Computer training for beginners. Computer courses for beginners. Basic operations with windows, files and folders

Modern realities are such that the computer has firmly and permanently become an integral part of our lives. It is necessary at work, in the family and at home, for leisure, etc. The volumes of data that we entrust to PCs are constantly and rapidly growing, and it is already difficult to believe that just twenty years ago for many of our For compatriots, the concept of “computer” was mysterious and abstract.

But to become a full-fledged computer user, it is not enough just to purchase it and install it on workplace. First, you will have to obtain at least some minimum knowledge and skills that will allow you not only to find out what a modern PC is and what it consists of, but also how, in fact, to use it. Moreover, consultations with more “advanced” acquaintances will not be enough: you will have to read special literature, which includes the proposed book - designed, by the way, for the most novice users (simply put, for “dummies”).

The relationship between a person and a PC is ensured using a special software product called an “operating system”. On this moment the most popular are systems produced under the Windows brand from Microsoft. But there are other “operating systems”, for example – Linux, Unix, MS-DOS. In this book we will consider the Windows system, because it is this system that is used on the vast majority of computers (the description is based on Windows example XP Professional).

Chapter 1
General information about your personal computer

So what is a typical personal computer? This and much more is discussed in the first chapter of the book.

1.1. What does a typical PC consist of?

The key element of every PC is the system unit. It is he who ensures the processing and storage of all necessary for the user data. The system unit consists of a number of individual elements, which together form a single whole. We will not consider each of them in detail, since the purpose of the book is to teach a person how to use a computer, and not to tell about its structure. Let us just emphasize that any PC includes:

Hard drive (in simple terms - “hard drive”);

Random access memory (RAM; simply called “RAM”);

CPU;

Motherboard;

Video card;

Fan.

All these elements are located inside the case; Without any of them, it is basically impossible to operate a computer. However, in system unit Other devices may also be present: fax modem, TV tuner, LAN card, etc. – here a lot depends on what problems are solved with the help of this computer. For example, to watch television programs you need a TV tuner, to work on the Internet you need a modem, etc.

Designed for storing data on a computer HDD. But for this you can use (and often it is more convenient) external media– floppy disks (which, admittedly, are already reaching their end of life), CDs and DVDs, flash drives, etc.

Their use is possible if there are appropriate devices in the system unit: for floppy disks - a floppy drive, for disks - CD- or DVD-ROM, etc. Sometimes it is useful to use the so-called “removable hard drive” - for example, in order not to leave too much in the computer valuable or secret data that should not be accessible to unauthorized persons.

In addition to the system unit, the computer includes a number of other necessary technical means– such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer.

Monitor in your own way appearance reminds regular TV. The result of processes occurring in the system unit is displayed on its screen. Today, the market offers a wide range of any monitors - both with a cathode ray tube - the age of which, however, is already ending, and liquid crystal ones. How to choose for yourself suitable monitor and test it, we'll talk more below.

Advice. Please note that choosing a monitor is a very responsible process. Before doing this, try to get advice from specialists or at least more experienced users. Choosing a monitor wisely is important for health (primarily the eyes), as well as for comfort, so this question deserves the closest attention. It is highly undesirable to buy monitors that have already been used.

A keyboard is a device that is used to input and output information. Simply put, using the keyboard, the user gives commands to the computer to perform certain tasks (operations). The keyboard is easy to operate even for beginners; The only difficulties in the initial stages are related to remembering the location of the keys and, accordingly, quickly finding the required symbol.

Functions performed computer manipulator“mouse” are in many ways similar to the functions of a keyboard: first of all, it is the input and output of information. Besides, whole line It is more convenient to perform actions using the mouse.

The key elements of a mouse are its buttons. The left button is designed to perform most of the most common actions (calling up menu items, highlighting text fragments, and etc.); As for the right button, it is usually used to call up context menu commands.

Keyboards and mice are also widely available in the market. There are wireless, optical, and a whole range of other different models and execution options. When choosing a keyboard and mouse, first of all, be guided by considerations of practicality - otherwise you risk spending money on completely unnecessary bells and whistles.

A printer is a printing device that uses it to print data displayed on a monitor screen onto paper. The printer is connected to the computer in the same way as a monitor, keyboard and mouse - using a cable inserted into the port on the rear panel of the system unit. Today on Russian market There are three types of printers: matrix, inkjet and laser.

A definite plus dot matrix printers– their relatively low cost and ease of maintenance. Main disadvantage is the noise produced during printing, which often causes serious discomfort (especially if several dot matrix printers are used in the same room).

