FIRST THINGS FIRST!

Links This is a link

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,with the left mouse button, you have to click on the colored underlined word, the "link".
To come back, there is a Back Arrow button at the top left of your Window. Try it now

How to Use the Mouse

The first question is always "How do I know which button to use?"
The simple explanation is "Unless you're told otherwise, it's always the left one."
With the left button your tell the computer where to do something, and you use the right button to choose what to do. To be more precise: the left button is to select, and the right button brings up a menu of actions. A scroll wheel is sometimes in the middle, to move up and down in the window.. When your mouse has more buttons, you need to read the instructions!

Mousing Around This is an older exercise, so your computer may not behave exactly the same, but the information is important, and explains how to control the "scroll bars".

Practice using the mouse correctly, by playing Solitaire! CLick on the Start button (lower left of window), click on Search, and type Solitaire, then press the Enter key.

You may not HAVE a mouse. If you have a laptop, you will have found the touchpad. I find that easier, but it takes practice, too. If you tap it, that acts the same as clicking the mouse button.

Computer Keys

The computer keyboard is the main way for you to give information to the computer.

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.

They can be used in combination as well, such as ALT + F4 to close a window.

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 + (plus) key a couple of times. Too big?? Do the same with the minus key.

To learn more quick combinations of keys, read Combination Keys.

Another good site from which to learn the use of different keys is www.learnthat.com

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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 Terms



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