Intro to PCs Lessons

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Age	Subject	From
2 years	Quiz	Richard Rost
16 months	Hardware 2	Patsy Cristofanilli
16 months	Lessons	Patsy Cristofanilli
16 months	Computer Hardware	Patsy Cristofanilli

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Intro

This introductory course is perfect for anyone brand new to personal computers, with no prior experience required. We'll cover the essential basics of computer technology, including helpful definitions, hardware components, data storage, peripherals, power protection, and the differences between PCs and Macs. You'll learn how to use the keyboard and mouse, explore all those mysterious keys and buttons, and get practical advice on ergonomics and tips for beginners. Each lesson builds a solid foundation to help you feel comfortable and confident using a computer.

Transcript

Intro PCs Transcript

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00. Introduction (6:11)

This course is for the absolute beginner who has little to no experience with personal computers. That's right, I don't assume you know anything about computers. I know in today's day and age it's rare to find someone who's never used a computer before, but I know you're out there. I know you need help and have lots of questions about what many other people consider to be common knowledge. But you're not alone. This course is for you.

For the rest of you, please feel free to share this course with anyone you think might need it. You know who I'm talking about. The coworker who's constantly asking you PC questions, the neighbor next door who always needs help with his computer, or even your mom and dad who can't figure out how to use the keyboard and mouse properly. Those are the people this course is for. So even though you might not need it, keep it in mind for someone else who does.

There are no prerequisites for today's class. If you've never used a computer before, you'll be absolutely fine. Today's class is going to focus on the basics of computer technology. We'll learn some helpful definitions. We'll discuss computer hardware in detail, including system components, peripherals, data storage, and more. We'll learn all about how to use the keyboard and mouse, and what a lot of those crazy keys on the keyboard are. And finally, we'll talk about ergonomics, things to watch out for, and tips for beginners.

My next class, which is Microsoft Windows Beginner Level 1, will cover more of the software aspect of computers. Throughout my Windows series, we'll learn more about basic software applications, using the internet, file management, security, privacy, all that kind of stuff. But today's class is for the computer beginners who need the absolute basics.

So who am I? Why should you learn from me? And why should you listen to my advice? Let me share my background real quick. I began using computers at the age of 8 in 1980, so you can do the math. I have a long history with technology. I attended university right after high school for computer science, but I dropped out. I got bored. I started my first business in 1992, providing PC sales, service, networking, and custom software development. My customers were constantly asking where they could go to learn how to use the computers I just sold them, so I decided to open my own in-person computer training center in 1997. I ran the training center for a few years before transitioning to online training. With more and more people getting high-speed internet, I could record videos and reach a much broader audience. I've been dedicated to online training since 2002.

In 2010, I was approached by a book agent who found my Excel lessons on YouTube, leading to the publication of the Complete Idiot's Guide to Excel 2010. I received the Microsoft MVP award for Microsoft Access, which is my personal specialty, in 2013, 2014, and again in 2023. So that's it. That's a brief overview of my professional background. As you can see, I've got over 30 years of experience as a computer professional, and I've been teaching software applications for most of that time, so if you need to learn how to use a computer, I'm your guy. Oh, plus I'm all about having fun. I do my best to keep my videos light and entertaining. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Now, before we can start with Lesson 1, if you have any questions regarding the material covered in today's class and you're watching this course on my website, just scroll down to the bottom of the page that you're on and post your questions there. I've got a fantastic group of volunteer moderators who love answering questions from students just like you. And also, take a minute to read through any other questions that have been posted, as your question may have already been answered. Also, make sure you click on that red subscribe button to get notified of any other questions or comments posted for this class. If you're watching this video on YouTube, you can still post your questions and comments; just scroll down to the comments section. I don't check YouTube as often as I check the comments on my own site, but I do try my best to read and respond to them as often as I can.

Now let's take a closer look at exactly what's covered in today's class. In Lesson 1, we're going to learn about computer hardware. First, we're going to discuss why you should learn this stuff. Why should you learn about computer hardware? You're just going to turn the computer on, and it works. Why do you have to learn about what's inside it? We'll talk about that first. We'll go over some basic definitions. We'll talk about PC versus Mac. And then we'll talk about the different system components that are inside your computer.

In Lesson 2, we are continuing to learn about computer hardware. We're going to talk about data storage, peripherals, and power protection. In Lesson 3, we're going to talk about using the keyboard. We'll learn about what all the different keys on the keyboard are and those are the lights, and we'll learn how to use most of them.

In Lesson 4, we're going to talk about using the mouse.

Lesson 5 is something I call "Rick's Tips." Now, I was called "Richard's Tips" because I do go by Richard professionally, even though my friends and family call me Rick. You can call me Rick if you want; "Rick's Tips" sounded better than "Richard's Tips," so we're going to go with "Rick's Tips." Okay, we're talking about ergonomics, computer caveats, things you gotta watch out for, and tips for noobs. Yes, new computer users are called noobs. It's a term of endearment. We don't mean any insult by it.

And that's what we're going to talk about in Lesson 5.

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01. Computer Hardware 1 (20:42)

In Lesson 1, we're going to learn about computer hardware. First, we're going to discuss why you should learn this stuff. Why should you learn about computer hardware? You're just going to turn the computer on and it works. Why do you have to learn about what's inside it? We'll talk about that first. We'll go over some basic definitions. We'll talk about PC versus Mac. And then we'll talk about the different system components that are inside your computer.

Okay, computer hardware. Why learn about this stuff? You turn the computer on and it works. Well, sometimes knowing what's under the hood can be very helpful. First off, if you're considering buying a new computer, you're going to invest hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars in a new system, it's beneficial to know what you're buying. This is particularly helpful if you're shopping at one of those mega computer stores where the salesperson might be more focused on their commission than trying to sell you exactly what you need, right? They're trying to give you the greatest products, the biggest and best, and they don't know what your needs are. So knowing about computer hardware equips you with the information you need to make an informed decision on what to buy.

Having your PC serviced. Now when I drop my car off at the local service center or the dealer, and the technician tells me that such and such is wrong, I've got to take his word for it. I know nothing about cars. But you shouldn't find yourself in the same position with computers. Computers are a whole lot easier to learn than cars, at least for me. So with a little bit of knowledge about what's going on under the hood of your computer, you can make more informed decisions about its service and maintenance.

Calling for support. I used to work in the tech support industry. I used to be one of those guys on the phones way, way, way back when I was a kid. And I know that sometimes phone technicians can unintentionally make callers feel inadequate, like they don't know what they're talking about, even with basic technical terms. So it's essential to have some understanding of the fundamentals of computer terminology to communicate effectively with support staff, even just to let them know that you kinda know what you're talking about.

This can help ensure that you get the assistance you need without feeling overwhelmed or patronized. I know calling for tech support can sometimes be intimidating and some people put it off because they just don't understand the person talking to them on the phone. Talking to co-workers and friends or your kids, right? Whether a co-worker in the next office asks you for a thumb drive or a friend mentions a particular piece of software, knowing what they're referring to helps in everyday communication. It helps you to feel digitally literate in today's interconnected world.

And finally, and most importantly, computers are fun. This stuff's fun to learn. I enjoy this stuff. I love this stuff. Even if I wasn't teaching this stuff, I used to love just learning new things all the time. Computers, science, all that good stuff. So it's something new to learn.

Okay, now before we get into the hardware, let's go over some basic computer definitions. First, what is a computer? Well, Webster's defines a computer as a programmable, usually electronic, yeah they can be mechanical, device that can store, retrieve, and process data. While there are more elaborate and specific definitions for the word computer, Webster's definition just about sums it up. A computer is a machine that knows how to do one thing, manipulate data. All the computer really understands is a series of electrical impulses representing numbers, 0 and 1, on and off. But because it can process those ones and zeros so fast, billions of operations per second, right, like Carl Sagan used to say, billions and billions. Since it can do those things so fast, it can do all kinds of wonderful things. It can play a game or edit a spreadsheet, or you can play stupid cat videos, right. All of those things are made up of ones and zeros.

Now computers today come in all shapes and sizes, from tablets and laptops to desktop PCs to big rooms with servers on racks. These are all different types of computers. Hardware versus software. Essentially, if you can touch it, it's hardware. That's the general rule. Now today we're going to learn a lot about different kinds of computer hardware like motherboards, memory chips, video cards, processors, all those things. That's all computer hardware. They're physical objects you can touch.

Now software, on the other hand, represents computer programs like Microsoft Excel, Word, games like Solitaire, even Microsoft Windows itself. Those are usually applications that run on the computer hardware. Now CDs, for example, if you remember those, the actual CDs themselves are considered hardware because you can touch them. But the software on the CD, the program on the CD, is considered software.

The binary system. Now a few minutes ago, I mentioned that the computer only knows ones and zeros. Now those ones and zeros make up something called the binary system, which is the language inside the computer. And I like to take a moment to cover this with my beginner students because lots of people don't know what the terms megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte, all these things mean. And it's kind of important to know because if you're going to go to the store and buy some memory or a hard drive, you've got to know what these sizes are.

Now they're real simple, it's just how we measure the size of capacities in computer jargon. All right, so binary numbers are represented inside the computer as a series of ones and zeros, like this guy right here. That is the letter A, the capital letter A, represented by 01000001, which is 65 in decimal. Do you need to remember this? Absolutely not. I'm just trying to give you a feel for how computers store information internally. Now each one of those ones and zeros internally is called a bit. One bit is either a zero or a one. And you can put eight of them together to create something called a byte. So a byte basically represents one character of plain text. An A, a Z, an exclamation point, those kinds of things.

Now this is where the other terms come in. You take byte and you put a Greek prefix in front of it. Kilobyte is roughly a thousand. Kilo is a thousand, roughly a thousand bytes. Megabyte is a million. Million bytes. Giga is a billion bytes, and tera is a trillion bytes. And yeah, computer scientists are nerds. We didn't like to make it an even thousand because we want it to be a perfect power of two since everything's two characters. There's a long story as to why it's 1024, but essentially you can think of it as a thousand.

Now what kinds of things can you store in each of these sizes? Well, a kilobyte, it's about the size of a short paragraph of text, right? A thousand characters, not a whole lot by today's standards. A megabyte, it's about the size of a high-resolution photo. You take a photo with your camera. That's about a megabyte. A gigabyte is about an hour of video. And a terabyte is huge. Terabytes are pretty big.

All right, now that we're through those basic definitions, let's talk about computer hardware. Now, in the computer world, there are generally two types of computers that you'll find in most businesses and homes. There are PCs and Macs. PC stands for personal computer, and there are a lot of different terms that define what a PC is. Sometimes you'll hear them called IBM personal computers or IBM PC clones. Or sometimes you'll hear them called Microsoft PCs or Windows PCs. Generally, PCs run operating systems from Microsoft such as Microsoft Windows.

Now Macs, on the other hand, is another popular type of computer you'll find in a lot of homes and businesses. Macintosh computers, or Macs for short, are made by a company called Apple. Macs are very popular in the education, desktop publishing, and graphic arts industries. And PCs generally run the rest of the business world.

Now I am not a Mac user. I haven't touched a Mac since high school in the 1980s, and I don't plan to anytime soon. I could make another whole video as to why I don't like Macs, but that's again a topic for another video. Needless to say, I will be focusing on PCs for the remainder of this course and most of my courses. Speaking of PC versus Mac, do you guys remember those commercials with the two guys from years ago? One would say I'm a PC and the other said I'm a Mac. Right? These guys? Well, Apple used to try to paint PCs as boring and just for business, and back in those days, Macs were a lot better at graphics. They were cool, they were stylish, they came in different colors. But we've come a long way since then, and today PCs can do pretty much anything a Mac can. So, can you tell I'm not an Apple fan?

Okay, next up, let's discuss some of the core computer system components. The CPU, or the Central Processing Unit, is basically the brains of the computer, responsible for performing all of the computational tasks, well, most of them. The CPU is typically a small chip mounted on the motherboard, which is a big circuit board inside the computer. You may hear some people refer to the whole computer box or the tower itself as the CPU, but technically, the CPU is a small chip inside of it.

