Computer Basics

1ST EDITION
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Computer Keyboards ........................................................................................................... 3
Personal Computer Keyboards ......................................................................................... 4
Keyboards on Mobile Devices ....................................................................................... 5
Keyboard Functionality Explained ............................................................................... 5
Combination keys ............................................................................................................. 6
Other Keys .......................................................................................................................... 7
Mouse ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Understanding power options ........................................................................................... 8
Switching your computer ON ............................................................................................ 8
Powering your computer OFF ........................................................................................... 9
Sleep, Shut down and Restart ........................................................................................... 9
Sleep option........................................................................................................................ 9
Hibernate ............................................................................................................................. 9
Restart .................................................................................................................................. 9
Steps to use Sleep, Shut down and Restart your computer ................................. 9
What do the concepts Desktop and Icons mean? ..................................................... 10
Desktop .............................................................................................................................. 10
Icons ................................................................................................................................... 10
Task Bar............................................................................................................................. 10
Status Bar.......................................................................................................................... 10
Recycle Bin ....................................................................................................................... 11
Delete files completely .................................................................................................. 11
Unit 1 - Quiz Challenge ..................................................................................................... 12
Manipulating Files and Folders ....................................................................................... 13
Creating and manipulating Folders............................................................................ 13
Moving Folders ................................................................................................................ 13
Renaming Folders........................................................................................................... 14
Manipulating Files............................................................................................................... 14
Moving Files ..................................................................................................................... 14
Saving Files into a specific location .......................................................................... 14
Deleting Files.................................................................................................................... 14
Copying the path of a file .............................................................................................. 14

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Manipulating Windows ...................................................................................................... 14
Moving Windows ............................................................................................................. 15
Sizing Windows ............................................................................................................... 15
Using Scrollbars .............................................................................................................. 15
Unit 2 - Quiz Challenge ..................................................................................................... 16
What is Troubleshooting? ................................................................................................ 17
How to activate troubleshooting settings? .............................................................. 17
Getting Windows Help and Support? ........................................................................ 17
Using the Task Manager? ............................................................................................. 17
Unit 3 - Quiz Challenge ..................................................................................................... 18

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 Unit 1 – Computer Basics
Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:
 keyboards, the functionality and layouts.
 a mouse is and how it works.
 about power options for your computer
o Switching on
o Shutting Down
o Sleep
o Hibernate


the concepts desktop and icons.
 what a status bar is.
 and
Keyboard the recycle
Mousebin.

Computer Keyboards

Keyboards are devices that allow the user to enter in alphabetic, numeric and special
character keys as required by a program or process.

There are many different types of keyboards available for purchase. Keyboards defer in
layouts for laptops and personal computers. In standalone Personal computers(PC’s), the
keyboard is a separate component and can be connected to the computer system.

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Personal Computer Keyboards

In a personal computer system, the keyboard is connected to the Central Processing unit.
Typing on the keys of the keyboard initiates functionality whether it may be an action or and
input request.

A range of keyboard layouts are used in order to cater for different languages. Qwerty,
Dvorak and Colemak are some examples, with Qwerty being the more popular type.
The following are images of some keyboards with different layouts.

Below are examples of personal computer keyboards with different layouts.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

Laptop Keyboards

Laptops have built in keyboards. Keyboard layouts vary amongst different makes of
computers as well.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

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Keyboards on Mobile Devices

Mobile devices have keyboards that are referred to as keypads. These keypads on mobile
devices like cellular phones, tablets and ipads may be virtual and appears when required for
typing functionality.

There are also wireless keyboards that can be connected via bluetooth to tablets, ipads and
smart monitors. Below is an example of one type of wireless keyboard.

