New to Computers

Interacting with a computer

Desktop:

The desktop on a computer is the ‘home’ screen on a computer. You see this screen when the computer first starts and when all programs are closed. Every computer with internet access has a desktop. It may have a single color or an image and you will most likely see icons that are representations of folders, a ‘recycle bin’, and a computer.

When you use the mouse to push the arrow around the screen you may notice that the top and/or bottom are interactive. This is where most of the programs are kept and also where to tell the computer to turn off or “shut down”.

While you are new to computers, try to remember to save your documents on the desktop so they are easy to find.

Program Menus:

On the top or bottom interactive bar there is a menu for computer function (on Windows computers it is called Start or simply the Windows logo). By clicking on it you will find that it opens several lists of things the computer can do. Find the menu called Programs or Software to find the installed programs you can use. If you are unfamiliar with the program names and just need to type a document, find out what word processor the computer is using and where you can find it.

Recycle/Trash:

This is for unwanted documents. Drag anything you want to get rid of into the recycle bin! When you are ready to delete the item from the computer permanently, ‘alternate click’ on the recycle icon and select empty or delete contents.

New to Computers