Exercise 1 : How to use computers

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How to Use a Computer?

1. Set up your computer. If you are setting up a new desktop computer, there are a few steps you will need to go through before you can start using it. After finding a place near your desk to put the tower, you will need to connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse, as well as plug the tower into a power source.

• These are the only things required to be connected to the computer in order to use it. You can add more peripherals and accessories later.
• If you are using a new laptop, you will have significantly less to set up. Plug your laptop into a power source to ensure that it is charged, and then power it on to begin. 

2. Create a user account. If you are using the computer for the first time, you will likely be asked to create a user account when you turn it on. This account will hold all of your documents, pictures, downloaded files, and any other files that you create.

• • If your computer is in a public setting, you should create a strong password to protect your personal information. This is highly recommended, even if your computer is a home computer.
  • This guide will show you how to create a new user account in Windows 7
  • This guide will show you how to make a new user account in Windows 8
• This guide will show you how to make a new user account in OS X

3. Get familiar with the desktop. The desktop is the main work area of your computer, and will likely be the most visited area of your computer. Your desktop appears every time you log into your account, and contains icons and shortcuts to your most used programs and files. The desktop will look and function differently depending on which operating system you use.

• Windows operating systems (except Windows 8) are characterized by the Start menu in the lower-left corner of the desktop. The Start menu allows you to quickly access your installed programs and settings.
• Windows 8 has replaced the Start menu with the Start screen. It functions much the same way, but is fundamentally different in the way it displays information.

OS X allows you to use multiple desktops to keep things organized and under control. See this guide for details on how to take advantage of multiple desktops.

4. Learn mouse and keyboard basics. The mouse and keyboard are your primary means of interacting with your computer. Take some time to get familiar with how they work and how you can interact with your operating system and programs.

• Learn how to use a mouse to navigate. Your mouse allows for pinpoint navigation and control, and is necessary for a wide variety of activities. Getting familiar with how to use the mouse will go a long way towards making you a more proficient computer user.

Practice some keyboard shortcuts to improve your work flow. Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keyboard keys that perform a function in the program or operating system you are using. For example, in most programs that allow saving files, pressing Ctrl+S (⌘ Cmd+S on a Mac) will automatically save your current file.

5. Launch some preinstalled applications. Even if you built your computer yourself, there will be some preinstalled applications and utilities that you can use without having to install anything additional. If you are using Windows, click the Start menu and browse through your available programs. If you are using a Mac, check your Dock and Applications folder.

6. Install your first program. Installing software is a very common task on a computer, no matter what kind of computer you are using. The process is usually very straightforward, as most installers give clear instructions for each step.

• Installing Microsoft Office is a good place to start if you are using a Windows computer. Having access to a word processor is invaluable, and is one of the main purposes of many people's computers. Many Windows computers come with a trial version of Office already installed.
• Installing software on a Mac is a little bit different than installing on a Windows PC. This is mainly due to the underlying structure of the Mac operating system. Many Mac users find installing and managing programs much easier on OS X instead of Windows.

How to Use a Cell Phone

1. Choose a classic cell phone if your cellular needs are simple. You might only want to call and text your friends and family. They are designed for ease of use and come in a variety of models such as a flip-phone design or slide out keyboard.^[3]

• The cost of a classic cell phone is much lower. Some contracts will offer the phone for free.
• Classic cell phones are quite durable. This is great if your life involves being in conditions where you might drop your phone or need to use it in unstable situations. You won't have to worry about breaking them as easily as a smartphone.

If you're older and want a simple wireless phone, classic cell phones are your best choice. Some phones have enlarged keypads for easy dialing.

2. Invest in a smartphone. Smartphones are like mini-computers and are the most popular choice of phone for consumers. They have touch-screens, wifi connectivity, HD cameras, and come in different operating systems (OS). The most popular OS systems are:

• Apple's iOS: This OS has the largest variety of content and applications, and is known for its ease and polished user interface. It is most popular for mainstream consumers who just want to absorb content (like watch video, play games, or connect with friends) rather than create content for professional uses. For this reason, many work professionals may prefer another OS.
• Google’s Android: Android offers more flexibility for developers or those who want to customize how their OS looks and works. The OS is highly customizable if you know the basics of tech education and is useful if you'd like to develop applications.

Microsoft’s Windows: If you're a business owner, then this OS might be right for you. Windows integrates many traditional Windows applications such as Microsoft Office, Exchange, and its cloud. It offers more power to create and customize advanced documents.

3. Consider alternative phones such as tablets or personal digital assistants (PDA). PDAs are not as popular these days but upgraded models of these phones, such as the Blackberry, work well if your focus is primarily on browsing the Internet without all the extra features that come with smartphones. Tablets have larger screens and have more versatility and power close to a desktop or laptop, but have the convenience of a smartphone.

i) Create a contact list by gathering up phone numbers of people you want to talk to. For smartphones, there should be an app or icon that has a picture of a phone or says "Phone". Tap to view your contacts and/or tap the button to add a contact (this is usually indicated by a "+" symbol). Input your contact's information and phone number with the keypad and save. If you're using a classic phone, it's as easy as dialing the number and pressing a button that allows you to create a contact.

• Some phones will have different tabs for your favourite numbers, recent calls, contacts, keypad, and voicemail.
• Read your phone's manual since each OS can vary slightly the way contacts are made. Android phones will differ from iPhones and Windows phones.

ii) Make calls by choosing or dialling a number and pushing the "send" or "call" button. This button is often indicated by green lettering or symbols. Proceed as with any other phone call.

• End the call by pushing "end" which is indicated with red lettering or symbols. Calls will usually end automatically after the person you spoke to hangs up, but it's best to get into the habit of hanging up, especially since some calls are billed by the minute.

You can view any missed or recent calls within the phone app on a smartphone or by looking through your menu on a classic phone. Details about who the call came from, when the call was made, and options to redial and save new contacts are available.

4. Text your contacts. Most phones will label your text messaging inbox or app as "Messages" or "Messaging". You can then "Create a New Message" from there. Or you can choose a contact from your contact list, press the options key, and look for an option that lets you send a message to the contact.

• Classic phones without QWERTY keyboards may require you to learn and use T9 or predictive text to type messages.

Smartphones will have an array of different messaging apps you can download and use. Some messaging apps will use your provider's cellular network to send messages and some will use the Internet or data which count towards your plan's data usage.

5. Lock your keypad or smartphone to secure it from pocket dials or thefts. Each phone and OS will have a different way to lock your keypad. For example, Apple's iOS 8 and up, and iPhones 5 and greater, offer Touch ID security that reads your fingerprints in order to unlock your phone. While other smartphones will only require you to enter a password or a 4-digit number. Check your settings or user manual to learn how to lock your phone.

• For most classic phones, locking your keypad is not a form of security but rather a preventative measure against pocket dialling. If you have a flip phone, this should not be a worry for you. If not, most phones lock by pressing the menu key, quickly followed up the asterisks key. To unlock your phone, press the unlock key (indicated on your phone key) and then the asterisk key.^[4]
• If you're worried about theft, most smartphones have apps or measures to locate your phone if it's stolen.