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
Learn how to use the mouse correctly, by trying out some basic exercises.Just click once on the colored "link".
Mousing Around
is important, and explains details that aren't obvious about
your mouse, including that mystery: when to use the RIGHT button?
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 great 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 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, but some are universal.
- F1 will take you to HELP about the program.
- F11 will change the size the window to full screen, or smaller.
Another good site from which to learn the use of different keys is www.learnthat.com
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
