DEVELOPING ICT SKILLSDEVELOPING ICT SKILLSPART -TWOPART -TWO

Compiled byCompiled by Richard Amoako, founder of Project GoodWill Africa Richard Amoako, founder of Project GoodWill Africa ((http://www.projectgoodwill.orghttp://www.projectgoodwill.org), ), @2010, Richard Amoako & Family@2010, Richard Amoako & Family

SPACE BARSPACE BAR Numeric KeypadWindows Key Arrow keys

START

Ctrl

Instructions for use of tutorial on the InternetInstructions for use of tutorial on the Internet

Use the Use the LeftLeft and and RightRight arrow keys or the arrow keys or the PagePage UpUp and and PagePage DownDown keys to move between the keys to move between the pages. You can also click on the pages to move forward.pages. You can also click on the pages to move forward.

To switch between the To switch between the slide showslide show and the Windows Desktop simply minimize this window. and the Windows Desktop simply minimize this window.

If you see If you see firstfirst =>=> secondsecond it means select it means select firstfirst followed by followed by secondsecond (e.g (e.g StartStart =>=> All ProgramsAll Programs). ). DO NOT TYPE the “DO NOT TYPE the “=>=>” ” characters.characters.

If you see If you see firstfirst + + secondsecond it means push and hold down it means push and hold down first, first, then push then push secondsecond (e.g (e.g Ctrl Ctrl ++ M M). DO ). DO NOT TYPE the “NOT TYPE the “++” sign.” sign.

TOPICSTOPICS1)1) Basic Computer SystemBasic Computer System

2)2) The KeyboardThe Keyboard

3)3) The MouseThe Mouse

4)4) Exploring the Windows DesktopExploring the Windows Desktop

5)5) How to start and stop ApplicationsHow to start and stop Applications

1.) BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM1.) BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM

A basic Computer system will consist of :A basic Computer system will consist of :

A SYSTEM UNITA SYSTEM UNIT A KEYBOARDA KEYBOARD A MOUSE A MOUSE A MONITORA MONITOR

The The system unitsystem unit takes care of all the processing takes care of all the processing

and storage functions for the Computer.and storage functions for the Computer.

A BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEMA BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM

Using a basic Computer System we can accomplish various tasks such as creating documents and presentations, organizing documents and files, playing games and much more.

2.) THE KEYBOARD2.) THE KEYBOARD

The keyboard is a standard input device to the Computer. The keyboard allowsThe keyboard is a standard input device to the Computer. The keyboard allows you to interact with the Computer and instruct it what do. With the keyboard youyou to interact with the Computer and instruct it what do. With the keyboard you can navigate your way around the Computer as well as enter text.can navigate your way around the Computer as well as enter text.

There are various types of keyboards and each type has a slightly different keyThere are various types of keyboards and each type has a slightly different keylayout. The buttons on the keyboard are normally referred to us keys.layout. The buttons on the keyboard are normally referred to us keys.

SPACE BARSPACE BAR Numeric KeypadWindows Key Arrow keys

The Keyboard LayoutThe Keyboard Layout

The The Typewriter keysTypewriter keys are the keys you would normally use when typing text on the Computer. On some of the are the keys you would normally use when typing text on the Computer. On some of thekeys in this group you will see two labels (top & bottom). For example the key with the keys in this group you will see two labels (top & bottom). For example the key with the equal toequal to sign, “=“, sign, “=“,also has the plus sign , “+” , on it. During regular typing only the also has the plus sign , “+” , on it. During regular typing only the bottombottom character on the key will be sent to character on the key will be sent tothe Computer. To type the the Computer. To type the toptop character you will first push and hold down the character you will first push and hold down the SHIFTSHIFT key and then press key and then pressthe key in question.the key in question.

The Function keys (The Function keys (F1F1 to to F12F12) have a variety of uses depending on the application or program you are) have a variety of uses depending on the application or program you arerunning. The running. The F1F1 key is most often used to get help within a particular application. If you push the key is most often used to get help within a particular application. If you push the F3F3 key from key from the Windows Desktop it will launch the the Windows Desktop it will launch the SearchSearch function. function.