Inkjet printers are also different low cost, but at the same time they differ in comparison with their matrix “brothers” best quality print. Main disadvantage inkjet printers– unjustified high cost of maintenance (the price of a new cartridge is sometimes more than half the cost of the entire printer).

The most “modern” printers these days are laser ones. They are cheaper than matrix and inkjet, and the print quality is better, and the price Maintenance(in particular, cartridge refills) is quite reasonable.

So, with the most important elements modern computer we are already more or less familiar. However, there are also technical devices, not “vital”, but necessary for some operations. The most typical example is a modem.

This device is designed to connect your computer to the Internet. Modems can be built-in (that is, located inside the system unit), or external, made in the form separate device, connected to the computer via a cable. To communicate with World Wide Web was possible, you need to set up an Internet connection (we'll talk about this below). The modem receives and sends data over the Internet.

To quickly transfer information from paper to a computer, we use special device- scanner. It allows you not to enter text printed on paper from the keyboard, and thereby saves a lot of time. In addition, the capabilities of the scanner make it possible to create and print a document, the formation of which in a traditional way is unrealistic or impractical.

1.2. Basic technical characteristics of the computer

Main technical characteristics computer are: volume hard drive, clock frequency processor and amount of RAM. Of course, these are not all the parameters available on a PC, and their own indicators exist, for example, for a modem, video card, sound card, etc. However, it is these three characteristics that give the most complete picture of a particular computer, its speed and ability satisfy the user's needs. Let's briefly look at each of them.

It’s not difficult to guess what the volume of a hard drive is: this indicator characterizes the capacity of the hard drive, and based on this you can determine how much and what kind of information can be stored and processed on the computer. For most users, a hard drive capable of storing from 80 to 160 GB of information is quite suitable.

The processor clock speed is also important. Along with the amount of RAM, this indicator directly affects the performance of the computer. If you are not going to play powerful games on your computer modern games, engage in complex processing music files, video, graphics, etc., then a processor frequency of 1.5–2 GHz will be sufficient for you.

But even if your computer uses a large hard drive and powerful processor, and there is not enough RAM, performance problems will arise. The average amount of RAM, which will completely satisfy most users, is 1024 MB.

Note. The recommendations given here are conditional and “average”: someone needs more powerful computer, and someone is quite satisfied with twice the characteristics. Much depends on what tasks the computer is used to solve.

1.3. Basic rules for working on a computer

Rules for working on personal computer formed long ago based on many years of experience in PC operation. Every user should know them: this is necessary both to protect the computer from troubles and to protect the information contained in it.

1. You must install a reliable one on your PC antivirus program. Even if you don’t use the World Wide Web, you can always pick up a virus from someone else’s CD or DVD, from local network, etc. From time to time you need to completely scan your computer to detect malware.

2. If you go online, be sure to protect your computer firewall(Surely many have heard the word “firewall”). The most common browser Internet Explorer from Microsoft is protected by a standard firewall, but even not the most “advanced” hackers have long found loopholes in it. Therefore, use more reliable protection(for example, a good firewall is Zone Alarm, and it also has free version, which can be downloaded from the Internet).

3. Do not experiment with the contents of the system unit. If you need to somehow change the configuration of your computer, use the services of professionals (or, as a last resort, at least get comprehensive advice from them).

4. Provide stable, uninterrupted power supply. Please note that the quality of Russian electricity is far from the best (this is a legacy of the USSR - similar problem available in all countries of the former Union), so the computer must be protected from power surges, unexpected power outages, etc. A surge protector must be purchased in any case, or even better, spare no expense and buy a source uninterruptible power supply.

5. If the computer has been in the cold for some time, do not turn it on immediately after it is in a warm place, but be sure to let it stand for at least 1.5–2 hours.

6. Do not install the PC where it may overheat (near radiators, in direct sun rays, and so on.).

7. Never launch icons and shortcuts that unexpectedly appear on your desktop and are unfamiliar to you (we will talk about what a desktop, an icon and a shortcut are below) - they are often distributed in this simple way malware. If you find something like this, scan your computer immediately good antivirus(required - with updated and fresh anti-virus databases).

8. Monitor the operating temperature of PC components. All standard fans must work; if any of them fails, it should be quickly repaired or replaced with a working one. Watch for temperature conditions possible using special utilities, which can be found on the Internet.