The performance of a CPU is measured in clock speed, which represents the number of cycles per second that the CPU can execute. In the past, CPUs were rated in megahertz, representing millions of cycles per second. However, today, CPUs have much higher clock speeds, and you'll commonly see them measured in gigahertz, GHZ, representing billions of cycles per second. Remember those Greek numbers from before. Mega, giga. You're going to see that a lot in computer terms. Now, the average for most computers sold today, it's 2023, is between 2 and 4 gigahertz. The faster the processor, the faster the PC will operate. Usually. There are other factors, but the CPU makes up most of it.

Today, there are two primary CPU manufacturers that you'll hear of for personal computers. There's Intel and AMD. Both Intel and AMD CPUs feature multiple cores, allowing them to execute multiple tasks simultaneously and enhance overall system performance. You've heard of multitasking, well that's what that means. They can take multiple executions and split them up and execute them at the same time.

As I mentioned a moment ago, a lot of the times, you'll hear people mistakenly refer to the CPU as the whole machine when they actually mean the case or the chassis it's sometimes called. The CPU is that tiny processor inside the machine that's responsible for executing instructions. As far as cases go, they come in various shapes and sizes. You've got full tower, mid tower, mini tower, desktop, slim desktop, so many different styles and sizes of cases.

Now, I personally prefer laptops. It's been a while since I bought a desktop PC or a tower. For most offices, desktop PCs are the more cost-effective choice, or if you're a gaming enthusiast and you're looking to customize your PC with high-performance components, a tower is typically the way to go. But for me, I've been a laptop user for the last couple of years myself, so that's my choice.

Speaking of the case, if you do happen to open it up and poke around inside, or if you try to upgrade it yourself, you'll see this component. That's the power supply. Now it's essential to not try to open up this guy. It does have little screws on it. Don't open it. This thing is not designed for servicing by regular people. Only electricians and individuals with special knowledge of computer stuff should handle these things. Okay? You can replace the whole thing, but don't open up that box. Even if the computer itself is unplugged, this power supply can still give you an electric shock. Trust me, I found this out the hard way years ago. There's a capacitor in there that stores some charge even when the machine is unplugged. So be very, very careful when working with the power supply or any internal components of the computer.

Next up is memory. Now there's random access memory which is the amount of memory the computer has and that represents how much information the computer can work with at any given time. RAM today is measured in gigabytes. RAM is erased when the power goes off. So if you unplug the computer, whatever is in the memory is gone. If you're writing a letter to mom in Microsoft Word, that letter is generally stored in RAM or the system's memory while you're working on it. So if you turn the computer off without saving your letter, we'll talk about where you save it in just a minute, then you're going to lose it. Most computers sold today have between 8 and 16 gigabytes of RAM.

Now you want to be able to save that letter to mom so you can retrieve it later. You can finish it tomorrow, print it out, whatever. That's what your hard drive is for. Now the hard drive represents the storage space for your computer. Hard drives today are measured in gigabytes or terabytes and they are permanent storage for all your documents, your Word documents, your Excel spreadsheets, your PowerPoint presentations, whatever videos you've got, all that stuff gets stored on your hard drive. In fact, your operating system itself, Microsoft Windows, is stored on your hard drive. So are the programs. Microsoft Word, Excel, all the programs are loaded onto your hard drive.

Generally hard drives are inside your computer, but you may also see external hard drives as well. There are also two common types of hard drives. The classic kind of hard drive that includes an actual spinning disk inside of it, kind of like a record player, as opposed to the new SSDs or solid-state drives that have no moving parts and store everything electronically. These are much faster, but still a lot more expensive than traditional drives, and some PCs come with both. Solid-state drives are a lot faster than the traditional hard drives. So you'll see some machines come now with a smaller solid-state drive for things you use a lot and then a bigger old school hard drive where you can store all your old backups and your documents and your Star Trek photos and all those things.

Speaking of hard drives, if you do decide to open up your computer to explore around or upgrade or whatever, do not use any magnetic screwdrivers. I learned this the hard way too. Inside a traditional hard drive, there's a spinning platter with magnetic material on it. If you bring a magnet too close, you could potentially erase or corrupt some or all of the data on that drive. So keep that in mind. I know it's tempting to use a magnetic screwdriver to hold the screw on the tip of the driver to get in a little tight space, but trust me, it's better to avoid it and prevent data loss or damage to your hard drive.

I know most of you watching this video aren't going to try to upgrade your computer at home yourself, but in case you do, I'm giving you these tips. Don't touch the power supplies, internals, and don't use magnetic screwdrivers. I got some more tips coming up too. When I used to work in PC tech support, I had so many people that thought that they could upgrade their computer themselves easily and they like did all kinds of nasty things. So that's why I'm just mentioning this stuff.

Now a lot of people have trouble understanding the difference between RAM memory and hard drive space. They may use these terms interchangeably, and they're really quite different things. So I like to use the analogy of a desk to illustrate RAM versus hard drive. Remember, RAM, which I will call memory, is the amount of information that the computer can work with at any one given moment. That's the stuff in the computer's brain. So if you think of the computer as a desk, then memory would be the top of the desk, the surface of the desk, the things you can actually see what's going on right now. RAM represents the files you can have open that you can work with at any given moment. You can see them spread out on the desktop in front of you, not like clumped up together like that picture I just got there. In fact, I stole some of these old pictures when I first did this class. I did an Intro to PCs class way back in like 2002. This was my Windows 101 class. I borrowed some of my older photos. That's why they're so low resolution and grainy. So bear with me. Bear with me. I'm recycling.

Now the more files you open, the more stuff you're working with, the more memory that you use. And eventually, you're going to run out of memory, and Windows may even tell you, hey you're out of memory. Well, older versions of Windows usually will. Newer versions do something where they swap memory out to the hard drive. But that's a; don't think of that for this example. Okay, that's more advanced. Basically, eventually, simply, you're going to run out of memory. Okay? So we have to close some of those documents down, close some programs that you're running. And what we can do is essentially save those programs from memory to the computer's storage, or the hard drive.

So you got all these different Word documents open. You got a spreadsheet open, you got a presentation open, and you can save that stuff from memory to the hard drive. So we take those files, we open up a drawer, and we put them on the hard drive. Essentially we close the documents that free up the system's memory so it can do other things now. And now if we want to go work with one of those files again, let's say we want to write a letter to mom, we now have more space available in our system's memory, so we can open up those files again and bring them from the hard drive back up into the system's memory where we can work on them. And the original file is still saved on the hard drive space.

I used to talk to so many people that were like, I need to upgrade my system's hard drive, and they really meant memory and or vice versa. You know, I need more room in my computer to store stuff. And so they're thinking they got to buy memory, what they really need is a bigger or a second hard drive. So it's important to understand the difference between these two things.

Alright, continuing on with our parade of hardware components, we've got the motherboard, or the system board. Now most of your other components, the hard drive, the processor, the memory, all those things, they're going to connect to the motherboard or the system board. It's essentially a big circuit board inside the computer that all of the other components plug into. This is basically the backbone of the computer.

Now in addition to those other components we talked about, you may or may not have expansion cards in your computer. Now back in the day when I started building computers in the early '90s professionally, in the late '80s on my own, you would get your motherboard, and then you'd plug all

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02. Computer Hardware 2 (17:52)

In Lesson 2, we are continuing to learn about computer hardware. We're going to talk about data storage, peripherals, and power protection.

Data storage: Now to talk about external data storage, which is storing files outside your computer to transport them somewhere else, let's take a little walk down memory lane. I'm going to start with the mighty floppy disk. Yes, I know there are older technologies like cassette tape drives - yes, I had one of those - and even punch cards if you're older than me. But when PCs started to become popular, when most people started buying computers for home use, they came with floppy disk drives. Now, most computers sold today in 2023 don't come with floppy disk drives. In fact, you might not even have a CD or a DVD drive in your computer. But you might come across some older PCs that still have them. They are still in use. Just 10 to 15 years ago, most computers still came with a 3.5-inch floppy drive.

Floppy disks only store about a couple of megabytes of data, so that's not a lot. And even those newer 3.5-inch disks that are made of hard plastic, those are still called floppy disks, not hard disks. The hard disk is inside your computer, remember that. This guy's got that hard plastic shell, so everyone thinks that's a hard disk. No, they're talking about the little floppy piece of magnetic film that's inside all of these disks. There's one inside here too. That's what's called the floppy disk. The case that it's in doesn't really make a difference. And also, make sure you keep these guys away from magnets too. They're based on magnetic film, and if you get a magnet too close to them, you will erase them. In fact, they used to sell a bulk eraser that you could just erase all your disks in one shot.

Now, because they don't have a lot of storage space, they can only really hold a couple of documents or a small program, maybe a couple of pictures, that's about it. I remember installing Windows 95 when it came on 13 floppy disks. Talk about a long install. You have to sit there and wait and wait and wait. "Okay, insert disk 2," and then you wait and then you wait. So even though floppy disks are an outdated storage medium, like I said, they've been around since the 70s. You'll be hard-pressed to find one in the wild today, but you might still come across one. Especially if you go over to grandma's house and she's got the old IBM PC in the closet.

Okay, now after floppy disks, we started getting CD-ROM disks which contained a lot more information, up to 650 megabytes. So that's hundreds of floppy disks would fit on one CD. And that allowed us to put Windows 95, for example, on just one CD. And everyone was amazed and things installed a lot faster. And that was great.

Now originally CDs were read-only. You could only read information off them. They had to be professionally printed at the CD printing company. You couldn't write data back to them. But then a few years after the CDs came out we started getting rewritables where you could, at first you could write once to it. You'd buy something called a CD burner. Once you burn data on the disk though, that was it. It was done. A few years later we started getting rewritables where you can erase the disk and put more stuff on it. And then the same thing happened with DVDs and DVDs got even bigger. We could get up to 17 gigabytes, so billions of bytes of information on one disk, at about the same size. And the same thing happened. First, they started off read-only and then you could erase them and write back to them once and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

Now most modern computers today that I've seen don't even come with a CD or DVD drive. I did buy a laptop a couple of years ago that came with an external DVD player just in case you had a DVD you want to install something or watch a movie or whatever, but most of the time now it's an optional accessory. You will still see these, but a lot of times computers that are being sold, especially laptops, don't even come with them, so if you have DVDs or CDs at home that you need to be able to read and write, make sure your new computer does come with a drive for it. If not, you can get an external drive.

Most of the shift away from built-in drives and even external drives is because of the prevalence of high-speed internet connectivity. With most computers now connected to the internet, transferring files electronically, streaming media, all that has become the norm, which basically gets rid of the need to store data on disks. But it's still good to have an understanding of what all these things are, and where they came from, and why they were important.

If you do need to transfer files physically, today the most common form of external drive storage is the USB flash drive, also known as a thumb drive or a pen drive. These offer portability with various storage capacities, ranging from a few gigabytes to several terabytes. They're plug-and-play devices, which means you just plug them into your computer in the USB drive port and they just work. You don't have to install any special software. These drives are fast. They're much faster than floppies or DVDs. Some of them will even work across multiple operating systems. They're ideal for file sharing, for backups, keeping your important files backed up so it's not just on your computer. You can carry important data wherever you go. Some models even include built-in security features like encryption or password protection. I've seen thumb drives with literal thumbprint readers on them, so you had to put your fingerprint on it for it to work. So all kinds of different things you can do with flash drives now.

Now we're done walking down memory lane. Fast forward to 2023. That's today. A lot of people, including myself, store their files on the cloud. Now cloud storage represents a revolutionary shift in how we manage and access our data. Unlike traditional physical storage devices, cloud storage allows us to securely store our files and information on remote servers accessible through the internet. With cloud storage, we are no longer bound by the limitations of local storage capacity so you don't have to worry about filling up your hard drive. Instead, you just pay for more. We have virtually unlimited space to store and organize our photos, videos, documents, all that stuff. Cloud storage also gives you seamless access to your files from multiple devices. You can get your files from a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, mom's house, wherever you happen to be. Automatic synchronization ensures that changes made on one device reflect across all connected devices instantly. I personally love using Google Drive, so if I'm working on my office computer and I save some changes to a document, later on I could be on my phone somewhere else and open up that same exact document right on the cloud.