The Keyboard Layout - ContinuedThe Keyboard Layout - Continued

The The ENTERENTER keys are also known as keys are also known as RETURN RETURN keys. You will see two of these keys on a standardkeys. You will see two of these keys on a standardkeyboard. The keyboard. The EnterEnter or or ReturnReturn key is used to launch applications or move the key is used to launch applications or move the cursorcursor to the next to the nextline while typing text.line while typing text.

The The cursorcursor is the little blinking vertical bar “ ” you see when you are working in an application is the little blinking vertical bar “ ” you see when you are working in an applicationlike like NotepadNotepad or or MSWordMSWord. You can move the cursor around using the . You can move the cursor around using the Cursor Control Keys. Cursor Control Keys. The Thearrowsarrows on the control keys shows which direction the cursor will move when you press the key. on the control keys shows which direction the cursor will move when you press the key.

The The Cursor Control KeysCursor Control Keys are also called are also called Arrow keys.Arrow keys.

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The Keyboard Layout - ContinuedThe Keyboard Layout - Continued

The The Numeric KeypadNumeric Keypad is normally used when working with data or documents that mostly contain numbers. is normally used when working with data or documents that mostly contain numbers.Before using these keys ensure that the Num Lock light is on. If the light is off push the Before using these keys ensure that the Num Lock light is on. If the light is off push the Num LockNum Lock key once to key once toturn the light on and activate the Numeric Keys. You can try now by pushing the Num Lock key a couple ofturn the light on and activate the Numeric Keys. You can try now by pushing the Num Lock key a couple oftimes and watch the times and watch the Num Lock lightNum Lock light turn on and off each time you push the turn on and off each time you push the Num LockNum Lock Key Key

The following are the other keys of interest on the keyboard:The following are the other keys of interest on the keyboard:

BACKSPACEBACKSPACE Used to delete any characters Used to delete any characters to the leftto the left of the current position of the cursor. of the current position of the cursor.

DELETEDELETE Used to delete any characters Used to delete any characters to the rightto the right of the current position of the cursor. of the current position of the cursor.

CAPS LOCKCAPS LOCK Push this button if you want all the letters you type to be CAPITAL letters Push this button if you want all the letters you type to be CAPITAL letters

Page UP / Page DownPage UP / Page Down Lets you navigate through large documents one page at a time in either direction Lets you navigate through large documents one page at a time in either direction

SPACEBAR SPACEBAR This key allows you to put spaces between text or characters that you typeThis key allows you to put spaces between text or characters that you type

SHIFT SHIFT When combined with a typewriter key will produce the Capital letter on of that key. When the SHIFT key is When combined with a typewriter key will produce the Capital letter on of that key. When the SHIFT key is pressed in combination with a key that has two characters (top & bottom) will yield the top character.pressed in combination with a key that has two characters (top & bottom) will yield the top character.

The Windows Key:

If you push either of the If you push either of the Windows KeysWindows Keys the Windows the Windows Start Start MenuMenu will be launched if you are in Microsoft Windows. will be launched if you are in Microsoft Windows.

Familiarizing with the keyboardFamiliarizing with the keyboardTo become familiar with the keys on the keyboard start a simple application such as To become familiar with the keys on the keyboard start a simple application such as NotepadNotepad and and

start entering text. Then test the functions described above.start entering text. Then test the functions described above.

To launch or start Nodepad and practice with it, do one of the following:To launch or start Nodepad and practice with it, do one of the following:

METHOD -1:METHOD -1: Use the mouse to click on the Use the mouse to click on the StartStart button button Move the mouse pointer to “Move the mouse pointer to “All ProgramsAll Programs” to display all your installed programs” to display all your installed programs Move the mouse to the “Move the mouse to the “AccessoriesAccessories” . The contents of Accessories will be displayed” . The contents of Accessories will be displayed Move the mouse to the Move the mouse to the NotepadNotepad program and use your index finger to click once on the program and use your index finger to click once on the

leftleft mouse button mouse button Once Notepad opens you will see a window with white background and a Once Notepad opens you will see a window with white background and a blinking cursorblinking cursor Start typing any text you want. Use the Start typing any text you want. Use the SPACEBARSPACEBAR to insert to insert spacesspaces between your text between your text Push the Push the ENTERENTER key at the end of each line to key at the end of each line to move the cursormove the cursor to the to the next linenext line Type some more text inserting spaces as neededType some more text inserting spaces as needed Now practice using the Now practice using the BACKSPACEBACKSPACE and and DELETEDELETE keys keys Play with the Cursor control keys to move the cursor UP, Down, Left or RightPlay with the Cursor control keys to move the cursor UP, Down, Left or Right Insert more text at the new cursor positions if you wantInsert more text at the new cursor positions if you want Practice using the Practice using the SHIFTSHIFT key to type CAPITAL letters and other characters key to type CAPITAL letters and other characters

Launching the Notepad programLaunching the Notepad program

METHOD-2:METHOD-2:

Use the mouse to click on the Use the mouse to click on the StartStart button button Look for the “Look for the “RunRun…” program icon in the start menu and click on it…” program icon in the start menu and click on it When the Run window displays type the word When the Run window displays type the word notepadnotepad and press the and press the ENTERENTER key key This will launch the Notepad applicationThis will launch the Notepad application Once Notepad opens you will see a window with white background and a blinking cursorOnce Notepad opens you will see a window with white background and a blinking cursor Start typing any text you want. Use the Start typing any text you want. Use the SPACEBARSPACEBAR to insert spaces between your text to insert spaces between your text Push the Push the ENTERENTER key at the end of each line to move the cursor to the key at the end of each line to move the cursor to the next linenext line Type some more text inserting spaces as neededType some more text inserting spaces as needed Now play with the Now play with the BACKSPACEBACKSPACE and and DELETEDELETE keys keys Play with the Cursor control keys to move the cursor Play with the Cursor control keys to move the cursor UPUP, , DownDown, , LeftLeft or or Right Right Insert more text at the new cursor positions if you wantInsert more text at the new cursor positions if you want Practice using the Practice using the SHIFTSHIFT key to type CAPITAL letters and other characters key to type CAPITAL letters and other characters

You can also display the Start Menu by simply pushing one of the You can also display the Start Menu by simply pushing one of the Windows keysWindows keys..

Windows key

Sample text in NotepadSample text in Notepad

Practice using the keyboard to type the following text in Practice using the keyboard to type the following text in Notepad:Notepad:

Close

To close the Notepad program window click on the Close icon, , at the top right corner.

3.) THE MOUSE3.) THE MOUSE

The mouse in an input device just like the keyboardThe mouse in an input device just like the keyboard It is used to explore the Windows desktop and to start applicationsIt is used to explore the Windows desktop and to start applications You can use the mouse to select objects, select text and to display pop-up You can use the mouse to select objects, select text and to display pop-up

menusmenus Some mice have only two buttons (the LEFT and RIGHT buttons)Some mice have only two buttons (the LEFT and RIGHT buttons) Some mice have a middle third button in addition to the LEFT and RIGHT Some mice have a middle third button in addition to the LEFT and RIGHT

buttons. For some mice there is a Scroll Wheel in the middle in place of a buttons. For some mice there is a Scroll Wheel in the middle in place of a middle buttonmiddle button

Scroll Wheel

The most commonly used buttons on the mouse are the LEFT and RIGHT buttons.The most commonly used buttons on the mouse are the LEFT and RIGHT buttons.

If you hold the mouse in your right hand your index finger will rest on the LEFT button If you hold the mouse in your right hand your index finger will rest on the LEFT button and your middle finger will be on the RIGHT button of the mouseand your middle finger will be on the RIGHT button of the mouse

Regular clicking is done with the Regular clicking is done with the LEFTLEFT mouse button. You can single-click or double- mouse button. You can single-click or double-click on this button to send a signal to the Computer.click on this button to send a signal to the Computer.

When you click on the When you click on the RIGHTRIGHT button we say that you are button we say that you are right-clickingright-clicking..