9. Try to minimize dust getting into the system unit. Not everyone knows that it can cause overheating of computer components, loss of contacts and other similar problems. Try not to place the system unit on the floor, as there is always a lot of dust on the floor. From time to time (for example, once every six months), clean the system unit and remove accumulated debris from it (you can use a vacuum cleaner for this).

10. Complete any work session correctly, using normal mode completion of work (we'll talk about this in the next section).

Compliance with these rules will significantly extend the life of your computer and greatly increase its reliability.

1.4. How to properly turn on, turn off and restart your computer

Even such seemingly simple operations as turning on, turning off and restarting a computer require certain knowledge from the user.

For example, turning on the computer (by pressing the corresponding button). Not all beginners know that before doing this, it is necessary to connect all used devices to the system unit: monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc. The fact is that they are recognized by the computer during the loading of the operating system. Therefore, if you first turn on the computer, and only after that connect a mouse or keyboard to it, they may remain unrecognized, therefore, their use will be impossible (or rather, you will have to reboot).

Let us remind you once again that it is strictly not recommended to turn on the computer electrical network directly, without a “buffer” in the form surge protector or uninterruptible power supply. Otherwise, the slightest voltage surge will damage the computer: it may fail motherboard, power supply, etc. As a rule, repairs in similar cases costs a lot of money. In addition, you risk losing data.

It is necessary to turn off the computer using the appropriate normal mode, having first closed all running programs and open documents. On the menu Start need to select a team Shutdown– as a result, the window shown in Fig. will open. 1.1.

Rice. 1.1. Shutting down the system

In this window, click the button Shutdown and wait until the system shuts down. There is no need to press any buttons after this - the computer will turn off automatically.

The need to restart the computer arises when installing or uninstalling certain programs, when performance problems arise (in other words, when it freezes), as well as in some other cases. Rebooting is carried out in the same way as turning off the computer - with the difference that in the window (see Fig. 1.1) you need to press the button not.

However, sometimes the computer freezes so much that even the menu Start does not open. In this case, the reboot is initiated by pressing a button specially designed for this purpose, which is located on the system unit (it may have the inscription Reset).

Chapter 2: Getting Started with Windows XP Professional

We noted earlier that to work on a computer you need a special software- operating system. This book describes the most popular Windows operating system from Microsoft today (the version of Windows XP Professional is considered).

The first thing that appears on the screen after the computer boots is the user Windows interface(Fig. 2.1), which includes the following components: Desktop, Task bar and menu Start.

Rice. 2.1. Windows user interface

Menu Start opens by clicking the button of the same name, which is located in the lower left corner of the interface. Task bar is a strip located along the entire lower limit interface, and includes icons, buttons open applications, system clock, etc. Most user interface takes Desktop– this is the entire screen area except the button Start and taskbar.

2.1. Desktop

The desktop is decorated with a background image, on top of which application shortcuts and folder icons are displayed. In addition, right-clicking on the desktop brings up a context menu.

2.1.1. Desktop background

You can use files with one of the following extensions as your desktop background: bmp, gif, jpg, dib, png or htm.

Note. A file extension is a set of characters characterizing its type, immediately following its name and separated from the file name by a dot. To make it clearer, let's explain specific examples: in file List. doc extension - doc(it indicates that this document was created in Word), in the file Drawing. bmp extension - bmp(by the way, this is one of graphic extensions), etc.

By default, the desktop background is set to an image called Serenity(see Fig. 2.1). Note that the developers included a whole range of other features in the operating system. graphic files, and you can choose any of them to decorate your desktop. This is easy to do: click on the desktop right click mouse, in the menu that opens, run the command Properties, and in the window that appears Properties: Screen select tab Desktop(Fig. 2.2).

Rice. 2.2. Selecting an image for the wallpaper

In field Background image a list of graphic files is presented, any of which can be used for design. To choose suitable image, select it in the list with the cursor and press the button Apply or OK. Above the list of images, a sample of how the desktop will look with the currently selected image is shown - this allows you to quickly view the entire contents of the list and select the most appropriate option. Please note: in fig. 2.2 is selected in the list background picture Serenity, which decorates the desktop in Fig. 2.1.

In principle, you can use any image to decorate your desktop (for example, a photo of your favorite lap dog, or a family photo, etc.) by adding it to the list and selecting general rules. To perform this operation there is a button Review, which is located to the right of the list (see Fig. 2.2). With its help, a window is called up on the screen Review(Fig. 2.3).

Rice. 2.3. Selecting a custom image

Here in the field Folder(at the top of the window) indicates the path to the file of the required picture. Open the drop-down list, select a directory (if the picture file is not in the root directory, then sequentially open all the folders on the path to it), then click on the desired file and click the button Open.