Now this is something I hear a lot. The cloud doesn't represent some magical place out there in the internet someplace. It's just simply someone else's computer where your files are being stored. Or, in this case, it's a company's data center where you store your information. Massive data server farms with lots and lots of computers; there are three big players today, there's Google Drive, that's when I use; Dropbox; and Microsoft's OneDrive. There are a lot of other companies too, like Amazon. I'd be in. I'd like the convenience of cloud storage but always make sure you get your critical files backed up on a trusted local device too. I'd even get yourself a thumb drive. They're cheap. You might put all your important stuff on a thumb drive and put it in your safe. Yes, I love cloud storage, but I would never rely on it a hundred percent.

Moving on to peripherals: Peripherals are any device that plugs into the computer. For example, your monitor. This is your computer's screen. Now back when I first recorded this class in 2002, CRT monitors were the norm. Cathode ray tube. Remember big old tube-style TVs? Right? Your grandma used to yell at you not to sit too close to it, or you'd go blind. Anybody remember those? I had a couple of 21-inch CRT monitors on my desk when I was younger, and I thought I was the boss. Right? Well now, again flash forward to 2023, and you won't find those CRTs anywhere. Now it's all LCD monitors, liquid crystal display, or LED, right, light-emitting diodes. They typically range in sizes from 22 to 24 inches. That's about the average for a business computer. You'll find ultra-wide gaming monitors for people like me who would rather have one big monitor instead of four small ones like I used to have. And now, of course, a lot of big monitors are curved, which makes it easier to see the sides.

Next up is the universally most hated peripheral in all of computer-dom, the printer, causes the most problems. There are three main types of printers commonly used today. You've got inkjet printers, which are generally the cheapest option. They can print both black and white and color. The cost per page tends to be higher due to the relatively expensive cost of ink cartridges. Laser printers, on the other hand, have a higher upfront cost to buy the machine, but the cost per page for printing is lower because the toner is cheaper. That makes them more economical for companies or families that do a lot of high volume printing. And finally, we have thermal printers which are compact and portable, making them great for travel. However, they also require special paper with a heat-sensitive coating for printing. So the cost of printing can be pretty high for those. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention dot matrix printers. Remember these guys? Yes, they still exist. You might come across them with companies that need to produce multi-part forms where you can print it out and sign it with carbon paper. Remember that stuff? My first printer was a dot matrix printer, and I'll never forget my mother waking up at 3 o'clock in the morning screaming at me because it made that awful noise throughout the entire house when I printed off my homework for the next day. And of course, I had the English teacher who refused to accept printed homework because he didn't like the way that dot matrix printing looked. I couldn't win. A lot of people, of course, have a love-hate relationship with printers. "Why does it say paper jam when there is no paper jam?" "What is PC load letter?" So, yeah, love them or hate them.

Now, on the other side of printers, you got scanners. And scanners allow you to take the printed page and turn it into a digital file that you can store and work with on the computer. Now in the past, stand-alone scanners were common, but nowadays you'll often find scanners integrated into printers, specifically inkjet printers. In fact, many modern smartphones have cameras that are high quality enough that you can effectively scan a page and send it directly to your email. This is what I do all the time. If you've only got one or two pages, like a receipt or an invoice, that you want to save digitally, just take a picture of it with your smartphone. No need to buy a big scanner. However, if you do lots and lots of scanning, like 100-page documents, you can buy a sheet-fed scanner where you can put a whole stack of paper on it, and it will just scan it through one page at a time and create a file out of it for you. So there you go. If you enjoy video conferencing, recording yourself, or creating content for platforms like YouTube like I do, there's a wide range of video cameras, also known as webcams, available for your PC. You can find webcams that clip onto the back of your monitor or ones on tripods for added flexibility. With the variety of options available, webcams can cater to diverse needs. Nowadays, most laptops come with a built-in webcam, and to address privacy concerns, many laptops have a small slider that allows you to cover the camera when not in use. For laptops without those built-in sliders, you can purchase a little webcam cover online. They provide a neat little effective privacy solution. I used to have a laptop that didn't have that, and I used to put a piece of tape on it. But they got little sliders you can get now.

If you're into gaming, the world of joysticks offers an abundance of options. Whether you want to experience flying a plane, navigating a maze, or enjoying classic gaming like Pac-Man, there's a joystick designed for it. Remarkably, some manufacturers have even recreated the iconic Atari 2600 style joystick from the 70s. Remember that guy? This was my first joystick right here. Other peripherals include speakers and microphones. While most laptops come with built-in speakers and microphones, for desktop systems you may need to add them separately. There's a wide range of speaker options available, from basic desktop speakers to premium ones like the Bose Super Bass Monster speakers. Headsets are popular, especially for late-night gamers who don't want to wake up mom at 3 am like I used to do. Headsets provide a private audio experience while enabling clear communication with teammates during gaming sessions or virtual meetings. For desktop recording purposes like my setup, you can use a dedicated microphone. I've got this guy right there, but I got a boom mic stand for it, so I can put it off to the side, like next to my face while I'm recording. I actually did a whole set of videos on my YouTube channel to ask all my users which one they thought sounded the best, and that toner mic is the one that won, so yay.

Another type of peripheral is the network adapter, which allows you to connect to your office network or the internet. You sometimes have the option of either a wired connection, which is commonly used in businesses, or a wireless connection on the home or office Wi-Fi. Wired connections generally offer faster speeds and better security, but with a wireless connection, you have the freedom to move around without being tethered to a cable. Nowadays, most laptops come with built-in wireless networking capabilities. Higher-end laptops often have a wired network port, which is my preferred choice. For desktop PCs, you may need to acquire a network adapter, which can either be in the form of an expansion card that you plug in or a USB adapter that plugs into a USB port.

Now here's a blast from the past: Some computers still have modems, which is a device that lets you connect your computer to a telephone line. I'm just kidding with these two. This is a joke. These are really old modems, and you probably will never see these again in your life. This one here is called an acoustic coupler, and you literally would take your phone, you'd dial the phone, and then you'd set it down on this thing, and it would connect to whoever you were connecting to, another computer or a bulletin board system or those things. Remember the movie War Games? He had one of those. This little guy down here was my first actual modem. It was a 300 baud modem from Radio Shack for my TRS-80 color computer. This is what modems look like today. If you even see one around, some computers still use them. Modems were widely used in the past for dial-up internet access before broadband became popular. Some computer systems still use these for sending faxes. I know a lot of medical offices and legal offices still send faxes. So 1990s, but they're still used. And of course, there are services available online where you can send and receive faxes without needing a modem. So it makes them completely moot.

One essential aspect of computing that many people overlook is proper power protection for the computer. Now when dealing with a desktop PC, investing in a high-quality surge protector rated specifically for computers is crucial. Avoid using that cheap off-the-shelf power strip that you get from the hardware store. All right, they're not properly rated for surges to protect computers against power fluctuations, spikes, brownouts, that kind of stuff. Now additionally, if you want to ensure data protection in the event of a power outage, I strongly recommend getting yourself an uninterruptible power supply or UPS. A UPS basically acts as a large battery that connects your computer to the wall outlet. So you plug your computer into the UPS, you plug your UPS into the power, and if the power goes out, or if there's a spike or any kind of brownout or whatever, the battery kicks in immediately, and it continues to feed power to your computer. Depending on the size of your UPS, it can run your computer for anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Essentially, it gives you time to save your work and shut the computer down properly. I also use a UPS box like this on my TV at home because I live here in Southwest Florida, and all summer long, we get thunderstorms, and the power goes off for five seconds. So not only could that damage my TV, but it also shuts everything off, and then the TV's got to restart, the cable box has to reboot, all that stuff. So a UPS, they're not that expensive, and you can use them to protect all the expensive equipment in your house. Plus, you know, when I'm watching Star Trek, don't interrupt me, man. Just leave, just, no. If the power goes out, I lose it.

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03. Using the Keyboard (19:20)

In Lesson 3, we're going to talk about using the keyboard. We'll learn about what all the different keys on the keyboard are and those little lights, and we'll learn how to use most of them. The keyboard still the most popular way to get data into the computer as far as I'm concerned. I use the keyboard a whole lot more than I use a mouse. I'm a keyboard guy.

So let's talk about all the buttons on the keyboard. First, we have the alphanumeric and symbol keys. These are the most obvious keys on the keyboard, right? QWERTY, Q-W-E-R-T-Y, all the numbers, all the little characters, the period, the slash, the backslash, all those things.

Now, on a lot of larger keyboards, you'll often find this section over here on the right called the numeric keypad or the numpad. It's designed to give you a separate area where you can either type in numbers or you can use the little arrow keys to move up and down. It's designed to resemble the layout of a calculator and provides a convenient way to input numbers and perform mathematical calculations quickly. In fact, Windows even comes with a calculator app you can use. We'll talk about this guy in more detail in my Windows Beginner One class.

The numpad is especially useful for tasks that involve extensive numeric data entries such as accounting, data inputs, spreadsheet work, all that stuff. Now, not all keyboards have a dedicated numeric keypad. On smaller laptop keyboards, for example, the numeric keypad may be integrated into the main keyboard. Some users may also choose to purchase a separate external USB numeric keypad.

The Enter or Return key is used to execute commands or actions such as starting a new line in a document, submitting a form online, confirming a selection, all kinds of things. This is the Enter key or the Return key. If you are at the end of a document, for example, you can press the Enter key to move down. See that? I'm moving the cursor down. We'll talk about the cursor in just a minute.

This guy here is the space bar, one of the most fundamental and frequently used keys on the keyboard. It's typically the largest key and is centrally located on the bottom of the keyboard. It's got a very critical yet simple function: to create a space between words or characters when typing. So as I'm typing here, right, Captain space Kirk space also rules. Right?

Now, for those of you who are old school and learned how to type on a typewriter back in school, we no longer put two spaces after a period or an exclamation point or any of that stuff. Okay, modern-day fonts will give you a little bit of extra space between your sentences like that, so just one space.

This guy on the keyboard is the backspace key and it erases characters to the left of the cursor. Alright, so if I press the backspace key right now, it's erasing to the left. See that? And there's also a delete key that deletes to the right of the cursor. So if I take my mouse and move it in front of Kirk and click right there, okay, and if I hit the delete key, it deletes to the right of the cursor. That's the difference between backspace and delete.

The tab key is used for indentation or to move between different fields on a form or a dialog box. The escape key is commonly used to cancel or close dialogs, pop-up windows, or exit full-screen modes. Here, for example, I got this pop-up window and I don't know what I want to do with it so I can either click cancel or I can hit escape on my keyboard and that will close most of those pop-up windows.

A lot of larger keyboards will also have a separate set of keys that are arrows. You can use those to navigate within documents, websites. You can use them to move the cursor or highlight items in different directions. On bigger keyboards, you got those and on smaller keyboards, especially on laptops, you'll find the arrow keys integrated into the numeric keypad, as I mentioned earlier.

Now to switch between the arrows or the numbers on the numeric keyboard, you press the num lock key. And a lot of keyboards will either have a special num lock light or the button itself will have a little light on it. A lot of laptops look like that. So I can use the arrow keys to go up, left, right, or down throughout my document. And if I press the num lock key, now the numeric keypad will put in numbers instead of those arrow keys. And I'll turn the num locks back off and I'll backspace over those to get rid of them. There we go.

Function keys, often labeled F1 to F12, are usually located in the top row of most computer keyboards. Each function key serves a specific purpose and their functionality can vary depending on the software or even the operating system you're using. For example, F1 is usually associated with the help function. When pressed, it opens up a context-sensitive help menu, providing assistance and information related to the active application or whatever function you happen to be working on. F5 is widely used to refresh or reload the current page or document, especially in web browsers. It will reload the web page. And again, the function keys may be assigned differently depending on whatever application you're working with.

On laptop keyboards, the function keys often serve dual roles due to the limited space available. They might have special functions assigned to them in addition to their primary actions. To access those secondary functions, you sometimes need to hit a modifier key such as the FN or function key. When the function key is pressed in combination with the actual function key, it activates the secondary function associated with that key. This confuses a lot of people. The special functions may vary depending on the laptop model and manufacturer, but some common examples of the weird uses of function keys include brightness control. For example, you'd press the Fn key in combination with F5 and F6 to increase or decrease the brightness of the screen. Other keys may control the laptop's volume, on-off condition of the wireless connection, and so on. Sometimes the Fn key gives you the actual function key, like F1, and sometimes it's mapped to that special secondary function key. It depends on the laptop manufacturer. You can sometimes switch that, but it involves going into the computer settings which is a little more advanced, and again it's different for each laptop so I'm not going to cover that today but look in your laptop manual or consult your laptop's manufacturer and I'm sure they'll give you instructions on how to do that.

