Unit 3-Working with Computers

Unit 3-Working with Computers

Lesson One Objectives
At the end of this lesson you will be able to:
• Use the keyboard and mouse to operate a
personal computer.
• Use the appropriate operating features to switch
on and shut down a personal computer.
• Label different parts of a standard US keyboard.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Introduction
In the previous units, we looked
at the basic concepts of
computers; in this unit, we will
look at the heart of computers,
the components which make
things happen, and computer
software.
In this unit, we will work with
files and folders and other
applications running on the
Windows operating system.
Ask a Lawyer: 10 Software Services Agreement Tips. (2015, July 26). Retrieved 10
December 2016, from http://edwardslaw.ca/ask-a- lawyer-10-software-services-
agreement-tips/
Unit 3-Working with Computers Introduction
Operating systems
There are several types of operating systems, each with their own unique
features and purposes. Here are a few examples:

1. Windows: Windows is a widely used operating system developed by

Microsoft. It offers a user-friendly interface, compatibility with a wide range of
software and hardware, and includes features such as taskbar, start menu, built-
in security, and virtual assistants like Cortana.

2. MacOS: macOS is an operating system developed by Apple for their Macintosh

computers. It is known for its sleek and intuitive user interface, seamless
integration with other Apple devices, and features like Siri, Spotlight search, and
iCloud synchronization.
Unit 3-Working with Computers Introduction
Operating systems cont…..
3. Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system highly customizable and
used by many developers and tech enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of
distributions (such as Ubuntu and Fedora) with varying features, but in
general, it provides stability, security, and flexibility for users.

There are also other operating systems, such as iOS, Android and Chrome
OS.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Computer Booting and Shutdown
When the computer is
switched on for the first
time, it performs a series of
tests.
These tests are not seen by
the user – they in fact run
in the background
When all tests have been
completed the computer
loads the operating
system into main memory
and prepares the
computer for use.
New Boot Animation in Windows 11 PNG Image, 259 × 194 pixels). (2023). from:
https://thecategorizer.com/windows/change-boot-animation-in-windows-11/
Unit 3-Working with Computers
PC ON OFF Buttons

The power ON Button

CoolerMaster Elite 344 Mini-Tower Computer Case | Compare Prices & Save shopping in Australia. (2016). Retrieved
12 December 2016, from http://www.getprice.com.au/coolermaster-elite-344-mini-tower-computer-case.htm
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Computer Booting and Shutdown cont.…
Once the operating system is fully
loaded, the user can now make
full use of the computer.
Windows 11 functionality and
feel is totally different from those
of Windows 8, 7 and XP although
a bit similar to Windows 10,
The first window the user sees is
the ‘START Window’, like the
example on the right.
Complete solution to fix Windows 8.1 & 10 Start Button not working | Fix Window PC
Error - Repair All Types of Window Errors. (2016).
Retrieved 10 December 2016, from http://pcerror-
fix.blogspot.com/2015/11/complete-solution-to-fix-windows-81- 10.html
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Using the Keyboard and mouse
Mouse Before we learn how to navigate the
Windows environment, we need to
understand the tools that make this
possible:
Compact Optical Mouse 500 | Microsoft Accessories. (2016). Retrieved 10 December
2016, from https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/mice/compact-
optical-mouse-500/u81-00009
The keyboard and mouse are devices that
are used to interact with the computer, we
use them to tell the computer what to do
and to assist in selecting items on the
screen.
You navigate around the screen using your
mouse, either up, down, left or right.
The proper term for moving around in a
document in this way is scrolling. A
computer mouse usually controls a pointer
Keyboard
on the screen that responds or moves
Steam Community :: Guide :: How to play local Co-op with only a keyboard. (2016). Retrieved 10 December
2016, from https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=310556312 when the mouse is moved.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
The Keyboard
The keyboard is the second major
input device on the computer, it
contains keys that represent
Different characters, from letters to
numbers to other numerical
characters a standard keyboard can
have between 83 and 109 keys. Most
keyboards with these number of
keys use a layout referred to as
QWERTY, this is the arrangement of
the alphabetical characters on the Steam Community :: Guide :: How to play local Co-op with only a keyboard. (2016). Retrieved 10
December 2016, from https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=310556312
keyboard. This system was
Originally used by an inventor
known as Christopher Sholes to
prevent keys from jamming. The
image on the right shows the most
popular layout.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
The Keyboard cont…

The picture below is that of a standard ATX keyboard

Steam Community :: Guide :: How to play local Co-op with only a keyboard. (2016). Retrieved 10 December
2016, from https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=310556312
Unit 3-Working with Computers
The Keyboard cont…