As a result of the completed actions, the specified picture will be added to the list background images located in the window Properties: Screen on the tab Desktop. Moreover, the cursor is automatically positioned on it, and in the field located above, a sample of what the desktop will look like will be displayed (Fig. 2.4).

Rice. 2.4. Custom image

Changes will take effect after clicking the button Apply or OK(Fig. 2.5).

Rice. 2.5. Decorating your desktop with a custom image

Similarly, you can decorate your desktop with any design. The only condition is that its extension must correspond to one of those given at the beginning of the section.

2.1.2. Desktop icons and shortcuts

Basic functional element worker Windows desktop- these are the icons and labels located on it intended for operational access to programs, files, documents and folders. You can install the necessary icons and shortcuts on your desktop yourself.

Note. Typically, shortcuts and icons for your most frequently used applications, files, and folders are displayed on your desktop. In other cases, it is better to use Explorer (we will talk about it in more detail below) so as not to clutter the desktop with rarely used elements.

After installing the operating system, the icon appears on the desktop by default. Basket. It allows you to access your shopping cart with deleted files, folders and other objects. Periodically, you should delete all contents from the Recycle Bin so that you don’t store anything on your hard drive that you no longer need.

Note. If you need to immediately and permanently delete an object from your hard drive, bypassing the recycle bin, use the key combination Shift+Del.

Also when Windows installation The following icons and shortcuts can be automatically displayed on the desktop:

My computer– to access files, folders and documents stored on the computer.

My Documents– this folder stores various current user documents (letters, reports, etc.).

My music– the folder is intended for storing music and sound files.

My drawings– it is advisable to store in this folder digital photos, drawings, graphic objects and so on.

On this page, all the lessons on the site are arranged exactly in the order in which we recommend taking them. Unfortunately, there are currently gaps in the list of lessons that mandatory will be filled. Topics on which there are already articles are links (highlighted blue with underlining) - follow them and learn! The list does not include news and some articles (for example, on solving computer problems) because They are not useful for training, however, you will receive them if you subscribe to the newsletter.

You can freely write your wishes in the comments, this is most welcome. The proposed topics are included in the plan of articles.

Let's create the best free step-by-step training system together!

Target: create a list of articles on the website, studying which in in a certain order, you will feel free when working at the computer.

Important! If you can write an expert article on any of these topics, write to us, articles are paid.

Course: Computer User - Basic Level

1. What is a netbook
2. What is an ultrabook
3. What is a tablet
4. What is a tablet phone
5. USB port: what is it and what can be connected through it
6. How to turn on the computer, what happens at this moment
7. What is a driver? What is a graphical operating system shell
8. Computer desktop.
9. Mouse, cursor, how to use the mouse.
10. What is a shortcut, file, program, folder.
11. Basic file types. What is an extension
12. What is a hard drive and how does it work ( On publication)
13. Computer hard drive, partitions.
14. Keyboard. How to work with her. Create a text file.
15. Start menu, what's in it
16. Turning off the computer. ( In progress)
17. What is sleep mode and when to use it
18. What is standby mode and when to use it
19. Install the program. The main stages of installing any program. Where it will appear, how to find where it is installed, how to find it in the Start menu.
20. We are working with the program. Standard elements programs: settings, drop-down menu, quick access panel.
21. Create a shortcut. All ways.
22. How to view the characteristics of your computer.
23. Computer screen. Resolution, settings, change the desktop theme.
24. How to install a driver for a device. Where to download the driver if it is not installed automatically. ( In progress)
25. Computer startup. How to disable a program from startup. How to disable autoloading in the program itself. ( In progress)
26. What is an archive? Working with the archiver program
27. How to open a video on a computer
28. How to open e-book(.pdf .djvu .pdf) ( In progress)
29. How to open a presentation
30. How to open a document (.doc, .docx, .fb2)
31. How to find out what video card I have
32. Blue Screen of Death - what is it?
33. What is BIOS and what is it for?
34. How to open.pdf
35. How to open.mkv
36. How to open.djvu
37. On-screen keyboard - what is it and what is it for?
38. How to change the language on your computer
39. Hot Windows keys 7,8
40. How to increase font size on computer

Course: Computer Security

1. How to set a password on Windows
2. How to come up with a complex password
3. How to protect your Google account
4. What is antivirus
5. What is a firewall
6. How to block pop-ups
7. How to Make File Extensions Visible in Windows
8. How to protect yourself on the Internet using the WOT extension
9. Review of Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Course: Computer programs

1. Punto Switcher
2. Alarm clock on computer
3. Program for creating videos from photos

Course: Google Services

Course: Computer User: Intermediate Level

1. How to create virtual machine(virtual computer)
2. How to transfer old photos to computer
3. How to put a password on a folder
4. How to clean the Windows registry
5. How to enter BIOS
6. How to format a hard drive
7. How to do defragmentation of hard disk.

