Basic Computer Skills to Know
Someone else may set up a computer for you. You may have access to technical support over the telephone. Nevertheless, if you develop some basic skills, then you should be able to work with situations where you may have to break down the setup, replace something like a monitor or perform some basic troubleshooting. The skill set identified below is an elementary starting point that, given a good understanding, will make living with a computer in the home much easier.
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Terminology
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Learn some basic computer terms. These include boot (startup), memory or RAM, monitor or display, drives (hard drive, floppy drive, CD or DVD, flash), USB, mouse and keyboard.
Parts of a Computer
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Know how the monitor, printer and keyboard connect to the computer. Note how much memory is installed, the speed of the computer, the size of the hard disk and how to insert and remove media or detach peripherals.
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Keyboarding
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Being able to type (not hunt-and-peck) is a vital skill. Without good typing ability, you are limited in computer communication fluency, just as you would be in a foreign country without the language.
Mouse Control
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Controlling the delicate movements of a mouse to translate this into actions on the screen is close to being as basic a skill as typing. Practice with the Solitaire game found on most PCs.
Operating
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Read the manual to learn what the lights on the front and back of the computer mean about the operation. Learn how to interrupt the startup for diagnostic purposes and how to shut down safely.
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