Page 12 - Computer Basics- Student Textbook

This is called a “Log On” window, and it means that the computer is password protected. If you do not see this
window upon starting the computer, you can assume that your computer is NOT password-protected and may be
used by anyone. To log on, you simply enter your username and password.

If your monitor does not come on when you power up your computer, locate the power button on the monitor and
turn it on.

The computer will open to the Desktop or opening screen. Basically, it is waiting for you to select what you want to
do with the computer or what software you would like to operate.

The Desktop of your computer.

Your computer will probably have some icons on the desktop,
with some words under each icon, normally on the left side of
the desktop. It will also have a toolbar at the bottom of the
screen. Normally, users place icons of the most used programs
in this toolbar. They can even be arranged in order. To move
them, click on an icon, then move it from left to right or visa
versa. When you release the mouse click, the icon will remain
where you last left it. Later we will learn how to place the
programs you desire to use on this toolbar.

Your desktop is a handy screen. You can place things on your desktop. You can
download files from the internet or from emails and place them on the desktop.
You can place icons of programs you use often on the desktop. The problem is
that sometimes our desktops become cluttered with far too many objects, making
it difficult to find things. The solution is to make a folder to consolidate items. A
rule of thumb is that you should have no more than ¼ of your desktop filled with
objects. If you have more, you need to reorganize it and simplify it.

To make a folder on your desktop, point your mouse to an empty spot on the
desktop. Then right click. You will see a popup fill a portion of the screen (viewed
to the right). Select the NEW icon. Click on the right arrow and another popup
will open. The top selection is “Folder.” If you click on that icon, a new file folder
will appear on your desktop and it will be labeled “New folder.” You can type in
the name you want for that folder when you make it, or later click on the name of
the folder, and it will highlight, waiting for you to type in a new name.

Once you have a folder, you can click on any object on the screen and drag it
into that new folder.

If you want to delete a folder and all the contents in that folder, click on the
folder and push the delete key on your keyboard. The computer will ask you to
verify if you really want to delete it. If you say yes, then the folder and all
contents in it will be moved to your Recycle Bin. Later we will learn more about
this special folder.

You can change the look of your desktop by placing your mouse pointer to any
location on the desktop that is empty. Right clicking again gives you the popup
menu we used to create a new folder. You will see two main areas to customize
your desktop: Screen resolution and Personalize (see picture to the left).

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