Computer Class Lesson

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data." It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the internet. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.

What is an Operating System?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's "language." Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

What is software?

The instructions which control what a computer does.  It control or manage hardware how to work in correct way.

What is hardware?

The physical and electronic parts of a computer, rather than the instructions it follows. It have ability of working but without software it is useless.

 

Getting to Know Your Computer's OS

 

The screen that you see when your computer has finished starting up is called the desktop. Depending on what kind of operating system you have, the desktop will look different, but it generally consists of menus at the bottom, top, and/or sides of the screen, with the rest of the screen containing a desktop background (or wallpaper). The desktop background area can also contain any files, applications, or shortcuts that you want to have quick access to.

Watch the video to learn about the Windows desktop.

Click the buttons in the interactives below to learn more about the Windows and Mac OS X desktops.

Shutting Down Your Computer

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly. Depending on your operating system, the exact procedure for shutting down will vary.

To Shut Down Windows 8:

1. Hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to access the Charms bar, then select Settings.

The Settings charm

2. Click Power and select Shut down.

Shutting down the computer

To Shut Down Windows 7 or Vista:

• Click the Start button and then select the Shut down button (or the power button icon in Vista). You can also click the arrow to the right of the Shut down button for more options.

Shutting down Windows 7

By default, if you click the power button icon in Vista, your computer will go to Sleep instead of shutting down. Sleep turns off most of your computer's processes, but it remembers which applications and files are open. This allows your computer to start up more quickly, since you don't have to wait for the operating system and applications to load.

To Shut Down Windows XP:

• Click the Start button and then select Turn Off Computer.

Shutting down Windows XP

To Shut Down Mac OS X:

• Click the Apple icon and then select Shut Down.

Shutting down Mac OS X

Your Computer's File System

Folders on the desktop

A computer uses folders to organize all of the different files and applications that it contains. A folder looks like a file, except the icon is shaped like a folder. To find a specific file, you will navigate to the correct folder using a specialized application such as Windows Explorer (for PCs - not to be confused with Internet Explorer) or Finder (for Macs).

To Open Windows Explorer (PC):

• Click the Windows Explorer icon on the taskbar, or double-click any folder on your desktop. A Windows Explorer window will open.

Opening Windows Explorer

In Windows 8, Windows Explorer is called File Explorer.

To Open Finder (Mac):

• Click the Finder icon on the Dock, or double-click any folder on your desktop. A Finder window will open up.

Opening Finder

Basic Navigation

Whether you're using Windows Explorer or Finder, basic navigation is the same. If you see the file that you want, you can double-click it. Otherwise, you can use the Navigation pane on the left side of the window to select a different location.

Navigating Windows Explorer

Deleting Files

Windows and OS X use a Trash can (or Recycle Bin) to prevent you from accidentally deleting files. When you delete a file, it is simply moved to the Trash can. If you change your mind, you can move the file back to its original location. If you're sure you want to permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the trash.

To Delete a File on a PC:

1. Click and drag the file onto the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop. Alternatively, you can select the file and then press the Delete key.

Dragging a file to the Recycle Bin

2. To empty the trash, right-click the Recycle Bin icon and select Empty Recycle Bin. All files in the Recycle Bin will be permanently deleted.

Emptying the Recycle Bin

To Delete a File on a Mac:

1. Click and drag the file onto the Trash icon on the Dock. Alternatively, you can select the file and then press Command-Delete.

Dragging a file to the Trash

2. To empty the trash, right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash. All files in the Trash will be permanently deleted.

Emptying the Trash

On some Macs, right-clicking may be disabled by default. If you're unable to right-click, you can just click and hold the Trash icon until you see the Empty Trash option.

Opening Applications

When you double-click a file, it will automatically open the default application for that file type. However, much of the time you'll open an application directly.

To Open an Application on a PC:

• Click the Start button and select the desired application. If you don't see it, you can click All Programs to see a complete list. For convenience, commonly-used applications may also have a shortcut on the taskbar or on the desktop.

The Start menu

In Windows 8, there is no Start menu, so you'll usually open applications from the Start screen. To learn more, check out our lesson on Getting Started with Windows 8.

To Open an Application on a Mac:

• Click on the application's icon on the Dock. If you don't see it, click the Spotlight icon in the top-right corner of the screen and type the name of the application.

Opening iTunes from the Dock

If you are using OS X Lion or Mountain Lion, you can also click the Launchpad icon on the Dock to select an application.

Adjusting Your Computer's Settings

From time to time, you'll need to adjust your computer's settings. This can range from simple tasks such as changing your desktop background, to more advanced tasks like adjusting your security or network settings. On PCs, the Control Panel is used to adjust settings. On Macs, you'll use System Preferences.

To Open the Control Panel (PC):

1. Click the Start button and select Control Panel.

Opening the Control Panel

2. The Control Panel will appear. You can then select the desired category to adjust the settings.

The Control Panel

In Windows 8, you can open the Control Panel directly from the Start screen. Simply type "Control Panel" and then press Enter.

To Open System Preferences (Mac):

1. Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences.

Opening System Preferences

2. The System Preferences window will appear. You can then select the desired category to adjust the settings.

Choosing a category in System Preferences

For more information about using Windows, check out our Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows 8 tutorials.