Course: Laptop and Netbook User

1. Features of working with a laptop and netbook
2. Laptop, netbook device
3. Laptop and netbook keyboard - operating features
4. How to extend battery life
5. What to do if your laptop (netbook) gets hot
6. Computer stands: cooling and not so much.
7. How to enable WiFi on a laptop

Course: Computer and near-computer devices

Course: Computer and child

1. Is it necessary to limit time on the computer for children and how to do it correctly?
2. What can a child learn using a computer?
3. How to protect your child from adult sites

Course: Internet User - Basic Level

The article will tell you what a computer is and how to use it.

Navigation

Nowadays, you can use a computer and laptop great amount of people. But people are not born with these skills; everything starts from scratch.

Beginners are interested in how to master a computer and laptop from scratch? Where to begin self-study computer/laptop? Let's talk about this in our review.

What is the difference between a computer and a laptop?

Almost nothing. The main difference between a computer and a laptop is portability. If a computer is a stationary device, then a laptop is a mobile device. That is, the computer needs to be installed on the table and used in the future, but the laptop can be freely carried with you, which is what it is intended for.

Both a computer and a laptop consist of a keyboard, monitor, mouse, processor, RAM, etc. Only on a computer all these components are connected to each other, while a laptop is like a single monolithic device.

An operating system is installed on both the computer and the laptop, for example, “ Windows" (most common) or " Linux" If you master, say, a computer, then you can work on a laptop without difficulty and vice versa. Therefore, in this review We will not give two instructions, but will talk about how to use the computer.

operating system- This is a kind of “soul” of the computer. This software, which makes it possible to work on a computer. When you turn on the computer, it is the operating system that starts working first, we see this when the monitor lights up:

Let's start studying the computer with the operating system

If there were no operating system, we would only see a black screen and some strange letters with numbers that are of no use to us. Working on a computer is actually working with programs that, as a whole, make up the operating system.

You see how the mouse cursor runs across the screen - this is the work of the operating system. What about typing? Photos? Video? Even sounds from speakers are only possible thanks to the operating system. In the last century, music was listened to from the record on which the song was recorded. Currently audio and video files are presented in digital format, that is, in the form of programs.

The operating system allows you to “revive” your monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers and all the devices that together make up your computer. Without it, a computer is just a “non-living” iron organism. Remember, the operating system is the soul of the computer.

"Windows"

In general, operating systems can be different. Some of them are very well known, others are not very common among ordinary ordinary users.

« Windows" refers to the most common operating systems, which is distinguished by its convenience and is excellent for use not only by specialists, but also ordinary people at home.

« Windows"also happens different versions: « Windows 95», « Windows 7», « Windows XP», « Windows 8», « Windows 10" etc. The most common are seven, eight and ten. The once popular Windows XP"is officially considered obsolete, although it is quite possible to work with it now.

Distinguish versions " Windows» between themselves you can by appearance:

There is also another easy way to find out what version of the operating system is installed on your computer:

• Click on the button in the lower left corner Start» left mouse button
• Next, click on the item “ Computer" (or " My computer") with the right mouse button.
• Then in the new window that opens, left-click on the item “ Properties»

• After this, a folder will open containing information on your operating system

Let's find out what operating system is installed on our computer

So, we briefly learned what an operating system is. Now let's start examining the computer itself.

Studying the PC device

Computer parts

In order to learn how to use a computer, you first need to study its design. That is, you need to know what devices are part of such a concept as a “personal computer”.

In principle, most people have an idea of ​​what the components of a computer are called, but we will explain everything in more detail to make it easier for beginners to operate these parts.

So, the computer consists of:

• Internal parts- these are the elements that make up the system unit (a large box with a power button). In principle, the system unit is the computer itself. And everything else, for example, a mouse, are simply components of this computer.
• External parts– these are, in fact, the components of the computer that we connect to the system side (keyboard, etc.).

In turn, all the described parts of the computer can be classified based on their interaction with humans:

• Input devices– these are devices that allow a person to give instructions to a computer (mouse, keyboard).
• Output devices– devices that transmit information from a computer to a person (monitor, speakers).
• I/O devices- these are, accordingly, those devices that combine the concepts described above (disk drive).