When you right-click on the desktop or on any object, a menu will be displayed. This is When you right-click on the desktop or on any object, a menu will be displayed. This is called the pop-up menu. The menu options depends on what was right-clickedcalled the pop-up menu. The menu options depends on what was right-clicked

LEFT BUTTON

SCROLL WHELL

RIGHT BUTTON

Some mouse terms to be familiar with:Some mouse terms to be familiar with:

A A clickclick means to use the right index finger to quickly push and release the means to use the right index finger to quickly push and release the LEFT mouse button. You will hear a LEFT mouse button. You will hear a clicking soundclicking sound as you do this. as you do this.

A A clickclick is also called a single-click. is also called a single-click.

A A double-clickdouble-click is when you press and release the mouse button two times is when you press and release the mouse button two times in quick succession. You will hear in quick succession. You will hear two clicking soundstwo clicking sounds when you do this. when you do this.

A A right-clickright-click is when you click on the is when you click on the rightright mouse button. You can use mouse button. You can use either the middle finger or the index finger to do this.either the middle finger or the index finger to do this.

If you move the mouse on any flat surface you will notice the If you move the mouse on any flat surface you will notice the mouse mouse pointerpointer move on the Computer’s screen. move on the Computer’s screen.

Typical mouse pointer

4.) EXPLORING THE WINDOWS DESKTOP4.) EXPLORING THE WINDOWS DESKTOP

The first thing you see when the Computer successfully boots into windows is the The first thing you see when the Computer successfully boots into windows is the Windows Desktop.Windows Desktop.

Icons or ShortcutsThe Task Bar

The Windows Desktop is a mostly empty space with a group of little The Windows Desktop is a mostly empty space with a group of little images. The little images you see on the Desktop are called images. The little images you see on the Desktop are called iconsicons..

IconsIcons provide you with easy access to the applications installed on the provide you with easy access to the applications installed on the Computer. When you Computer. When you double-clickdouble-click one of these icons the associated one of these icons the associated applications opens or launches. applications opens or launches. IconsIcons are also called are also called shortcutsshortcuts..

Some Some IconsIcons or or ShorcutsShorcuts on the Desktops are automatically created when on the Desktops are automatically created when new applications are installed on the Computer. new applications are installed on the Computer.

You can also create your own icons on the desktop to give you quick access You can also create your own icons on the desktop to give you quick access to programs, files and folders.to programs, files and folders.

With the help of the MOUSE and the KEYBOARD you can easily navigateWith the help of the MOUSE and the KEYBOARD you can easily navigate your way around the Windows Desktop.your way around the Windows Desktop.

The Windows TaskBarThe Windows TaskBarAt the bottom of the At the bottom of the Windows DesktopWindows Desktop is a bar that runs from left to right. is a bar that runs from left to right.This is the This is the Windows TaskbarWindows Taskbar. The Taskbar is divided into sections. At the. The Taskbar is divided into sections. At theextreme left is the extreme left is the Start Menu buttonStart Menu button. .

If it is enabled you will see the If it is enabled you will see the Quick Launch BarQuick Launch Bar next to the next to the Start Start button.button.

Next to the Next to the Quick Launch BarQuick Launch Bar (if enabled) or the (if enabled) or the Start Start bbutton is the section ofutton is the section ofthe bar that holds a series of buttons depending on the applications you arethe bar that holds a series of buttons depending on the applications you arerunning. At the extreme right corner is the running. At the extreme right corner is the System TraySystem Tray..

Any time you start a new application a Any time you start a new application a task icontask icon will appear on the taskbar to the will appear on the taskbar to theApplication. This helps you to know what programs or applications you are running.Application. This helps you to know what programs or applications you are running.

The Windows Taskbar

Tasks

Start Button

Quick Launch Bar System Tray

The The QUICK LAUNCH BARQUICK LAUNCH BAR: If enabled, this will be located after the : If enabled, this will be located after the Start Start button on the TaskBar. This will not be visible unless it is enabled. button on the TaskBar. This will not be visible unless it is enabled.