On most keyboards, you're going to have three, maybe more, modifier keys. The typical ones are control, alt, and shift. You may have two sets of them, one on the left and one on the right side of the keyboard or just one depending on your computer. The shift key is used to type uppercase letters and the secondary functions of certain keys such as typing symbols above the numbers. So if I press the letter A key, I get a lowercase A. If I hold down the shift key and press A, I get a capital A. Likewise, if I press the number 1 key, I get a 1. If I hold down the shift key and press the number 1, I get an exclamation point. See how that works? And there's that again. If you want an exclamation point, press and hold the shift key, press the key that has the number 1 on it, and there's your exclamation point.

Likewise, the control and alt keys work very similarly to the shift key. They're used in combination with other keys to execute shortcuts or perform specific tasks. For example, control and C is used to copy text to the Windows clipboard. And then control V is used to paste it. For example, here in my document again, I can select Star Trek with my mouse and then press Control C to copy that to the clipboard. And now if I come down here, I can now press Control V, and it pastes it from the clipboard. That's copy and paste. And again, we'll talk a lot more about this in my Windows Beginner Class.

One special key combination is Control Alt Delete, and it's also known as the three-fingered salute. Now back in the old days, if you did Control-Alt-Delete, it just rebooted the computer back in the old DOS days. Nowadays, it's used to perform various system-level functions. It brings up this screen where you can lock the computer, switch users, sign out, change your password, and so on. And again, I'm going to go into this in a lot more detail in my Windows Beginner class. Yes, folks, don't beat me up when I mention that I'm going to cover something in a future lesson. Right now, I'm just kind of introducing these topics. I can't cover everything all at once. People always say that, hey, you say that too much. You're going to cover this in a future lesson. Yeah, when we get to this screen, we're going to cover it in more detail. That's how training works.

The Caps Lock key toggles the keyboard between all uppercase letters and all lowercase letters. So when you toggle this, it toggles on and off. When it activates, all the letters you type in will be uppercase until you turn it back off again. Most keyboards have a little light that tells you if CAPS is on. Sometimes the light is on the key itself. So back in my document, if I put the CAPS I type now without even holding down the shift key, everything is like I'm shouting. In fact, I made a slide for this. Don't type in all caps online. People will yell at you for shouting at them. So what I'll do now is I'll hit caps lock again and now I'm back to lower case. See how that works?

There is a special key that Microsoft introduced called the Windows Key. The Windows Key is found on most modern computer keyboards, especially those designed for Windows. You may have one or two of them depending on your keyboard. I think most modern keyboards only come with one. It looks like a little Windows logo, right, the little four-pane window, whatever that is. It provides various shortcuts. For example, one of the primary functions of the Windows key is to open up the Start menu that provides access to frequently used apps, settings, and files on your Windows computer. Windows key plus L, that means you hold down the Windows key and press the L key. That will lock the computer and switch back to the logon screen for security. So if you're getting up and going to grab a cup of coffee, go Windows key L, and it'll lock your computer. I'm old school, I do the old thing which is to press control alt delete and then space bar does the same thing. I always forget to use Windows L and there are tons and tons of other shortcut keys and tricks and a teacher, and again guess what? I'm going to cover those in future lessons in the Windows classes.

Some older keyboards, you can see this thing called a right-click key, also known as the context menu key. You don't see it that many on new computers. It used to simulate a right-click from the mouse, but again, I haven't seen this on a computer in a long time now.

OK, some of the weird keys. There's a key called the insert key. Sometimes it's abbreviated INS. Its primary function is to control the way that text is inserted while typing. When you press the insert key, it toggles between two modes, insert and overtype. Now insert mode is the default mode for most applications. New characters are inserted at the cursor position, the insertion point, and it pushes existing text to the right. When you turn off insert mode, you go into overtype mode, the text will be overwritten as you type, replacing the existing characters at the cursor position. So, for example, I'm in my document. If I click right here as I type, it pushes characters right. Okay, see how that works? Now I'm going to press the insert key. Now as I type, it overwrites existing text. See how that works? That's the difference between insert and overtype. Do you want to replace what's there or just push it to the right? Now I'm going to turn the insert mode back on, and now I'm back to normal. That's usually how word processors work. But that's another common question I get asked all the time. What does that insert key do? Well, now you know.

On laptops and compact keyboards, you'll see that the Insert key is either absent or integrated into other keys, such as a secondary function key, like here's the Scroll Lock key. The End key is pretty much the opposite of the Home key. It moves you to the end of a line of text or Control-End moves to the end of a document. Alright, let's start here again. I'll click right there. If I hit the end key, I go to the end of the line. If I press control end, I go to the end of the document. Very handy if you're typing. Do you have to remember these? No. I'm just demonstrating them for now. We'll go over them again in the Windows classes, and if you take my Microsoft Word or Excel classes, we'll use those keys a lot too. The more I repeat them to you, the more likely you are to remember them as well. I don't remember all the shortcut keys myself. It took years and years for me to get a lot of these to stick. Sometimes I even look them up.

A lot of keyboards will have a print screen button, sometimes abbreviated as PRTSC or PRTSCN. Now, back in the old days, this key used to send whatever text was on the screen directly to the printer because computers originally just used to be just lines of text. They didn't have images and graphics and pictures and stuff. Today, the print screen button serves a specific function related to capturing and saving the contents of the screen. But it doesn't send it right to the printer. It just saves it to the Windows clipboard. Now this generally includes everything visible on the current screen. Open Windows applications, the desktop itself, any active content. Now normally the captured screenshot is not saved directly to a file, so it might appear that nothing happens. Instead, again, it's stored to the computer's clipboard. You can then open up another application like Paint or Word or whatever and paste that inside.

The SysRQ key, short for system request, is a key found on some computer keyboards, typically located right around or even on the print screen button. On most modern keyboards, you won't find a sysreq key anymore. It's been gone but once in a while, you'll still see one. I just looked around my office. I don't even have a sysreq key on any of my laptop keyboards. I've got an old desktop keyboard that's got one though. Now the sysreq key used to, it originated in the old days of computer systems when they used to be, it used to send specific low-level commands to the operating system. It could be used for diagnostics or debugging purposes. But yeah, if you see one of these today, just ignore it and please just stop asking me what it does, everybody. Everyone always asks, what does this key do? I don't know. It doesn't work anymore. Just ignore it. Leave it alone. Just like the pause-break key.

Now, again, back in the old days when you used to execute a command, like a DOS-level command at the screen, you'd get text that would just scroll by, sometimes too fast for you to read. So you could use the pause-break key to pause the output of that text and allow you to read it. Now with modern systems, Windows 11, the pause-break key really doesn't have a specific universal function anymore. Some applications do use it. Pressing control-pause-break can sometimes pause or halt certain processes in a command prompt window. Certain video games or media players will use it to pause music playback, for example. And I've seen some specialized accessibility functions that will use pause-break, or you can use it to launch certain macros or run other commands. But again, it doesn't have a specific purpose anymore.

There's the scroll lock key, which again you don't find on a lot of keyboards nowadays. The scroll lock key was originally used in early computer systems to control the scrolling behavior of text on the screen. When it was activated, it would lock the screen display, allowing you to navigate within the document or spreadsheet without changing the position of the cursor. So it would lock the document; you can scroll up or down, that's why they call it a scroll lock. But again now, with Windows 11, scroll lock almost isn't used anymore.

Next up are Page Up, Page Down, and again you might have dedicated Page Up and Page Down keys, or they could be integrated into your numeric keypad. Page Up allows you to scroll up or move the content on the screen up one page. And page down moves down a page. These are very handy in spreadsheet programs or processors. You can use them online in a web browser if you've got a big document that goes up and down, like a page that's multiple screens. You can use page up and page down instead of scrolling up and down with the scroll bar.

And finally, some keyboards have special-purpose buttons that are unique to that computer. There's a sleep button, a wake-up button, a power button. Your laptop might have other different buttons that are specific to that particular computer. So be sure to check the documentation that came with your machine to find out more about what these do.

So that's it. That's your ride through using the keyboard. In the next lesson, we're going to talk about using the mouse.

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04. Using the Mouse (15:56)

In Lesson 4, we're going to talk about using the mouse. A computer mouse is a peripheral input device that is used to interact with the computer's graphical user interface. The mouse has been a fundamental input device for desktop and laptop computers since its invention back in the 1960s. Yeah, it's been around for a while. It is a handheld device that typically consists of a small palm-sized body with one or more buttons and a scrolling wheel.

The mouse is placed on a flat surface, and its movement controls the movement of a pointer on the computer screen. When the user moves the mouse, the pointer follows the same direction and speed, allowing precise pointing and clicking on icons, buttons, and other elements. Holding your mouse properly is important to ensure comfortable and efficient use, especially during extended periods of computer work or gaming.

Holding your mouse is as important as holding your chopsticks right. If you're going to use the mouse right, you've got to grip it right. I like to hold the mouse with a relaxed and natural grip. Avoid gripping the mouse too tightly, as this can lead to hand fatigue and discomfort. Allow your fingers to rest gently on the buttons and the scroll wheel. And yes, that is actually a picture of my hand on a mouse circa 2002.

Now there are two kinds of grips. There's the fingertip grip or the palm grip. I'm a fingertip guy. Choose the grip style that feels most comfortable for you. With the fingertip grip, only the fingertips touch the mouse buttons, and the palm hovers above the mouse. This grip provides precise control and is well-suited for small, lightweight mice. I like to put my thumb on the left side of the mouse, my index finger on the left mouse button, my ring finger on the right side of the mouse, and then your middle finger can go over the right mouse button, just like that little illustration shows right there. But of course, everyone's grip is different.

With the palm grip, the entire hand rests on the mouse, and the palm makes contact with the back of the mouse. This is better for larger ergonomic mice and provides more support for the hand. I personally don't like doing that. My palm never touches the mouse, but that's just me.

Make sure you keep your wrist in a neutral position. Avoid excessive bending or angling of the wrist up or down. This can lead to wrist strain and discomfort. Put your wrist in a natural, straight alignment with your forearm. Many people, including myself, like to use a wrist rest. Try saying that ten times fast: wrist rest, wrist rest, wrist rest, wrist rest. Or purchase a mouse pad that has an integrated wrist rest. I got like a little gel one for mine. Trust me, I speak from experience. You don't want to get carpal tunnel from improper use of a mouse. I've been there. I go play video games with my kids. And so I'd spend 20 hours a day using a mouse. My wrist was starting to hurt by the end of a couple of days of doing that.

I also personally like to take a towel, just a regular bathroom towel, and I fold it up and put it under my forearm. So I've got the wrist rest, and then I've got a towel behind that. That's just for comfort.

Now, as far as arm movement goes, I've read some experts recommend you use your arm and shoulder to move the mouse rather than just your wrist. I don't do this. They say it reduces strain on the wrist and helps to prevent the repetitive motion injuries. I've never done that myself. I just rest my forearm on my towel, I put my wrist on my wrist rest, and I just use my wrist to move back and forth. But again, work with whatever works best for you.

Now, we're going to talk about pointer versus cursor, and this is something that I've actually gotten in arguments with people over before. So I'm going to die on this hill. The mouse pointer is often incorrectly referred to as the cursor. No, this is the pointer. It is a graphical icon displayed on the computer screen that indicates the position where actions such as clicking or selecting will occur while using the mouse. This guy right here, moving around right now, this little guy, that's the mouse pointer.

And it may change depending on what you move over. See how it changes sometimes? It goes from an eye to a little four-way arrow, back to an arrow. It serves as a visual guide to help users interact with the computer. A mouse pointer is usually a small arrow-shaped icon, but its appearance can vary depending on the context and the operating system. Older versions of Windows had this really grainy-looking guy. Newer ones look more like that. See, that's the Windows 11 mouse pointer. And there are alternate themes. You can use a dark theme to get a dark one like that.

