Introduction

Computers are everywhere today, from classrooms to shops. They play a big role in our world, and knowing how to use them well is important for success in school and work. In this course, we'll focus on essential skills like starting a computer, using the mouse effectively, navigating the desktop, and doing basic things with files, such as opening, saving, and printing.

Objectives

Powering On: Learn how to start a computer correctly.
Mouse Skills: Understand how to use the mouse to click, drag, and select items.
Desktop Navigation: Explore how to find and organize files and programs on the computer's desktop.
File Basics: Master opening, saving, and printing files.

These skills will help you feel more comfortable and capable using computers in your daily life. Let's get started!

GUI of Microsoft Windows Operating system

The operating system

An operating system is a type of software that enables a user to interact with a computer in these ways:

Manages hardware- It manages the computer's hardware, like keyboards, screens, and storage devices.
Supports application- It provides services that help other software programs work smoothly.
Manages memory- It allocates and manages the computer's memory effectively.
Provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface)- It offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to control software and hardware through visual elements such as windows, icons, and menus. This means users can click on things on the screen using a mouse or keyboard.
The Microsoft Windows operating system consists of three main elements, each with distinct features:

Desktop: This is the main screen of the graphical user interface (GUI) where you interact with your computer. It typically displays icons representing files, folders, and shortcuts.
Windows: These are rectangular frames that appear on the desktop whenever you open an application, file, or folder. Each window contains the content of what you are working on, like a document or a webpage.
Dialogue Boxes: These are rectangular boxes that appear when an application needs to provide information or prompt you to take action, such as entering additional details or confirming a command.

These elements make it easy for users to navigate and manage their tasks using visual cues and interaction within the Windows operating system.

Dialogue box

Starting up your computer

Power On:
- Ensure your computer is plugged into a functioning electrical outlet.
- Press the power button, usually located on the front of the computer tower or the side of a laptop.
Boot Up Procedure (Booting):
- During boot up, the computer goes through a series of checks to ensure everything is functioning properly. This is called the Power-On Self Test (POST).
- The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), a firmware program stored on the computer's motherboard, initiates the POST.
- If the POST detects no problems, the BIOS locates the operating system on your storage device (hard drive or solid-state drive) and loads it into memory (RAM).
Log On:
- Once the operating system loads, you'll see the login screen.
- Enter your username and password to identify yourself and gain access to your computer.

Security with Usernames and Passwords

Login credentials (username and password) act as a gatekeeper, restricting unauthorized access to your computer and the information stored on it.
This helps safeguard your privacy and prevents others from potentially stealing or modifying your data.

Using the mouse

The mouse is a fundamental hardware device used to control computers and interact with GUI interfaces. Most mouses are equipped with a scroll wheel and two buttons, serving as a remote control for your computer screen. It enables precise pointing, clicking, and scrolling to perform a wide range of tasks efficiently.

A mouse can do a variety of tasks, such as:

Point: Move the mouse around on your desk. A little arrow on the screen, called the pointer, follows your movements.
Click: Press the left button once to select something. Think of it like tapping your finger on what you want the computer to focus on.
Double-click: Press the left button twice quickly to open something, like a folder or program. It's like a double-tap on your phone.
Right-click: Press the right button to see a menu with more options for what you've pointed at. It's like holding down your finger on your phone screen for extra choices.
Drag: Press and hold the left button while you move the mouse. This lets you move things around on the screen, like highlighting text or dragging files to different folders. Imagine you're dragging the object with the mouse.
Scroll: The wheel in the middle of the mouse lets you scroll up and down through pages or lists. It's like turning a tiny wheel to move the screen content.

Basics of a mouse

Using the keyboard

A keyboard is an essential tool for inputting information into a computer, allowing users to enter letters, words, numbers, and symbols. Each key press provides data to the computer, which processes this input accordingly.

The desktop

The desktop is the main screen you see when you use Microsoft Windows.
It includes important elements like the Start button, taskbar, and icons.
An icon is a small picture that represents a program, folder, or file on the computer.
To start a program or open a file, you double-click its icon.

The Start button

The Start button is located in the bottom left-hand corner of the desktop.

It helps you launch applications and open folders and files.
Clicking the Start button brings up the Start menu.
The Start menu offers options to:

Change settings
Open recently used documents and files
Launch applications that are not displayed on the Desktop.

Start Menu

The Start menu is the central hub for accessing programs, files, settings, and more on a Windows computer.
It typically contains a list of installed applications, a search bar, and shortcuts to important locations like Documents, Settings, and Power options.

The taskbar

The taskbar is typically located at the bottom of the screen and shows all open applications, folders, or files.
It also includes the notification area, usually found on the right-hand side of the screen.
Clicking a button on the taskbar makes the associated application, folder, or file the active window.
The active window is where you are currently working and interacting (It is highlighted with a light grey shade).
You can switch between open applications, folders, or files by clicking their respective taskbar buttons.

Notification area

Also known as the System Tray, it's located on the right side of the Taskbar.
It displays system icons (like volume control, network status, and battery level) and notifications from apps.

