basic computer operations
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Getting Started
After you start or turn on your personal computer (PC), it goes through several steps before finally entering configuration mode. Booting a computer means turning on the computer. In this chapter, you will learn how to start up and shut down your computer. You will also learn how to perform basic computer operations.
Goals
After completing this unit, you'll be able to:
Computer information that demonstrates how to operate a computer using a keyboard and mouse
Windows features to design the desktop screen, create folders, load and search application software.
Run the application program and shut down the system
What happens when you start the computer?
After starting or powering on a personal computer (PC), there are several steps that take place before finally entering configuration mode. These steps are shown below. BIOS chip (basic input/output system). The central processing unit (CPU) runs this program to check your PC and make sure everything is working properly. Otherwise, the program will display an error message pointing out the specific problem.
The
CPU compares POST results with system settings stored in the computer memory operating system (CMOS).
CPU tells BIOS to find BOOT PROGRAM and load it into RAM. Normally, the BIOS checks drive A first, then drive C.
The boot program runs and loads the operating system into RAM. The operating system is usually on the drive. The operating system loads the PC's system configuration.
NOTE: In disk operating systems (DOS) and Windows 3.1, POST resides in his two tiles in CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXE.
BAT, but in Windows 95 and NI this is in the REGISTRY file.
Starting the Computer
The system can be started or booted in two ways. This can be done from a hard drive or floppy and is known as a cold boot.
Computer is booting from hard disk (drive C).
Booting from floppy disk (drive A).
Rebooting or resetting the computer without turning off the power by pressing a specific reset button or series of resets is called a warm boot. Close memory and the operating system.
STARTING COMPUTER FROMC DRIVE -Hints
Ensure thorough connection of the main switch and other devices like stabilizer, transform (if needed), UPS and so on.
Remove any floppy diskette from drive A and turn the Central Processing Unit (CPU) ON first and then the Monitor (where power to the Monitor is form the CPU). The system starts booting from the hard disk, this runs BIOS program built in self test which scroll fast information about the system settings, this may prompt for command either from the keyboard or mouse to complete the booting process, thereby displaying either DOS command prompt with C drive C:/> with flashing underscore next to it called cursor which indicates where the command you type will appear, or open up the Window Desktop depending on the configuration mode (i.e. using Window 95, 98 and NT)
However, where the monitor is connected directly to the socket, you should switch on the monitor first to enable you read messages displayed during starting. Other equipment should also be turned on to prevent power surge to the system unit
THE USES OF COMPUTER KEYBOARD
The Keyboard is one type of input device used to enter information into computer.
The computer keyboard is not so much far away from the typewriter keyboard. The 101/102 keys are divided into five groups: touch keys, special keys, function keys, dedicated cursor keys, and numeric keypad.
Pressing a key displays the corresponding letter on the screen.
Function Keys:- The function keys are F1 to F12 on the keyboard and are used for various purposes.
The application program will vary depending on the software you use, but in DOS programs the first five keys are used for editing. In WordPerfect, F1 is used for help, but in BASIC programming it's used to list the program. Even in WordPerfect, F2 searches and F3 switches documents.
Shift Key:- The Shift key cannot be used alone and must be used in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. Can be used to enter both lowercase and uppercase letters. You can use the special characters and symbols on the top with the number and symbol keys.
Control Keys:- Used in combination with other keys on the keyboard to generate internal codes for the system. For example, CTRL+F8 selects the Word Perfect font. It does not work when used alone.
ALT Key:- This is an alternate key. It is also used in combination with other keys to issue commands. Shift + Ctrl and Alt keys cannot be locked when used. Other keys must be pressed at the same time.
CAPS LOCK Key:- This is a toggle key (on/off), used to change from lower case to upper case and vice versa.
Letters are capitalized when the Caps Lock indicator is on, and lowercase when the indicator is off. Caps Lock must be off to use Shift correctly.
ENTER Key:- Similar to the carriage on a typewriter, the ENTER key is also known as the RETURN key or carriage. When pressed, it tells the computer to run a command. You can also perform other functions in your word processor.
Spacebar:- Spacebar creates spaces from left to right.
BACK SPACE Key:- This key deletes one character to the left of the cursor and moves the text, if any, to fill the created space.
TAB Key: - The key is similar to his Tab key on a typewriter. Moves the cursor 8 columns to the right of the current position.
ESC key:- In DOS this means the current line is deleted. If pressed, it may have different meaning in other programs. You can exit the current activity and return to the previous activity. You can also exit the error state and continue with the previous activity.
CTRL + TAB:- Pressing two keys reverses cursor movement to the left.
Numeric Keypad:- This is located on the right side of the keyboard. If you look closely you can see that most of the keys are on the left side of the keyboard
Cursor control is the default. Press the Numlock key, which is also a toggle switch, to access numeric mode.
Delete, Page Up and Page Down, Home and End keys:
Del key: This key deletes the character under the cursor. Holding down the delete key erases characters from the right until you release the key.
Page Up and Page Down keys: The Page Up key moves up one screen, and the Page Down key moves down one screen.
Home and End Keys:- The Home key moves the cursor to the top left position of the screen, the End key moves the cursor to the end of the line.
Arrow Keys:- Arrow keys move the cursor in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Insert key: Use this key to insert new characters. In insert mode, whatever you type moves existing characters to the right side of the screen. Some computers have a pause button designed for this purpose.
CTRL+SCROLL LOCK keys:- Using these keys together pauses the running program.