The The Quick Launch barQuick Launch bar contains shortcuts to applications. Windows contains shortcuts to applications. Windows provides default entries, such as provides default entries, such as Internet ExplorerInternet Explorer, and the user and other , and the user and other programs may add any more shortcuts.programs may add any more shortcuts.

A A SINGLESINGLE Click on an icon on the Quick Launch Bar launches the Click on an icon on the Quick Launch Bar launches the application. application.

Icons and shortcuts on the Desktop need to be Icons and shortcuts on the Desktop need to be double-clickeddouble-clicked to run their to run their applications.applications.

The The Quick Launch barQuick Launch bar can be enabled or disabled. It can be made visible can be enabled or disabled. It can be made visible or invisible by or invisible by right-clickingright-clicking an empty space on the taskbar and choosing an empty space on the taskbar and choosing the the PropertiesProperties option from the menu list. option from the menu list.

Then click on the little box to the left of “Show Quick Launch” to place a Then click on the little box to the left of “Show Quick Launch” to place a check mark or remove the check markcheck mark or remove the check mark

START BUTTONSTART BUTTON: This the button on the extreme left side of the task bar. : This the button on the extreme left side of the task bar. If you click on this button a menu displays, listing all the programs you can If you click on this button a menu displays, listing all the programs you can access or run on your Computer. This menu is the access or run on your Computer. This menu is the START MENUSTART MENU..

The Windows The Windows Start menuStart menu serves as the launching point for the applications serves as the launching point for the applications and programs installed on the Computer. and programs installed on the Computer. All the programs that are on your All the programs that are on your computer can be accessed from the Windows Start menu. computer can be accessed from the Windows Start menu.

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When you first click the Start button, you will notice that the menu has two sides or columns. The left side of the Start menu shows icons for some (but not all) of the programs on the computer. The right side of the menu displays options for "places" like the Help and Support Center and folders where you store documents, pictures, and music

Using the keyboard and the mouse you can become familiar with the Windows Desktop Using the keyboard and the mouse you can become familiar with the Windows Desktop through hands-on practise.through hands-on practise.

Try the following exercises:Try the following exercises:

Note: Note: To switch from the on-screen PowerPoint presentation to the Desktop, press and hold down the To switch from the on-screen PowerPoint presentation to the Desktop, press and hold down the Windows keyWindows key and press the letter and press the letter DD (i.e. (i.e. Windows KeyWindows Key + + DD).To return to the presentation click on).To return to the presentation click on the presentation icon the presentation icon on the taskbaron the taskbar..

1.) Use the mouse to click once on any icon on the desktop such as the My Computer icon if it 1.) Use the mouse to click once on any icon on the desktop such as the My Computer icon if it exists on the desktop. What happens?exists on the desktop. What happens?

2.)2.) Now double-click on the same icon (e.g My Computer). What happens?Now double-click on the same icon (e.g My Computer). What happens?

3.)3.) Do you see a new Do you see a new task icontask icon on the on the taskbartaskbar after step 2.? after step 2.?

4.)4.) Click on the Click on the CloseClose button, ,at the upper right corner. What just happened? What button, ,at the upper right corner. What just happened? What happened to the tasks icon on the taskbar?happened to the tasks icon on the taskbar?

5.)5.) Repeat exercises 1 to 3Repeat exercises 1 to 3

6.)6.) Now try exercises 1 to 3 on a different icon on the desktopNow try exercises 1 to 3 on a different icon on the desktop

7.) Click on the 7.) Click on the right mouse buttonright mouse button on the on the My ComputerMy Computer icon. A pop-up menu will icon. A pop-up menu will display. If the display. If the My ComputerMy Computer icon is not on the desktop use a different icon for this icon is not on the desktop use a different icon for this exercise.exercise.

8.) Now choose Open option from the menu listing. What happens?8.) Now choose Open option from the menu listing. What happens?

9.) Click on the little underscore button , , on the upper right corner. This will minimize 9.) Click on the little underscore button , , on the upper right corner. This will minimize any application window.any application window.

10.) Look on the taskbar. Do you see any difference?10.) Look on the taskbar. Do you see any difference?