In some cases, the mouse pointer may change to a hand icon when hovering over a clickable link, such as a hyperlink in a web browser. Or sometimes the pointer might change to a spinning circle or an hourglass when the computer is processing a task, making you wait. Again, waiting, always waiting. I hate waiting for the computer.

OK, so earlier I mentioned that the pointer is often incorrectly referred to as the cursor. The terms pointer and cursor are often used interchangeably, and their meanings can vary slightly depending on the operating system and software being used. However, there is a slight, subtle difference between the two. The pointer is a term that refers to the icon the user can control and move on the computer screen using a pointing device like a mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, whatever. The cursor represents the active insertion point in a document, which shows the location where text will be inserted when the user starts typing.

The cursor is often a blinking vertical line or a vertical bar that appears within a text field, word processor, or any other application where text input is possible. It shows the user where the next character or text will be added or edited. For example, back to my WordPad document. OK, this is the mouse pointer. That blinking line at the end of the document right up here, right up here that says "Star Trek" fans, see where it's blinking? That was blinking. Blink. Sometimes if the application loses focus, if you click on something else, it stops blinking. But that's the cursor or the insertion point. So if I start typing now, that's where the text goes, at the cursor or the insertion point. This is not the cursor. This is the pointer. And you can point and click to move the cursor. See? Point, click.

It's one of my pet peeves when people use pointer and cursor interchangeably. Alright, so to point with a mouse refers to the action of moving the mouse to position the mouse pointer on a specific location or item on the screen. When you point with the mouse, you are using it to direct the pointer to a particular element on the screen. This doesn't include clicking. You just move the pointer. So for example, right now I'm just moving the mouse and I'm pointing at that B there, which says bold. I didn't click on it. I just moved the mouse pointer. That's called pointing. If I tell you to point at the find button, you come right up here and just point at it. Just sit right there.

Now clicking means to press one of the buttons on the mouse, usually the left button. If I say to click on something, that is to click the left button. So you move the mouse, you get the mouse pointer positioned over a specific item, and to click the mouse, it sends a signal to the computer indicating you want to do something because you pointed at it and clicked on it. Clicking the mouse is used to select, activate, and interact with various elements such as icons, buttons, links, text fields, and more.

Now in my classes, I'll always refer to clicking as meaning the left button. If I want you to click a different button, like the right button, I'll say to right-click. And clicking means to press the button down for a brief moment and then release it. Don't hold the button down and don't click on it multiple times. So again, if I come in here and I click on that B, I've now turned bold on. Now, new text I type is in bold. See that? And I can click again to turn it off. Back to normal. See that?

Here's a different WordPad document. I have my signature inserted into the document as a picture. If I hover my mouse over it and click on it, the picture gets selected. And then once it's selected, I can perform other actions on it, such as moving it or deleting it. Here's that document. I can move over that image, click, and now I've selected that item. I can then press delete on my keyboard to delete it, and it's gone.

Right-clicking involves pressing the right mouse button while the mouse pointer is positioned over an item. Right-clicking typically opens a menu or provides a list of options relevant to whatever you've clicked on. For example, if I right-click on that image, it opens up a menu where it offers me options to cut, copy, paste, and do other stuff. And here it is. If I right-click on that guy, there's that menu.

Now this one gets a lot of beginner users: the double-click. Double-clicking involves pressing the left mouse button twice in rapid succession. You can't do it too fast or too slow. Finding the right rhythm sometimes takes a little while to master. When I used to teach this class in an actual classroom, getting the double-click was something that took a lot of practice for some people who've never used computers before. In my WordPad document, if I double-click a word, it selects that entire word, and then you can do stuff to that word. For example, I can then bold the word by clicking on the bold icon.

Here's my document again. If I double-click on the word "captain," it selects that word. See, I can then click on bold and it bolds that. I can double-click on "resolutions" and underline it. But a lot of people have trouble; they either go too fast'see, I can't even do it wrong anymore'or you go too slow. I'm going to click, click; that's not fast enough. But if you go too fast, sometimes you end up dragging, or you don't want to do that. You can't move the mouse at all while you're double-clicking. It's got to stay perfectly still. So this might take some practice. Double-click, double-click. Once you do it for a while, you get the hang of it.

Click and drag. To click and drag means to press and hold down the left mouse button, then move the mouse. This action is typically used to move an object on the screen. For example, in that WordPad document, I can click and drag the image of my signature and then move it to a different location. Here's my Word document again. I can click once to select my signature, right, that's an image. I can then click and drag by holding down the left mouse button and moving the mouse. You see that cursor moving? Wherever I let the button go, that's where it drops it. See that? Click, drag, and drop, just like that. And yes, if this is new to you, this will take some practice.

You can also do it with words. I can come in here and select "Wednesday" by double-clicking on it, and then click and drag and move the word "Wednesday." See that? Click and drag. You can also click and drag to select a large block of text. So far, I just showed you double-clicking to select a word. But if you want to select the whole line of text, you can click, start here, click, and drag across, and that selects the whole line. And then you can underline that if you want to. All right, or click and drag down to get multiple lines. You can also come over here in the margin, click, and drag. And now all that text is selected. And again, I cover this in a lot more detail in my Windows classes and in my Microsoft Word class.

Now, some mice might have a scroll wheel, which is a little wheel positioned between the left and right buttons. You can use this to move up and down a document, a web page, or something like that. Here I am on my website. And if I use my mouse, I can use the scroll wheel on it to scroll down. See that? And it's scrolling down the page. All right. Scroll back up. I can also use the page down and page up keys on my keyboard, like we learned about in the last lesson. I can also move over some text here to get a hyperlink. See that? I can click on it. It'll load up that page then. And then to close my browser, I click on this little button up here with the mouse. And we'll talk about all these different things in the Windows classes.

Now, some fancy mice might have more than two buttons. You could have a middle button. You could have a back button for your thumb on the left. That's especially useful on the web because you can then hit that instead of clicking on the back button in your browser. Some gaming mice will have all kinds of buttons on them to control the sensitivity of the mouse, and you can use them to point, shoot, and aim in your game, all kinds of things. Most mice don't have all these buttons, but some do. So if you bought a super cool, expensive, crazy gaming mouse, well, read the documentation that came with it. Most mice today will have a left button, a right button, and a scroll wheel.

Now you might not have a mouse. You might have some other kind of a pointing device. For example, the trackball. Back in the day when I was trying to get rid of my carpal tunnel, I actually bought a couple of different trackballs to try. And a trackball is basically an upside-down mouse. Instead of a ball on the bottom, it's got a ball on the top. If you're old like me, you might remember the video arcade game "Centipede." It had a big ball in the middle, and you moved that around to shoot the bugs coming down at you. Well, that was a trackball. And nowadays, most laptops come equipped with something called a touchpad. It's a rectangular area that you slide your finger across, and that moves the mouse pointer. Some touchpads have actual physical left and right buttons that you can click, which simulate the left and right mouse clicks, or you just tap the corner of it, and without actually having a button there, that will count as a tap of the mouse buttons. And this specific feature depends entirely on what kind of laptop you have.

And finally, a lot of modern computers don't even require pointing devices like a mouse or a trackball because you can simply tap on the screen with your finger. These are known as touchscreen devices and they're common in smartphones, tablets, and even PCs with touchscreen capabilities. All you need is your finger to control what happens on the device.

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05. Rick's Tips (16:47)

Lesson five is something I call Rick's Tips. Now, I was going to call it Richard's Tips because I do go by Richard professionally, even though my friends and family call me Rick. You can call me Rick if you want. But Rick's Tips sounded better than Richard's Tips, so we're going to go with Rick's Tips.

Okay, we're going to talk about ergonomics, computer caveats, things you've got to watch out for, and tips for noobs. Yes, new computer users are called noobs. It's a term of endearment. We don't mean any insult by it. And that's what we're going to talk about in lesson five.

Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. It involves designing or arranging workspaces, products, and systems so they fit the people who use them. Yes, this is kind of a dictionary definition, but if you don't know what ergonomics are, it's helpful. Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimize the risk of injury or harm and enhance productivity by focusing on factors like comfort, ease of use, and the physical and psychological impact of design choices. That's a pretty cool definition, huh? This can include aspects such as chair height, keyboard positioning, workspace layout, and even the design of tools and machinery.

Here are some of my tips from my extensive experience using computers. First, position your monitor so the top of it is at or near your eye level. You don't want to strain your neck by constantly looking up at your screen, but also you should avoid staring down excessively too. Keep your monitor about an arm's length away. It shouldn't be too close to your face or too far. And of course, adjust as needed based on your vision.

And of course, posture is important. I try to keep my monitor, the top of my monitor, right at the top of my eye level. I've got two monitors on my desk. I've got a big monitor across the top, and I've got my laptop, which sits below that. And I have found that if I start to slouch in my chair at all, then I have to look up at the screen. So that's my way of catching my posture. So it forces me to keep my posture up, keep your back up straight, that way you don't have to worry about slouching or looking up and down. It's kind of like when you go to the theater and you sit in the front row, you've got to look way up at the screen.

Speaking of vision, something very important to me, be sure to take eye breaks. Do little eye exercises, stop working, look out the window, look at something across the street, a car, a house, whatever, and then look at something close, like your hand. Do that back and forth like 10, 15 times. I try to do this at least once an hour. It prevents your eyes from getting locked in a fixed position for too long. It's good for your overall eye health and to prevent vision-related headaches. I used to get them all the time.

And of course, it goes without saying, I shouldn't even have to put it in this video. Make sure you have proper eyeglasses if you need prescription eyewear. I've mentioned this before: get wrist rests for both your mouse and your keyboard. You'll thank me later. I also recommend getting a footrest for beneath your desk. Now, occasionally, I like to have my feet flat on the floor, but after a while, I like to sit back and elevate my feet, especially when I'm doing something that's not super important.

Now, I've tried various commercial footrests, but honestly, what I find works the best is my lockbox. I got one of those little fireproof safe boxes. There's nothing in it, but it's the perfect height to sit under my desk for me to put my feet up on. So whatever works for you. It's like four or five inches tall and it works great. All right, so figure out something that works for you. There's a lot of these different commercial footrests on like Amazon and stuff you can try those. I've tried a couple of them I wasn't happy with any of them and I went back to my little lockbox.

Now here's a suggestion I have for those with the necessary budget. I truly love my standing desk. It's a desk that you can adjust. It's got a little electric motor so it's either at sitting height or you can lift it up to be at standing height. You push a single button and it goes up. You can stand when you're working. You push another button and it goes back down to your seated height. Now they're not super expensive. I paid like $500 for mine. But when I have a long day in the chair, you know, and I've got stuff I've got to get done, I push the button, I stand up, I've got one of those kitchen floor mats that have like the gel in it so I can stand on that with my socks. It's so comfortable. I don't use it super often, maybe once a week or so, but it's fantastic for those moments when I've got to work and it's a real back saver if I don't want to sit in my chair all the time. So, check it out.

Alright, next up, computer caveats, things you need to watch out for, be careful of. First off, keep beverages away from your computer. I've ruined numerous keyboards and even complete laptops in the past because of spilled drinks. In fact, my lab puppy wrecked a thousand dollar laptop when he got excited and knocked over my coffee that was sitting next to the laptop. Now if it's just water that you spill, usually if you unplug it right away, turn it off, you can save it. But no, not with coffee. Because I have cream and sugar in mine, it's all sticky, it gets inside the keys. It was gone. I wasn't about to take the whole thing apart and try to clean it. So now what I do is I have a little drink holder that sits below the surface of my desk. So it's almost impossible for me to spill a drink on my desk now. And even if my puppy does come in, he can't knock that. If he knocks it over, it's just going to fall on the ground. So be careful.

I mentioned this one earlier in the hardware lessons, but magnets and computers are not friends. Now, chances are, if you have a brand new computer, you don't even have any magnetic parts in it, but just in case you've got an old-school hard drive, don't put any magnet near your computer. I'm talking about magnetic tip screwdrivers, I'm talking about magnetic details. I had one customer that had a little magnetic like a little calendar that you got from a company and it was stuck to the side of her computer and she kept having problems. She couldn't figure out why. It was right up against where the hard drive was and it was just strong enough to cause problems. Got rid of that thing, problems went away.