Now let's talk about the main devices, without which working on a computer will be impossible.

System unit

What does the system unit look like?

So, the system unit is the brain of the computer. To understand why the system unit is such an important component of a PC, you just need to study what is inside it.

Inside the system unit there is a motherboard - this is a kind of huge microcircuit into which, in fact, absolutely all the elements of the computer are built: the processor, RAM, video card, sound card, disk drive, as well as all connectors (to which a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. network cable And all the rest).

You can also connect to the system unit Wi-Fi device, and TV tuner, and gaming consoles. This is a matter of taste and needs. When purchasing, you yourself order what kind of computer you need: for games, for watching videos, or just for accessing the Internet. On the basis of this, the system unit with all its constituent elements is assembled.

There are at least two buttons on the system unit: turning on the computer and rebooting:

Power button on the system unit

All other important parts of the PC, such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard and speakers, are already selected for the system unit. That is, when buying a computer, you need to start with the system unit, and then select everything else for it. By the way, you can freely change your monitor or keyboard if they break down or no longer meet your requirements. But with a laptop, this number will no longer work.

Monitor

computer monitor

Everyone knows what TV is. Everyone was watching him. A computer monitor is not exactly a TV, but it performs the same function, that is, the function of displaying information on the screen. If, in the case of a TV, such information is transmitted through an antenna or tv cable (analog signal), then to computer monitor information is transmitted from the system unit. Even more precisely, the signal comes from the video card, which is located in the system unit, as we learned above.

Monitors have various sizes, which is determined, for example, by the long diagonal of the screen and is measured in inches. The picture quality does not depend on the screen size. The quality of the image is determined by a parameter such as screen resolution. That is, the number of pixels (electronic dots) per square inch. These dots on the screen make up the image. Accordingly, than more points (higher resolution screen) the better, clearer and more vivid the picture.

Speakers

Speakers

Just like a monitor, speakers receive a signal with information from the system unit, but they only output it not in the form of an image, but in the form of sound. This signal is transmitted from the system unit via the sound card.

Computer speakers differ from regular classic speakers in that they also have an audio amplifier inside. Sound card transmits only an analog signal (for example, like a player), and then the signal, as usual, is processed in an amplifier and goes to the speakers. Computer speakers have a cord with an outlet precisely because they connect an audio amplifier (not speakers) to the network.

Keyboard

Computer keyboard

Above we discussed output devices, now let's talk about input devices and start with the keyboard.

Everyone knows that the keyboard is designed to type text, which we then (or rather not “later”, but immediately) see on the screen. The keyboard, accordingly, has everything required keys with letters, numbers and other symbols.

There are also keys here, thanks to which we can give the computer certain commands. For example, if we press the key " Caps Lock ", this will give us the ability to print text in capital letters, well, or start the word (name, title) with capital letters. By pressing the keys that have arrows on them, we can scroll the page (on the Internet, or in some folder on the computer) up or down.

Mouse

This is the name computer mouse received for the reason that it slightly resembles a living mouse, that is, it has a body and a tail (cord):

PC mouse

A computer mouse is designed primarily so that we can move the cursor on the monitor screen with the greatest comfort. If we used only the keyboard, it would cause us unnecessary trouble and take a lot of time.

A standard mouse has two buttons (left and right) and a wheel. The left button provides, as it were, basic actions when we, for example, hover the mouse cursor over a folder and open it by clicking on this button. In the same way, we close windows and programs - hover the cursor over the cross icon and click on left button.

The right button is responsible for additional actions, for example, opens a menu or additional windows. The wheel allows you to scroll the page up and down, as is done with the corresponding keys on the keyboard.

Video: How to master a computer and laptop quickly and easily?

Video: What does a laptop consist of?

HOW TO LEARN TO WORK ON A COMPUTER IN TWO HOURS

Can a common person master a computer in two hours? Surely the majority will answer this question in the negative. I have a different opinion. If children begin to play with a computer as soon as they can walk, then why do many middle-aged and older people have difficulty mastering this complex household tool? I believe that the reason for this is the lack professional approach to a computer training system.

