Computer sampler - A beginners computer lesson

A series of pages for total illiterates (beginners)

The first thing a newbie (another name for a beginner) needs to learn is how to turn on a computer. That means learning about the hardware (the physical equipment).

1. A basic computer consists of a box that holds the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and some other parts we will define later.

2. The next piece of hardware that is needed by a computer is a TV screen called a Monitor.

3. Next we have a keyboard and a mouse.

A computer has 3 basic processes called Input, Processing and Output. The Keyboard and Mouse are used for Input, the Processing is done in the CPU and the Output is seen on the Monitor. This is an oversimplification, but it gets you started.

To power up a computer (Called Booting), you need to find the power switches. They are recognized by a circle and vertical line representing the On/Off of a computer. Sometimes the line is part of the circle.

To learn about the keyboard, click this link.

To learn about the Mouse, click this link. (future)

To learn about the parts of a Window, click this link. (future)

To learn about keyboard shortcuts, click this link.