Laser printers and power. Large laser printers and copiers draw significant amounts of power when they first start up or when a print job is sent to them. They go into sleep mode, you send out a print job, it kicks on. So don't plug your laser printer into the same power strip or even wall outlet that your computer is on because the printer can drain power, taking it from your computer, causing your computer to reboot or lose power momentarily or all kinds of strange problems can happen. So if you have a large laser printer, place it across the room from your computer or at least run an extension cord to a different outlet. And of course, I strongly recommend you plug your computer into a quality surge suppressor or UPS.

Next up, keep your PC off the floor. I've seen so many offices, especially where they've got their computer on the floor. No, don't do that, don't do that. Keeping it off the floor keeps it safe from spills, kicks from your feet, passers-by, and other things like that. Additionally, raising the computer off the floor can help prevent dust and debris from getting sucked into the system, which can clog fans and other components, leading to overheating and potential damage. If possible, place your PC on a dedicated stand or a stable surface to maintain good airflow and accessibility. Yes, there are desk-mounted brackets like this guy or little roller stands you can get that can keep your PC elevated off the floor, even just a couple of inches. These accessories not only protect the computer from potential damage but also provide ease of access and can help in maintaining proper ventilation. Very important for a computer, airflow.

Speaking of dust, I've seen stuff worse than this. Dust is a silent killer for your computer, and I recommend that if you have a traditional desktop or tower case, that you have it professionally cleaned out at least once every couple of years. Or if you know how to open up the computer yourself, get yourself a can of compressed air, take it outside or to the garage, blow the dust out of it. If this is not something you feel comfortable doing, a lot of PC repair shops will do it for you for a relatively small fee. And trust me, it's better to pay the small fee to have the dust blown out of the fans in your computer and the power supply than it is to have them stop working, and your CPU dies, and then you're looking for a new computer. And of course, make sure the computer is off and unplugged before you try opening the case. And I don't recommend you do this unless you are fairly knowledgeable and experienced with working on things like this. I'm not telling you to do this. I'm just saying if you are the kind of person that goes inside your computer, then blow the dust off the fans once in a while. And remember, don't open the power supply. And don't do that funny thing where you turn the can of air upside down, and it blows frost out of it. No, that's... don't do that. That's bad. Yeah, back in the 90s when I had my computer repair shop, we used to chase each other around the office like pretending we were frost-breathing dragons. Don't do that, it's not safe.

Here's another one from the tales of my computer repair days. Don't use power strip buttons to turn your computers on and off. I had a customer once who did this because he had a computer, the monitor, the speakers, the printer, everything plugged into one power strip. So when he left for the day, he would just hit that power button and turn everything off and come back in the next day and hit the power switch and turn everything back on. Now, this is going back to the days when even direct power like that from a power strip would still turn a computer on. Nowadays, most computer switches don't. You have to still physically hit the switch on the computer to turn the computer on, but you can turn it off by killing the power from the power strip, not a good idea. Don't do that. First of all, you can leave a computer running 24-7. They don't use that much power, but if you're going to turn the computer off, Windows likes to be shut down using the Windows shutdown commands on the same power strip as I mentioned earlier, especially if you've got a printer on that power strip. So turn off and on all the components individually.

Also, beware of static electricity. Now, I've known more than a couple of computers who have shocked their computers to death, literally. If you work in one of those places that's filled with static electricity, or if you have your computer in a house with lots of rugs. I remember in my days, I used to live up in Buffalo, New York, for most of my life. And in the winter, especially, you get that dry heat going on in the middle of January. You know, you get up, you walk to the bathroom, you come back, you know, you've walked across two carpets by now. You know, you touch a door handle and zap. Now that kind of a static charge can kill a computer. I've seen it happen before. So try to discharge the static from your body before you touch your keyboard or mouse. Touch the bottom of your desk if there's metal there, like I said, touch a doorknob if you can. It's better to zap your finger than to zap your computer. Those things are really sensitive. Now, if you do work in an environment where you've got lots and lots of static and there's nothing you can do about it, they do make these strips that you can put. You can attach the strip to your keyboard and then it clips to something metal like under your desk and you can touch that before you touch your keyboard to discharge the static. They use these in PC repair shops a lot.

Alright, I talked about this earlier, buy a UPS. They're not expensive; you can get them for under a hundred bucks now. And if the power goes off for even a few seconds, you might lose a lot of work and you could damage your computer. Even if you're working with a laptop, like I work with a laptop all the time, I still, even though the laptop has a battery in it, if the power goes out, the laptop still stays on, but the UPS still gives me even more time to shut everything down and it protects me from spikes and surges and makes sure that my laptop is safe.

Alright, tips for noobs. This is for beginners. Noob is a term of endearment. I love noobs. First of all, mistakes won't kill you. Well, probably. A lot of people are afraid to use their computer because they're afraid they're going to break something. Don't worry. Generally, the computer is going to warn you before you can do something that's going to break it. Alright, usually it'll say, are you sure you want to do this? If it says, are you sure and you're not sure, say no or hit cancel, alright? There's a feature called undo in a lot of applications, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; they've all got an undo feature. If you click on something, if you delete something and you're not sure, just undo it. And again, I'll talk more about undo in my Windows classes.

Be persistent. The only way to really learn how to use the computer is to use the computer. Try and try again. I can show you how to do these things; I can tell you about stuff, but if you're not persistent, if you don't practice, you're not going to go very far. It's like becoming a baseball pitcher, you just have to do a lot of pitching. You just have to use your computer; you'll get better at it. I've had people from all ages take my classes, from six years old to eighty years old. So everybody can learn this stuff. Make sure that you apply what you learn. Again, you'll only learn so much from watching my hour-long video. You've got to practice and apply what you learn. Do these things, practice, practice, practice. This class was mostly informational, but my other classes, like when I'm teaching Word and Excel and that kind of stuff, you've got to just do it, you've got to practice it.

Don't be afraid to explore, click on things. Be curious, if you want to know what a button does, go ahead and click on it. Chances are you're not going to break something, chances are. Before you can do something catastrophic, the computer usually will ask, are you sure? And if you're not sure, say no. But more importantly, also is to don't try to learn too fast. I get people that want to buy like you know my entire expert series of classes and go through it in a weekend. No! Take your time. I usually recommend don't spend any more than a couple of hours a day trying to learn a new topic. Any topic. After that, take a break. Rest, rest your brain, sleep on it, come back the next day. Walk away if you get frustrated. Banging your head against the keyboard isn't going to help. Get a cup of coffee, take a walk, do your eye exercises, and then come back when you're refreshed.

In fact, one of the things I teach a lot when I'm teaching Excel or Microsoft Access, which is database stuff, is apply what you're learning to non-work topics. If all you're doing is applying your new computer skills for work, you're not going to find it very much fun, unless you love your job. When I started learning computers, I used to collect baseball cards. So one of the first things I did was I built a database to store and track my baseball cards. So I applied my computer knowledge that I was learning to something fun. It was a hobby. It was enjoyable. If it's fun, you're going to want to do it over and over again. So try to apply what you're learning with the computer to having some fun. Play some games. Do something enjoyable.

Now, when it comes to what to learn next, you've just finished Intro to PCs, so congratulations. Next, I would recommend my Windows beginner classes. I usually have multiple levels of each type of class, so I've got Windows, Word, Excel, whatever. I would go to Windows Next and at least take the first one of those. Then, if you're planning on learning Word and Excel, which are the two most popular programs that I teach, Microsoft Word, I would learn first, and then after that go into Excel, and then after that go into whatever other topics you want to learn like Microsoft PowerPoint or Publisher or Access if you want to learn how to build databases, all that kind of stuff. But that is the order in which I would learn stuff next.

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06. What's Next (3:06)

So there you go, congratulations, you just finished Introduction to Personal Computers. Give yourself a round of applause. Now, if you're watching this video on YouTube and you enjoyed it, please give me a thumbs up and be sure to share it with your friends, family, and co-workers. Also, be sure to subscribe to my channel, which is completely free. Click the bell icon and select all to receive notifications when I post new videos.

What class is next? What should you look for next in the series? Well, I recommend next you take my Windows Beginner Level 1 class. Today's class focused mostly on hardware and terminology. My Windows Level 1 class centers on using the Windows operating system and the software that comes with it. Just like Intro to PCs, the class you just finished watching, Windows Beginner 1 is another free class. You can find it on YouTube, or you can also find it on my website at the link shown, or just do a search for Windows Learning Zone.

I've got a different learning zone for each of the topics that I teach. I've got Word Learning Zone, Excel Learning Zone, Access Learning Zone which is my popular one. Today was basic computer stuff, so it's Computer Learning Zone. It all falls under the same family. On my website, you'll find an extensive area of lessons on various subjects including Windows, Word, Excel, my personal specialty, Microsoft Access, and lots more. I've got dozens of hours of absolutely free lessons available. Most of my level 1 classes for every topic are free. It's a valuable resource you don't want to miss. Explore the content and enhance your skills today.

Once again, if you have any questions regarding the material covered in today's class and you're watching this course on my website, just scroll down to the bottom of the page you're on and post your questions there. I've got a great group of moderators who love answering questions from students just like you.

Now, the only way I can make my classes better in the future is with your feedback. So, if you have a few free moments, I kindly invite you to visit my website and participate in a brief survey. Your feedback and insights are highly valued and will contribute to enhancing the learning experience for future students.

Also, be sure to check out my TechHelp series of videos. These videos are primarily focused on answering specific questions sent in by my students. Whether it's about Microsoft Word or Windows or Excel, I do my best to provide detailed solutions and demonstrations. And also, if you have any questions, feel free to submit them. If I like your question, I'll make a video out of it.

Thank you for watching this video from Computer Learning Zone. Again, my name is Richard Rost. I hope you learned something today. Live long and prosper, and I'll see you next time.

Quiz

Intro PCs Quiz

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00. Introduction (6:11)

Q1. Who is the target audience for this computer basics course?
A. Experienced computer users
B. Professionals in the IT field
C. Individuals with little to no experience with personal computers
D. Students studying computer science at a university

Q2. What will be covered in the next class, Microsoft Windows Beginner Level 1?
A. Advanced computer programming
B. Repairing and upgrading computer hardware
C. Basic software applications, using the internet, file management, security, and privacy
D. In-depth lessons on processor architecture

Q3. What is the professional background of the instructor?
A. A recent graduate in computer science
B. An author who wrote the Complete Idiot's Guide to Excel 2010
C. A former Microsoft CEO
D. A bookstore owner who specializes in technology books

Q4. For what software application did the instructor receive the Microsoft MVP award?
A. Microsoft PowerPoint
B. Microsoft Access
C. Microsoft Excel
D. Microsoft Word

Q5. Where should students post their questions if they are watching the course on the instructor's website?
A. Send them via email
B. At the top of the page
C. At the bottom of the page
D. On a different website forum

Q6. What does Lesson 1 of the course focus on?
A. Internet safety and privacy
B. Software development and programming
C. Computer hardware basics
D. Social media and online communication

Q7. What is the informal term used for new computer users, as mentioned in the video?
A. Newbies
B. Rookies
C. Noobs
D. Students

Q8. What is one reason given for why it is important to learn about computer hardware?
A. To be able to teach others about computers
B. Because learning about hardware will make you an expert gamer
C. So you can invent new computer parts
D. To understand how to use the computer more effectively

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01. Computer Hardware 1 (20:42)

Q1. Why is it beneficial to learn about computer hardware when considering buying a new computer?
A. To make sure you can find the most expensive components
B. To understand what the salesperson at the store is telling you
C. To make an informed decision on what to purchase tailored to your needs
D. To learn which components are the heaviest

Q2. What is one of the advantages of having knowledge about computer hardware when getting your PC serviced?
A. You can perform the repairs yourself.
B. Making more informed decisions about service and maintenance.
C. Always knowing the exact cost in advance.
D. Being able to service other people's computers as well.

Q3. Why is it important to have some knowledge of fundamental computer terminology?
A. So you can start a career as a tech support specialist.
B. To communicate effectively with support staff and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
C. To impress your friends with your technical knowledge.
D. It allows you to become famous for your technical skills.

Q4. What is the definition of a computer according to Webster's dictionary?
A. An electronic system for solving complex algorithms.
B. A machine that plays games and watches videos.
C. A programmable device that can store, retrieve, and process data.
D. A system solely designed for communication purposes.