After you start or turn on your personal computer (PC), it goes through several steps before finally entering configuration mode. Booting a computer means turning on the computer. In this chapter, you will learn how to start up and shut down your computer. You will also learn how to perform basic computer operations.
Goals
After completing this unit, you'll be able to:
Computer information that demonstrates how to operate a computer using a keyboard and mouse
Windows features to design the desktop screen, create folders, load and search application software.
Run the application program and shut down the system
What happens when you start the computer?
After starting or powering on a personal computer (PC), there are several steps that take place before finally entering configuration mode. These steps are shown below. BIOS chip (basic input/output system). The central processing unit (CPU) runs this program to check your PC and make sure everything is working properly. Otherwise, the program will display an error message pointing out the specific problem.
The
CPU compares POST results with system settings stored in the computer memory operating system (CMOS).
CPU tells BIOS to find BOOT PROGRAM and load it into RAM. Normally, the BIOS checks drive A first, then drive C.
The boot program runs and loads the operating system into RAM. The operating system is usually on the drive. The operating system loads the PC's system configuration.
NOTE: In disk operating systems (DOS) and Windows 3.1, POST resides in his two tiles in CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXE.
BAT, but in Windows 95 and NI this is in the REGISTRY file.
Starting the Computer
The system can be started or booted in two ways. This can be done from a hard drive or floppy and is known as a cold boot.
Computer is booting from hard disk (drive C).
Booting from floppy disk (drive A).
Rebooting or resetting the computer without turning off the power by pressing a specific reset button or series of resets is called a warm boot. Close memory and the operating system.
STARTING COMPUTER FROMC DRIVE -Hints
Ensure thorough connection of the main switch and other devices like stabilizer, transform (if needed), UPS and so on.
Remove any floppy diskette from drive A and turn the Central Processing Unit (CPU) ON first and then the Monitor (where power to the Monitor is form the CPU). The system starts booting from the hard disk, this runs BIOS program built in self test which scroll fast information about the system settings, this may prompt for command either from the keyboard or mouse to complete the booting process, thereby displaying either DOS command prompt with C drive C:/> with flashing underscore next to it called cursor which indicates where the command you type will appear, or open up the Window Desktop depending on the configuration mode (i.e. using Window 95, 98 and NT)
However, where the monitor is connected directly to the socket, you should switch on the monitor first to enable you read messages displayed during starting. Other equipment should also be turned on to prevent power surge to the system unit
THE USES OF COMPUTER KEYBOARD
The Keyboard is one type of input device used to enter information into computer.
The computer keyboard is not so much far away from the typewriter keyboard. The 101/102 keys are divided into five groups: touch keys, special keys, function keys, dedicated cursor keys, and numeric keypad.
Pressing a key displays the corresponding letter on the screen.
Function Keys:- The function keys are F1 to F12 on the keyboard and are used for various purposes.
The application program will vary depending on the software you use, but in DOS programs the first five keys are used for editing. In WordPerfect, F1 is used for help, but in BASIC programming it's used to list the program. Even in WordPerfect, F2 searches and F3 switches documents.
Shift Key:- The Shift key cannot be used alone and must be used in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. Can be used to enter both lowercase and uppercase letters. You can use the special characters and symbols on the top with the number and symbol keys.
Control Keys:- Used in combination with other keys on the keyboard to generate internal codes for the system. For example, CTRL+F8 selects the Word Perfect font. It does not work when used alone.
ALT Key:- This is an alternate key. It is also used in combination with other keys to issue commands. Shift + Ctrl and Alt keys cannot be locked when used. Other keys must be pressed at the same time.
CAPS LOCK Key:- This is a toggle key (on/off), used to change from lower case to upper case and vice versa.
Letters are capitalized when the Caps Lock indicator is on, and lowercase when the indicator is off. Caps Lock must be off to use Shift correctly.
ENTER Key:- Similar to the carriage on a typewriter, the ENTER key is also known as the RETURN key or carriage. When pressed, it tells the computer to run a command. You can also perform other functions in your word processor.
Spacebar:- Spacebar creates spaces from left to right.
BACK SPACE Key:- This key deletes one character to the left of the cursor and moves the text, if any, to fill the created space.
TAB Key: - The key is similar to his Tab key on a typewriter. Moves the cursor 8 columns to the right of the current position.
ESC key:- In DOS this means the current line is deleted. If pressed, it may have different meaning in other programs. You can exit the current activity and return to the previous activity. You can also exit the error state and continue with the previous activity.
CTRL + TAB:- Pressing two keys reverses cursor movement to the left.
Numeric Keypad:- This is located on the right side of the keyboard. If you look closely you can see that most of the keys are on the left side of the keyboard
Cursor control is the default. Press the Numlock key, which is also a toggle switch, to access numeric mode.
Delete, Page Up and Page Down, Home and End keys:
Del key: This key deletes the character under the cursor. Holding down the delete key erases characters from the right until you release the key.
Page Up and Page Down keys: The Page Up key moves up one screen, and the Page Down key moves down one screen.
Home and End Keys:- The Home key moves the cursor to the top left position of the screen, the End key moves the cursor to the end of the line.
Arrow Keys:- Arrow keys move the cursor in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Insert key: Use this key to insert new characters. In insert mode, whatever you type moves existing characters to the right side of the screen. Some computers have a pause button designed for this purpose.
CTRL+SCROLL LOCK keys:- Using these keys together pauses the running program.