Keyboard Functionality Explained

The basic keyboard layout has alphabetic, numeric, function, control and navigation keys.
Study the picture of a basic keyboard below and learn about the functions of each type of
key from the table that follows.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

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 Keys Functionality
Typing (alphanumeric) keys Keys include letters of the alphabet,
numbers, punctuation, and symbol keys
found on a traditional typewriter.
Control keys Keys are used alone or in combination with
other keys to perform certain actions. The
most frequently used control keys are Ctrl,
Alt, the Windows logo key , and Esc.
Function keys The function keys are used to perform
specific tasks. They are labelled as F1, F2,
F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality
of these keys differs from program to
program.
Navigation keys Keys are used for moving around in
documents or webpages and editing text.
They include the arrow keys, Home, End,
Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
Numeric keypad The numeric keypad is handy for entering
numbers quickly. The keys are grouped
together in a block like a conventional
calculator or adding machine.

Combination keys

Combination keys are used to perform a specific function when the combination of keys are
pressed simultaneously.

Combination keys Functionality

Ctrl/Alt/Delete Simultaneously stops a task for a specific
time period and accesses a menu of which
Sign out, task manager and shutting down
options are possible.
Ctrl + C Makes a copy.
Ctrl + X Cuts the text or object.
Ctrl + V Pastes text or object that is in memory.
F11 or Windows logo key + Up arrow Maximises the Window.
Windows logo key + Tab Opens Task View.
Windows logo key + D Display and hide the desktop.
Alt + Tab Switch between open apps.
Windows logo key + X Open the Quick Link menu.
Windows logo key + L Locks your PC.

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Other Keys

1. NumLock key is used to convert part of the main keyboard to act as a numeric
keypad rather than letters. Toggle the NumLock keys to activate or deactivate its
functionality.

2. The Shift key allows the user to type uppercase for alphabetic keys and the symbols
that appear on the top of keys that have two functions.

Mouse

A mouse is a handheld input device that controls the cursor or pointer on the screen. A
computer mouse can be connected to a personal or desktop computer via cables or
wirelessly depending on what type of mouse it is. It is a hand held device which enables the
user to point to different areas of the screen and select the required applications or data.

A laptop computer can have an external mouse attached to the system for use instead of
the touchpad or trackpad.

The mouse includes as its functionality a left click and right click for making selections as
well as a scroll wheel to enable movement up and down the screen. You will notice that
when you move the mouse around, the pointer or cursor moves accordingly. The cursor is
an arrow which moves as the mouse moves.

Whenever reference is made to a click or double click, it means left click or double left click,
however the mouse setting can be changed based on whether the user is primarily left or
right handed.

The picture below is an example of a handheld physical device, known as a mouse, that
can be used with a desktop computer or laptop computer when connected externally.

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 Scroll Wheel

Left Click Right

Click

An example of a touchpad or trackpad can be found below.

touchpad or trackpad

Understanding power options

Learn how to power your computer ON or OFF correctly. Powering your computer ON and
OFF defers in location based on which type of computer system you are operating. On a
laptop computer, the power button is located on the keyboard, often on the top right. The
symbol is represented below.

On a desktop computer system, the power button is accessible on the CPU or box or the
computer.

Switching your computer ON

ON/OFF symbol:

To switch your computer on, locate the Power button on your keyboard. This button is
identified by the icon above.

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Powering your computer OFF

Do not press on the ON/OFF button to switch your computer off. Powering your computer off
correctly or Shutting Down your computer is important for many reasons. You stop
programs from running in the background, prevent surges if your computer is plugged onto
power and protect your computer privacy or cyber-attacks.

Sleep, Shut down and Restart

Sleep option

Use Sleep mode for power saving. The computers actions stop and any open documents or
apps are kept in RAM. The computer technically stays on, but only uses a bit of power.

Hibernate

Hibernate uses less power than sleep but instead of saving open programs to RAM, it is
saved to the hard disk. Use hibernation when you know that you won't use your laptop or
tablet for an extended period and won't have an opportunity to charge the battery during that
time. To enable Hibernate, you will have to access the computers settings.

Restart

This option is used when your computer needs to be restarted.

Steps to use Sleep, Shut down and Restart your computer

1. Select the Start button. Choose power button on the bottom right of the picture.

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2. The Power pop up box has the following options – Sleep, Shut down and Restart.
Choose the option you require.