The keyboard can be used to create documents, as with traditional

typewriters, but it can also be used to switch certain functions on or off. The
table on the next slide gives a brief overview of some of these keys and their
functions.
Move to the next slide for common keyboard shortcuts.
 Keyboard Key Associated Function
F1 Opens the help menu of any application
the user is using at that time.
Caps Lock Allows the user to type in capital letters
only.
Print Screen Takes a picture of the active screen or
windows.
Home Moves the user’s insertion point to the
start of a sentence.
End Moves the users insertion point to the end
of a sentence.
Page Up Moves the page of an application or
document up.
Page Down Moves the page of an application or
document down.
Directional Arrows Allows the user to move around the active
screen.
Num Lock Used to switch the number keys on or off.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
The Mouse
Depending on whether you are right-handed
or left-handed, you can configure the mouse
to suit your needs. Follow the steps below to
configure your mouse:
Click on the link below to get instructions on
how to configure your mouse for right-hand or
left-hand use.
http://tinyurl.com/z83po85

http://s.productreview.com.au/produc
ts/images/32_4eeff4a539887.jpg
Unit 3-Working with Computers
The Functions of the Mouse
The Right Click is used to access
Right Click many of the functions available on
the menu bar, access undisclosed
Wheel
features of a certain object,
Left Click
formatting a picture et.

The Left click allows the user to

access and navigate around within
Windows.

The wheel simplifies the way a user

moves up and down within an
application
http://s.productreview.com.au/produc
ts/images/32_4eeff4a539887.jpg
 End of Lesson
Activity
Please open the URL below to attempt an exercise that will test your
knowledge.

https://en.educaplay.com/en/learningresources/905045/html
5/keyboard.htm#!
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Lesson Two Objectives
At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

• Create, save, move and rename folders.

• Use the operating system to search for files and
folders.
• Operate commercial and freely available
file/folder compression and decompression
applications.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Working with files and folders

The operating system of a machine can

save information in storage items called
folders.
Folders can contain files. These files are
the actual data and information that we
use and see. E.g. files are music, videos,
pictures, documents, executable
programs.
Folders may also contain other folders and
these would be called subfolders..
The image on the right depicts folders.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Working with files and folders
Folders can be created, renamed, moved, copied and
deleted all in a few clicks or a press of a keyboard button.
Right Click
To do any of the above-mentioned options, navigate to
the folder you want to edit and right-click on the folder
once. A drop-down menu should appear with various
options.
Renaming a folder will require you to type in the name of
the folder as soon as you choose to rename it.
Copying and cutting options require you to paste the
folder in a desired location by right clicking and selecting
paste.
The main difference between cut and copy is that cutting
a folder or file means moving it to a new location.
Copying, however, is when you make a duplicate of the
folder or file in a different location while keeping the
original file in its original location.
The right-click button option on the mouse is shown in http://s.productreview.com.au/produc
the image on the right. ts/images/32_4eeff4a539887.jpg
 Unit 3-Working with Computers Step 3-

Creating a folder
select
Folder

Step 1-Right click on

To create a the desktop and a
folder
follow the following drop-down menu
steps: pops up, as below.

Go to the location
where you want to
create the folder, in
our case we want to
create the folder on
the desktop.
Follow steps 1, 2 and
3 on your right, to
create a folder.
Step 2-Select new
from the drop
down
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Renaming a folder or file

Folder name or file name can

be renamed or changed by: Step 1
Clicking on the file or folder name to
select it; steps 1 and 2.
Press F2 on your keyboard
Step 2
You then can give the file or folder a
preferred name; step 3.

Step 3
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Deleting a folder/file
Locate the file or folder you Step 1
want to delete and press
enter or click on it to select
it; as demonstrated in step
1 on the right.
Right–click on the mouse
button, and a pop-up
menu will appear like step Step 2
2 on the right image.
Choose the delete option
from the pop-up menu to
delete the file or folder.
 Unit 3-Working with Computers
Moving a folder
When moving a folder, all the content of
the folder moves with that folder to a
new location. Step 1
There are several options in which a folder can
be moved to a new location, these are:
1. Locate the folder that you want to
move, select it and drag the folder to
the new desired location.
Step 2
2. Locate the folder that you want to
and select it.

Right-click on the folder, and a pop-

up menu, as seen in step 2, will
appear. Select “Cut” and navigate
to the desired location.

Right–click on the mouse button,

and when a pop-up menu appears Step 3
like the one seen in Step 3, click on
paste.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Compressing a file or folder

File compression helps to reduce

the size of the folder.
It also allows users to send one
compressed file Instead of sending
an email with multiple files
attached.
When
single compressed file as an
attachment it helps
sending an email reduce
using a email
Open the link below to read about
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/f size and transmission time.
compression:
ile-compression.htm
NOTE: You can not attach or
upload a folder if it is not
compressed.
 Unit 3-Working with Computers
How to compress a file or folder
Locate the file or
folder you want to Step 1
compress; step 1.
Select the file or
folder.
Right-click on it and Step 3
the pop-up menu
will appear as
shown on the right;
step 2.
Select Send to Step 2
Compressed (zipped)
folder; step 3.
You may rename
your zipped file or
folder if you'd
like; step 4.
Step 4/Result
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Decompressing file or folders

When you have received compressed files or folders, you need to

decompress them before you can use them.
Step
Files can be decompressed as follows: 1
1. First, locate the file or folders you want to
decompress, Press enter or click on the file to
select it; step 1.
2. Right-click on the mouse button, and the pop-up menu as
shown on the tight will appear. Select “Extract All"; step 2.
3. In the "Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders" dialogue box, browse
the folder path where you want files extracted.
Step
4. Click Extract. All the files contained in the compressed folders will 2
be available on the path.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Lesson Three Objectives
At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

• Use removable media to save and retrieve data.

