EXERCISE 1: HOW TO OPERATE A COMPUTER/ LAPTOP

How to operate a computer?

                A computer is defined as a device that allows us to do a variety of tasks like writing documents, editing photos and browsing the internet. It uses input devices like to take in information. The information is then processed by the computer through a device called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). Finally, the processed outcome is given to the user through output devices like monitor, printer, etc. Let us learn more about the computer ahead.

Input devices of computer:

    * Keyboard

    * Mouse

    * UPS

    * Scanner and Printer

    * Web camera, etc.

How to Switch on/ off a Computer Step by Step?

The steps to switch on a computer are as follows:

• Check if your computer is connected to power. Make sure the power cable shown in the image is plugged in. Check if the lead’s other side is plugged into a power socket. Make sure the socket has been switched on.

• Check to see if your keyboard and mouse are connected.

• Check if your monitor is connected properly.

• There would be a main switch that powers the computer. It connects the power cord of the computer to the electrical supply of the house or office. Turn it ON.

• If you use a Unilateral Power Supply (UPS), then switch it on. It is used to store power in situations of electrical outages.

• There should be a "Power On" switch on the Central Processing Unit (CPU). It would look like the image given below. Turn its switch on by pressing on it once.

• Afterwards, switch on the monitor on the computer. After it is switched on, it should show a greenish light.

• A welcome screen would appear after the monitor is turned on. Enter your username and password and then press Enter key on your keyboard to login into the computer.

• You would then see the desktop page after you successfully login. It is the first screen after you have logged into the computer.

• The proper way to shut down or turn off the computer system is by clicking on the ‘Start’ button and choosing the ‘Turn Off Computer’ option. This will display the options to ‘Standby’, ‘Restart’, or ‘Turn Off’ the CPU.

How to operate a laptop?

            Laptop or notebook computers are increasingly powerful, portable alternatives to smart phones and desktop computers for getting serious work done on the go. If you're moving up to your first laptop or just sitting down at an unfamiliar one, things might seem a little odd at first. Fear not - follow these steps for getting started with all laptops and we'll get you up and running like a pro in no time.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS:

• If you are using the laptop in your home, find an outlet and plug the charger in. If you're somewhere remote or foreign where you absolutely have to go without, it's better to leave your laptop plugged in.

• Place the bottom part of the laptop on the table/desk you are sitting in front of. Try to find a comfortable angle for your wrists and hands - this might mean moving the laptop around until you find the best position for you.

• Lift the lid to open up until the screen looks comfortable for you. Most laptops have some type of clasp or latch which allows the screen to open.

• Find the power button and turn it on. The power button is usually marked with the universal symbol for 'power on', a circle with a line going halfway through it.

• Wait for the laptop to boot up. Your laptop may have specialized hardware that will cause it to take longer to boot up than a desktop or smart phone.

• Use the laptop's pointing device. On most computers, this is a flat, touch-sensitive area called a touchpad which will allow you to use your finger as your mouse. Simply slide one finger on the touchpad area to move the cursor.

• Use the touchpad's left click button as your primary mouse button. On most touchpads, you can click using a button located on the bottom left of the touchpad.

• Use the touchpad's right click button as the secondary mouse button. You'll do anything involving a "contextual menu" or a "right click" by just pressing the right click button located at the bottom right of the touchpad.

• Keep your laptop's software up to date. Your laptop probably came with some basic accessory software: a simple word processor, a calculator and maybe some basic photo sharing software.

• To switch off the laptop, Locate the start button on the task bar and choose. This is usually in the bottom left corner. In the "Shut down or sign out" menu, choose Sleep, Shutdown or Restart. 

• Confirm that you want to shut down/restart your computer if other users are logged in. This can be done by clicking on Shutdown/Restart anyway or Yes.