Ordinary people from post-Soviet countries, whose knowledge was laid back in Soviet times, are simply accustomed to thinking in other categories. Their consciousness has a different terminology, they are used to thinking by other criteria (more precisely, by other templates). What happens when they pick up any book on computers? The first thing they encounter is obscure terms that mean even less clear categories. Interface, modem, processor, controller, etc. - all this scares away and discourages anyone from taking up computer skills. And sometimes these terms even have multiple meanings (for example, the word “processor” as such, and the same word in the phrase “ word processor"already have different meanings). Are children really learning computers with the help of these tedious technical books and memorizing these incomprehensible terms? Yes, of course not. For them, a computer is a toy that needs to be played with according to certain rules (the word algorithm is still unclear to many of them).

Let me start with the fact that I needed to teach my father, who is 87 years old, to play chess on his own with a computer. To do this, I wrote instructions that formed the basis of this article. In addition, I have a friend who is afraid of the computer like fire, and any suggestion to use the computer triggers a defensive reaction in him, and he immediately declares, “I don’t need that.” Therefore, I decided to post on the website the instructions that I wrote for my 87-year-old father, and with which he could easily use my computer.

The purpose of this article is to help middle-aged and older people, and possibly children, master this incomprehensible thing - a computer in a few hours. I say again, if you have reached my site, then you do not need this article. But on the other hand, your younger brother, father or friend, for whom you naturally do not have time, may need it.

To learn how to use a computer (as they say now, to master a computer at the level of a novice user), you need to learn to do four things:

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Launch the program you need (it’s best to start with a simple game). In most cases application programs, installed on your computer, are indicated by a small image (pictogram or icon) that is reflected (highlighted, you can call it whatever you want) on the computer desktop (you will find the concept of this term below, but don’t get too hung up on it for now).

3. Turn off the program you are running. This operation is called “close the program”.

4. Turn off the computer.

First, let's look at a few concepts. Apparently, I also cannot do without theory; this is probably how we, people of the older generation, are structured. But I assure you, the theory will not take more than five minutes and, perhaps, will help some people master the computer faster. What is a computer? This is a thing that usually consists of a small box (it's called a system unit) and a screen (it's called a monitor). It happens that both the system unit and the monitor are combined with each other. Then such a computer, depending on its size, can be called a laptop, netbook, tablet, smartphone, communicator, or something else. The image that appears on the monitor screen after turning on the computer and after all transient processes have completed is called the desktop (see Fig. 1). everything that is shown in Fig. 1 is the desktop. Of course, the desktop images may differ for each computer.

Elements of Fig. 1 that are necessary for the first lesson: 1 - pictograms (icons) of programs; 2 - Solitaire game icon; 3 - Start button.

Any computer can only work with programs. Roughly speaking, programs are the rules by which a computer operates. If there are no rules, the computer will not work. Programs, in general, can be divided into two types. The first type is the operating system - this is main program, which is “put into” the computer so that it can work. The job of the operating system is to manage all other programs. The second type is application programs (roughly they can be called auxiliary), with the help of these programs specific tasks on the computer (watching movies, photos, listening to music, playing various games, etc.). Well, that’s probably all, the theory is over for today. Let's move on to practice.

In order to use the computer, you first need to turn it on. To do this on any computer, as well as on any household appliance or in any electronic toy, there is special button turning on the power supply. Usually this button is located on the system unit. For your specific computer, you will find the location of this button in its operating instructions (description), or ask a more experienced friend, but be sure to remember where it is located, otherwise you will not be able to turn on your computer again.

After you turn on your computer, a cursor will appear on its screen (usually a small inclined arrow, but it can also be something else - a cross or a vertical line). Owners of tablets or smartphones do not have a cursor; its task is performed by your finger or a stylus (a special plastic stick). The cursor is controlled using the so-called mouse, moving which along a flat surface leads to the movement of the cursor on the desktop. The program you need is launched by hovering the cursor over the icon of this program and double click(by clicking or clicking) the left mouse button (LMB) while holding the cursor on the icon of the program you have selected. The image that appears on the monitor after the completion of transient processes when starting the program is called the program window. In our case, I launched the Solitaire game, using the corresponding icon (see 2 Fig. 1), selecting it from many other icons (see 1 Fig. 1) and received the Solitaire program window Fig. 2. How to work with a specific program is another question, and perhaps in my other lessons for beginners, I will try to describe this process for the most popular programs. In order to launch a program, owners of tablets (smartphones, etc.) need to touch the icon of the required program with a stylus (or finger).

So, in the screenshot of Fig. 2 (by the way, the screenshot is taken using special program, designed specifically for this purpose) is presented popular game“Solitaire”, which you can learn to play by consulting with a computer user of any level, at least with the neighbor boy. Why do I recommend starting to learn a computer with a game? Yes, because it will not be so tedious, you will quickly learn how to operate the mouse and will be able to master the first basics of the process of communicating with a computer.