Nb : The concept Reboot is often used when the user requires the computer to be
restarted. Reboot means to shut down and restart your computer to reload all the
appropriate settings. Your computer often needs to be rebooted after device driver
installations.

What do the concepts Desktop and Icons mean?

Desktop

The desktop is the basic part of a computer system that displays on its screen, different
objects some of which include example folders and installed applications which is a default
display when the computer boots up. View the picture of the desktop below and learn the
labels for each section.

Icons

Icons are pictures or symbols that links the icon to a program, file or folder. The icon is a
shortcut and allows quick access to the file. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Adobe Reader
are some examples of icons in the picture above.

Task Bar

The taskbar can be found at the bottom of the desktop primary window and displays the
windows button, shortcut to different programs, the volume, Wi-Fi, date and time. The task
bar can be seen in the picture below.

To access any item on the Task bar, point to the item and click on it.

Status Bar

A status bar is the area at the bottom of an application’s window that displays information
about the current window's state. The status bar for each application currently being used is
applicable to that specific program.

Pictures of status bars for applications, Excel and Word.

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Excel Status Bar has information pertaining to the views and the sheets that are currently
available or new sheets to be added.

Word Status Bar has information pertaining to the current view and mode, number of words
on the page and number of pages in the document.

The status bars have a scroll bar that adjusts the view of the document to be larger or
smaller depending on your preference.

Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin can be found on the Desktop. It is the location where deleted files are
stored temporarily until they are permanently removed from the computer. The icon for the
Recycle Bin is represented as follows.

Delete files completely

When you click on the Recycle Bin, you will see all the files that have been deleted. To bring
back files from the deleted list and place them back to the original location, they were in,
select and click on Restore all Items. Alternatively, select the file you want to delete
permanently, right click the mouse and select Delete immediately.

Restore files
You can return all files from the Recycle Bin to its original location. To do this, select and
click on Restore all Items. Alternatively, select the file you want to restore, right click the
mouse and select Restore immediately.

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Unit 1 - Quiz Challenge

1. True or False : Files that appear in the Recycle Bin cannot be moved back to the Desktop.
________________

2. True or False : The Windows Start button appears on the Status bar.
________________

3. True or False : The view of a Word document can be zoomed in from its Status bar.
________________

4. True or False : Icons are shortcuts to applications on the computer.

________________

5. Which option below should not be used to restart a computer that is currently on?

a. switch the computer OFF at the power button on the computer. Then switch back ON at the
same power button.
b. select start on the Task bar, then click on Power followed by Shut down. Press the power
button to restart the computer.
c. select start on the Task bar, then click on Power followed by Restart.

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Manipulating Files and Folders

Files can be organised by storing them into folders. Folders are named according to the files
it stores. Without the use of folders, files cannot be easily identified as all files will be in the
selected location.

Creating and manipulating Folders

1. To create a Folder in a specific location on the computer, click on the File Explorer
icon, displayed on the Task Bar. (See red rectangle outlining file explorer in picture
below. To create a folder on the desktop, right click on the desktop and select New
Folder from the pop up box.

2. The picture below shows the screen that opens up after you click on File Explorer.
The left of the screen indicates the different locations where files and folders can be
saved for example, Desktop, Documents etc. Click on the location to save your file.

3. Right Click your mouse. Select New, Folder. (See picture below.) Type the name you
want the folder to have.

4. To save a file into the folder you just created and named, double click the folder. You
can then drag the intended file into the newly created folder. To move out of the
folder, either click the back arrow on the screen or click on another location on the
left of the screen.

5. To delete the folder when you no longer need it, click and hold the folder, and drag
into the Recycle Bin.

Nb. If you delete a folder, the folder and all its files will be deleted.

Moving Folders

To move a folder, click and hold a Folder and drag it to your location preference.
OR

Right click on the folder, select cut, click on the location where you would like to relocate
your folder, right click again and select paste.

Whichever method you use, your folder will be relocated to the desired path.

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Renaming Folders

To rename a folder, right click on it and select Rename. Then proceed to type the new name
over the old folder name.

Manipulating Files

Moving Files

1. Moving a file into a folder is easier to do if you open the File Explorer twice. From the
second File Explorer, find and select the folder you will be dragging the file into.