Q5. What is considered hardware in a computer?
A. The binary system
B. Microsoft Windows
C. The motherboard which you can physically touch
D. The Solitaire game installed on your computer

Q6. What is the binary system?
A. A series of numbers that represent alphabets and symbols
B. A set of instructions for the computer's operating system
C. A method for the computer to communicate with external devices
D. A way to measure the size and capacity of computer memory

Q7. One byte is equivalent to:
A. One bit
B. Eight bits
C. 1024 bits
D. A single binary number (0 or 1)

Q8. What is the main difference between a PC and a Mac?
A. The size and shape
B. The manufacturer
C. The operating system most commonly used
D. The brand of the CPU inside

Q9. What best defines the CPU of a computer?
A. The entire tower or box containing all of the components
B. The largest chip on the motherboard
C. The power supply unit that provides energy to the computer
D. The chip responsible for performing all computational tasks

Q10. How are the performance and speed of modern CPUs commonly measured?
A. Megabytes
B. Megahertz
C. Gigahertz
D. Kilobytes

Q11. What should you never do with the power supply of a computer?
A. Connect it to a motherboard
B. Open it to service its internals yourself
C. Plug it into an electrical outlet
D. Use it to power the computer

Q12. The temporary storage in a computer where active data is kept is called:
A. The solid-state drive
B. The hard drive
C. Random Access Memory (RAM)
D. The cache memory

Q13. What are the two common types of hard drives mentioned in the video?
A. Traditional spinning disk drives and magnetic disk drives
B. SSDs (Solid-State Drives) and traditional drives with spinning disks
C. Flash drives and external hard drives
D. Compact disks and digital versatile disks

Q14. Using magnetic screwdrivers around traditional hard drives is not recommended because:
A. They can improve the hard drive's performance
B. They can erase or corrupt the data on the drive
C. They can damage the screwdriver
D. They can make the hard drive spin faster

Q15. What analogy is used in the video to explain the difference between RAM and hard drive storage?
A. A library and its books
B. A desk's surface and its drawers
C. A closet and its hangers
D. A kitchen and its refrigerator

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02. Computer Hardware 2 (17:52)

Q1. Which of the following storage capacities accurately represents a standard CD-ROM?
A. 17 gigabytes
B. 650 kilobytes
C. 650 megabytes
D. A couple of megabytes

Q2. What distinguishes a floppy disk from a hard disk?
A. The rigid plastic shell
B. The presence of a magnetic film
C. The ability to store billions of bytes
D. The ability to work without magnets

Q3. How were CDs initially different compared to later versions like CD-RWs (CD-Rewritables)?
A. They were erasable and rewritable
B. They had more storage capacity
C. They could only be read and not written to
D. They did not need a CD burner to write data

Q4. What makes USB flash drives so convenient for transferring files?
A. They require special software to operate
B. They have limited capacity similar to floppy disks
C. They are slower than DVDs and floppy disks
D. They are plug-and-play devices

Q5. What is the primary reason that modern computers have moved away from built-in CD/DVD drives?
A. The limited space to store files on CDs/DVDs
B. The common use of CRT monitors with computers
C. The proliferation of high-speed internet connectivity
D. The physical size of CDs and DVDs

Q6. Cloud storage is different from physical storage devices because:
A. It is located on the local computer's hard drive
B. It provides unlimited space with a finite cost
C. It is more susceptible to magnetic fields
D. It requires an external DVD player

Q7. What type of printer is known for a lower cost per page due to cheaper toner?
A. Inkjet printer
B. Thermal printer
C. Laser printer
D. Dot matrix printer

Q8. Scanners are integrated into what type of printer nowadays?
A. Laser printers
B. Thermal printers
C. Inkjet printers
D. Dot matrix printers

Q9. What technology do modern monitors primarily use?
A. CRT
B. LCD or LED
C. Acoustic coupler
D. Floppy disk

Q10. What advice is given regarding the protection of your computer's power supply?
A. Use a basic power strip for protection
B. Invest in a high-quality surge protector rated for computers
C. Plug your computer directly into the wall outlet
D. Surge protectors are unnecessary in modern computers

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03. Using the Keyboard (19:20)

Q1. What is the primary purpose of the alphanumeric and symbol keys on a keyboard?
A. To execute commands or actions
B. To create spaces between words or characters
C. To input numbers and perform mathematical calculations
D. To input letters, numbers, and symbols into the computer

Q2. What is the numpad on a keyboard designed to resemble?
A. An arrow keypad
B. A calculator
C. A typewriter
D. A game controller

Q3. What is the difference between the backspace key and the delete key on a keyboard?
A. The backspace key deletes characters to the right of the cursor, the delete key to the left.
B. The backspace key deletes characters to the left of the cursor, the delete key to the right.
C. Both keys delete characters to the right of the cursor.
D. Both keys delete characters to the left of the cursor.

Q4. What does the space bar key do?
A. It switches between insert and overtype modes.
B. It deletes characters.
C. It creates a space between words or characters when typing.
D. It executes commands or actions.

Q5. What is NOT a primary function of the shift key?
A. To type uppercase letters
B. To perform mathematical calculations
C. To type secondary functions of certain keys, like symbols
D. To toggle between insert and overtype modes

Q6. The Windows key's primary function on a keyboard is to:
A. Lock the computer
B. Perform mathematical calculations
C. Open the Start menu
D. Refresh or reload the current page or document

Q7. What is the typical use for the F1 and F5 function keys on a keyboard?
A. F1 opens a help menu and F5 refreshes the page or document
B. F1 locks the computer screen and F5 captures a screenshot
C. F1 performs a system reboot and F5 toggles num lock
D. F1 opens the Start menu and F5 switches between users

Q8. Which key combination is known as the "three-fingered salute" and why?
A. Shift-Alt-Delete, because it triggers a special system function.
B. Ctrl-Shift-Enter, because it confirms a selection.
C. Alt-F4, because it closes any active application.
D. Ctrl-Alt-Delete, because it performs various system-level functions.

Q9. On most modern keyboards, what does the Caps Lock key do when activated?
A. It locks the computer.
B. It pastes text from the clipboard.
C. It makes all the letters you type in uppercase until turned off again.
D. It turns the backlight on the keyboard on and off.

Q10. What does the Insert key toggle between when pressed?
A. NUM lock and CAPS lock
B. Function and secondary function controls
C. Insert and overtype modes
D. Primary and secondary clipboard

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04. Using the Mouse (15:56)

Q1. What is the main function of a computer mouse?
A. To provide power to the computer
B. To control the movement of the cursor on the screen
C. To enhance the audio output from the computer
D. To serve as a secondary storage device

Q2. Which of the following is NOT one of the mouse grips mentioned in the video?
A. Palm grip
B. Fingertip grip
C. Claw grip
D. None of the above

Q3. To avoid wrist strain, you should keep your wrist in what position while using a mouse?
A. Bent upwards
B. Angled downwards
C. Neutral, in a straight alignment with your forearm
D. Rotated to the left or right

Q4. What is the difference between a pointer and a cursor?
A. A pointer is an arrow icon that can be moved, and a cursor is the blinking line where text is entered.
B. A pointer is a blinking line where text is entered, and a cursor is an arrow icon that can be moved.
C. There is no difference; they are the same.
D. A pointer is used to select text, whereas a cursor is used to delete text.

Q5. What action are you performing when you move the mouse to position the pointer on a specific location on the screen without clicking?
A. Right-clicking
B. Double-clicking
C. Clicking
D. Pointing

Q6. Which type of mouse button click is typically used to open a menu or provide a list of options?
A. Left-click
B. Right-click
C. Middle-click
D. Double-click

Q7. What does double-clicking do in a text document like WordPad?
A. Closes the document
B. Underlines the text
C. Selects the entire document
D. Selects the word you double-click on

Q8. What is the purpose of the scroll wheel on a mouse?
A. To move the pointer horizontally across the screen
B. To adjust the volume of the computer's speakers
C. To scroll up and down through a document or webpage
D. To select multiple items at once

Q9. A touchpad is commonly found on what type of computer device?
A. Desktop computers
B. Smartphones
C. Laptops
D. Gaming consoles

Q10. Which feature is specific to modern touchscreen devices?
A. They use a trackball to navigate the interface.
B. They require a mouse to perform all actions.
C. They allow you to use your finger to control the screen.
D. They support right-click menus through tapping the screen.

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05. Rick's Tips (16:47)

Q1. What is the primary aim of ergonomics in the context of workspace environments?
A. To make workspaces look more visually appealing
B. To match workspace colors to the company's brand
C. To enhance productivity and minimize risk of injury
D. To ensure that all office furniture is the cheapest available

Q2. Where should the top of your computer monitor be positioned relative to your eyes?
A. Significantly below eye level
B. At or near your eye level
C. Significantly above eye level
D. At the level of your chin

Q3. According to Rick, how far should your monitor ideally be from your face?
A. A few inches away
B. An arm's length away
C. Across the room
D. As close as possible

Q4. How often does Rick suggest you should take eye breaks to prevent vision-related issues?
A. Once every 8 hours
B. Once every 4 hours
C. Once every hour
D. Only at the end of the workday

Q5. What is one of Rick's unconventional recommendations for a footrest?
A. A stack of phone books
B. A small fireproof safe box
C. A pile of computer manuals
D. An actual commercial footrest

Q6. What is a standing desk?
A. A desk that doubles as a treadmill
B. A desk that is permanently fixed at standing height
C. A desk that can adjust between sitting and standing heights
D. A desk that you can only use while standing still

Q7. What does Rick use to help maintain good posture while working at his computer?
A. An exercise ball as a chair
B. Monitor stands to elevate his screens
C. A back brace worn at all times
D. Adjusting his chair to force him to lean forward

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06. What's Next (3:06)

Q1. What topic did the "Introduction to Personal Computers" class mainly focus on?
A. Computer programming
B. Hardware and terminology
C. Installing computer games
D. Internet browsing techniques

Q2. After completing the Introduction to Personal Computers, what course does the instructor recommend taking next?
A. Internet Basics Level 1
B. Windows Beginner Level 1
C. Microsoft Access Advanced Level
D. Graphic Design Essentials

Q3. Where can you find the Windows Beginner Level 1 class offered by the instructor?
A. Only on the website
B. Solely in physical textbooks
C. Exclusively via paid online webinars
D. On YouTube and the instructor's website

Q4. Which of the following is NOT a focus of the TechHelp series of videos?
A. Answering specific questions from students
B. Providing detailed solutions and demonstrations
C. Offering full-length tutorials for each topic
D. Catering to questions about Microsoft Word, Windows, or Excel

Q5. How can viewers provide feedback to improve the classes?
A. By subscribing to the YouTube channel
B. By donating to the instructor
C. Through a survey on the instructor's website
D. By emailing the instructor directly

Q6. Which Learning Zone is for basic computer topics introduced in the video?
A. Excel Learning Zone
B. Access Learning Zone
C. Word Learning Zone
D. Computer Learning Zone

Q7. How are most Level 1 classes provided according to the instructor?
A. At a discounted rate
B. Over live webinars
C. For a minimal fee
D. Free of charge

Q8. What should students do if they have questions about the material from the class?
A. Call a hotline provided at the end of the video
B. Post their questions at the bottom of the class page on the website
C. Ask questions in the comments section of the YouTube video
D. Mail the questions to the instructor's office

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ANSWERS:

00. 1-C; 2-C; 3-B; 4-B; 5-C; 6-C; 7-C; 8-D;
01: 1-C; 2-B; 3-B; 4-C; 5-C; 6-A; 7-B; 8-C; 9-D; 10-C; 11-B; 12-C; 13-B; 14-B; 15-B
02: 1-C; 2-B; 3-C; 4-D; 5-C; 6-B; 7-C; 8-C; 9-B; 10-B
03: 1-D; 2-B; 3-B; 4-C; 5-B; 6-C; 7-A; 8-D; 9-C; 10-C
04: 1-B; 2-C; 3-C; 4-A; 5-D; 6-B; 7-D; 8-C; 9-C; 10-C
05: 1-C; 2-B; 3-B; 4-C; 5-B; 6-C; 7-B
06: 1-B; 2-B; 3-D; 4-C; 5-C; 6-D; 7-D; 8-B

DISCLAIMER: Quiz questions are AI generated. If you find any that are wrong, don't make sense, or aren't related to the video topic at hand, then please post a comment and let me know. Thanks.