To turn off the computer, just move the cursor to the “Start” button on the desktop and press the left mouse button once while holding the cursor on this button. The “Start” button is a small picture in the lower left corner (see 3 Fig. 1), it can have the shape of a circle, like mine, or a rectangle. It depends on the operating system that is on your computer. After you click the start button (left-click with the cursor hovering over the “Start” button), depending on your computer, you will see a small window (Fig. 3), in which you must select “Shut down” (or “Turn off the computer”) (see 1 Fig. 3). If you move the cursor over it (on this inscription) and press the left mouse button, the computer will turn off after a while. Please note that on your computer the image in Fig. 3 may differ from mine, but you still need to look for the words “Shut down” or “Turn off the computer”. I also want to draw your attention to the fact that the “Start” button is not the button with which you turned on the computer, that button is real and is called the power button, and this drawn one is called the “Start” button. It would probably be more correct to call this button the Power Off button (although it has other purposes).

If you did all this on your own, congratulations, you can already be classified as a novice user.

I intentionally missed one point in these instructions. This is shutting down the program you are running. For most programs this is not necessary, but there are programs in which it is necessary to save current parameters, so as not to start work (game) all over again. But the order in which parameters are saved is individual for each program, and the order in which this operation is performed must be considered when studying a particular program. And to turn off (end) a program, it is usually enough (this applies to most, but still not all programs) to point at the white cross in the red rectangle, which is located in the right top corner program window (see 1 Fig. 2) and press the left mouse button. And it would be nice if the user made it a habit to close all programs he was running, although, I repeat, this is not necessary.

Itsenko Alexander Ivanovich

This article belongs to the series of articles “ Computer training " or " Master a computer in two hours " Other articles from this series:

Cost of computer courses for pensioners:

Start dates

PC course program for beginners

1 lesson. operating room Microsoft system Windows.
1.1.Basic concepts (file, folder, desktop, taskbar, shortcut, window).
1.2.Desktop.
1.3.Structure of a Windows window.
1.4. Units of information
1.5.Use help system.

Lesson 2. Program "Explorer", "This Computer".
2.1.Creating folders; movement.
2.2.Deleting and copying a file and group of files
2.3. Working with USB flash drives.
2.4.Creating a shortcut on the desktop.
2.5.Setting up the mouse, keyboard, date and time, monitor.
2.6.Installation and removal of programs.

Lesson 3. Program Microsoft Office Word.
3.1.Structure of the Word program window.
3.2.Text input.
3.3.Selecting text
3.4.Editing text
3.5.Working with fonts.

Lesson 4. Microsoft program Office Word. (Continuation)
4.1.Saving, opening, creating a new document
4.2.Paragraph formatting
4.3.Text alignment.
4.4.Setting page parameters.
4.5.Preview of the document.
4.6.Print a document.

Lesson 5. Microsoft Office Word program. (Continuation)
5.1.Creating a frame and background.
5.2.Inserting pictures
5.3.Inserting shapes
5.4. Spell check.
5.5.Auto-change.
5.6.Upper and lower indices.
5.7.Page numbering.
5.8.Creating headers and footers.
5.9.Inserting symbols.
5.10.Changing the case of text.

Lesson 6. Microsoft Office Excel program.
6.1.Program interface
6.2.Entering data and editing cell contents.
6.3.Formatting cells (borders, fill, data format).
6.4.Setting page parameters.
6.5.Preview.
6.6.Print a document.
6.7.Creating number sequences.
6.8.Creating formulas.
6.9.Copying formulas. 6.10.Using autosum.
6.11.Creating formulas using the Function Wizard.
6.12.Working with sheets (inserting, renaming, deleting, moving, copying).

Lesson 7. Internet and email.
7.1.Basic terminology of the Internet.
7.2.Connecting to the Internet.
7.3 Internet Explorer browser programs Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome.
7.4.Methods of viewing and searching information
7.5.Saving information on your computer.
7.6.Saving photos, music, videos on your computer.

Lesson 8. Working with email.
8.1. Create your own mailbox.
8.2. Receiving and sending letters using the mailbox.
8.3. Processing letters (changing encoding, sorting, deleting, saving attachments).
8.4.Using and filling out the address book.
8.5.Adding attachments to letters as a file.
8.6.Indicating the importance of the message.
8.7. Purpose of the magazine and favorites folder.
8.8.Introduction to email clients.

Pass. Interview.