2. Click and hold the file whilst you drag it from the first File Explorer into folder in the
second File Explorer folder you created.

Saving Files into a specific location

Saving of files is covered in each of the application package units. The general method
however, is to Select Save as, click on Browse to identify the location where your file needs
to be saved for example, Documents, type in the file name and click on Save.

Deleting Files

To delete a file, click and drag it into the Recycle Bin.

Copying the path of a file

To copy the path of any file, select the file as indicated in the picture below. Then right click
on the file and select Copy as path. The path of the file will be saved in the computer’s
memory temporarily. You can then paste this path in a document to save and use later or
send to another user so that they are able to access the file if it is shared.

Manipulating Windows

The following frequently used tabs are manipulate windows as follows:

Tabs Function
Maximise a window.
Minimise a window.
Close a window.

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Moving Windows

1. To maximise a screen, click on the on the top right hand side of the screen.
Clicking on this button more than once, switches between a maximum screen and a
resized screen.

2. To move a window that is not maximised, click on the grey area above the ribbon and
drag the window to a position in the screen that you want it to be located in.

Sizing Windows

To resize a window, position your cursor on any of the screen edges and drag the screen
when you see a double sided arrow and drag the arrow to the right or left to resize. To
resize the window proportionately, click and drag the double sided arrow from any of the
corners of the screen edge.

Using Scrollbars

There are vertical and horizontal scrollbars on a window. Vertical scrollbars are used to
move the page up or down. Horizontal scrollbars are used to move the page to the left and
right. To use the scrollbar, click on it and drag it either up and down if it is a vertical scrollbar
or left and right if it is a horizontal scrollbar, depending on what you are viewing on the page.

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Unit 2 - Quiz Challenge

1. True or False : Folders can be dragged from one location to another, for example from the
Desktop to Documents. ________________

2. True or False : A document can be resized whilst it is maximised. ________________

3. True or False : The horizontal scrollbar can be used to move the page up and down.
________________

4. True or False : To rename a folder, double click on it. ___________________

5. When you delete a folder, ______________.

Which of the options below correctly completes the above statement?

a. the folder will be deleted but the files in it still remain in the location of the folder.
b. the files will be deleted but the folder still remains in its location.
c. the folder with all its contents will be deleted.

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What is Troubleshooting?

Troubleshooting is the approach to finding why something does not work and attempting to
suggest ways to solve the problem. There may be errors with respect to the computers
connectivity, camera, Bluetooth, keyboard etc. Windows settings can help you to find these
problems and suggests ways to solve these issues.

How to activate troubleshooting settings?

1. Click on Start on the taskbar. Select Settings.

2. You will see this screen on the right.

Select Troubleshoot.

3. Select any of the options required.

4. If you select Other Trouble-shooters,

then you have the option of running
any of the trouble-shooters you
require as shown in the pictures on the right. Click the option and then Run.

Getting Windows Help and Support?

1. To get Windows help and support, select the search button on the Task bar, then
type “Windows 11 help and support” and press Enter on your keyboard.

2. Select the link to the Microsoft Windows Support site. It will take you to a website that
resembles the picture below. Click on the link to the specific topic you require. It will
assist you with the support you require.

Using the Task Manager?

The Task Manager displays which applications and processes are being run by the
computer. It also allows the administrator of the computer to terminate an application or
process for best performance, in other words it allows the system to be shut down or
restarted if it is unresponsive.

Steps to access the Task Manager

1. Click on the Search button (see picture below). Then type Task Manager.

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2. The picture below shows what the Task Manager looks like. To end an application
that is non responsive, highlight the application, right click and select End task.

Unit 3 - Quiz Challenge

1. True or False : The Task Manager can be accessed from the Status bar. ________________

2. True or False : To troubleshoot means to identify a problem and to search for a solution to
the problem. ________________

3. True or False : Another name for the Task bar is a Status bar. ________________

All Units Quiz Answers

Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3

1 False True False

2 False False True
3 True False False
4 True False
5 A C
6

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