Summary

Today's video from Computer Learning Zone is designed for absolute beginners who have little or no experience with personal computers. If you've never used a computer before, or you know someone who has lots of questions and little background, this course is for you. Our focus today is to cover the fundamentals, clarify computer jargon, and do away with any intimidation you might feel about using technology.

For those who already have some computer knowledge, I encourage you to share this content with friends, family, or coworkers who could benefit from a foundational introduction. Everyone has someone in their life who is always asking for help with the computer, and this resource is meant to give those people the confidence and information they need.

There are no prerequisites, and I don't assume you have any background in technology. The class begins with the very basics: important terminology, an overview of hardware components, peripherals, how data is stored, and practical demonstrations, including how to use the keyboard and mouse, and advice for maximizing comfort and efficiency while using your computer.

If you want to progress further after this lesson, my Microsoft Windows Beginner Level 1 course jumps into the software side of things, exploring basic application use, the internet, file management, security, and privacy. But today's course is strictly about foundational computer hardware and physical usage.

A bit about myself – I started using computers at age 8 in 1980. I have a long history with technology: I studied computer science in university, started my first PC sales and service business in 1992, and opened my own in-person computer training center in 1997. Eventually, I moved into online teaching to reach a much wider audience and have been doing so since 2002. I'm also an author, and have been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for Microsoft Access. My teaching style aims to keep things informative and fun. I believe learning should be enjoyable, so sit back and relax.

Should you have any questions, and you're taking this class on my website, scroll down to the comment section to post your question. I have fantastic volunteer moderators ready to assist. Be sure to scan through the posted questions, as there's a good chance your question has already been answered. If you're watching on YouTube, you're welcome to leave your comments and questions there, though I check my own website more regularly.

Let's look at what's on the agenda. In Lesson 1, we examine computer hardware: why it matters, learn basic definitions, distinguish between PC and Mac systems, and get familiar with internal components. In Lesson 2, we continue with hardware, focusing on data storage devices, external peripherals, and power protection.

Lesson 3 focuses on the keyboard: what the various keys are and what they do. Lesson 4 covers the mouse – how to use it, hold it, and interact with on-screen elements. Lesson 5, which I affectionately call Rick's Tips, covers ergonomics, advice for newcomers, and a variety of useful habits for new computer users.

Jumping into Lesson 1, we start by considering why it's worth learning about hardware at all. Even though a computer might "just work" when you power it on, having a little understanding about what's inside can really pay off. If you're ever buying a new computer, this knowledge prevents you from spending unnecessarily, or being misled by an overzealous salesperson. Similarly, if you ever need your computer serviced, it's helpful to know what the technician is talking about rather than taking everything on faith.

Knowing some hardware basics can also make tech support calls much less intimidating; when you know the basic vocabulary, it's easier to communicate and get your problem solved. You'll also be able to follow along in conversations with friends, coworkers, or younger family members who might throw out terms without thinking.

And finally, knowledge of computers is simply a valuable and enjoyable skill to add to your toolkit.

Before exploring the hardware itself, we cover some core definitions. A computer is essentially an electronic device capable of storing, retrieving, and processing data – fundamentally, it manipulates ones and zeros, or "bits." Eight of these bits form a "byte," which generally stores a single character of text. You'll hear common size terms such as kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes; these represent thousands, millions, billions, and trillions of bytes, respectively. Understanding these helps make sense of memory and storage specifications when shopping for computer equipment.

Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer – anything you can actually touch, like a keyboard, CPU, or monitor. Software is the set of programs and operating systems that run on the hardware. An old-fashioned CD would be hardware, but the program contained on the CD would be software.

There are two primary computer families seen in homes and businesses: PCs and Macs. PCs generally run Microsoft Windows and cover most of the business landscape. Macs, made by Apple, are strongly represented in education, design, and publishing. For the rest of this course, I'll be focusing on the PC world since that's my area of specialization.

Turning to computer components: The CPU, or central processing unit, is the core "brain" of the machine, responsible for running operations. Don't confuse the CPU chip with the entire case or the tower; the CPU is just a small part inside the chassis. CPU speeds are now measured in gigahertz, representing billions of cycles per second. Major CPU manufacturers include Intel and AMD, both offering multi-core designs capable of multitasking.

The computer's memory is called RAM – random-access memory – and it determines how much information your computer can handle at once. RAM is measured in gigabytes and is erased when the computer is turned off, so any unsaved work is lost when power is disconnected.

The hard drive (or solid-state drive) provides long-term storage for documents, photos, applications, and the Windows operating system itself. Hard drives come in traditional spinning models and newer, much faster SSDs with no moving parts. Be careful with magnetic tools and magnets around older hard drives, as data can be wiped out if exposed to a magnetic field.

A helpful analogy is to picture your computer's RAM as the top of a physical desk – the place where you can actively work with open files. The hard drive is like the drawers in your desk where you store things when you're not using them. Some people use the words "memory" and "storage" interchangeably, but they serve very different functions.

Other important internal pieces include the motherboard (or system board), which is the main circuit board connecting all the components. In older systems, many features were added through plug-in cards, but now most essentials are built in on the motherboard.

Lesson 2 covers storage media and peripherals. External storage devices have evolved through the years. Floppy disks (once widely used) held very little information. Later, we used CD-ROMs and then DVDs, which stored much more data. Today, it's most common to rely on USB flash drives, also referred to as thumb drives or pen drives, which are fast, require no software installation, and are available in a wide range of capacities. For many people, cloud storage is now the default. Cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox allow you to store documents and photos on secure online servers accessible from anywhere. Still, I always recommend keeping backup copies of your most important files on local devices as well.

Peripherals, or external devices you attach to the computer, include the monitor, printer, scanner, webcam, joystick, speakers, and microphones. Modern monitors use LCD or LED technology, and can be flat or curved, ranging widely in size. Printers come in several varieties – inkjet, laser, thermal, and, for retro fans, dot matrix. Each type has its own advantages and best uses.

Scanners let you convert paper documents to digital files; now it's common for scanners to be combined with printers, or you can use your smartphone's camera for lighter scanning needs. If you do video calls or like recording content, modern laptops usually come with webcams, often with built-in privacy covers.

Other common peripherals are sound equipment (speakers, headsets, mics), network adapters for internet connectivity, and occasionally modems for dial-up connections if you're using legacy fax systems. Whenever you're connecting a desktop PC to power, invest in a good surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to guard against power outages and spikes.

Lesson 3 is dedicated to the keyboard. Keyboards remain the primary way to get data into the computer. You'll find letter keys, numbers, and symbols arranged in a standard QWERTY layout. Many keyboards also include a separate numeric keypad, useful for data entry and calculations.

The Enter (or Return) key executes commands or moves to a new line. The space bar inserts spaces between words. Backspace erases text to the left of the cursor, while Delete removes text to the right. Other keys, such as Tab, Escape, and the four arrow keys, help navigate within texts and applications. Keys like Shift, Control, and Alt serve as modifiers for shortcuts and special functions; for instance, Control plus C copies text, and Control plus V pastes it.

Function keys (F1 through F12) trigger different commands based on the application you're using. On laptops, they might also control brightness, sound, or wireless networking when used in combination with an Fn (function) key.

Other important keys are Caps Lock (to toggle all uppercase letters), Windows key (for opening the Start menu or locking the PC), and various other specialized keys, which can be manufacturer-specific. There are also some historical keys like Scroll Lock, Pause/Break, and SysRq, which were more important in the early computing days but are rarely needed now.

Lesson 4 focuses on the mouse. The computer mouse is another essential input device, used to point, click, select, and move objects on the screen. A common mouse has two buttons and a scroll wheel, and precise control comes from developing a comfortable hand grip and wrist position. Ergonomics matter: avoid gripping too tightly, try to keep your wrist neutral, and support your arm for comfort. For most people, the mouse controls a "pointer," which is the arrow icon you move around, and it's distinct from the cursor, which indicates where text will be inserted.

Using the mouse involves several actions: pointing (moving the pointer to an object), clicking (usually with the left button to select or activate), right-clicking (to show context menus), double-clicking (to open files or applications), and click-and-drag (to move or select objects). Some mice add a scroll wheel for moving up and down documents and even extra buttons for special functions, especially in gaming mice.

You might also encounter alternative pointing devices like trackballs, touchpads (common on laptops), or touchscreens, all of which serve similar purposes for directing input without a traditional mouse.

In Lesson 5, I present Rick's Tips, a collection of practical suggestions for avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing comfort and safety at the computer. Ergonomics is about designing your workspace to prevent injury and support productivity. Adjust your monitor so the top is near eye level, keep it about an arm's length away, and pay attention to posture to minimize strain.

Give your eyes a break periodically by focusing on distant objects. Wrist rests and footrests can add significant comfort, and standing desks—a personal favorite—allow you to alternate between sitting and standing to ease fatigue.

Protect your computer by keeping drinks away, watching out for magnets around older hardware, plugging high-powered printers into a separate outlet from the PC, and keeping the physical case off the floor to avoid physical hazards and dust buildup. If you're comfortable opening up the case for cleaning, use compressed air to remove dust – just don't attempt this if you're not confident, and never open the power supply.

Avoid turning your computer on or off using the power strip, as computers and operating systems expect proper shutdowns. Be mindful of static electricity, which can harm sensitive components; discharge your own static by touching a metal object before touching the computer.

My recommendation for new users: don't be afraid of making mistakes—the computer will generally warn you before anything critical happens, and most actions can be undone. Practice regularly, apply what you learn, and approach learning in manageable pieces. It's more effective to study for an hour or two at a time and return refreshed, rather than trying to cram everything in one go.

Finally, apply your learning to topics or projects you enjoy, so that computer use becomes both fun and rewarding.

After finishing this Introduction to Personal Computers, your next step should be my Windows Beginner Level 1 class, which is also free and available on my website and YouTube channel. There you'll learn how to operate the Windows operating system and become more familiar with software tools. From there, you can move on to Word, Excel, and other applications.

Don't forget, if you have questions, my website offers a comment section where either I or my moderators can help. You'll also find a variety of other lessons and tutorials available completely free. If you have feedback, I encourage you to fill out my website survey to help me improve future courses.

Thank you for joining me for this Computer Learning Zone video. For a full step-by-step video tutorial covering everything mentioned here, visit my website at the link below. Live long and prosper, my friends.

Topic List

Why learn about computer hardware
Basic computer terminology
PC vs. Mac overview
System components of a computer
CPU (Central Processing Unit) explained
Motherboard and expansion cards
Computer cases and power supplies
RAM (memory) vs. hard drive (storage)
Types of hard drives: traditional vs. SSD
Analogies for memory vs. storage
External data storage methods
Floppy disks, CD/DVD, USB flash drives
Modern cloud storage basics
Common computer peripherals
Monitor types and features
Printer types and uses
Scanner basics and alternatives
Webcams and privacy features
Joysticks, speakers, microphones
Network adapters: wired and wireless
Modems and dial-up history
Surge protectors and UPS for power protection
Keyboard key types and functions
Numeric keypad and num lock
Enter, space bar, backspace, delete
Tab, escape, and arrow keys
Function keys and special key uses
Modifier keys: shift, control, alt
Windows key and shortcut basics
Caps lock and keyboard indicator lights
Insert, home, end, page up, page down
Print screen and screenshot basics
Special keys: sysrq, pause/break, scroll lock
Using the mouse: holding and gripping
Pointer vs. cursor differences
Pointing, clicking, double-clicking
Right-click and context menus
Click and drag, selecting text and objects
Mouse scroll wheel usage
Other pointing devices: trackball, touchpad, touchscreen
Ergonomics and workspace setup
Monitor positioning and eye breaks
Wrist rests and footrests
Standing desks and sit/stand setup
Beverage safety around computers
Magnets and electronic device safety
Power management for printers and computers
Keeping computers off the floor
Dust prevention and cleaning advice
Static electricity precautions
Mistakes, practice, and beginner encouragement
Learning order and applying computer skills for fun