed: START ⇒ Control Panel > Hardware & Sounds > Devices & Printers > Mouse ► To select a new cursor style: Mouse > Pointers Tab > Scheme window I > Select a style > Apply > OK To adjust cursor speed: ABCs of Computing – Intermed. Class rev. 01-13 The ABC’s of Computing Page 4 of 4 Mouse > Pointer Options > (Slide pointer to > Apply > OK left for slower) V. Getting Things Done: There are often 2-3 ways to do perform the same function on your PC. How that function is performed depends on the operator’s preference and/or any physical limitations that may make one way more difficult than another. In this class we will teach everyone the commonest way to perform these steps, but will offer alternatives to those who may benefit from them. For instance: To open a file: Place the cursor on the file or an ICON and: 1. Double click (rapidly) -or- 2. RIGHT click, and when the pop-up menu appears, click on OPEN. To PRINT: 1. Click on the Printer ICON to bring up the PRINT SCREEN -or- 2. Click on the FILE tab > PRINT 3. Hold down the CONTROL key and tap the letter “p” Some Quick & Easy Keyboard Shortcuts: Hold down the Ctrl &/or Alt key, then tap the letter key Ctrl + C = Copy Ctrl + X = Cut Ctrl + V = Paste Ctrl + P = Print Ctrl + B = makes highlighted text bold Ctrl + I = makes highlighted text italic Ctrl + D = deletes selected (highlighted) text Ctrl + U = underlines highlighted text Ctrl + Z = Undoes a previous action Ctrl + Y = Reinstates the previous “undo” Ctrl + Alt + Delete = Brings up the Task Manager (useful when a program freezes up) Frequently Used Special Function Keys: F5: Refreshes the page (esp. an internet page) F7: Starts the SpellCheck/Thesaurus function Proper Computer Shut-Down Procedure: 1. First, close any open programs (Wordpad, e-mail, internet, etc.) 2. Start > Shut down (Question – what does clicking this arrow do?) 3. Click the shutdown button ABCs of Computing – Intermed. Class rev. 01-13.