• Operate different applications at the same time on a
personal computer.
• Illustrate how to perform a specific task via screen
shots.
• Use the help function to search for information.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Removable Media
Removable flash devices or USB’s as they
are wrongly known are useful for moving
data between computers. They provide a
quick and easy storage option for
computer users who tend to
betweenwork
many different computers on a
daily basis. They also enable computer
users to conveniently share media like
movies, music and pictures. Students also
have the advantage of using them to copy [Hot Item] Mini COB USB Flash Disk Pen Drive. (2016). Retrieved 10
academic material such as school notes December 2016, from http://hotallo.en.made-
in-china.com/product/DvYEVkiyHucG/China-Mini-COB-USB- Flash-Disk-
and other class related material. Pen-Drive.html
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Viewing Content on Removable Media
Removable media in Windows 10 is automatically detected once plugged into the
computer.
To view the contents of an inserted device, open a window by clicking on the file
explorer icon at the bottom of your screen. NOTE that in certain instances, the window
will open automatically to display the contents of an inserted device.
Once the window is open click on the removable drive on the left.

Step 1
 Unit 3-Working with Computers
Viewing Content on Removable Media cont…

Select the removable

drive from the list of
connected drives on the
left; step 2. The drive
contents will be shown on
the right; step 3. The
drive, in this case, is called Step 3
MY USB; on your
computer, it could be
called something else.

Step 2
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Moving Content to a connected Removable drive

Moving Content can be achieved

through several ways, one is through
copying the contents, the second is
sending the content to the drive and
the third is cutting and pasting it.
Each step is illustrated in the slides
that follow, including videos.

http://media.istockphoto.com/photos/connecting-a-confidential-usb-flash-drive-with-laptop-picture-
id525544003?k=6&m=525544003&s=170667a&w=0&h=sEjPORaktmiV4R8ORd5zt8ppqFH-
kDc2dPEK5tDSjHQ=
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Moving Content to a connected Removable drive, by copying and
pasting.

Step 1-Choose the location of the

files you need to copy.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Moving Content to a connected Removable drive, by copying and pasting cont...

Step 2-Copy
the Files
Unit 3-Working with Computers

Step 3-Open
the USB or
flash disk and
paste the files.
The next section contains a
video, move your pointer
over the video to activate
the video. Click on the play
button to play the video.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Moving Content to a connected Removable drive, by moving or dragging
it.
Step 1-Choose the
location of the
files you need to
move/drag.

Step 2-Click on
the file to be
moved

Step 3-Drag or
pull the file to
the left and move
down the list of
folders;

Step 4-Drop
Move to the next slide for a higher resolution video the file in the
flash disk by
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Moving Content to a connected Removable drive, by cutting and pasting it.

Step 1-Select the drive

in which the files to
be cut are located.

Step 2-Click on the file

that you want to move.

Step 3-Right click on the

file and select
CUT from the right click
menu.

Step 4-Go to the flash

drive/USB.
Step 5-Right click in the
Flash/USB and select
PASTE .
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Multitasking

Multitasking allows one to perform several tasks in windows. The first step is to open an
application; this can be done by selecting it from the start menu or searching for it. The
search window is located at the bottom of the screen in Windows 10, on the taskbar.
 Unit 3-Working with Computers
Multitasking cont…
Step 1-Click on
the search icon
at the bottom of
the screen.
Step 2-Type in
the name of
the programs
you want to
open.
Step 3-Oncethe
programsare
displayed, click on
an individual
program to
open it.

Move to the next slide for a higher

 Unit 3-Working with Computers
Screen Captures
Screen captures, or
screenshots help you to
capture anything that is
displayed on the screen.
Step 1-Open all the
applications that you
want to be in the capture
“it’s a sort of selfie.”
Step2-Hit the Print
Screen key on your
keyboard.

The last step is given in a

video on the next slide.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
Screen Captures cont…

Step 3-Open an application such as

Paint in which you want to paste the
picture/capture and click paste.
Unit 3-Working with Computers
The built in help function
Most modern-day operating
systems have a built-in help
feature.
The help feature can be
activated in most installed
programs by pressing F1 on
the keyboard.
Windows 10 also comes
with a digital assistant
called Cortana, Cortana is
similar to Siri on apple
mobile devices and can be
used to ask for help if the
computer is connected to Windows 10 - Jugando con Cortana. (2015). Retrieved 10 December 2016, from
the internet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol-EjJbhFmU
 End of Lesson
Activity
1. Create the following folders, Folder 1, Folder 2 and
Folder 3.

2. Zip each of the three folders and upload to your

discussion forum on e-learning or save them to
your Desktop.
 Unit Three Activity
One

Activity Files Unit Three Activity

Open the activity files that
come with this course to Two
practice.

Unit Three Activity

Three
 References

Please note that all references are listed at the end

of the course learning units in the file titled “CUS
Units Image Credits and References”.

The references and or list follow no particular

referencing style and are in no particular order.