Online Class: Computer Basics 101

Computers used to be something reserved for those with jobs that required bookkeeping, word processing or other tasks. But today, computers are a part of everyday life, a necessity for school and for keeping up with communications.

When you're someone who hasn't had to work on a computer before, the idea of learning the basics can be overwhelming. The good news is that computers are more user friendly than ever before. Computer manufacturers know that users aren't always skilled in the finer technical details, so they have created programs and processes that will help users get on the computer and instantly make their functions usable.

In this course, you'll learn the basics of how to use a computer properly. Even if you have used computers in the past, you will find out more about how to use computers correctly, how to use them comfortably, and how to make the most of your time on a computer.

By the end of this course, you will not only have learned about computers, but you will also be tested at the end of the lessons so you can be certain that you understand the information correctly.

The best way to learn about computers is to put the things you learn into practice. Get in front of your computer, start using it - and you'll get the hands-on experience to be a part of this modern world of technology. 

Types of Computers

In general, there are two types of computers that you might use: desktops and laptops. While smartphones, tablets, and even calculators are technically computers, for the sake of this course, we are concerned with desktops and laptop computers only.

Desktops are the cheaper systems (most of the time) that you can use as a part of your computer needs. They are set up to be on a desk (hence the name), and they take up more space without being portable.

Laptops are compact versions of desktop computers, allowing you to have a computer that is portable--able to be moved where you need to go.

The pieces of a computer will vary, depending on the model you choose for your needs, but the main parts of a computer will be described in the following sections.

Monitor

A monitor allows you to see what you're doing. This is the screen that is either a separate piece for a desktop, or it's the part of the laptop you see when you open it up.

The monitor can be large or small, depending on your needs, and it can be covered in a coating that diminishes glare. If you're using a computer often, you might want to choose a larger screen, as this will allow you to see more and is easier on the eyes while you're focusing on your tasks.

Keyboard

A keyboard is where the keys are that include letters and numbers, just as you might find on a typewriter. You often find other keys that are specific for computer usage, such as the function keys -- F1, F2, F3, etc.

There also will be a power switch when batteries power the keyboard, or when the keyboard is powered by solar cells.

More often, you might find a keyboard connected to the computer by a USB cable, which will be slid into the USB port.

Keyboards are separate when they are a part of a desktop system, and they can also be connected externally to a laptop when it is more comfortable to use instead of the smaller one built into the laptop.

It can help to try out a few keyboards before you settle on one for your computer, since extensive typing can be cumbersome with a small keyboard. You want to make sure you choose one that is going to fit your hands as much as it fits your needs.

The mouse is the part of a computer system that allows you to move the cursor on the screen around the programs. When you move the mouse, you will notice a small arrow will also move around the screen. With the mouse buttons, you can click on different parts of the screen in order to access functions of a program.

A mouse can have two keys and a roller piece to help you move around, and to access links and icons on the screen.

Newer mice will have just one click function and you can move a finger around the top part of the mouse to move the cursor around the screen.

But, most often, and for beginners, a simple mouse is one that you move with your hand around a mouse pad (a small piece of material that you can purchase at any computer supply store) to access different functions. It's very intuitive and easy to learn with a little practice.

Hard Drive

One of the more difficult pieces of a computer to understand is the hard drive. What you want to know is that this is the main storage area of your computer. This is the piece that stores all of the information that allows you to do your work.

The hard drive is located in the large tower that comes with a traditional desktop computer, or it may be a part of a monitor when the system is newer and doesn't have a separate body. In a laptop, it is usually located in the space underneath the keyboard.

Other than the fan to cool the computer, the hard drive is the only other moving part in the computer. Because of this, the hard drive will get wear and tear and may vary life expectancies (usually 2-5 years).

If you should notice that your computer is not working as quickly as it once was, and you have had your hard drive for a long period of time, it might be a sign that it needs to be defragged or perhaps replaced.

Hardware

The hardware of a computer is the assemblage of systems that are inherent to the computer. These are the physical pieces of the computer that it is constructed of.

The easiest way to think of the hardware is to think about the idea of something being "hard." These are the physical systems of a computer, rather than the software that you might install into the computer to use different programs.

Software

Software is a broad term for programs that you might install on a computer. For example, word processing software is something that you would install on a computer (or it may come as a part of a computer).

If you want to customize your computer experience, you would get software discs, or you might download this information from a website.

The software is something that can be installed and removed, as you like, depending on your computing needs.

When you're first starting out on a computer, you don't need to install a lot of programs, and you shouldn't. Focus instead on using what the computer may already have installed, and then as you become more comfortable, add more programs to enhance your experience.

SUMMARY

While a computer might seem to be a complicated system of several technical pieces, you only need to know what the parts do in relation to the tasks you have to accomplish. Many computers are now set up to be usable from the time you turn them on. By being able to clearly and quickly identify what each piece is, you can easily start using your new computer.