A computer is device for processing, storing, and displaying information.

Desktop Computers

Connect the power and VGA cables

Figure: Connecting the monitor to the PC using the VGA cable

Figure: Power cable

Connect the power cables for both the monitor and the PC and plug in the power source. 

RCA & VGA

HDMI

Booting a computer

Booting is the process of starting a computer. It can be initiated by hardware such as a button press, or by a software command.

To boot the computer, press the power button. The power button location varies from one computer to the other. 

So press on the button that look like the image below.

For a desktop computer, it might be right in front. For a laptop, it might be at the top of the escape key just as the image above.

NOTE:

If you are using a PC, you will have to switch on your monitor as well.

For a computer with a password set, you will have to enter the password before you are giving access.

Shutting down, restarting or putting a computer to sleep

To shut down, restart or put the computer to sleep, press on the windows key on the keyboard or click on the windows icon at the left side of the toolbar.

Figure: windows icon

Figure: desktop toolbar

Figure: windows key

Click on the power icon for the drop down options to show. Choose the appropriate option you desire.

Input Devices

Parts of a computer mouse

Parts of a computer keyboard

Output Devices

Storage Devices

USB Port

CD Drive

Memory Card Slot

Computer Desktop

The computer desktop is the main screen area that you see after you boot your computer and log on to Windows. Like the top of an actual desk, it serves as a surface for your work.

Computer Desktop Parts

Changing desktop background image

1. Right-click your desktop and choose Personalize.
2. Click desktop picture.
3. Click browse next to the picture location drop down.
4. Navigate to the folder where your desired picture is located
5. Click on the desired picture
6. Choose whether to fill, fit, stretch, tile, or center the picture. Fill is selected by default
7. You can as well change the background color by clicking on Change background color and select your desired color
8. Click the Save Changes button to save your new background.

Changing the desktop theme

1. Right-click your desktop and choose Personalize.
2. Click on your desired theme in the my themes list

Changing the icon display

1. Right-click your desktop and choose view
2. Select the appropriate icon size or arrangement you wish

Sorting icons

1. Right-click your desktop and choose sort
2. Select the appropriate sorting types you wish

Refreshing desktop

Right-click your desktop and choose refresh