Icons: This PC, My Documents, and Recycle bin

This PC: Clicking the This PC icon opens a window showing details about storage disks, files, folders, and connected external devices on your computer.
My Documents: This is a special folder for storing documents like music, pictures, videos, and other files. Each type of file is stored in its own folder within My Documents.
Recycle Bin: Deleted items are stored here. The Recycle Bin allows you to:

- Restore deleted files and folders if they were deleted accidentally.

- Permanently delete a file or folder by removing it from the Recycle Bin.

These icons on the desktop help you manage and organize your files and folders effectively on your computer.

Accessing Applications: To open applications on your computer, use the Start menu:

Click the Start button and scroll through the alphabetical list of applications.
To save time, click on any letter to jump to that section of the list.
If you still can't find the application you need, type its name into the search box on the taskbar. This quickly locates the application for you.

This PC folder

Start button and search bar

Getting to know Windows

Opening and Closing Windows

To open Microsoft Word, click the Start button.
Search for Microsoft Word or scroll down until you find it.
Select Microsoft Word to open it.

Typical Features of a Window

The title bar is located at the top of the window and usually displays the title of the open file.
If you haven’t opened an existing file or created and saved a file, the title bar shows "Document 1 – Word."
On the right-hand side of the title bar, you'll find the Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons.
The Minimize button hides the window, but the application remains open and can be accessed from the Microsoft Word button on the taskbar.
The Maximize button enlarges the window to fill the entire screen.
The Close button shuts down Microsoft Word.

These features help you manage and interact with windows effectively while using applications like Microsoft Word on your computer. See the image below.

Title bar, minimize, maximize and close buttons.

Entering, Saving and Printing a File

Entering and Saving Data

Type text and press Enter to move to a new line.

To save a file in MS Word:

Click on "File" in the menu bar.
Choose "Save" or "Save As" from the drop-down menu.
"Save" saves the file with its original name. For a new file, MS Word asks for a file name.
"Save As" lets you save the file with a different name and/or in a different folder.

Printing a File

Open an existing file or create a new one in MS Word.
To print the file:
Click on "File" in the menu bar.
Select "Print" from the drop-down menu.
The Print dialogue box will appear.

These steps help you enter, save, and print data efficiently in Microsoft Word.

Sure, here's a refined version of your sentence:

Figure 1 shows an open Word document, while Figure 2 displays the Microsoft Word print settings.

Figure 1: Open file

Figure 2: MS Word print file settings

Posture and ergonomics

Touch typing

Touch typing ensures that each finger has a designated place on the keyboard, allowing you to type without looking down. This improves typing speed significantly. Now, let's explore the benefits of touch typing:

Speed: Achieve typing speeds of 75 to 80 words per minute, much faster than the average of 10 words per minute for non-touch typists.
Time: Faster typing reduces document completion time significantly. For instance, typing a 170-word document takes 17 minutes with two-finger typing at 10 words per minute, but only 4 minutes at 60 words per minute with touch typing.
Decreased Fatigue: Touch typing reduces exhaustion by eliminating the need to look down at the keyboard, reducing strain on eyes, neck, and spine over prolonged periods.
Health Benefits: Promotes better posture and reduces strain on joints compared to hunching over and peering at keys.
Accuracy: Improved focus on the screen leads to fewer typing errors, as you don't need to constantly look down to find the right keys.

Posture

Maintaining correct posture in front of a computer is crucial for accurate and productive typing.

Keep your back straight, relaxed, and comfortable, avoiding slumping.
Ensure your knees and hips form a 90° angle.
Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
Keep your eyes focused on the text you are typing on the screen.
Maintain an L-shape with your arms, ensuring a 90° angle between your forearm and elbow.
Position your fingers above the home row keys.
Aim to align your ears, shoulders, elbows, and hip bones vertically.

Social Implications

Health Problems Caused by Incorrect Posture at a Computer

Incorrect posture while sitting at a computer can lead to various health issues:

Posture-Related Injuries: Back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, and jaw pain.
Overuse Injuries: Pain and stiffness in elbows, wrists, and hands.
Eye Strain: From prolonged screen use.
Laptop Issues: Eye strain and muscle strain from carrying.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics focuses on enhancing productivity, comfort, and safety by studying how humans interact with their work environment.

Computer Ergonomics: Specifically addresses how people use computers to improve comfort and reduce discomfort and injuries.

Examples of Ergonomic Equipment:

Chairs: Designed to support the spine and promote good posture.
Desks: Adjustable in height to accommodate different users and tasks.
Monitors: Adjustable for proper viewing angle and height.
Computer Mouse: Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand.
Keyboards: Designed to be user-friendly and comfortable for the human hand.

In the first picture, notice how the person is sitting. This helps us see if their posture is comfortable and safe. In the second picture, look at the mouse they're using. It's not like the regular ones we see; it's made to be more comfortable for the hand.

Ergonomics keyboard

Ergonomic keyboards are designed to minimize wrist discomfort and reduce unnecessary finger movements by rearranging or repositioning the keys for a more natural typing experience. See the image on the left.

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