11.) 11.) ClickClick on an empty space on the Desktop. What happens? on an empty space on the Desktop. What happens?

12.) Now 12.) Now right-clickright-click the same empty area on the Desktop. What happens now? the same empty area on the Desktop. What happens now?

13.) If the pop-up menu is displayed, move the mouse pointer to the 13.) If the pop-up menu is displayed, move the mouse pointer to the NewNew option. This will option. This will display a second menu. You can quickly create files and folders with the help of thisdisplay a second menu. You can quickly create files and folders with the help of this second menu.second menu.

How to start and stop ApplicationsHow to start and stop Applications

When new applications are installed in Windows they normally create a When new applications are installed in Windows they normally create a group icon in the group icon in the Start menuStart menu under the under the All Programs All Programs submenu. (Start => submenu. (Start => All Programs ).All Programs ).

Some applications also install an Some applications also install an iconicon or or shortcutshortcut on the Desktop to on the Desktop to allow the program to be launched quickly.allow the program to be launched quickly.

Double-clicking ( Double-clicking ( two quick clicks on the left mouse buttontwo quick clicks on the left mouse button) on an icon ) on an icon on the Desktop will start the related program.on the Desktop will start the related program.

If a programs icon is available through the Start Menu a single-click on If a programs icon is available through the Start Menu a single-click on the icon will launch the program.the icon will launch the program.

For example to launch the Notepad text editing program you can do one For example to launch the Notepad text editing program you can do one of the following:of the following:

Starting the Notepad Application -1Starting the Notepad Application -1

METHOD -1:METHOD -1:

Use the mouse to click on the Use the mouse to click on the StartStart button button

Move the mouse pointer to “Move the mouse pointer to “All ProgramsAll Programs” to display the list of ” to display the list of applications installed on this Computerapplications installed on this Computer

Move the mouse pointer to “Move the mouse pointer to “AccessoriesAccessories” . The contents of accessories will ” . The contents of accessories will be displayedbe displayed

Move the mouse to the Notepad program and use your index finger to click Move the mouse to the Notepad program and use your index finger to click once on the once on the leftleft mouse button mouse button

The Notepad program opens and displays an empty white space and a The Notepad program opens and displays an empty white space and a blinking cursor, . You can type text in this empty space.blinking cursor, . You can type text in this empty space.|

Start => All Programs => Accessories =>NotepadStart => All Programs => Accessories =>Notepad

You have successfully launched Notepad if the exercise brings you to this screen.You have successfully launched Notepad if the exercise brings you to this screen.

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Starting the Notepad Application -2Starting the Notepad Application -2

METHOD-2:METHOD-2:

Use the mouse to click on the Use the mouse to click on the Start MenuStart Menu buttonbutton

Look for the “Look for the “RunRun……” program in the start menu and click on it” program in the start menu and click on it

When the Run window displays type the word When the Run window displays type the word notepadnotepad and press and press the ENTER key or click the ENTER key or click OKOK

This will launch the Notepad applicationThis will launch the Notepad application

Once Notepad opens you will see the blinking cursor, Once Notepad opens you will see the blinking cursor, |

The Run program

Using the Start Menu to launch Notepad

Start button

The RUN window

Clicking OK with the mouse or pushing the ENTER key on the keyboard will the Notepad window.

The Notepad Window

Click this to close Notepad

Try using one of the above methods to start the Try using one of the above methods to start the WordpadWordpad program. program.

Now try using one of the methods to launch the Now try using one of the methods to launch the Calculator program. Calculator program.

If you use the “If you use the “Run…Run…” program (” program (Start => RunStart => Run) ) to open the to open the CalculatorCalculator program you must type program you must type the word the word calccalc inside the Run Window inside the Run Window

Start => Run =>”calc”Start => Run =>”calc”

This completes our journey through starting This completes our journey through starting and stopping Windows Applications.and stopping Windows Applications.

The key to learning new things is to The key to learning new things is to reviewreview and then and then practicepractice, , practicepractice, , practicepractice..

Practice finding and opening different Practice finding and opening different applications, minimizing and closing them.applications, minimizing and closing them.