Provides a look at all things for the new computer user.

1. Introduction to Computers
10 lessons for
the new
computer user,
or to help build
understanding.

2. Lesson 1: What is a computer?
• Electronic device that uses data in the form of 1s and 0s to
combine them into things such as photographs, movies, websites
and more.
• Uses hardware and software to perform tasks.
• Come in many forms (desktop, laptop, mobile…)
• What can you do with a computer?
– Phone calls
– Email (electronic mail)
– Video conferencing
– Research
– Shop online
– Watch movies, read books
– Keep track of spending
– CAN YOU THINK OF MORE THINGS???

3. Lesson 2: Hardware
• Components (Monitor, Tower, Keyboard, Mouse)
– Discuss purpose of each piece of hardware
– Demonstrate & discuss parts of computer (Case,
Motherboard, CPU, Hard drive, RAM, video and sound
cards)
– Demonstrate how to turn on and off computer
• Devices (Printer, Speakers, Headphones, External
hard drives, Tablet)
– Demonstrate how to connect “peripherals” using ports
– Different devices use different ports (look at back of
computer) (Lesson 3)
• Closer look at the Keyboard (next slide)

4. Lesson 2: Hardware: Keyboard (See
worksheet for tasks)

5. Lesson 3: Buttons & Ports
• Demonstrate the following:
– Show and open the CD drive
– Show where the audio ports are
– Show the USB ports
– Where is the Power socket?
– Show where the Ethernet Cable attaches
– Show how the monitor port attaches
– Show where the keyboard and mouse attach
on your computer

6. Lesson 4: Operating Systems
• Discussion:
– Types of operating systems
– Difference between operating systems for mobile
devices and PCs
– What is the operating system of the computer
that you are on?
• Activity: Learn more about your operating
system
– View basic information about your computer by
going to: Control Panel> System and Security>
System
– See next page for example

7. Lesson 4 Example of system info
Questions:
• What version
of Windows?
• Is there a
service pack?
• Who is
manufacturer
of computer?
• How much
RAM?
• Is it a 32 or 64
BIT?

8. Lesson 5: Software
• Software: Instructions that direct the
computer to perform certain tasks
• Programs versus Apps: What is the
difference?
• What programs are installed on the
computer that you are using? Click “All
Programs” to view.
• We will discuss software in more detail next
week!

9. Lesson 6: Internet
• What is the Internet? (The connection of all types of
computers in the world.)
• Offline versus Online
• Your online connection:
– Dial up or broadband
– Cable or DSL
– Wireless or wired?
– Hotspot or Public Wi-Fi?
• Activity:
– How is your current computer connected to the Internet?
Find out by clicking: Control panel > Network and Internet>
Network and sharing center
– View example on next screen

10. Lesson 6: Example of network
connections
Questions:
• What type of
network?
• What is the
name of the
network?
• What type of
connection?

11. Lesson 7: Online Safety
• Computer virus, malware, spyware
• How can you avoid viruses and malware?(avoid suspicious looking
ads, run anti-virus updates and run OS updates)
• Biggest culprits: Illegal (pornography links, software piracy links,
illegal music & movie downloading sites) and negligence (popups,
fake antivirus sites, free games & screensavers, bad websites, Email,
Your unprotected computer)
• Activities: Keeping computers safe and clean:
– Run Disc cleanup (cleans up files temporary files, downloaded
files, etc.) (Start>All programs>Accessories>System tools> Disc
cleanup
– What is the security status on your computer? (Start>System
and Security>Action Center)
– Go online to Windows to look at an example of antivirus
software: Windows Security Essentials (free and well
respected)
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

12. Lesson 8: The Cloud
The cloud: The Internet online, using “servers” owned by companies
such as Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Apple and more.
• Some cloud services are just for storing data (Dropbox)
• Others run applications (Facebook, Skype)
• Application that runs in the cloud is called WEB APP. Do not
need to be installed, you need only a web browser and Internet
access.
• Will require some type of personal login and password
information to use.
What can you do on the cloud?
• Check Email from any device anywhere
• Collaborate online in real time
• Store files (music, movies, documents)
• Make notes and synchronize with other devices (Notes,
Evernote)

13. Lesson 9: Mobile computing
Show us your computers!
What mobile devices do we have? Bring them out so
we can learn more. Sample devices: phones,
tablets, iPad, iPods,
For each of the mobile devices, discuss:
• Operating system
• Apps
• Cloud server

14. Lesson 10: Cleaning the computer
You should keep it clean!
• Can use Compressed air to spray off dirt from case,
keyboard and peripherals
• Use cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around
openings of computer
• Turn keyboard upside down and shake, use cotton swab
with alcohol for keys (DO NOT VACUUM!)
• Spill? Turn off computer, disconnect keyboard, flip over,
blot keys with paper towel, compressed air between
keys, leave overnight. (DO NOT USE MICROWAVE!)
• Mouse: Use rubbing alcohol to clean
• Monitor: Flat-panel monitors use a soft, lint free cloth
with plain water. No paper towels, do not spray on
screen. Can buy monitor cleaning supplies

15. Special thanks to GCFLearnFree, an excellent tutorial site which supplied most of the
videos. Visit them at: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/. To see all of their YouTube videos,
visit their page at: http://www.youtube.com/user/gcflearnfree?feature=watch. Facebook
user? Visit them at: http://Facebook.com/GCFLearnFree.org