Basic Computing Skills - Orientation

The desktop in Windows serves as the initial interface for users, comprising a vast area for icons that launch programs and a taskbar at the bottom of the screen. The taskbar includes the Start menu, program icons like Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer, and Windows Media Player, along with system icons for internet connectivity, volume control, and time and date settings. A special feature called 'Show Desktop' allows users to minimize all open programs and return to the desktop view. The Start menu is a pivotal element for accessing all running programs on the computer, offering a search function for finding programs and files quickly.

The Start Menu is essential for accessing various computer functions, including programs, system settings via the Control Panel, devices, and troubleshooting resources. The shutdown options offer the ability to log off or lock the computer. Windows Explorer is introduced as a tool for browsing files and information on the computer, detailing the exploration of hard disk drives and removable storage devices like CDs, DVDs, and USB sticks. The functionality of the taskbar icon for quick access to Windows Explorer is also highlighted.

This section explains how to access and navigate the internet using web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari. It covers the basics of launching Internet Explorer, setting and changing the home page, and understanding the address bar for direct website access. The concept of adding websites to a favorites menu for easy access is introduced, along with the use of tabs for multitasking on the web. The search functionality within a browser through a dedicated search bar is also discussed.

The process of adding websites to the favorites menu in a web browser for quick access is detailed, along with the utility of the home button to return to the home page. The importance of tabs for managing multiple websites simultaneously is emphasized. The segment also introduces using the search bar for internet searches with examples, highlighting the use of Bing and Google as search engines for finding information online.

This paragraph discusses the advanced capabilities of Google search, including the use of the search bar for finding web pages, images, maps, videos, and more. It introduces Google's advanced search feature for refining search criteria and Google Scholar for academic research. The paragraph also mentions the usefulness of the ECU library's one search tool for academic resources, showcasing the breadth of search options available to users for obtaining specific and relevant information.

This section provides guidance on locating and using Microsoft Office programs from the Start menu, focusing on Excel, PowerPoint, and Word as the primary tools for university assignments. It explains the process of opening Microsoft Word for document creation, emphasizing the utility of the program for various types of academic writing and the basic functionalities of typing and text formatting.

In-depth instructions on formatting text in Microsoft Word, including changing fonts, sizes, styles, and alignment, are provided. The summary explains how to select text for formatting and utilize the variety of formatting tools available, such as bold, italics, and underline. It also covers the basics of document navigation using the 'Find' function for locating specific words and introduces the concepts of copying and pasting text within documents.

This paragraph delves into more complex functionalities within Microsoft Word, such as using keyboard shortcuts for actions like bolding text, and the importance of regularly saving documents. It also covers the procedure for printing documents and the process of closing a document without saving. The section concludes with reminders for logging off to secure the user's session on a Windows computer.