FIRST THINGS FIRST!
Links
You probably already know.. but to be "perfectly clear", a link takes you to a different place, sometimes on the same page, sometimes on a different page.. sometimes even to a different website. To get there you have to click on the colored underlined word, or link, with the left mouse button.
How to Use the Mouse
The first question is always "How do I know which button to use?"
The simple explanation is the left button tells the computer where, and the right button tells it what to do. To be more detailed: the left button is to select, and the right button brings up a menu of actions. When your mouse has more buttons, you need to read the instructions!
Practice using the mouse correctly, by trying out some
basic exercises.
Just click once on this colored link:
Mousing Around
is important, and explains more details.
With the newer "touch" screens, there's no need for a mouse.
Computer Keys
The computer keyboard is the main way for you to talk to the computer, or put information into it.
Great news: I've found the link to the "oldie but goodie" keyboard tutorial, written by Chris Rippel of the Central Kansas Library System in Great Bend, Kansas. I've taught many a class with it. Be sure to click on the link to learn: why all those extra keys?
Of special interest are the Function (or F keys) at the top of the keyboard. What they do will vary according to the program you are using,and sometimes the computer, but generally, some are universal.
- F1 will take you to HELP about the program.
(In Windows 7, you'll see a blue circle with a question mark) - F11 will change the size the window to full screen, or back smaller.
Another good site from which to learn the use of different keys is www.learnthat.com
Tip:
When you are looking at the Internet, to make the text
bigger and easier to read, Hold down the CTRL key (at the
bottom left corner of your keyboard) and tap the + key a
couple of times.
Extras:
At our age, comfort is IMPORTANT! First, you need to
know HOW TO SIT!
It's very important for your computer chair seat height to
be adjustable, so that your wrist and forearms are at the SAME
height as the keyboard.
Now, think about how your neck and head are placed right now. Just lean far forward to see the "fine print"for a few minutes, and you can feel the muscles of your neck
strain in the position.. and I'll bet your chin is stuck out
as well, so you can see through the bottom of your bifocals! You want your monitor to be slightly BELOW your line of sight so you can tuck that chin in.
What's on that screen can be very interesting, but not enough
to suffer a neck ache for it. FIX IT!
(and put on your glasses! No one's
looking!)
Due to my long hours at the computer plus arthritis, my
"bone doctor" has advised me that it's a good idea
to raise my keyboard and monitor so that I can work standing up!
( I think she wants to be sure I take a few breaks now and then,
too.)
Come to think about it... I think I'd like a Podium!
Ready for the Next Step??
Click on this link: Go to Windows Basics
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2008 by PC Tutor of Santa Maria
Helping Seniors (and others) Love Their Computers
